Why Advertising Week in New York City Matters

I originally posted this shortly after last years trip (November 24, 2010) as "The Future of Advertising Looks Bright. Young AdLanders Share What Advertising Week 2010 Meant To Them". As I prepare the planning for this years trip October 3rd-7th I thought it would be great to revisit.

Advertising Week New York 2010.
 
They say it's better late then never. This post which is a little late in terms of time, but it still offers insights and thoughts that are worthy of sharing.


I invite and travel with 50 students from the Creative Advertising Program at Seneca College to Advertising Week in New York City. This has become the "cornerstone" event of our academic year. They pack their bags, board a luxury coach and get ready for New York and Advertising Week. The anticipation sets in weeks in advance, but it's the final 10 hours of travel time before they will be in New York and what sets the stage for their future career plans and learning from industry leaders and visionaries.


Each year I arrange for private agency visits for my students during Advertising Week to get an opportunity to hear from various creative talents, strategic planners, account management and to take agency tours. This year, we visited: Saatchi & Saatchi hosted by Creative Director Tim Leake, Droga5 with a dynamic discussion lead by David Droga and Julia Albu, Strawberry Frog and Scott Goodson, RGA, Big Spaceship, BBDO, BBDO Atmosphere, TAXI NYC and Virtue/Vice. 

 Each year I also host a "Key Note" speaker for all students hear from and to have an open Q & A session. Last year I arranged for advertising legend George Lois (see a short video of his thoughts). This year CP+B arranged and hosted our lecture at the One Club with recently named CEO and creative genius Andrew Keller. A full speed 90 minutes of honesty, laughs, thinking and inspiration.

So what were the students most excited about? Agency tours. AdWeek Conferences. Meeting new people. It all comes down to and most importantly one thing, it was about learning, learning something new. Getting an experience that will motivate the students to want to their place in the advertising industry.

So what did my students take with them from Advertising Week? Here is what some of the students that attended Advertising Week had to say:  

“New York Advertising week was a great experience for me. The experience was only as great as it was because of the students and the real drive and willingness to learn. The experiences outside of the direct learning from speakers and agency visits allowed me to learn more of who I am and who the people we were around the whole week are. The agency visits to Droga5, and Virtue/Vice really allowed me to see how the style of some agencies are in comparison to the idea of an agency I had before. The speakers also really made an impact on the message I heard and felt.” 

- Wilson Lin, Entrepreneur and Aspiring Account Executive 

"Advertising Week in itself was an experience, from hearing Russel Simmons speak at a panel to visiting Droga5, Advertising Week 2010 left me with a new perspective on advertising. It helped me to realize that everything I do is in my own hands. In an industry that impacts so many people on so many levels, it's hard to wrap your mind around the fact that everything is in YOUR hands". 

- Sabrina Tricarico, Aspiring Art Director 

“I was able to visit Saatchi & Saatchi and BBDO. From both agencies I got to hear it straight from the current professionals about creativity, the creative process, and insights regarding the the structure of creative teams and how they're changing. Personally, that gave me a good insight as to what to expect in terms of the direction the ad world is moving and I also got to hear what they expect from us as aspiring creatives. Big Spaceship was a whole other can of worms. Not only did they structure their agency with absence on conventional job titles, this was my first (and only) view of an ad agency outside of Canada that is solely based on the rapidly growing, interactive side of the industry. Not only did i get a good sit down to hear what is creativity to them, but also get a good (for a lack of better term) lecture on how interactive is different from what we know orthodox advertising to be".   

"Overall, not only did I get reassurance, but also I feel that the profs we know have been pointing us in a certain direction, and these agency tours, in a way, cleaned up the path a little more.” 

- Nas Mohamed, Aspiring Art Director 

"Ad Week in New York this year was by far and away the most thought provoking, inspiring and engaging period in my life to date.  The knowledge I gained from hearing great minds like; Dave Droga, Scott Goodson and Andrew Keller was something that has had a profound change on my new career.

 Listening to where the future of advertising is going from people who play an integral role in changing it was awe inspiring.  They spoke of a future that will highlight the need to constantly keep the consumer engaged at whatever the cost.  We are already seeing the power of social media being integrated with brands and that concept, in some cases, has yielded amazing returns.  Some of the more recent examples are the Old Spice Facebook campaign, the Subservient Chicken and even movies like Catfish, The Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity. Creating movements married to brands is something that will not only keep consumers loyal but will allow them to regard brands in ways never before seen in the company/consumer relationship". 

