Advertising

Is it a great headline? Stellar concepts? Terrific photography? Awesome media buying? Well, sometimes yes, but always it needs one thing that the creative department have very little control over. And that is the client. Great advertising needs great clients. Without them, you're going to have a tough time getting any of your genius ideas to see the light of day. Read more here.

It's quite the shocking question, but it's in ads posted on streets for Sir Richard's Condoms; and leaving the space blank leaves it as a question that will be answered in numerous ways. A great way to get the word out about the product, and something that is quite appropriate for the subject matter. Nicely done, TDA_Boulder.

As a creative, I get bogged down in work sometimes. So much so, that I forget to come up for air and read a little. Or expand my mind. Or look at the career I've chosen objectively. That's when I like to see what other people are doing to stay fresh, and focused. If you need a little of that kind of refreshment, here are 10 articles well worth your time.

Do you work in an advertising agency? Do you own one? Are you looking for a little inspiration to change things up a bit, or make things move a little more swiftly? Then the following 10 articles could really work wonders for you, whether you're a creative, an account manager, or even running the books.

When the Japanese aren't scaring the crap out of us in the movies, they're doing it with their advertising. Case in point, this phenomenal piece of street art that brings the Ring right into the front seat of your Honda. Check out the video, too.

Usually, I won't link to Felix, their resident curmudgeon, because he has a mouth that Orbitz couldn't clean. But as he refrained from the colorful language on the recent review of The Pitch, I thought it would be fun to show you a darker side to TV reviews. Careful, his bark has bite.

Did you watch episode 2 of AMC's The Pitch? It's certainly more entertaining than Mad Men, but then again, every season has its ups and downs. Anyway, this time SK+G went up against The Ad Store for the Waste Management account. The usual drama came with it, and of course, an ending that people either loved or hated. Chime in, how are you enjoying this series?

Adam Yauch of The Beastie Boys has died today at the way-too-young age of 47. He'd been in treatment for cancer since 2009, but the cancer won. And the music industry has lost one of the greats. Here's a link to a video that made me smile every time it was played in my college days, and every time I watch it. Sabotage.

Although the show doesn't officially air until 9/8c tonight, it has been available for a few weeks via On Demand and AMC's website. So, I watched it, and have a full (and frank) review of the first episode. SPOILER ALERT - I reveal a lot about the show, so if you're waiting until tonight, look away!

Have you seen the Milton Glaser documentary "To Inform & Delight" yet? If not, I'm sure you have a really, really good reason. But if you are looking for a great movie to fill about 90 mins of your time, this one is worth every second. Do it. You'll be glad you did (even if he does rag on our industry a little).