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Sell Your Design On TeeFury.

2012-02-13T17:04:44Z

I'm having a geek moment. My T-shirt just arrived from TeeFury.

TeeFury is a site where artists can submit a T-shirt design to be sold for $10. It has a great call-to-action – the shirt design is only on sale for one day only. "Tee today, gone tomorrow," as the site says. So if you love it, you've got to buy it now. Being a Doctor Who fan, I jumped on this "Merry Melodies" interpretation of the three doctors by artist Zerobriant.

If you're looking for a creative outlet, some exposure, and a chance to earn a few bucks, why not submit something to TeeFury? They pay $1 per shirt sold and the artist retains full rights to their design.

In fact, here's a list of their top earning artists:

Ian Leino $31,879 USD

Zerobriant $29,007 USD

WinterArtwork $28,973 USD

Captain RibMan $24,295 USD

RudyRed $23,757 USD

Not bad for a series of one-day sales. And by the way, I was happily surprised by the high quality of the shirt for the $10 price tag.

How Adults Kill Creativity.

2012-02-10T16:39:09Z

When you're 15 years old, your future is wide open. Chicago resident Herbert Pulger, a freshman at Lawrence Hall Youth Services, may see his future in art. He could have a career as an art director, illustrator, animator etc. It looked like he was off to a promising start when he recently won the city vehicle sticker design contest.

( Rich Hein~Sun-Times)

Then it was taken from him.

According to Chicago Sun-Times reports, Pulger was stripped of his win by Chicago City Clerk Susana Mendoza because the extending hands in his design "could be 'misconstrued' as including gang signs."

Pulger denies any affiliation. Regardless, his art teacher provided hand images from a flyer Pulger apparently used as inspiration for his entry as seen in this Sun-Times photo with Pulger's mother Jessica Loor holding up the comparisons.

(John H. White~Sun-Times)

So if the committee had issues with Pulger's work, why couldn't they be addressed before humiliating the kid? Why not give him a chance to make adjustments to his entry?

Doing work you're proud of, only to have it go away or altered for reasons beyond your control is, as we all know, part of the business.

Our business.

Adult business.

This is a kid.

He has plenty of time to deal with realities later.

Clifton Simmons Copyright 2012

Watch The Flavor Battle Finale

2012-02-08T15:32:54Z

You're invited to McDonald's Flavor Battle, a nationwide DJ competition I worked on.

Hosted by Doug E. Fresh, the finale will air live online 9pm ET on flavorbattle.com. If you live in the Miami area, go to the site now to RSVP and check out the event at CAMEO.

Did Any Mobile Move You During The Super Bowl?

2012-02-06T16:33:54Z

Did any of you pick up a mobile phone during game time? I don't mean to call or text trash talk to your friends during the Super Bowl. All eyes were on the commercials of course, but I looked forward to what many brands planned for smartphones – or the second screen.

Best Buy, Chevy, Toyota, Pepsi, Go Daddy and Subway made the digital jump and had people spending time with their brands beyond any :60 spot.

The most engaging for me was Chevy's Game Time, an app that was pushed days before the game. It was basically an interactive quiz for a chance to win cars and prizes.

Toyota Camry also hosted a mobile contest that encouraged people to write their own Toyota stories.

The worst of the bunch had to be Go Daddy. They added a tiny QR code to their commercial. Even with my big screen, my phone could not pick up the code and I didn't feel like getting off the couch to move in closer, only to get a link to the "too hot for TV" version of the commercial.

If anything was learned, Shazam proved to be the best way for the phone and TV to interact.

Like all the Super Bowl commercials, the mobile interaction wasn't earth shattering. But the most promising thing is that this is just the beginning – a testing ground we can only expect to get better.

Honoring My Influences – Again.

2012-02-03T17:11:00Z

This post is a "best of" for me that originally appeared 2 years ago. I added a few updates.

I can't let Black History Month go by without acknowledging some major players in advertising who have inspired me directly and indirectly.

Vincent Cullers

A former art director with EBONY Magazine, Vincent Cullers was founder of the nation's first Black-owned, full-service advertising agency, Vince Cullers Advertising Inc. in Chicago, a business he started with his wife, Marian in 1956. His company created some of the first targeted marketing campaigns on television. Their client list included Sears, Roebuck & Company, Kellogg's, Ameritech, Amoco Oil Co. (BP Amoco), and Pizza Hut. Mr. Cullers passed away in 2003.

I met Mr. Cullers well over 20 years ago. I was recently laid off — for the third time in two years. I decided to use the moment to make a new start and possibly relocate to Chicago. I made frequent day trips from Detroit (about a 5-hour drive). I set up interviews by telling companies I was in the area and I'd ask if they could spare a moment to critique my portfolio. So even if they didn't have openings, some of them agreed to meet with me. One of those individuals was Mr. Cullers.