 "Throughout Ad Week I learned a great deal from many people but one experience stood out for me in particular.  Meeting and listening to Andrew Keller, now CEO of Crispin, Porter + Bogusky was something that will resonate with me for the rest of my career.  He talked to our class about how to get into the industry (and how he got in), the values of maintaining a personal/family life (which we’re sometimes told is very hard to do) and talked in depth to us about some of the different campaigns he’s worked on.  What surprised me the most from the talk we had with him was that he’s just a really nice, down to earth and humble individual.  For someone in his position he has no ego and to be honest, you don’t expect that from the CEO of one of, if not the best ad agencies in the world. In a nutshell, Andrew Keller is the type of guy you dream of growing up to be". 

- Adam Bercovici, Aspiring Account Planner/Strategist 

"Given the opportunity to attend New York Advertising Week was a remarkable experience, both academically and socially. The events I participated in included meeting some of the most influential industry leaders and  getting the chance to attend and tour some of the most creative agencies in the world. This was definitely an experience I will never forget.

Being a student of advertising and getting the opportunity to visit a city with some of the most engaging and astonishing ads was an opportunity I am absolutely grateful for.  It definitely put a lot into perspective in terms of the endless opportunities within the advertising industry and where I see myself within the industry. New York was unquestionably one of the most engaging cities and I would definitely recommend the trip to all students who get the opportunity to go". 

- Lillian Hammah, Aspiring Strategist 

"I visited Saatchi & Saatchi, Big Spaceship and Strawberry Frog. Each agency taught me something different. Saatchi gave me a classic, corporate feel. Big Spaceship open concept and small interactive agency = agency of future. Strawberry Frog somewhere in between and gave me the idea of creating a cultural movement. The trip was a good motivation for me to do well in school and get my portfolio ready to get a job. I got a lot out of it information wise. There is no reason not to go. on". 

- Jeremy Gross, Aspiring Copywriter 

“The thing that everybody got out of it was that they realized that advertising is now a fully integrated team. Technology has to be emphasized. At the core, the consumer is top-of-mind. Doesn’t matter how advanced technology is, we still have to understand all their hopes and fears. Talk the talk and walk the walk. The most fun was visiting great agencies like, Droga5, Strawberry Frog and BBDO Atmosphere and being treated like equals, not like students. We were able to bond with our fellow students and got to learn some cool things about each other. Loved the insightful presentations and I recommend anybody who is serious about advertising to go next. Make a piggy bank and save your pennies now for next year’s Advertising Week"

 - David Taller, Aspiring Art Director 

"Advertising Week was great. I was able to tour several incredible agencies like Vice and Big Spaceship, where they taught us the differences between traditional and non-traditional media. I had a  great time listening to Nick Law’s presentation from RGA. The speakers were wonderful and on top of that, I picked up a  few presentation tips regarding how to connect with the audience as you speak". 

- Kristina Tran, Aspiring Strategist 

"The overall experience was an eye opener because you learned about  advertising in a popular place like New York. Everything is more  concentrated in terms of what we know from Toronto to New York. The Accounts were larger scales and almost everyone you saw or heard of  were icons in Advertising which was amazing, like David Droga, Andrew  Keller and Bob Greenberg. I was able to visit Droga5 and Vice which were really cool".

"A lot of us students bonded and were given a great  opportunity to become closer friends. We saw a variety of great speakers who weren’t known as “advertising people,” people like Marc  Echo and Russell Simmons, their point-of-views and opinions and how  they forecasted the future was very interesting because you’re gaining  perspectives from entrepreneurs and how they branded themselves, which is something us students are focusing on every day". 

- Vishal Raj, Aspiring Strategic Planner 

"I had the pleasure of visiting Virtue/Vice and BBDO Atmosphere. From all 3  agencies, I felt it gave me personal assurance that this career path  is what I want to do. It was also amazing to talk to creative  directors, account executives and also what I thought was awesome was  that at BBDO, they actually had 3 students who are currently interning there tell us about their experience and how it is working for BBDO. My overall experience at Advertising Week was amazing, it gave me self confidence and reassurance on the path I am going. It was also great too hear from the sources themselves on what they are looking for in an intern and what it takes to stand out from others". 

