We're measuring experiential all wrong
The executive creative director at SET says social shares, event attendance and email sign-ups are redundant metrics.
Digital 40 over 40 celebrates diversity of thought
Experienced talent is a necessary part of the management equation for digital agencies, the says CEO & President of The ADVERTISING Club of New York.
Why investing in indie filmmakers could get your brand an Oscar
Brands can play an essential role in the dreams and successes of young filmmakers, says the VP of global client engagement at Branded Entertainment Network.
What the hell is a creative strategist, and why should I care?
Merging emotion and logic is the solid foundation of any creative strategy, says the CCO of GYK Antler.
The right kinds of ads will take us to the stars
Whether the ads of the future will inspire fear or wonder depends on how we use them, says Ogilvy's worldwide co-chairman and chief creative officer.
Under the influencers: what brands give up when they give in
The smartest marketers know they can't just dump their message into the audience of influencers and hope for the best, says RPA's J Barbush.
Super Bowl LII ad review: Big Game vets weigh in on this year's offering
A year after their spot for 84 Lumber became the most talked about ad in Super Bowl LI, creatives at Brunner critique the new crop.
Super Bowl LII superlatives from VCU Brandcenter
Admeter's results are in, but the students in Richmond had different categories in mind while watching last night's game.
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In dark times, brands are turning to humor to lighten Super Bowl LII's mood
With its huge audience and huge costs, Super Bowl is not the branding silver bullet many think it is, says the president of System1, NA.
What to anticipate from influencer marketing in 2018
How can marketers who are ready to fully embrace influencer marketing ensure they are getting it right in the coming year? Branded Entertainment Network's global chief campaign officer has five points to consider.
Like 6-second ads, this will only take a few seconds...
Shorter ads won't fix the problem with low-quality ads, says the CEO of SmithGifford.
6 traits of a successful experiential campaign
From pop-ups to takeovers, a variety of manifestations provide brands with scalable solutions that build loyalty and drive revenue, says PSFK's president.
A love letter to advertising
Somewhere along the line, advertising became a dirty word, and trying to bridge a relationship on behalf of a brand was suddenly unacceptable and immoral, says the CEO of Havas Creative US.
Don Draper is dead: how technology and data are helping startups jump into the TV advertising game
Startups are launching into TV advertising at full force and are reaping the rewards while other advertisers shy away, says Quirk Creative's founder.
Planning is dead. Long live brand planning.
The discipline must fundamentally change to continue to be essential, says Hill Holliday's chief strategy officer.
Think outside your vertical
Intentionally borrowing and adapting elements from other industries can help you lead and transform your own, says Fine's managing partner.
Branding in chaos
Inspiration, collaboration and innovation are more important than the old standbys of value, trustworthiness and consistency, says Mechanica's CEO.
One giant leap for Shonda Rhimes is a small step for ad-kind
Why doesn't the ad-supported world represent the world we actually live in, asks Vitro's CEO.
The secret to great creative is...account people?
You can hire the best creative talent, but without a strong partnership with the account team, the venture won't succeed, says JWT Atlanta's CCO.
Can agencies compete on creativity alone?
All industries are going through digital transformation, including creative agencies, says Mirum's CMO.
Why we still need the big idea and how to get there
Ditching the creative foundation in favor of metrics? Think again, says Quigley-Simpson VP.
The value of crossover storytellers in a media agnostic world
When advertisers engage crossover talent, they harness the power of formidable storytellers, says the founder of Independent Media.
Modernizing Madison Avenue: The importance of agency diversity
As technology and globalization continue to change the corporate landscape, the pursuit of diversity in the agency world is more important than ever to drive creativity and innovation.
Why your iPhone is killing your creativity
Every day, the insatiable parasite that is your smartphone makes you worse at your job, writes a group creative director at Ogilvy.
Early Cannes prediction: The bronzed beauty and the silicone beast
A 50-inch statue of a confident girl and a life-size model of a man designed to survive a car crash will be happily ever after dancing on the awards stage, writes 180LA's executive creative director.
