Been in quiet reflection most of this year and mostly observing the creative industry as a third party through friends and working colleagues. As a freelancer and having been in the advertising industry for a quarter of a century (25 years), observing the transition from film to digital, free to air to social media and generally just rolling with the punches and moving with the times, it is hard to see and experience the current state we are in. This may come as hard hitting and an unpopular opinion and may get me in trouble but I’m just stating my opinion and observations. Creativity, especially in the little red dot 🇸🇬, I am blessed to call home has become severely restricted in so many ways. A classic example is the article of the Samsui woman mural which has created such a buzz in the community over smoking and prostitution and the freedom of expression. I will not elaborate as many have eloquently expressed their displeasure and yet the landlord has ended up with a fine. Even though the mural is allowed to stay, it leaves a bitter after taste from a battle that should not even have occurred. The joys of the age of film, cinema, free to air television, even with all the pros and cons in terms of speed and quality has transitioned into an ever changing monster, the digital age of social media and content. I’m proud to say I’m one of the pioneers of content film on the internet but feel extreme sorrow over what it is becoming. Everyone can become a content creator nowadays on TikTok, IG, etc. This has led to low budgets with an increasing number of deliverables being the reality at the moment. As we have been transitioning, people with little knowledge of the actual logistics, passion, blood, sweat and tears that go into a successful product, have been on the front line hawking cheap wares that claim to have the same high quality or just simply hard selling and it’s quantity over quality. Every brand hopes to create the next big thing and go viral but how many are actually willing to make the proper investment to make it happen? How do we learn to manage and ride this digital age that can be ripped apart by keyboard warriors and social media over the slightest things and many a time, uncalled for? AI was created as a tool to aid creativity but has it become an excuse to be lazy, repetitive and giving a licence to rip off someone’s hard work? I hope and pray that the creative industry survives the brutality of the present as I fear for the future and I mourn the ones that have fallen 🙏🏻
April Koh’s Post
More Relevant Posts
-
Outstanding work by Talented for Urban Company! The latest piece, 'Chhoti Soch,' surpasses the previous installment in the series, skillfully addressing the 'dignity of labor' for Women's Day 2024. The use of the younger brother as a narrative device is brilliant, and the point is conveyed seamlessly. Kudos to Talented and Urban Company for an excellent script and execution! #advertising #marketing #creativity #creative #womensday #chhotisoch #urbuncompany Credits Campaign Title: Chhoti Soch Client: Urban Company Agency: Talented Creative Director: Binaifer Dulani and Leena Gupta Disclaimer: "Please note that the content showcased on our platform has been gathered from various websites and sources. We do not claim ownership of this content, and it remains the property of the respective owners. The purpose of showcasing this content is to celebrate and appreciate the exceptional work done by various agencies for the brand. We do not intend to infringe upon any copyright or intellectual property rights. If you believe that any of the content on our platform violates your rights, please do not hesitate to contact us, and we will take appropriate action."
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Here is what I am talking about when saying advertising should be a relevant service for a brand’s audiences. Oreo is a fun brand, and nothing—well, almost nothing—can prevent it. But what if the Oreo breaks? Worry no longer: Oreo is here to solve this challenge for all. Inspired by the Japanese art of kintsugi, which joins broken pieces with gold, Oreo introduced its own version, Kintsugi Oreo (but not with gold). Kintsugi Oreo is Oreo’s frosting glue that restores the shape of the pristine, unbroken cookie. Similar to Japanese art, the brand celebrates the beauty of brokenness. What I especially like about this idea is that it exists on so many levels: First, it is fun. It is a great (social media) conversation starter. It is also very poetic. Or, in the words of Leonard Cohen: In the broken places, the light shines through. The result of this campaign is increasing social engagement by 340%. The kintsugi paste was sold out in a day. Market: Mexico and Brazil. https://lnkd.in/eZYKurtY
Broken Oreos get delightfully imperfect Japanese art makeover
creativebloq.com
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
I feel like the best distinctive assets are usually created by accident. For example: After regularly pumping out social media content, guides, and reports, people began to associate us with a certain look and feel. Most notably our neon green and black colour scheme. There’s no deep meaning behind these colours - they were one part of a previous identity created that was just trying to stand out and look different to other agencies. Like good marketers, we ruthlessly applied them to everything from social media posts to client pitches and presentations. And slowly, over time, people began to think of us as they scrolled past neon green coloured content on their social feeds. Personally, I’m sick of it and would love to have a change. But that would be a silly thing to do, wouldn’t it? So when we recently launched our new brand identity, the colour scheme stayed… You can check out the results here: https://lnkd.in/gM7GNZZR And please keep thinking of us whenever you see neon green.