- Gunika Ahluwalia, Aspires to be in Account Services 

"The first agency I had the chance to visit for Advertising Week was Droga5. I really felt that they are balancing the traditional style of  agency with the new open concept style very well. The space itself  manages to be extremely inclusive to all departments however manages to keep them separate and specific. One of the first things I noticed at Droga5 was that every person in the shop had a huge smile on their face and seemed to be genuinely happy. This is very important for an agency, especially a creative one, as unhappy employees are not often the most creative!"

"Another agency that us students had the chance to visit was Strawberry  Frog. This is one of the coolest agencies I have ever seen. The way in which they operate and the philosophies they follow for their creative are just amazing. Strawberry Frog is all about creative social and cultural movements. This mode of thinking is incredible because it truly forces the creative to connect to the masses by interacting with the individual"

"Finally, I had the chance to check out Big Spaceship. This agency quickly became the #1 place in New York that I would like to be interning at. They work in a total open concept space and include all facets of their teams in the creative process from the intern to the CEO. They were different than most agencies, with different titles and job descriptions. Big Spaceship really pushed the idea that you don't have to follow convention to be successful in advertising; in fact, they demonstrated the contrary". 

- Michael Potash, Aspiring Copywriter

Each year I review and ask myself, "how can I top this next year". I am certain that the next group of students will make Advertising Week a wonderful experience of their own. 

Once gain the students have taken various lessons, opportunities and plan to apply them to their daily lives and career planning.

I remind my students everyday of a personal mantra, a very simple ten words, two letters each statement, “IF IT IS TO BE, IT IS UP TO ME”.  A simple mantra that students need to remind themselves each day. Find inspiration and believe in yourself. You set your path.

The Future of Advertising Looks Bright. Young AdLanders Share What Advertising Week 2010 Meant To Them

Advertising Week New York 2010.
 
They say it's better late then never. This post which is a little late in terms of time, but it still offers insights and thoughts that are worthy of sharing.


I invite and travel with 50 students from the Creative Advertising Program at Seneca College to Advertising Week in New York City. This has become the "cornerstone" event of our academic year. They pack their bags, board a luxury coach and get ready for New York and Advertising Week. The anticipation sets in weeks in advance, but it's the final 10 hours of travel time before they will be in New York and what sets the stage for their future career plans and learning from industry leaders and visionaries.


Each year I arrange for private agency visits for my students during Advertising Week to get an opportunity to hear from various creative talents, strategic planners, account management and to take agency tours. This year, we visited: Saatchi & Saatchi hosted by Creative Director Tim Leake, Droga5 with a dynamic discussion lead by David Droga and Julia Albu, Strawberry Frog and Scott Goodson, RGA, Big Spaceship, BBDO, BBDO Atmosphere, TAXI NYC and Virtue/Vice. 

 Each year I also host a "Key Note" speaker for all students hear from and to have an open Q & A session. Last year I arranged for advertising legend George Lois (see a short video of his thoughts). This year CP+B arranged and hosted our lecture at the One Club with recently named CEO and creative genius Andrew Keller. A full speed 90 minutes of honesty, laughs, thinking and inspiration.

So what were the students most excited about? Agency tours. AdWeek Conferences. Meeting new people. It all comes down to and most importantly one thing, it was about learning, learning something new. Getting an experience that will motivate the students to want to their place in the advertising industry.

So what did my students take with them from Advertising Week? Here is what some of the students that attended Advertising Week had to say:  

“New York Advertising week was a great experience for me. The experience was only as great as it was because of the students and the real drive and willingness to learn. The experiences outside of the direct learning from speakers and agency visits allowed me to learn more of who I am and who the people we were around the whole week are. The agency visits to Droga5, and Virtue/Vice really allowed me to see how the style of some agencies are in comparison to the idea of an agency I had before. The speakers also really made an impact on the message I heard and felt.” 

- Wilson Lin, Entrepreneur and Aspiring Account Executive 

"Advertising Week in itself was an experience, from hearing Russel Simmons speak at a panel to visiting Droga5, Advertising Week 2010 left me with a new perspective on advertising. It helped me to realize that everything I do is in my own hands. In an industry that impacts so many people on so many levels, it's hard to wrap your mind around the fact that everything is in YOUR hands". 