A love letter to England's creativity
There is no better place to open an office than where the most inspiring work comes from--be it pop music or thought-provoking art.
Why the advertising world should take a long look at itself
D&AD doesn't have all the answers -- but we are trying to do something about it, writes its chief executive.
How to navigate content marketing's control issues
It's important to understand not what's newest and hottest in the market, but how the level of interaction impacts the consumer, writes the managing partner of Imprint.
DeCourcy: Game-changing creativity requires a leap in the dark
Unpredictable, risky, raw -- this is what creativity at its best looks like.
Why I hate 'thinking outside the box'
When we use these hollow phrases, it's often in lieu of any original thought, writes the CCO of Saatchi & Saatchi New York.
To 'pop into culture' is thinking too small
Our instant formula for success--tap into cultural tension, insert product and create impact--is shortsighted, writes the head of brand planning at Eleven.
Why Mother put a giant inflatable boob on the roof of a building
Mother's joint ECD explains why the creative agency wanted its giant breast to be unmissable on Mother's Day.
6 Hollywood insights that can inspire the creative process
From J.J. Abrams to Kathleen Kennedy, the most creative people in film embrace fear, failure and ego in order to get to greatness, writes Mono's group account director.
Why I celebrated iPhone's 10th birthday by buying a Pixel
When trust is eroded, there is no need to pay for a brand premium, writes the head of creative at Betaworks.
How to be ageless in advertising
When it comes to longevity, earned authority and youthful audacity make for a potent mix, writes Battery creative director.
Dear Mr. Figliulo: Creatives don't own creative leadership
Carl Johnson, global CEO of Anomaly, takes issue with Mark Figliulo's argument that creative directors should be agency CEOs
50 first dates: Why digital marketing is so bad
Consumers shouldn't have to remind brands who they are every time they see them, writes Conversant's senior vice president of business development
With creativity first, business will follow
Creative directors shouldn't just run departments. They should lead the whole damn thing, says Mark Figliulo
A few thoughts for Creatives about Data. Hey wait, come back!
Creatives have a tendency to roll their eyes when they hear the word Data, but it can often uncover truths that lead to unexpected places, writes the CCO of BBDO New York
Ad of the Week: 'A Love Story' signals an emotional comeback for Chipotle
The 4-minute animated film is Ace Metrix's highest-rated QSR ad of all time, writes its VP of marketing
The patient pursuit of perfection
The evolution of performance cycling can teach the brand-marketing community the much-needed value of marginal gains, writes the CCO of Critical Mass
The silent damage of a bad Chinese brand name
Resonance China's Jerry Clode explains how a poorly-chosen Chinese brand name can cause "silent damage" to your brand over the long run
Why a total lack of perspective might be a good thing
Our week together losing and gaining perspective at Cannes Lions might be our most important work of the year, writes the chief creative officer and co-head of CAA Marketing
Sometimes it's OK for it not to be about the work
Every now and then a year comes along when the real world eclipses industry conversations, writes the managing director of TBWA\Chiat\Day New York
VR charged into Cannes like a raging bull
The first review of the industry's VR work showcased a surprisingly mature medium, writes the co-founder of MediaMonks and inaugural president of Digital Craft at Cannes
Madonna Badger: Ads objectifying women should be rejected by Cannes
It's time the festival adheres to its own entry rules and withdraw ads that objectify women, writes the CCO of Badger and Winters and founder of #WomenNotObjects
Creative grads: It's time to risk reward
The co-founder and chief creative officer of Johannes Leonardo gives his top three tips for kicking off a rewarding creative career
Ad of the Week: Mercedes-Benz drives to 'The Future' with style and grace
The 30-second spot featuring a self-driving car outperformed nearly 100 ads tested in the category, writes Ace Metrix's VP of marketing
Five ways to reverse advertising's 'less for more' trend
Spend is up, and recall is down. It's time to adopt new approaches to content distribution, writes Heat's managing director
GroupM's Rob Norman offers new rules of engagement after ANA transparency skirmish
After criticizing the ANA's recent transparency report, GroupM's North American chairman outlines new guidelines for media agencies and their clients.
