Earlier this summer, a technology company executive suggested I look into "lean and agile development." Seeing a parallel between our work environments, he thought it might help me improve the way I make work. I've been intrigued by the idea ever since, but I probably need to read a book about it to get a fuller understanding. Feel free to suggest one, or to leave a detailed comment here. According to Wikipedia, …
SOREL Challenges Women To Get Their Boots Dirty
SOREL, a brand owned by Columbia Sportswear, is featuring "fiercely independent, creative and inspiring women who are living out their passions" in its new Get Your Boots Dirty ad campaign from Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners. Kimberly Barta, SOREL’s senior global brand director, said, “Women tell us they feel a sense of fearlessness and strength when they put on boots." “SORELs don't just look great, they …
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Generalizing About Generations Is Generally A Bad Idea
I once worked on a chain of auto repair shops. When our client came in for a strategy session, he seemed confused about the idea of targeting his message. “Well, I think we can narrow down our audience to men and women 18-49," he confidently stated. Our strategist shot back, “Who own cars, right?” Needless to say, we weren't going to reach any strategic breakthroughs. So why do age groups -- and generations -- …
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Unique Piece of Americana For Sale in Cottage Grove
Old advertising on barns is an acquired taste, but once acquired people can become passionate about an installment, as if the work in question is public art, not advertising for a product no longer available. Maybe it is art. It's certainly collectible, that part goes unchallenged. Such is the case in Cottage Grove, Oregon, where fans of barnvertising have attempted to save the “Dr. Pierce Barn,” …
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Spotlight on NW Creative: Moving Shrimp Tostadas Wexley-Style
Wexley School for Girls are the tricksters of modern day advertising. For one, their agency appears from the street to be a gallery of curios, or a museum for the eclectic. And the name itself is a clue to their ability (or is it a willingness?) to differentiate. Then there's the work... I love how Wexley and Taco Del Mar does a lot with a little here. You don't need big budgets and extraordinary …
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Selling Big Ideas Is Really Just A Head Massage
Want to win a Gold Lion? Make your clients comfortable. In advertising, many great ideas never see the light of day. It's a massive waste of time and energy, but it may also be an unnecessary loss according to a new study by researchers from Cornell, Penn and the University of North Carolina. David Burkus, professor of management at Oral Roberts University, explains the significance of the academic …
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They Don’t Make Ads, Or Their Copywriters, Like These Anymore
Read Tom Messner's great tribute to Curvin O'Rielly. Curvin passed away over the weekend. Some of his more notable work included these Saab ads, done at the Carl Ally agency: They're clever, convincing, and sell a car most people thought was simply weird. Who would concept these today? Who could write these today? Who could art direct these today? What kind of client would approve these today? We've long …
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An Hour Measures Time, Not Productivity
It's fun to talk about compensation. It's taboo, for one. Secondly, it's a game of measuring up -- a game we've been taught to play since adolescence. So, let's jump on the new hourly billing rates for ad execs, made available by Rupal Parekh at Ad Age. One item that caught my eye is agencies in the 4A's survey bill out their content directors at $355/hour. I was a content director for an agency not belonging …
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