- Sabrina Tricarico, Aspiring Art Director 

“I was able to visit Saatchi & Saatchi and BBDO. From both agencies I got to hear it straight from the current professionals about creativity, the creative process, and insights regarding the the structure of creative teams and how they're changing. Personally, that gave me a good insight as to what to expect in terms of the direction the ad world is moving and I also got to hear what they expect from us as aspiring creatives. Big Spaceship was a whole other can of worms. Not only did they structure their agency with absence on conventional job titles, this was my first (and only) view of an ad agency outside of Canada that is solely based on the rapidly growing, interactive side of the industry. Not only did i get a good sit down to hear what is creativity to them, but also get a good (for a lack of better term) lecture on how interactive is different from what we know orthodox advertising to be".   

"Overall, not only did I get reassurance, but also I feel that the profs we know have been pointing us in a certain direction, and these agency tours, in a way, cleaned up the path a little more.” 

- Nas Mohamed, Aspiring Art Director 

"Ad Week in New York this year was by far and away the most thought provoking, inspiring and engaging period in my life to date.  The knowledge I gained from hearing great minds like; Dave Droga, Scott Goodson and Andrew Keller was something that has had a profound change on my new career.  Listening to where the future of advertising is going from people who play an integral role in changing it was awe inspiring.  They spoke of a future that will highlight the need to constantly keep the consumer engaged at whatever the cost.  We are already seeing the power of social media being integrated with brands and that concept, in some cases, has yielded amazing returns.  Some of the more recent examples are the Old Spice Facebook campaign, the Subservient Chicken and even movies like Catfish, The Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity. Creating movements married to brands is something that will not only keep consumers loyal but will allow them to regard brands in ways never before seen in the company/consumer relationship". 

 "Throughout Ad Week I learned a great deal from many people but one experience stood out for me in particular.  Meeting and listening to Andrew Keller, now CEO of Crispin, Porter + Bogusky was something that will resonate with me for the rest of my career.  He talked to our class about how to get into the industry (and how he got in), the values of maintaining a personal/family life (which we’re sometimes told is very hard to do) and talked in depth to us about some of the different campaigns he’s worked on.  What surprised me the most from the talk we had with him was that he’s just a really nice, down to earth and humble individual.  For someone in his position he has no ego and to be honest, you don’t expect that from the CEO of one of, if not the best ad agencies in the world. In a nutshell, Andrew Keller is the type of guy you dream of growing up to be". 

- Adam Bercovici, Aspiring Account Planner/Strategist 

"Given the opportunity to attend New York Advertising Week was a remarkable experience, both academically and socially. The events I participated in included meeting some of the most influential industry leaders and  getting the chance to attend and tour some of the most creative agencies in the world. This was definitely an experience I will never forget.

Being a student of advertising and getting the opportunity to visit a city with some of the most engaging and astonishing ads was an opportunity I am absolutely grateful for.  It definitely put a lot into perspective in terms of the endless opportunities within the advertising industry and where I see myself within the industry. New York was unquestionably one of the most engaging cities and I would definitely recommend the trip to all students who get the opportunity to go". 

- Lillian Hammah, Aspiring Strategist 

"I visited Saatchi & Saatchi, Big Spaceship and Strawberry Frog. Each agency taught me something different. Saatchi gave me a classic, corporate feel. Big Spaceship open concept and small interactive agency = agency of future. Strawberry Frog somewhere in between and gave me the idea of creating a cultural movement. The trip was a good motivation for me to do well in school and get my portfolio ready to get a job. I got a lot out of it information wise. There is no reason not to go. on". 

- Jeremy Gross, Aspiring Copywriter 

“The thing that everybody got out of it was that they realized that advertising is now a fully integrated team. Technology has to be emphasized. At the core, the consumer is top-of-mind. Doesn’t matter how advanced technology is, we still have to understand all their hopes and fears. Talk the talk and walk the walk. The most fun was visiting great agencies like, Droga5, Strawberry Frog and BBDO Atmosphere and being treated like equals, not like students. We were able to bond with our fellow students and got to learn some cool things about each other. Loved the insightful presentations and I recommend anybody who is serious about advertising to go next. Make a piggy bank and save your pennies now for next year’s Advertising Week"

 - David Taller, Aspiring Art Director 

"Advertising Week was great. I was able to tour several incredible agencies like Vice and Big Spaceship, where they taught us the differences between traditional and non-traditional media. I had a  great time listening to Nick Law’s presentation from RGA. The speakers were wonderful and on top of that, I picked up a  few presentation tips regarding how to connect with the audience as you speak". 

