Yes, You ARE Creative!
Three Ways to Explore Your Creativity
By Chris Dunmire
Are you one of those people who claim ‘not to have a creative bone in your body?’ If so, you’re going to love this newsflash: Yes, you ARE creative!
Why am I so confident in telling you this? For the simple fact that I’ve observed countless people in my life — friends, family, and co-workers — make this same claim only to later realize how wrong they were! Oh, and guess what? I used to be one of those “I’m not creative” people too.
I’ll tell you what. If you still don’t believe my claim that, Yes, you ARE Creative!, I challenge you with the following exercise.
3 Ways to Explore Your Creativity
I’m a firm believer that you can easily tap into your creativity by expressing yourself through creative arts, crafts, or writing. I want you to choose any one of these mediums for this exercise.
Next, I’m going to prompt you with a project idea that you must agree to spend at least 15-30 minutes of your time on.
Okay, are you ready? Here goes...
If you choose:
ARTDraw, sketch, paint, or collage a picture that incorporates these five elements (realistically or abstractly):
Door
Water
Animal
Time
Currency
CRAFTSUsing craft sticks, papers, yarns, fabrics, or found objects, do one of the following:
Design an easy craft project for a pre-school class.
Pretend you’re a world famous artist and build a 3D sculpture for an upcoming gallery show. (Keep in mind that anything you create will be adored and snatched up by your fans, even if you think it looks like junk.)
Create an abstract ornament to be auctioned off at your favorite charity.
WRITINGUsing up to 100 words, write about the following:
Your autobiography.
A major event that altered your life course.
Give advice to your ten-year-old self.
Now I’m going to sit here and wait until you get back from doing one of these creativity-inducing exercises. Once you finish, read on...
(ah, ah — no looking ahead!)
What Happened?
Did you really do it? Did you sincerely put forth the time and effort (15-30 minutes) on one of the creativity exercises I prompted you with above? What happened when you did? Did you have fun? Did you create something new and unusual? Did you come away from it thinking, “Wow, I didn’t know I had it in me!”
Chances are that the process was positive and you gained some interesting insight into your ability to be creative. See what happens when your mind is focused and you’re open to new creative experiences? Amazing things take place once you stop believing that you aren’t creative, and start practicing new ways to allow your creativity to surface.
So now what? Well, after you stop jumping up and down for joy, this new insight into your creative self should encourage you to keep moving forward to discovering your true creative potential. Revisit some of my creativity exercises if you need more prompts to keep you going.
I guarantee that the more attention you put towards your creativity, the more amazing results you’ll get in return. No ‘bones’ about it! •
Copyright Chris Dunmire 2005. All rights reserved.

To know more about the author and other stuff visit http://www.currentliving.com/categories/creativity/articles/explore.shtml

I always love long copy ads. But most of it are simply boring. Either there are too many flaws or it may not be interesting enough. But this one for sure is interesting (beleive...its the copy i am talking about). Well...may i add that the art is interesting too....

Typo ads can be so powerful like this. Its the idea which drives the whole concept. Now can you find defeat in the victory?

A bit old creative... but the thought is fresh!

Managing Those Creative Types
Bestselling author Richard Florida tells why creativity adds to the bottom line -- and how companies can keep it flowingy

Richard Florida, Ph.D., author of the bestselling The Rise of the Creative Class and the recently published Flight of the Creative Class, discussed the value of creativity in business. As defined by Dr. Florida, creativity isn't the sole province of artists and musicians -- it's the ability to find better ways to make products or to find and fill needs that no one noticed existed.

More of his interesting interview can be read from this link.

....IF YOU ARE LOOKING...
jus drop in @ http://creativecriminaljobs.blogspot.com

An ad done for greenpease. The copy says "If it were at your house, would you complain?"

I think this is the most powerful magazine ad done for sex abuse against women. Read the image to get the full impact.