Ad of the Week: Gatorade's 'Never Lose the Love' inspires the young at heart
The minute-long spot held viewers' attention and affection, writes Ace Metrix's VP of marketing
The Miles Davis take on creativity and data
By "playing what's not there," creatives can harmonize with analytics, writes Wunderman's global CCO
Isn't creativity already a force for social good?
Droga5's David Kolbusz and Dylan Williams remind Cannes judges that, while awarding work claimed to do good in the world is de rigueur, the very best commercial creativity has its own positive societal effect
McWhopper was optimistic, but REI was real
Why only one of these Cannes favorites truly rises to the level of greatness
Disarming America with humor
Satire should drive the narrative in the gun control debate, not fear, writes the CEO of School
Is data killing creativity?
The CEO of Omnicom Digital examines the right brain/left brain arguments from each side
Cannes 2016 contenders: Leo Burnett predicts the winning campaigns
Global CCO Mark Tutssel introduces the campaigns Leo Burnett believes are destined for glory next week
An editor's view of 2016's big political ads
Tried-and-true editing techniques take center stage in the most memorable ads of the primaries, writes the founder of post-production company PS260
Judging the ADC Awards: A suit's perspective
The president of Ming Utility and Entertainment on what it was like to judge her first creative awards competition
Protein World's revival of 'beach body ready' is a lesson for bland brands
Elmwood's "provocation director" is bored with the culture of apology in branding and advertising
10 things your junior creatives aren't telling you
Yes, they judge you for not doing work anymore, says this Code & Theory copywriter
Ad of the Week: Grey Goose's lush fantasy sells the experience, not the product
Liquor brand scores high by taking research on Millennialls to hear, says Ace Metrix's VP of marketing
Why a Music Lion will mean more than a Grammy
The convergence of music and branding has never been more relevant, writes Grey's director of music and president of Cannes' first Music Lions
Agency name of the year: Joan
A female-owned shop is opening in New York with a single client, its own diversity foundation and a moniker for the ages.
The new age of identity design
Symbols have become more iconic, language more conversational and actions more playful, writes the creative director of Lippincott
Why the Post-it War makes me proud of my agency
And it's not just because we're winning, writes the global CEO of Havas Worldwide
Why your 'innovative' marketing campaign failed
Marketers have a chronic commitment issue with technology, writes Blippar's president of global marketing
The rise of the twentysomething creative class
The founder and creative director of Mistress finds inspiration in the young
Ad(s) of the Week: Ford and Nissan take different paths to consumer success
Both ads scored high, but one hit home with people shopping for cars, says Ace Metrix's VP of marketing
Farewell to fidelity: I'm playing the field
"I'm being unfaithful and, what's more, I'm loving it," says the global managing director of Diageo Reserve
Let's rejoice in the big idea
Without big ideas, we are left with lots of little ideas that do not add up to an organizing thought or a brand purpose,
Marvel vs. DC: May the best names win!
What gives one moniker greater power than another?
Ad of the Week: P&G dazzles again with "Thank You, Mom - Strong"
Wieden + Kennedy delivers another knockout punch, according to Ace Metrix research
Ad narcissism: Why our industry should put down the mirror
Kate Nettleton, a strategy director at Bartle Bogle Hegarty, on why advertising should end its obsession with the reflecting pool
The unexpected win: Surviving a year in new business
The Martin Agency's senior vice president, director of new business shares her tips from inside the pressure cooker of the "most dangerous job" in advertising
Interruption is the new black
Battery's CCO says it's time for the next wave of interruptive digital advertising ... and a return of the creatives who know how to make it compelling
Do awards judges read headlines?
Neglecting to include a headline in an ad reduces the chances of it being read. So why are creatives being encouraged to do so?
