Hey Roberto, I learned nothing, nothing, nothing, except that a) the only people making money in advertising are those running award shows and restaurants in Cannes and b) that it's high time we had a new Festival, for creatives to discuss creativity with other creatives, for free. NB, free, gratis, nada, on the house. Like the agora in Athens. Where young creatives can sit at the feet of people like Rob Schwartz and actually learn something. It can even be online. They can buy their own rosé from Carrefour or Tesco.
My own journey is that I say "My body is here in this place, in this moment but I live for out there". It's a pulling force that invigorates my creative journey in my dining room. I often felt overwhelmed at the spectacle of Cannes, the way it was organized. I understood more from conversations at the 'Gutter Bar' in the street talking to creatives from all over the world.
Thanks for this, Rob. That Nelson Mandela quote (“I never lose. I either win or learn something.”) is a salve I wish I had in my Creative Director's first-aid kit back in the day. Many young creatives who occasionally would "feel the burn" could have benefited from such wisdom. Thankfully, it will be shared in the classroom now that I am teaching advertising classes at Marquette.
Hey Rob, I was lucky enough to be at one or two of those cd meeting back in the day. They were exactly as you describe - full of amazing people, telling amazing stories, showing amazing work. I always came away inspired and jealous.
I was also lucky enough to go to Cannes this year and it was very different to the old glory days, but different good. I met so many young creatives using new tools and new platforms to do amazing work. I honestly think this is ‘the most exciting time in history to be a creative’. I robbed that line from Lee Clow in one of those rooms at the back of the Carlton. It’s as true now as it was then. Maybe more so.
I smiled at your hope of Creativity marching down the aisle and back onto the stage where it belongs - here's to that! My feelings on Cannes, as one who's never gone, have always been mixed - at my worst (or maybe at Cannes' worst?) the festival has brought out petty jealousy and a feeling of inferiority. When I've put those other feelings in check, I've loved looking at what won, loved it when Ogilvy's creative leaders would host meetings to share their thoughts on what won - the best stuff made me feel lucky to work in advertising and sparked new ideas and ways of looking at things.
I was invited twice - once, things got weirdly political and I didn't go. The other time, I had to be home because of a family matter. To be honest, both times, I felt a mixture of fomo and relief at not being able to be there.
Love this Rob. And as someone who’s watched rugby matches in some of those old dark pubs near the train station in Cannes, I know exactly what you mean. I’m down to have a few & march back to The Palais. Viva la resistancé! 🇫🇷🥖
Thanks for this, Rob. That Nelson Mandela quote (“I never lose. I either win or learn something.”) is a salve I wish I had in my Creative Director's first-aid kit back in the day. Many young creatives who occasionally would "feel the burn" could have benefited from such wisdom. Thankfully, it will be shared in the classroom now that I am teaching advertising classes at Marquette.
Hey Roberto, I learned nothing, nothing, nothing, except that a) the only people making money in advertising are those running award shows and restaurants in Cannes and b) that it's high time we had a new Festival, for creatives to discuss creativity with other creatives, for free. NB, free, gratis, nada, on the house. Like the agora in Athens. Where young creatives can sit at the feet of people like Rob Schwartz and actually learn something. It can even be online. They can buy their own rosé from Carrefour or Tesco.
Ah, yes. Leave it to you to have a great idea. I agree. We need to create a “Creative Stoic Porch.” Creatives talking creative.
Nicely put my friend.
My own journey is that I say "My body is here in this place, in this moment but I live for out there". It's a pulling force that invigorates my creative journey in my dining room. I often felt overwhelmed at the spectacle of Cannes, the way it was organized. I understood more from conversations at the 'Gutter Bar' in the street talking to creatives from all over the world.
Thank you again.
Thanks for this, Rob. That Nelson Mandela quote (“I never lose. I either win or learn something.”) is a salve I wish I had in my Creative Director's first-aid kit back in the day. Many young creatives who occasionally would "feel the burn" could have benefited from such wisdom. Thankfully, it will be shared in the classroom now that I am teaching advertising classes at Marquette.
Hey Rob, I was lucky enough to be at one or two of those cd meeting back in the day. They were exactly as you describe - full of amazing people, telling amazing stories, showing amazing work. I always came away inspired and jealous.
I was also lucky enough to go to Cannes this year and it was very different to the old glory days, but different good. I met so many young creatives using new tools and new platforms to do amazing work. I honestly think this is ‘the most exciting time in history to be a creative’. I robbed that line from Lee Clow in one of those rooms at the back of the Carlton. It’s as true now as it was then. Maybe more so.
I smiled at your hope of Creativity marching down the aisle and back onto the stage where it belongs - here's to that! My feelings on Cannes, as one who's never gone, have always been mixed - at my worst (or maybe at Cannes' worst?) the festival has brought out petty jealousy and a feeling of inferiority. When I've put those other feelings in check, I've loved looking at what won, loved it when Ogilvy's creative leaders would host meetings to share their thoughts on what won - the best stuff made me feel lucky to work in advertising and sparked new ideas and ways of looking at things.
I was invited twice - once, things got weirdly political and I didn't go. The other time, I had to be home because of a family matter. To be honest, both times, I felt a mixture of fomo and relief at not being able to be there.
Thanks for sharing this, Debra. I’m so with you. Cannes is always at the intersection of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and JOMO (Joy of Missing Out).
Hear hear🏴☠️
"Thought listener"
Love this Rob. And as someone who’s watched rugby matches in some of those old dark pubs near the train station in Cannes, I know exactly what you mean. I’m down to have a few & march back to The Palais. Viva la resistancé! 🇫🇷🥖
Thanks for this, Rob. That Nelson Mandela quote (“I never lose. I either win or learn something.”) is a salve I wish I had in my Creative Director's first-aid kit back in the day. Many young creatives who occasionally would "feel the burn" could have benefited from such wisdom. Thankfully, it will be shared in the classroom now that I am teaching advertising classes at Marquette.