Above others, one question I’m asked is, “where do all your ideas come from?”
Life, silly.
Open your ears, your eyes, your moods, emotions, memories, and noses to the world around you and simply start bumping into the ideas all around you.
Do you remember how she looked when she opened the door that first evening of that first date?
Do you remember how you felt waiting for him to arrive?
Did you wonder what she said to her friends after it was over?
Do you remember the first kiss? Did you happen to notice that 80-year-old couple walking hand-in-hand down the street?
When you went to that last ballgame, did you notice the 8-year-old with the sticky-outy-ears and the big hat covering his head and the even bigger glove on his hand?
Did you ever see your own face in your father’s? Remember the moment you realized your parents were human?
Ever curious what your pets are thinking?
It always strikes me as funny that people act as though I’m some magician because I can continue to keep coming up not just with clever little ideas, but ideas that resonate with the ability to persuade.
It’s so easy. Just be curious. Be aware. Listen.
Ideas are everywhere around you. Start getting in their way.
So, there are some idea starters for you.
Unless you’re slightly more daring and decide to get in the way of your own experiences.

What an execution!
The copy says "New Electrolux 2000 Watts. The Vacuum Cleaner Co."

Finally, a definition of Marketing that makes sense....

You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her and say, I'm fantastic in bed.
That's Direct Marketing.

You're at a party with a bunch of friends and see a gorgeous girl. One of your friends goes up to her and pointing at you says, He's fantastic in bed. That's Advertising.

You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her and get her telephone number. The next day you call and say, Hi, I'm fantastic in bed. That's Telemarketing.

You're at a party and see a gorgeous girl. You get up and straighten your tie, you walk up to her and pour her a drink. You open the door for her, pick up her bag after she drops it, offer her a ride, and then say, By the way, I'm fantastic in bed. That's Public Relations.

You're at a party and see a gorgeous girl. She walks up to you and says, I hear you're fantastic in bed. That's Brand Recognition.

Interesting Isn't it!

I consider this piece of innovative media as a public service message ;). How about you folks?!

Need a great idea? Feed your brain
By Michele Pariza Wacek
A lot of great ideas happen when two or more other ideas collide to form something completely new. Think of this like those old chemistry movies we used to watch in school. You had all of those atoms floating around and when two collided -- bam! A chemical reaction. Maybe something new was created. Maybe something exploded. Or maybe it all fizzled out and nothing happened. Well, a similar reaction is going on inside your brain. Except instead of atoms floating around they're pieces of information or other ideas. As they drift about, they occasionally bump into each other. When that happens, you may get a new, third idea. Or a big explosion. Or absolutely nothing at all.
Now, if you have lots of atoms, or information and ideas, you're going to get lots of reactions. Some will fail. Some will be so-so. And some will be hot -- so hot, so full of energy, they'll have the power to change the trajectory of a business. Or even a life. The problem occurs when you don't have lots of random information and ideas. Fewer atoms mean fewer reactions. On top of that, you still have to weed through the invariable duds. So the odds of landing that one amazing idea drop considerably.But not to worry -- there's good news. You can increase your odds of getting those great ideas. Better yet, it's fairly easy and painless. Here are three ways to get started. 1. Read, read and read some more. I know, I know, I can hear the groans already. "But I already have too much to read. How can I fit more reading in?" Never fear, there are ways to do this. (Remember I did say this was painless.) The key is to keep it wide and shallow. What does that mean? Read lots and lots of different things, but keep it general. Read about sheep farming, finances, yoga, cooking, traveling, dog training, etc. But keep it general -- don't read deeply. You can even skim if that's all you have time for.
Start by subscribing to a couple of different magazines and e-zines. General interest magazines are really good for this -- Walt Disney used to read Reader's Digest. Scatter them around the house -- by the bed, the couch, even the bathroom. I'd put a few in your car as well for those times when you have to wait for an appointment. When you have a few moments, flip through them. Skim a few paragraphs. See what catches your eye. You can also buy or rent audio books and CDs and listen while you exercise, drive, do the dishes, etc. Whatever you do, DON'T read publications related to your industry. That's for another time. This is brain-feeding time, not keeping up in your profession time. 2. Travel the worldTraveling has so many fabulous benefits for your creative soul I could write an article just about that, but for now I'll limit my comments to brain food. When you travel, you open yourself up to lots of new and exciting experiences. New sights, new sounds, new smells, new tastes, new textures. And they all have the ability to form a reaction with something else. Don't have time to hop on a plane to India? Take a day trip to a town you've never visited. Or, if you can only spare a few hours, seek out a park you've never been to or a museum you've been meaning to see or even that new cute little shop that just opened. You can always find somewhere new to visit no matter how long you've lived in the same city. And if you're truly desperate, try walking around your neighborhood on the opposite side of the street in the opposite direction you normally walk. (It can help jolt you out of a rut.) 3. Open yourself up to new things Of all of these, this one is probably the scariest. But, it also has the potential to be the most powerful.
Take the time to try new things. Meet people outside your normal circle of friends. Attend associations, non-profits, and hobby groups outside of the ones you usually go to. Listen to speakers on topics you know nothing about. Take a class at a community college about something outside your scope of knowledge. Or even have dinner at an ethnic restaurant you've never tried. Now I'm not just talking about "typical" creative things, like taking an art class or learning to belly dance. If you're a creative professional, take a class on doing your own taxes or budgeting your finances or repairing your car (Oooh, I bet all you creative folk felt a chill when I mentioned that). The point is to really stretch yourself past your comfort zone, to make yourself uncomfortable. It's not only a great way to grow, but it's a fabulous way to keep your muse fat and happy. And that helps keep the ideas flowing.

