Every year I try and make it out to the One Show’s Creative UnConference held in NYC in May. It’s a gritty, unpolished forum in which creatives from across the spectrum meet to talk about the industry. Let me quickly sketch out what happens when we all get together- a behind the door view into our world.

From BBDO to Zemoga it’s a mix of traditional and digital agencies with a strong common thread to create absolutely the best possible solutions for the brands we serve. Strolling from one unstructured topic to another the wide open loft space in Chelsea is full of Timbuk2 carrying Mac fanboys. Some folks walked a whole two blocks to get here while others flew in from the West Coast.

Last year’s theme involved the inner workings of how traditional agencies can better understand digital while digital shops yearned to find respect from the old men in the industry. But this year we came together to learn how we were all making it through some of the most difficult times in advertising. And quite frankly creatives can be some of the most creative business thinkers particularly when it comes to doing more with less.

Some were becoming product companies while others were incubating their own clients. It was great to hear all of the war stories. But nothing was more satisfying than the side talks behind the black draped walls separating each session.

Many folks just wanted to compliment one another on a project they showed during a previous breakout or ask questions about working with a particular client or industry. So although many of us let our hair grow too long or show off tatted sleeves we are quite normal entrepreneurs and graphic communicators. And behind the creative door we are very civil and honestly cool with each other. Just don’t tell anyone that I told you that- I’ll get my creative license revoked!

POST A NEW COMMENT

Your Message

Name

Email

Website (optional)

Subscribe to replies