Making VR experiences that last 10 years, not 10 minutes
It can't just be about spectacle, says Unit9 VR & Interactive Film Director Anrick Bregman
How to shoot, score and electrify like The Golden State Warriors
Advertisers and agencies should borrow from the playbook of the history-making NBA team, writes the president and CEO of BBDO San Francisco
Management tips from a #Girlboss
No longer are we willing to accept that we deserve less of anything because we're women, writes the president of Pitch
Drop the June Cleaver stereotype, please
Despite changing dynamics of modern families, advertising still largely holds mothers to unattainable standards of perfection, writes the managing director of Maxus Chicago
How I learned to stop worrying and get clients to fall in love
The creative chief of RPA shares his top tips on how make a winning presentation
Where are all the female creative directors?
My agency does not have a single female creative director in Cincinnati, and that needs to change, writes an ECD at Possible
There's a different kind of lightning in Seattle
How to bring the city's culture of creativity and innovation into everything you do
Why it's time to ditch your five-year agency plan
Martin Sorrell boldly announced at the Guardian's Changing Media Summit last week that "we're not in the advertising business anymore." The managing partner at Forever Beta reflects on why agencies need to ditch their five-year plans as a result
What the Sistine Chapel can teach us about customer experience
The 15th century chapel and its ceiling (painted a century later) demonstrate the difference between a user experience with great utility and one that also provides great content
Music is the ultimate universal language. You should be speaking it
Why aren't more brands making noise at SXSW Music?
Tales from SXSW: I stayed in a twin bed and no one noticed
Resolution Media's SVP of integration gives his keyword-enabled take on SXSW Interactive
5 ways brands can use design thinking to stand out at SXSW
Droga5's executive design director critiques this year's activations in Austin
Show me your shittiest work
It's a question more clients should ask, and agencies should be prepared to answer. Because perhaps your lowliest work says more about you than your highlight reel
Pulling back the curtain on the Andys judging
The president and chief executive of The Advertising Club of New York gives a behind-the-scenes look at the judging process of the 2016 International Andy Awards
It's not all about Millennials or Generation Z, people
Age is just a number; needs, passions and goals are what brands should be focusing on, writes the chief strategy officer of Oliver UK
Why I'm starting my own agency
And why I'm asking you to help name it
Cannes Lions rewards digital craft in 2016
The MediaMonks co-founder has been picked as president of the first Digital Craft jury for Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity. He explains what the new category means for the industry
Super Bowl is judgment day for advertising
Mountain Dew, Snickers and Heinz were among the bravest advertisers on the game this year, says FCB's global chief creative officer
A super-experiential Super Bowl
Never mind awareness. The big game is the ultimate in consumer engagement, writes the co-founder of School
Is the Super Bowl advertising's version of Renaissance fairs?
The big game is the party that happens out on the front lawn for everyone to see, says the co-chairman and partner of Goodby, Silverstein & Partners
Creativity comes from space
Craig Davis: Techniques, tips and processes won't help you if you are constantly distracted by your own commotion
How to fight for your ads like Bruce Lee
Take out the enemy like a martial arts master, says Conversant's SVP of products
Reinventing the agency model for always-on production
For today's content creation, shops have to adopt a make-it-yourself mentality, says Deutsch's director of integrated production
Awards shows must spur the evolution of creativity
The CEO of the Advertising Club and the ANDY Awards responds to DDB's plan to cut back on awards submissions in 2016
In defense of industry awards: A response to Amir Kassaei
D&AD's leaders counter Amir Kassaei's suggestion that DDB will produce less awards submissions in order to stop what he has called "madness"
Remembering Bowie the tech innovator
From Bowienet to BowieBanc (yes, he had an Internet bank) the Thin White Duke was always pushing technology forward
David Bowie was as iconic as he was earconic
The music legend was as much about the way things looked as the way things sounded
Brand apologies in the human era
Candor is critical to good business in the age of the empowered consumer, stresses Lippincott's senior partner, design
Do less, brag more and party often
Geometry Global creative director gives you three resolutions you can actually keep
The six visual trends that will define 2016
Getty's director of visual trends reveals which images will resonate with consumers this year, and which brands are already on board.
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