I Have An Idea

Choices...
April 01|2003

I would like know how do any of you, decide to work on a product? Will it be something that just interests you? Maybe you've seen ads for it, and you just happen to connect with a better idea. Or will it be a product that you regularly use? Besides coming up with ideas, I think finding the right product to dissect, is as challenging. When you're working at an agency, at least you know what your tasks are. You meet your client, they hand over a 20 page brief (more, if it's a bank). And you're off to explore; seeing, touching, and absorbing everything to make you feel closer to it. Anyway, I'm going off topic, here.

Picture yourself at Shopper's. Do you scan the tooth-paste aisle to find;
a)somewhat recognized, b) new, or c) no-name brand. Now, when you find that perfect paste, do you instantly see ideas exploding in your head or do you think of other campaigns that were already put out. Where's the bond? And how do you determine your own strategy?

I would appreciate it if some of you, could share your selection process.

Thanx for reading,
alek.

""How clever?""
Posted by IMHO on April 03/2003

"Answering with a question. How clever, URHO. But thanx for the insight.

I will have to go with things that are frequently used, but rarely advertised.
Because of this journal project, there are plenty of creatives that can express their opinions. And sometimes you need people outside of the field to comment on your work, a fresh eye; Family and friends are always open to help."
Posted by alek on April 02/2003

"Here are my thoughts:

Should you look for bad ads, and show you can do better? How do you determine a bad ad?

Should you look at your book, and ensure you have good coverage of a variety of differnt types of products/retailers/services/etc? Does it matter?

Are there things you should avoid, like doing ads for things that have won ad awards, or general products to avoid, like Coca-Cola, like Nike etc?

Should you get other people to suggest products etc that you could do a new ad for? If so who do you ask?

Should you only focus on doing ads for things you already know and are familiar with, or PUSH BEYOND to something you outside of your box? Which will lead to a better book? Which is better for your long term development?

Good Luck."
Posted by IMHO on April 02/2003

"I like to work with both large brands and more local stuff. With the larger brands you're given a chance to stretch your imagination in ways that brand hasn't seen before. It pushes you a little harder.

On the other side, working on an ad for a local business or product offers you a chance to be more specific with your target audience.

Also, you're able to show the business/product owner your work and get first hand experience with client relations and dealing with a good/bad reaction."
Posted by Kevin on April 02/2003