We hit it off and talked for a couple of hours and I almost missed my other appointment. He was full of helpful tips and stories. Unfortunately, the Chicago plan never worked out and Mr. Cullers also wasn't in a position to hire me at the time. (Update: I now live in Chicago).* Still, he asked me to stop by if I ever had the time during my day trips. He always made time for me.

Harry Webber

If he's not a familiar name, you know his work, unless you've been living in a sealed cave for the last four decades. Inducted into the Clio Hall of Fame, this is the man who co-created:

"I Am Stuck On Band-Aid Brand." (Band-Aid)
Obviously, this is a newer spot. I couldn't find an older one that would download properly. People were singing this song when the parents of these kids were babies.

"A Mind Is A Terrible Thing To Waste." (UNCF)*

"Quality Is Job 1." (Ford)*

"Chow Chow Chow." (Purina Cat Chow)*

*(Sorry - I couldn't verify if the last three examples were his ads or extensions of his campaign.)

Currently, Mr. Webber is founder and chief creative officer of Smart Communications, Inc. He dubs the current phase of his career as "NeoAdvertising," which involves mastering new skills and technologies to creating more effective engagements and evolve the marketing business model. We've never met, but his interest in new trends mirror my own. And he's also a Campbell-Ewald alum from back in the day in the late 60's. Mr. Webber had a blog, madisonavenew.com, that's unfortunately down at the present time, but you can check out his background here or on "Harry Webber" on my blog roll.

New name - Spike Lee

When he's not making movies, his Brooklyn-based agency Spike DDB is doing multicultural work for Chevy (a job I once did). Glad to see it's in good hands.

Clifton Simmons Copyright 2012

I Missed My Train. RIP Don Cornelius.

2012-02-01T17:21:54Z

Sadly, the first day of Black History Month is marked by a loss of one of our biggest icons.

According to the press, Don Cornelius, creator of “Soul Train,” was found shot dead in his Los Angeles home on Wednesday morning. Authorities are investigating to determine if his death was a suicide.

Much Love.
Rest in Peace.
God bless your Soul.

Clifton Simmons Copyright 2012

If You Don't Truly Follow, Opportunities Get Left Behind.

2012-01-30T15:31:22Z

A friend recently landed an ad job in Philly. It started with a tweet from someone in HR. You see, my friend started following various HR personnel from different agencies for about a year. As most of you know, your Twitter timeline doesn't include every tweet from everyone you follow. Sometimes you have to make the effort to check up on those on your list.

And that's what my friend did. By checking a few names on his "Following" list, he caught a job posting that eventually became his.

So remember why you're following someone on Twitter – it's because you like what they have to tweet. So if you haven't heard a peep from them, then it's time to check in or risk missing something important.

And for those who are new to my story, that's similar to how I ended up relocating to Chicago.

In my case, someone who followed me tweeted me about my current position.

Image courtesy of Stock.xchng.

Clifton Simmons Copyright 2012

Tell Your Story At Your Film Festival.

2012-01-27T14:00:00Z

Speaking of contests (see my last post)...

YouTube is putting on one of the more interesting filmmaker contests I've seen in a while – Your Film Festival. I say that because it's such a natural progression for them. So before you upload your next cat dancing video, check this out.:

15 minutes to tell a story. Millions of people to watch it. $500,000 to make a new one for the world to see.

This is Your Film Festival. You have until March 31st to submit a short, story-driven video. There's no entry fee. It can be any format - short film, web-series episode, TV pilot - and any genre.

We are in the business to tell stories in the shortest amount of time. So make a name for yourself and show 'em how it's done.

Clifton Simmons Copyright 2012

How Come They Can Make Super Bowl Ads?

2012-01-25T17:30:17Z

Filmmaker Zack Borst recently won the Chevrole Route66 competition and this spot will air during Super Bowl XLVI.

I'm all for talented people finding their big break through crowdsourcing contests. In fact, I was involved in Super Bowl ad contests way back when I was writing for Chevy. My only issue with make-a-commercial contests is that, although some spots have been entertaining, none have been super Super Bowl commercials. I like the premise of this spot, but the casting is off for me. For a high school grad, the lead actor looks almost as old as his parents. Plus, his excitement level was too over the top.

Super Bowl time is probably one of the more crazy and cutthroat times at an agency. I've pitched many spots, but I've never been produced. Once I swallowed the bitter pill of making it to a final presentation, only to have another ad get chosen. Often, it's not about just having the best idea. A lot of elements beyond your control come into play for that coveted spot.

Some creatives won't even pitch ideas, because they feel they don't stand a chance. If you can be swayed that easily, this isn't the business for you. Each year I was asked to participate I gave it my all. But it's just like entering a contest – the odds are against you. So if you manage to get produced, enjoy your moment in the spotlight while it lasts.

