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When The World Zigs, Zag

Another ad agency is using the sheep metaphor for self-promotion purposes. And not just any old agency, one of the best in the world.
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John January what say you about this development?

About David Burn

David Burn is the co-founder, editor, and publisher of Adpulp.com. David joined the ad agency business in 1997 as a copywriter and then worked for seven agencies in five states prior to launching Bonehook in 2010. Today, David is a writer, brand strategist, and leader of creative teams in Austin, TX.

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Comments

  1. American Copywriter says

    We’ve been using “we hate sheep” as a call to stand out for five years or six years now. I’m really not sure how long BBH has been at it. Maybe even longer. Or maybe not.
    Regardless, I think it’s perfectly fair to say that whoever was actually second only “stole” from the very best. And, I suppose if a potential client wants to confuse SHS with BBH, well, WE don’t mind anyway.
    And, either way, our sheep is much cuter.
    See our Podcast #11 for a diatribe on the “collective unconscious.” Oh, and see this week’s edition of Business Week for a story on Podcasting (note: check the sidebar).

  4. David Burn says

    Thanks, Jack. According to the article, BBH developed the Levi’s ad in 1982 and adopted the sheep from the ad as their own iconic symbol in 1997.
    I still prefer SHS’s “We Hate Sheep.” It’s akin to hanging a sign on the agency front door that says, “If you suck, stay away.”