So PBS finally released Art & Copy on DVD a couple weeks ago. After watching it a few times within the span of 24 hours and feeling completely energized about why I made this career choice, I began to delve deeper into information about all of these influential figures. Coming from a traditional design curriculum, I was not exposed to the history and significance of a lot of the agencies and campaigns the documentary discusses. (Before you scoff at me, I always knew the groundbreaking nature of DDB’s VW campaign and what 1984 meant to this industry.)
Having only done this for a little short of two years, I have come to really value to importance of concept over execution and all of the great things that make this industry so challenging and rewarding. After further investigation, no figure advocates harder for these things than Lee Clow. I’m sure most are aware of his significance, but I stumbled across a great resource that makes for good laughs and ammunition for debates in the office.
It’s his twitter feed, @leeclowsbeard. It has garnered quite a following and the little tidbits of wisdom are awesome. Here are some of my favorites:
It’s okay to show a client what they asked for in hopes they’ll see how wrong it is. As long as you like producing crap.
It’s the little compromises that add up to a giant bucket of suck.
Making anticipated client changes before actually presenting the work does not count as proactive thinking.
Every client wants something new. And three examples of where it’s worked before.
Never ask a client what they want an ad to say. Ask what they want it to accomplish. Then ask why. Repeat as needed.
More meetings do not equate to increased communication. At least not the good kind.
We have nothing to fear but fearful clients.
We’re happy to make the logo bigger if you’re happy making the ad’s impact smaller.
Genius I tell you! Happy reading.
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