Creating Ads

There is no shortcut to talent and creativity. While you can always get better, and learn more, you need to have the raw ability to become a success in advertising. But over the years, one thing has proven more of a driving force behind great creativity than anything else. And that one thing is the deadline.

Some say that these ideas are few and far between, and that advertising is 90% mediocrity and 10% brilliance. But those of us in the industry, on the creative side at least, know that brilliant ideas are born every day. Sadly, having a great idea is really only half of the battle. Getting the client to buy it, that’s a different story.

Whether you’re brand new to the advertising industry, a veteran, or maybe still in college, there is always an opportunity to learn more, and improve yourself. If you’re looking to learn a little something, improve your thinking, arm yourself with ad knowledge, or just want to see how other creatives think, the following articles are for you.

Why isn't the phone ringing? Maybe it's your call to action. Use these techniques to boost sales and get those phones ringing.

In a pervious post you were presented with 10 challenges to aid creative thinking. Now, it’s time to up the ante, with some problems that delve a little deeper, take a little more of your time, and perhaps a little more creativity. You obviously don’t have to do them all, but when you have a lull between projects and need something to keep your...

Say “stock photography” to anyone worth their salt in a creative department, and they will look at you with a mixture of contempt and fear. Mostly contempt. Despite stock houses making many millions of dollars from stock every year, most of the big agencies won’t touch it. But why is it so universally hated by the top dogs, and loved by smaller...

Advertising has changed a lot of the decades, but certain words are as powerful today as they were so many years ago. Here then are the 10 words you should always consider using in your campaigns; and if you've been paying close attention, you'll realize three of them are actually in the headline and subhead of this article.

When people first get into advertising, especially on the creative side, they find it easier to simply come out and say what they think the product or service is all about. Being direct, it seems, is the best way to get to the consumer. But this is not how good advertising works. To be successful, don't say it...prove it.

"Just one more thing" is the famous line we all know Lt. Columbo says. But he's actually one of the best creative thinkers ever to grace the airwaves, and the way he solves problems could help you make much better ads. Are you ready for the Columbo how-to guide?

There's nothing as frustrating as writer's block, or staring at a blank page. But there are ways to sharpen the mind instead of admitting defeat. Try one of these 10 exercises the next time you feel stuck in a rut, or just want to sharpen your mind.

Radio, when done correctly, is a fabulous advertising medium that can truly capture the imagination, build a brand and lead to a sale. Learn the seven tips for radio advertising success.

Advertising agencies do some very creative, funny and sometimes outlandish work. But where does it all come from? Well, in the best agencies, everyone's involved, but it's always the creative department that's at the core of the work. Think you could be part of one?

The six rules you need to know to create effective billboard ads

You didn't really want your ad campaign to be effective did you? Turn your ad campaign into a disaster by making these ten mistakes.

Why it's easier to change customer behavior than customer beliefs.

Morning person. Night owl. Creative levels peak at different times of the day. Use these five fundamentals to get the brightest ideas out of your employees.

Before you tackle writing a brochure, you've got to thoroughly plan it out. These five essentials show you exactly what you need to do first.