- Kristina Tran, Aspiring Strategist 

"The overall experience was an eye opener because you learned about  advertising in a popular place like New York. Everything is more  concentrated in terms of what we know from Toronto to New York. The Accounts were larger scales and almost everyone you saw or heard of  were icons in Advertising which was amazing, like David Droga, Andrew  Keller and Bob Greenberg. I was able to visit Droga5 and Vice which were really cool".

"A lot of us students bonded and were given a great  opportunity to become closer friends. We saw a variety of great speakers who weren’t known as “advertising people,” people like Marc  Echo and Russell Simmons, their point-of-views and opinions and how  they forecasted the future was very interesting because you’re gaining  perspectives from entrepreneurs and how they branded themselves, which is something us students are focusing on every day". 

- Vishal Raj, Aspiring Strategic Planner 

"I had the pleasure of visiting Virtue/Vice and BBDO Atmosphere. From all 3  agencies, I felt it gave me personal assurance that this career path  is what I want to do. It was also amazing to talk to creative  directors, account executives and also what I thought was awesome was  that at BBDO, they actually had 3 students who are currently interning there tell us about their experience and how it is working for BBDO. My overall experience at Advertising Week was amazing, it gave me self confidence and reassurance on the path I am going. It was also great too hear from the sources themselves on what they are looking for in an intern and what it takes to stand out from others". 

- Gunika Ahluwalia, Aspires to be in Account Services 

"The first agency I had the chance to visit for Advertising Week was Droga5. I really felt that they are balancing the traditional style of  agency with the new open concept style very well. The space itself  manages to be extremely inclusive to all departments however manages to keep them separate and specific. One of the first things I noticed at Droga5 was that every person in the shop had a huge smile on their face and seemed to be genuinely happy. This is very important for an agency, especially a creative one, as unhappy employees are not often the most creative!"

"Another agency that us students had the chance to visit was Strawberry  Frog. This is one of the coolest agencies I have ever seen. The way in which they operate and the philosophies they follow for their creative are just amazing. Strawberry Frog is all about creative social and cultural movements. This mode of thinking is incredible because it truly forces the creative to connect to the masses by interacting with the individual"

"Finally, I had the chance to check out Big Spaceship. This agency quickly became the #1 place in New York that I would like to be interning at. They work in a total open concept space and include all facets of their teams in the creative process from the intern to the CEO. They were different than most agencies, with different titles and job descriptions. Big Spaceship really pushed the idea that you don't have to follow convention to be successful in advertising; in fact, they demonstrated the contrary". 

- Michael Potash, Aspiring Copywriter

Each year I review and ask myself, "how can I top this next year". I am certain that the next group of students will make Advertising Week a wonderful experience of their own. 

Once gain the students have taken various lessons, opportunities and plan to apply them to their daily lives and career planning.

I remind my students everyday of a personal mantra, a very simple ten words, two letters each statement, “IF IT IS TO BE, IT IS UP TO ME”.  A simple mantra that students need to remind themselves each day. Find inspiration and believe in yourself. You set your path.

When The "Going" Gets Tough... Here's The Toughest of Them All: Heidi Ehlers - One Woman Army.

If you don't know Heidi Ehlers then you likely don't know "squat." Pure and pretty simple.

Heidi has been a dominant force in the creative talent attraction industry for more then 15 years, she is truly an "One Woman Army." She is the driving force behind her firm Black Bag and over the years, she has worked with some of the world's most respected and awarded companies to enhance their agencies in the acquisition of the best creative talent available. Junior to senior, and everything in-between. An expertise in the attraction and acquisition of "best" creative talent that brings the "best of creative" to the advertising industry we know and love.

She knows of what she speaks.

Heidi is one of us. Spending 12 solid years as a creative, and making it as a Creative Director by 28 after starting out as an junior copywriter trying to break in, she has also been agency principal. No matter what stage in the life cycle of a creative person, Heidi herself has experienced the many questions, possibilities, options, and the confusion that comes up with any decision to change jobs. No matter what is behind your change.

Recently I asked Heidi about what got her to this place? The answer was overwhelming, but rings so true for many creative people. Heidi explained, "I have interviewed thousands upon thousands of creative people. I ask about their goals and plans, and the future, and all the questions someone approaching their career strategically with a long term vision should be able to answer. Too frequently, I get a blank stare. One day I realized, these people just do not know because 'NO ONE' has ever had this conversation with them."

