Seat At The Table

It's funny how our agency's CEO began using the term "seat at the table" nearly a year ago, and now the idea has taken off like hot cakes. Curious if he's responsible for coining the term (?).

Anyway, Kate Rutter blogs about the theme, discussing the justification and opportunities available for a Creative to change a client's organization. I would agree that instead of the safe and traditional reactive position advertising professionals take, a strategic pro-active approach proves far more effective. I might add that it also stems from having the right client relationships, high up enough within an organization.

Go download your own "seat at the table" template. Cut it out, and you have your virtual table at your disposal. You've got to fake it before you make it, right?

Adobe's Wild Imagination Grows

Curious with Adobe's simple yet intriguing new rich media web banner, my attention was piqued with a welcoming slider bar within their new ad. Sliding the bar within the interactive ad was very rewarding, as new creatures, wildlife and organic growth emerge from behind the controls. Bravo, Adobe!

I posted a short demo here of my own interaction with the ad late last week. (sorry, play controls are all the way at bottom of screen)

Sure, we've all faced challenging clients. They often put us on the spot in the middle of a creative pitch, and ask if we use "that software that makes logos," or share design comps they'd like you to consider... you know, the ones their high-school grade level nephew assembled.

Ever wonder if there was a comprehensive list of responses you could reference in cases like this? Go over to Eric Karjaluoto's ideasonideas blog — he's got just what you're looking for! Bravo.

Thx for the link Jeffrey Zeldman

Make-A-Wish Foundation Presents Beetle Boy

The Kaplan Thaler Group, one of my most favorite agencies in the whole wide world, just produced a memorable, creative, heart-touching and really smart new spot for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Related: One of my most favorite books, written by the founders of the Kaplan Thaler Group: Bang!: Getting Your Message Heard in a Noisy World - a must read!