Still I say congrats to Zack Borst. But know in an agency world, getting any TV spot produced is tough enough. And a Super Bowl spot is never as simple as entering a contest.

By the way, this is the commercial that beat me - and for good reason. It's one of my favorite Chevy spots by some of my former co-workers.

Clifton Simmons Copyright 2012

Female CDs Gather For Upcoming Conference.

2012-01-23T13:13:00Z

Look for an upcoming event for female creative directors – The 3% Conference. No date or venue has been set, but you can register for future email announcements.

I hope it's not an event exclusive to female CDs. It could be inspiring for many to hear from the leaders who will participate at this gathering.

Throughout my entire career, most of my creative directors have been women. So I speak from personal experience.

Interested? Sign up for more info here.

My Kodak Moment.

2012-01-20T16:27:17Z

I was concerned to hear Kodak filed for Chapter 11. Of course they aren't dead, just struggling to find a place in the digital world. According to a Bloomberg article, "Bankruptcy allows sales of the photography divisions and patents Chief Executive Officer Antonio Perez wants to jettison to pay off legacy employee benefits and creditors, as he focuses Kodak on faster, flexible commercial and consumer digital printers and the company’s superior ink."

I'm an amateur photographer. I own a couple of small digital cameras, but old faithful is my 20+ year old Canon Rebel. I love B&W photography, even developing my own pictures. The excitement of film photography is not knowing what you may get, until you develop the film. I use different lenses and filters and experiment to capture various results. Even today, I refuse to manipulate my Canon pictures in Photoshop. If it's a failed experiment, I learn from the experience – and it was fun. (I was going to include some of my work with this post, but I didn't get the chance to scan them. Yes, I can be that old school about film photography.)

So with the further demise of film photography, I fear there's a level of creativity that will be forever lost.

Clifton Simmons Copyright 2012

Social Media Week Is Coming.

2012-01-18T17:56:43Z

Various organizations have been trying to get some momentum behind a Social Media Week. There was one in June and September I recall. Maybe we're not yet consistent on the timing, but it doesn't mean another one is not worth checking out. This one is taking place globally. See what may be happening in your city.

Clifton Simmons Copyright 2012

Can Any Brand Pull Off An MLK Sale?

2012-01-16T18:25:26Z

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is now part of the ranks of those great long weekend holidays - Memorial Day, Labor day – but does it make a great sale day?

A Veterans' Day Parade can fill me with awe and admiration, but it won't inspire me to catch a sale at the local mall.

If you are in a position to promote a holiday sale, look into the cultural significance of the day. Or you may risk hurting a brand by subjecting it to public criticism. Would you be more inclined to support a Veterans' Day Sale that gave proceeds to programs that support our troops or a sale where the company pockets the profits? Would not the same apply for MLK Day? Why don't we see something that also promotes social change?

And what client (in their right mind) would complain about a promotion that puts them in a positive light? You're doing your job.

Don't get me wrong, you can sell on a holiday. People are off work, why not encourage some shopping during their vacation? Be smart about our hook. Don't create a spectacle.

Clifton Simmons Copyright 2012

The First Thing You Should Do After CES.

2012-01-13T16:27:08Z

Contact those vendors!

Vendors and sponsors are there to create buzz and interest about their products.

They are trying to sell something.

They want to work with you.

If you see something that could add some "wow factor" to your work, pick up a phone, send an email or meet with them if possible. Start with Eureka Park, which is full of start up companies.

If you weren't paying any attention to CES (shame on you), you can still catch recap videos on various sites including YouTube.

Clifton Simmons Copyright 2012

Learn From Successful E-tailers.

2012-01-11T14:19:00Z

Have you been trying to use your marketing savvy to launch or grow an e-tail business? (E-tailers sell goods over the Internet.) Then you may want to check out the Social Commerce Summit in NYC, February 7, 2012.

According to the site "...social commerce comes with its own unique challenges. The market is crowded, noisy, and always changing. Social Commerce Summit presents today's and tomorrow's best practices. You'll hear about emerging cutting-edge trends and established, mega-successful Fortune 500 strategies."

Speakers include:

Neil Blumenthal
Co-Founder, Warby Parker

Alexis Maybank
Founder and CMO, Gilt Groupe (one of my favorite etailers)

Tim O'Shaughnessy
CEO, LivingSocial (where I look for deals of the day)

For more information, click here.

Clifton Simmons Copyright 2012

2012 International CES Begins Tomorrow.

2012-01-09T14:03:00Z

All eyes on Vegas. 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) takes over the city January 10-13. This is your opportunity to see the tech that may change the world in the upcoming year – or what brands "want" us to get excited about.