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Marc Jacobs stole a marketing idea. Can you believe it? 👀 Marc Jacobs: "The Tote Bag" Ad 👀 Here’s the story: 1️⃣ Marc Jacobs unveiled a viral ad for "The Tote Bag." The campaign was celebrated for its innovative concept and originality. ↳ Yet, a dark undercurrent shadows this triumph. 2️⃣ The ad is a blatant copy of a smaller creator's work. Despite the praise, the marketing giant appropriated the idea from a smaller creator’s work from the previous year. ↳ They failed to acknowledge the original creator, ignoring ethical considerations. 3️⃣ This incident highlights a glaring disparity. Influential brands often exploit the creativity of independent artists without recompense or recognition. ↳ It's a stark reminder of the challenges faced by smaller players in an industry dominated by giants. And guess what... This serves as a call to action for greater accountability and ethical practices in the industry. Recognising and supporting original creators is essential for fostering genuine innovation. The artist's name is Mary Korlin-Downs, It is indeed a brilliant ad. 👏 Video Courtesy: The creator's Instagram Page and Marc Jacob's Instagram Page. I have attached both the original ad and the fan-created one below. #MarcJacobs #CreativeEthics #SupportArtists #Innovation #MarketingEthics
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
According to The Female Quotient, 64% of customers were found to have taken some action after seeing an ad they considered to be diverse or inclusive. Traditional stock photos often lack diversity and by incorporating more representative photographs, brands can challenge stereotypes and create a more inclusive narrative. Check out Forbes' article on the Importance Of Diversity In Modern Marketing: https://loom.ly/O3R-nSY #diversity #celebratediversitymonth #dei #businessphotography #coportatephotograher #brandphotography
Council Post: The Importance Of Diversity In Modern Marketing
forbes.com
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
I am absolutely LOVING this Marketers to Watch series and truly enjoyed learning E Gilliam's perspective on AI and color accessibility, among other things. Highly recommend the short read 🤖🌈 Also - if you want to nominate someone to be a Marketer to Watch, let me know! #thesagegroup #marketersthatmatter #marketerstowatch #equinix #generativeai #ai #DEI
When we asked E Gilliam for her prediction for something she sees evolving in the #creative space over the next few years, she said: "Color accessibility...Designers know simple rules around the colors you don’t use that make most people's eyes vibrate. But unless you’re only doing package design, you need to think first, second, fifth, and fifteenth of color accessibility for RGB/web...There’s no excuse for not making every single design fully accessible to all at all times." And who is E Gilliam, you may be wondering? Not only is she recognized as an MTM Marketer to Watch and the Director of Brand and Creative at Equinix, but she is also an advocate for inclusive marketing, a thought leader, and one of the most innovative creatives in the industry. Her interview is chock-full of insights and inspiring takeaways. Congrats E! 👇
Marketers To Watch | E Gilliam, Director of Brand and Creative at Equinix
https://www.marketersthatmatter.com
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
we can't wait to welcome Tricia Biggio to our Future of #Video stage next week to share more about how #ai is transforming content - so much to talk about! #streaming #tech #Innovation #video #advertising #content
Invisible Studio can be used for short form content in any style, including live action. My team created this beauty ad in under two hours! Brands, make sure you’re signing up for our Beta waitlist! https://lnkd.in/gyGUdY3R
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Creatives behind Glossier and Brat explain the new rules of branding To stand out online in this era, visuals need to stop scrolls at a glance. On Instagram, they need to have a differentiating point of view. On TikTok, they need to entertain. It’s both a cultural reaction to stressors in tech, politics, and the economy, and a strategic reaction to the mode in which we all view content. #business #marketing #branding #Brat #Glossier #CharliXCX
Creatives behind Glossier and Brat explain the new rules of branding
fastcompany.com
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
This is how fashion brands can go viral on Instagram... I interviewed a fashion brand owner that went viral on Instagram, this is what I learned: 1. Starting Out: Many creative businesses begin as hobbies or side projects, often in small or unconventional spaces. The key is to channel uncertainty and creative energy into something meaningful, even if you’re unsure about the long-term direction at the start. 2. Finding Your Unique Voice: It's common to think your early work is unique, but exposure to a larger creative community can make you realize there’s more competition. To stand out, focus on discovering your true style through experimentation, especially with different materials or techniques. 3. Transitioning from Hobby to Business: Turning a creative outlet into a business often involves testing the waters on small platforms or social media. The transition happens when you find a style or product that resonates with a larger audience and gives you creative freedom. Defining Your Aesthetic: It can take time to find a distinctive aesthetic that feels authentic. Gradual refinement through self-reflection and experimentation helps in crafting a unique identity that truly represents your voice as a creator. 4. Balancing Creativity with Business: As your brand grows, so do responsibilities. There’s often a tension between personal creative expression and catering to your audience. It’s important to find a balance between creating what you love and what your audience connects with. 5. Managing Growth and Workload: Running a creative business often means handling everything yourself, from production to marketing and operations. This can be overwhelming, so it’s important to create a work environment that supports your mental and creative well-being. 6. Storytelling and Branding: Content creation isn’t just about showcasing your products—it’s about telling the story behind your brand. Creating a narrative or atmosphere that resonates with your audience can help elevate your business beyond just the product. 7. Staying Competitive: The creative industry is highly competitive, and staying relevant requires constant innovation. Regularly refresh your designs or offerings, while staying true to the core of your brand, to keep your audience engaged. 8. Advice for New Creatives: Take your time and let your business grow naturally. There’s often pressure to reach a huge audience quickly, but it’s more sustainable to focus on perfecting your craft first. Allow growth to happen organically as your product and identity mature. Comment if you have any questions. Read full interview is here: https://lnkd.in/eRzQG8q9
How To Make Your Brand Stand Out
beyondfashionbusiness.com
To view or add a comment, sign in