As an ex-creative she truly understands the difficulty of creativity, but even more she truly understands the difficulty so many have in selling themselves. I chatted last year with several agency people who noted, "Interesting you spend your career selling 'brands', yet the most important 'brand', 'brand you', often comes up fail."

Heidi knows what it takes to be "creative." Always an awards show annual junkie, she’s developed a perspective and an expertise on international creativity, in all forms, which rivals that of many of the people she meets.

Her current study is that of success, and how do you make it happen.

Currently she is writing a book entitled Diary of a Creative Director. The book has become "life's project" that started back in 2005 as a series of video interviews with an eye to ultimately become a book. She wanted to know what does it take to achieve uber-success as a "creative."
 She has explored how people think and do they actually behave differently than the majority? The Diary of a Creative Director video series has featured David Droga, Ari Merkin, Tony Granger, Neil French and Erik Vervroegen to name a few.

I asked Heidi what inspired her to first start the video series and now has evolved into a book. "I thought, 'I would LOVE to ask the same questions to the world's best CD's... and I will bet you they don't answer these questions the same way,' so Diary of a Creative Director was born." It started when she interviewed David Droga and Lee Garfinkel at Second City Theatre in Toronto. "We filled the house - because I gave a LOT of free tickets to students, why? because most people expected their agency to pay the $75, and if the agency didn't pay, they didn't make the investment. How do you not invest in your own success? How much did your jeans cost?"

The series continued at Cannes. "That was different, people from all over the world were dying to hear what Marcello Serpa, Tony Granger, and Erik Vervroegen had to say. Not just because of the guests - although that was some rock star stage - it was because it was Cannes. The smart people go there to learn. Diary of a Creative was a packed house in the largest theatre in Cannes.  It was the third highest attended seminar in Cannes in 2007."

Recently Heidi has taken the interviews on road, having one-on-one visits. "I like the visits." She just returned from Boulder and San Fransisco where she sat down with Alex Bogusky and Jeff Goodby. Before she left, I asked her if there is any one creative director that stands above others, who she has found most fascinating. "There is not one Creative Director I have interviewed who was more fascinating than any other. They are all such interesting people. I learn so much from each of them. Each interview has an insight in it that comes at a question from a completely unexpected way.  Every one of them."

Personally, each time I have had the privilege to sit down with some of the industry leaders, I have walked away truly inspired. I asked Heidi what has this experience meant to her, "I find the conversations inspiring, they are all about possibility, they are so honest, real, and raw.  She added, "Every single one of them is with someone with a lot of heart. What they share is incredibly generous. That's the part I find most staggering".

So how will the book work in the long run? Heidi sees it this way, "I thought a book could get the message to the largest number of people, it will cause change at the individual level, cause a group of individuals to join excited and courageous companies, create more companies filled with intentional like minded individuals, have a bunch of companies transform an industry."

I for one await the release of Diary of a Creative.

Heidi has taken what she has learned from the interviews, coupled it with her own personal experience and observations, created through Camp BLACK BAG: The Boot Camp for Your Career. This  program helps teach creative people what most of them don’t inherently know: "How to plan and mostly implement it into a great career." After 15 years and learning from them, all these conversations have laid the foundation and is the basis for the curriculum for Camp BLACK BAG. Heidi adds, "having heard over 30,000 career stories in the past 15 years, is the basis of learning and expertise for my career consulting and talent consulting business." Heidi really loves this business, "More people making more money in an industry that has re-found it chutzpah, but it all starts with the individual. As you always tell your students Anthony, 'IF IT IS TO BE, IT IS UP TO ME.'"

This past fall I had the pleasure of hosting Heidi with my soon-to-be graduating class. What she brought was more than just information to my future AdLanders, she brought a dialogue. Her address was based around the concept of what it takes to be a "Rock Star" Creative Director. The class was engaged for 2 hours, searching within themselves to see if they actually have what it takes. She gave questions rather than just giving answers. Many took the insights and began to use them the following night at the Advertising and Design Club of Canada award show. Her commitment to young talent was evident that night when she recognized some of those students and asked them, "How is your evening was going... did you connect with who wanted to... did you meet who you wanted to meet?"