Small but tough is simple and powerful!

The copy says "The Metro Lingerie Sale. There's something for everyone". Done by Saatchi Singapore. I like the way they have used the alphabets.

As an excuse for too many play boy postings...this is one masterpice of work done for the HBO series "Sopranos". For more details about the sopranos visit http://www.the-sopranos.com/.

Blue pill magic!!
I always love ads which dosen't have any copy, but still communicates the message powerfully. Like this!!

i hope you're looking at the idea!!!!

How to Talk to Creative People About Branding
by Steve McNamara

You've seen this scenario: Helen Chan, Queen of Client Services, walks all excited into the office of Andy Oz, the recently hired King of Creative. Her hands are animated as she announces, "We're pitching MegaGlobal in two weeks! We need a Big Brand Idea!"
Andy looks up and removes his glasses. "Cool" he says, as he wonders, What the %#*! does she mean, Big Brand Idea?
Cut to you, right now, reading at your monitor.
Yes, you.
Here's a pop quiz. Define "brand." Go ahead, jot something down. And if you're really clever, define "Big Brand Idea." I'll wait.
All done?
Back to Helen and Andy, two days later. They are sitting around a marble conference table with several art directors, copywriters and assorted planners—the usual crowd on The Pitching Team.
Helen Clears her throat, smiles at Andy, and says, "Our new creative guru here has asked me to explain what I mean by Big Brand Idea."
She looks around the room. Most everyone just stares. "Well, to me, a brand is like a person," says Helen, gesturing towards an art director, a guy named Cinco Lima who looks like Sean Penn.
Helen says, "Let's say Cinco is a product, a jar of instant coffee, sitting on a shelf at Park&Shop. His relationship is different with every shopper that walks down his aisle, right? Just like he has a different relationship with everyone here at work."
Helen takes a quick read of the table. She sees Cinco nod. Andy, Julie and Sabilla all agreeing. So she continues.
"Cinco's relationships can be divided into one of three stages. Stage one, you want people to notice and recognize you. It's like, 'Hey, here I am, look at me!'
"Stage two, you want to get acquainted, you want people to know you. 'You're going to like what we can do together.'
"And stage three, you want people to love you. 'This is such an important relationship, let's stay together forever.'"
"Soooo..." Helen says, looking expectantly around the table.
Julie, a copywriter with red hair and skin as white as rice says, "So you think a Big Brand Idea should, what, be based on the stage of the relationship?"
"Exactly. Where that relationship is, at present. And where you want to take it," replies Helen.
Cinco says, "Reminds me of that butterfly guy. The MSN dude with butterfly wings. He's like a friend who lives with you. Helps you plan your vacation. Get the daily weather and sports."
"And tells you what baby names to avoid. Remember that campaign?" asks Julie. "McCann in San Francisco. Nice stuff."
Cinco says, "Yeah, if I'm Yahoo, I'm going to stab that MSN butterfly with a spike. Pin him to the floor. Ask him, 'Need a doctor, Mr. Butterfly? Or a taxidermist?'" Then Cinco howls like a coyote, "Yahooo!'"
Everyone laughs. After a moment, Andy says, "One last thing. As you flesh out concepts, be sure that every idea has three things." Andy raises his index finger, saying: "One. Indicate the visual symbols or icons that identify the brand. That's everything from colors to the logo."
"Two. An expression of the brand's personality. Is this brand hip or what?
"Three. An explanation of the relationship between the brand and the target audience. Is this brand a problem solver? A friend? An adviser?"
"How about brand characters or celebs?" asks Cinco.
Andy says, "Sure. Put them anywhere it makes sense. A doctor, you'd put in three. A famous face, Jennifer Lopez, put in one. Let's look to review concepts on Monday."
Thanks, Andy. And as to you, Dear Reader, let me show you a rock. On this rock is written:
A brand is like a person.
> Like a person, brands have relationships, and these relationships evolve, for better or worse, over time, and need to be constantly nurtured.
> And like a person, brands have visual characteristics, sounds, personalities, and ways of relating to, or interacting with, the audience.

