One of the things that has always bugged me about planners is that some think they’re the only ones who are curious enough to see the World in interesting ways.
I’ve written about how much bollocks it is – not to mention how much it pisses me off – but in this world of social, it feels we are seeing more and more of the interesting points of view coming from outside the discipline than in it.
More than that, it feels we’re even seeing more and more of the interesting ideas coming from outside the industry than in it too.
From Rihanna creating make-up foundation that is suited to African American skin as well as white through to meme creators – such as Unchisenpai – questioning what is considered cheating in a world of global competition.
[Though their observation on how we came up with the word ‘boob’ is genius]
Now I appreciate that some of this is less to do with the talent in the industry and more the limitations placed on us by clients – though how that came about is another discussion for another day – but in an industry that is seemingly talking to itself more and more [see: planner twitter] the rule to creative inspiration remains the same:
Look for those who are doing or thinking interesting things rather than those who just know interesting things.
The things I’ve learnt from my time with China, Metallica and The Kennedys have been monumental in terms of seeing what creativity truly is, what it can do and what it can be.
It’s also helped me have a deeper understanding of how to nurture it, protect it, encourage it and liberate it.
This is not meant as a diss to adland.
I love the industry and accept it has been amazing to me.
I’ve learnt – and continue to learn – so much from the many amazingly talented and generous people who work, or have worked, within it. I detest how much the industry has been undermined and undervalued by so many when – given the freedom to do what it does best – it is capable of achieving equally incredible things.
This is simply a reminder that some of the most interesting expressions of creativity – and commerciality – exist outside of our bubble and if we continue to close ourselves off to it, or think we’re superior to it, then we’re literally limiting ourselves in terms of seeing and understanding what creativity can help us create, build and change.