If you are at the crossroads in your career or just starting out, do yourself a massive favour, no, better yet, be what Heidi has been all her life, "curious," "passionate" and filled with desire to be better and check out Black Bag, subscribe to the BlackBlog, join the Facebook group and dammit, start using Twitter and follow this, "One Woman Army."

Thanks Heidi for inspiring me to do better with my future AdLanders.

The Romance Continues. Droga5 - Puma Adds Valentines Day Love with Rugby Love.

If you still don’t know what to give your lover today, aren't a soccer fan, and you just love sport as much as you love her, well choose the "Chabal Bear".

Droga5 and Puma is continuing to launch viral videos dedicated to St. Valentine’s Day.
Puma is following up its romantic "HardChorus" spots, which had hardcore football (soccer)  fans serenading their ladies remotely, Droga5 created this rugby-themed effort for the Six Nations Championship.

"HardChorus" was created for the UK and Italian audiences, so just in case the French audiences were feeling left out? No worries, Puma’s made something "really" special for you. For the French guys who make dramatic professions of love "all the time", so rather than bore mademoiselle with another serenade, you can wow her with the Sebastien Chabal Teddy Bear.

The hilarious spot features a guy bestowing a classic Valentine's Day gift on his gal - a bear with the face of Sebastien Chabal, the so-called scariest man in rugby, without question he is the "anti-Beckham, and many women somehow think he is actually kinda hot in an early-man sort of way.

The Chabal is known for his violent, eccentric behavior and unusual appearance, all which makes him a living "real caveman", somewhat neanderthal . But this NOT A TOY! It will monitor your activity daily and nightly. The video teaches how to exactly handle your new gift with on screen and voiceover warnings that included, “Don’t look Shabal Bear directly in the eyes"; "In time Shabal Bear will grow physically stronger"; "If Chabal Bear escapes from cage, run away (cage sold separately)".

In the end owning the most active dog ever known to man may be only marginally better then getting the “Chabal Bear”.

BTW: I think this doll could actually take off...(hey Julia Albu... can I get my order in now?)

Agency: Droga5
Creative Chairman: David Droga
Executive Creative Director: Ted Royer
Copywriter: Scott Ginsberg
Art Director: January Vernon

Droga5 - Puma HardChorus Lets You Send Valentines Day Love with Your Mates

Droga5 created a brilliant Valentines message for client Puma and football (soccer) fans who just can't express themselves to their loved one. A perfect way to help you send Valentine wishes to the one you love because they know where your heart will really be on February 14, as part of the Love=Football campaign.

The spot for Puma is offering manly men a Valentines Day apology just in case they have to forgo the lovers' celebration in order to watch a football match. Good thing most of English Preinmer League teams have the weekend free or taking part in FA Cup games.

Hosted at www.pumahardchorus.com/ the campaign, created by Droga5, features two films, one for Italian and one for UK audiences, each of which features a group of thuggish football fans performing a Savage Garden's cheesy love classic, 'Truly Madly Deeply'.

For the Italian speaking world there’s a version of Umberto Tozzi’s 1977 hit "Ti Amo".

Creative Chairman: David Droga

Executive Creative Director: Ted Royer

Associate Creative Director/Digital: Neil Heymann

Copywriter: Erik Hogfeldt

Art Director: Petter Hernmarck

Can We Get A Recount. AdWeek Media - A (Vote and) Decade to Remember

(Note: My father told me opinions are like assholes... we all have one... most of them stink... except your own)
 
Well the votes are in and the results are posted... and the AdWeek has spoken.

Alex Bogusky made you angry. Irwin Gotlieb made you jealous. Jeff Goodby and Rich Silverstein made you smile. Google, Honda and Coke raised the bar. R/GA, SMG and Butler, Shine, Stern raised the stakes. Our picks, and yours, for the top marketing, media and agency performances of the 2000s. Selections in 33 categories spanning 10 years.

It's true, the readers choices counted... but for what? A simple exercise. Oh it is easy to have an opinion, but this will all make for great watercooler...er, Twitter and blogger conversation for the next few days.

I am not 100% sure how Alex Bogusky made us angry... or how Irwin Gotlieb made us jealous, but one thing for certain the readers choices and the AdWeek staff seem to be at odds. Seems almost every category the readers had a different choice then the staff. Okay, Alex Bogusky was the clearly the Creative Director or the Decade on both columns, but agency of the decade and executive(s) of the decade were significantly out of whack.

