Who's doing what in the world of commercial creativity.
The Stable's format ruined Rob's word play. This is the heading: When did "Human Resources" become human RESOURCES? Rob's final op ed for the year is topical (perhaps also with a capital T). It's the …
When creating characters, let’s ban the mirror. It’s really tempting. You’ve cracked an idea, written a compelling script for a tight target audience and all that’s left is to write some casting notes. Your first response …
Aka, separating explaining from mansplaining. It’s a sad truth of human behaviour. We all judge. We quickly form an impression of someone from the moment we lay eyes on them. It’s called a first impression for …
Anyone else noticed how terrible "Futurists" are at their job? I’m including everyone who attempts to predict what’s next. Economists who say there’s no interest rate rise likely in the next 3-years. Weather forecasters saying …
Ah, the proposition. It’s been the cause of more arguments in adland than anything else. When Rosser Reeves sat at his desk in the 1940s and wrote the first unique selling proposition he had no …
“Those who don’t make mistakes don’t make anything at all.” Not sure who wrote this quote originally. It’s been appropriated by lots of people – Lenin, Einstein, Denis Pagan and now me. I was reminded of …
Of all the nasty tricks played on freelancers, welching on payments is the worst. You've been caught. I've been caught. Don't be caught. Read on... “The most important thing this agency produces is invoices.” It was …
I've been given guideline directives. A 44 page brand guideline book and a 26 page copy guideline book stand out. The brand guideline book was a minutely detailed straitjacket and the client's past advertising suggested …
Well, it’s that time of year again. No, I’m not talking about people decorating their cars like reindeer – which I never really understood. Are you sitting inside Rudolph? Ewwww. And I’m not talking about those weary …
I love words. I love playing with grammar for effect. I love using words for their power. Words are a huge part of my creativity. They are for ad creatives like Rob Morrison too. Words …
I was swapping notes with another industry veteran a few weeks ago and the conversation inevitably turned to “I remember when…” We exchanged stories. Lamented changes. Reminisced about a time when the rule of thumb …
Ah, the bottom drawer. That treasure trove of brilliance we’re all yearning to attach the electrodes, then flick the switch so we can all scream, “It’s alive.” Every creative I know has one. A bottom drawer …