for boys who were always men...

Client : Sips Cocktailbar
Agency : 10
Publication : 2005
Media : Press

Client : Peugeot 206
Agency : Euro RSCG Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Source: Book CLIO Awards 2001.

Client : ChewingGum Kissmint - 2004
Source : Finalist New York Festivals.
Agency : CraveroLanis Euro RSCG

Client : Annonce Bulls one Window Cleaner - 2003
Source : New York Festivals, Cannes Lions Archive.
Agency : Cheil Communication (Korea)

Simple and neat...

Company:Ogilvy & Mather Vietnam
Country:Vietnam
Medium:Print: Newspaper
Category:Magazine & Newspaper: Product & Service
Sub-Category:Household Appliances/Furnishings

;-)

Looks like a damn good idea! What do you think?

DureXXX...

Wow....brilliant...

ha ha ha

Lite..has some life.....

simply superb.

Title Bule Eyes
Product/Service Land Rover Owners Club
Agency Lowe & Partners, Kuala Lumpur

Speakers were installed beneath gratings in the busiest parts of town. As people walked by, they could hear the cries of a tortured man emerging from the bars of his "prison". The pedestrians looked down and read: "Today 133 journalists are imprisoned and tortured all over the world." There's no freedom without freedom of the press.
Agency: DDB Brussels
Creative Director: Dominique van Doormaal
Copywriters: Gr�gory Titeca, Mohamed Oudaha
Art Directors: Gr�gory Titeca, Mohamed Oudaha
Client: Reporters Without Borders

Agency: BBDO Campaign, D�sseldorf
Creative Director: Veikko Hille
Copywriter: Dietmar Neumann
Art Director: Patrick Hahne
Photographer: Volker Moehrke
Client: Diadermine Lift Anti-Wrinkle Cream

Simple and straight...that's good advertising

i love the art...done beautifully

do i have to call it a viral ad...since it was done by me ????

Find out the kids in the ad...

what a thought!!

Breathe easy!!! Brilliant!!!

interesting......

Next to the towers: 2.863 people died
Next to the kid: 824 million people starving in the world.
The world united against terrorism. It should also be united against HUNGER.

Next to the towers: 2.863 people died
Next to the old man: 630 million of homeless people in the world.
The world united against terrorism. It should also be united against POVERTY.

Text next to the towers: 2.863 people died
Text next to the guy: 40 milllion of HIV infected in the world.
The world united against terrorism. It should also be united against AIDS .

what a thought!!!!

ha ha ha

Interesting....no wonder it won Cannes'05

An aids ad done by me... comments is a must...plz...comment