Of the 10,049 votes cast for Agency of the Decade, CP+B posted a leading 18% of the votes yet Goodby, Silverstein & Partners were named the top dog (note: GS&P wasn't in the top three). Long known as a creative powerhouse for culture-penetrating TV and print work, Omnicom Group's Goodby, Silverstein & Partners best work included Super Bowl spots for Budweiser, E*Trade's "Dancing Monkey". But the ground breaking work for  "Got Milk?" easily made them a "gold standard" of creative.  All the while, it was transforming itself from "ad maker" to "content provider", producing "art that serves capitalism," as Jeff Goodby and Rich Silverstein call it, in whatever form that's required. Hard to understand, the work is great but CP+B spent the most of the decade reinventing itself and its clients for "digital future" and speaking of "culture-penetratin", did they see the work done for Burger King (Subservient Chicken or Whopper Freakout), Volkswagen, Microsoft, Old Navy and recently the GAP... please. Okay, I got to give some disclosure here, I am big fan of CP+B. They have been defining the creative standards and clearly have dominated the award shows throughout the decade.

Oh and were or were is Weiden + Kennedy in this agency of the decade conversation... Nike, Honda etal.

One of the innovators and industry leaders that brought a small south Florida agency to the national and worldwide advertising spotlight, Chuck Porter was a clear leader in the readers votes. He carried 22% of the 4,915 votes ahead of the David Jones (20%), Chief Executive Officer of Euro RSCG Worldwide and the third place (14%) Jeff Goodby and Rich Silverstein, co-chairmen and creative directors of Goodby, Silverstein & Partners. AdWeek named the GS&P duo their executives of the decade. Sorry, but what Chuck and CP+B has done over the last 10 years will the basis of case study in success and creativity. His leadership extends into the business, but also the a holding company and an agency can live in harmony. Oh wait, then again, did AdWeek forget Lee Clow?

As for Creative Director of the decade, Alex Bogusky was the easiest choice for both readers and the AdWeek staffers. Alex took 30% of 4,304 votes ahead of the brilliant David Droga who took 12%. Under the leadership of Alex, CP+B has dominated the award shows and has drawn some of the greatest creative talents to both the Miami and Boulder offices. The young "AdLanders" I have the privileged of working with in my classes are all drawn to the work and desire to work for CP+B. The past 10 years and the future has been bright and will be brigther because of his talent and personality. David Droga is a case study in "doing right". Droga5 has design brilliant creative thinking for its clients, but also taugh clients that you can "pay forward" and still lead your category. Droga5 has created amazing work for UNICEF with the Tap Project and New York Department of Education "Millions" project, and the very funny Sarah Silverman "The Great Schlep" campaign for the Obama Presidential run.

Oh, did I mention the biggest oversight... Scott Goodson and StrawberryFrog. Look it up... "Cultural Movements". Hmmmmmmm... a real game changer.

Well, like I started this rant... check the results, read the insights, view the work... truly a healthy conversation will be had.

The Unicef Tap Project - Vegas

You don't have to be a celebrity to make a difference.

On World Water Day, March 22, 2007, hundreds of restaurants in New York City invited customers to donate just $1 for the tap water they usually enjoy for free.

All the money raised through the Tap Project helps UNICEF save lives by providing safe drinking water to children around the world.

The Tap Project was born with the vision of David Droga and Droga5 of New York. The idea is to offer patrons of New York City restaurants --where tap water is served for free-- the opportunity to pay a dollar for the same water poured from a bottle bearing a special seal created by Droga5.

In short, the project asked restaurant goers to donate one dollar for a privilege we all take for granted. Proceeds will go to UNICEF's various efforts to make clean drinking water available to the 1.1 billion people who have none.

"We're asking people to consider donating a dollar for the privilege of living in a First World city," Droga says. "The payoff is that we've done something empirically good."

Thanks to every restaurant, customer, donor, and organization who contributed to the Tap Project and helped make the first year a success! The Tap Project will be in cities across the country

Here are examples of this years "Tap Project - Vegas" campaign. Fun, while offering the true nature of Vegas.



Advertising Agency: R&R Partners, Las Vegas, USA
Group Creative Director: Arnie DiGeorge
Senior Art Director: Mark Naparstek
Copywriter: Chris Hagan
Photographer: Roger Hagadone
Retouchers: Liv Ducci Playground

In addition to these ads take a moment to view the "Tap Project" video.