For example, consumers never embraced 3D TV no matter how hard it was pushed. And for the couple of years, expert have claimed each one as "the year of mobile." Back then, the predictions may have been premature, but 2012 might be it as Tuesday morning's keynote speaker, Qualcomm CEO Dr. Paul Jacobs, will discuss.

For the next few days, follow International CES on Twitter and check out the tech coverage on your favorite sites from SpikeTV to CNET to G4TV.

Look for the promising trends you may have to learn more about incorporate into your work – and also the ones to avoid.

Clifton Simmons Copyright 2012

Key To An Appy New Year

2012-01-06T17:35:35Z

I read a recent CNET article by Don Reisinger, "98 Billion Apps to be Downloaded in 2015, Study Says." It made me question, how many companies are creating apps just because their client wants one or just because they can?

Wanting one and needing one are two different things. Wanting one because everyone has one, especially their competitors, isn't a sound enough reason to make one, because:

You'll lose money on it.
You won't get the downloads you hoped for.
You're not creating something your audience wants or needs.
If your web site isn't getting big hits, an app won't find the audience for you.

Some apps are no-brainers. I use my bank app all the time. Some apps I download just to see what it's like and then I move on. I don't need it taking up space on my phone.
If you're developing an app for a client or class project, here are things to keep in mind:

Make it sure it functions. Really? Yes. Think about all of the buggy apps you've downloaded. Test and test again. Does it work with or without WIFI? Does it eat up a lot of data? What happens if phone service is interrupted? API? There's lots to consider.
Is it useful? Your app should add ease to the service the brand provides. Don't link me to your website. That's what bookmarks are for. Don't recreate the web site. This should be a simplified version of your service. Also, it should offer some service that can only be provided by the app.
Has your app been done before? If you're creating an app because your competitor has one, explore and push for ways yours can be better. Find the advantage.
Ads. If you must promote or sell space on the app, don't clutter or hurt the function. It sounds like another no-brainer, but then why do we see it all the time?

An app for app sake is not an ideal assignment, but you can rise above it by digging deep and creating valuable function and content.

Clifton Simmons Copyright 2012

Smartphones Don't Create Mobile Sites.

2012-01-04T16:29:36Z

This is how Professor Ad Man looks on a smart phone.

You can hold it vertically or horizontally, but the one thing I hope you quickly realize is that this is not a mobile site. Just because your phone can read it it, doesn't make it a mobile site.

You're going to have to expand pages and scroll to check out the content. That's not a bad thing. The phone's ability to surf makes it a valuable marketing tool. It's a bad thing if you and your client believe this is an acceptable mobile experience for your audience.

A mobile site is designed to the specs of a phone's screen and usability. Meaning, the navigation and experience is contained to the screen with minimal scrolling and basically no need for expansion (unless you have poor eyesight).

For example, take a look at Lacoste. This is their web site:

Not only would this entire screen not fit on the phone, it would also be too small to navigate with the small icons above. Here's their mobile site:

Very simple. Fits on the screen. Large clickable buttons. An easy shopping and sharing experience. But this is a different site. Also, your mobile site shouldn't have all the bells and whistles of the regular site. It can't. Even with 4G, it's still a slower device than computers and tablets. No one will wait forever to download content on a phone.

Still the mobile site is valuable, because we are quickly approaching a time when the majority of us will do most of our surfing by phone. With younger audiences, African Americans and Latinos, many studies show we are already there.

So when you propose a digital experience, it's important to include mobile. I once read an article about a Coca-Cola executive wouldn't even look at a campaign if it didn't include mobile content.

It would be dumb to rely on a smartphone to create the content for you.

Clifton Simmons Copyright 2012

The Smart Thinking Is On Phones.

2012-01-02T17:20:13Z

For 2012, see why you need to get your head in a mobile marketing space.

Clifton Simmons Copyright 2012

I Fought The Law And The Law Won.

2011-12-30T15:57:42Z

When people say there is no truth in advertising, I wonder if they ever had to face a legal review. It's when lawyers and legal savvy people go through your work with a fine-tooth comb adding disclaimers, fine print and asterisks to your work to protect you, the agency and the client.

Sometimes it can suck all creativity out of the work.

But you don't have to take their first response as law. You negotiate. Sometimes legal doesn't understand what you are trying to accomplish, but it's up to you to find middle ground that satisfies everyone involved.

Remember legal has a purpose. Brands come under attack, sometimes for the most frivolous reasons. I remember a recent lawsuit where a woman sued the makers of the movie Drive staring Ryan Gosling. She felt the promotions were misleading, expecting another Fast & Furious-type movie, filled with car chases. (Spoiler alert: It's not). Or it could have been a promo stunt. (It caught my attention.)

So when lawyers constantly face such issues, you'll never completely change their minds when they flag your work.

Just work together. You'll find a solution.

Clifton Simmons Copyright 2012