Mike & Phil

Oops...

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:01:00 +0000

OOPS! IT APPEARS
NOBODY'S IN. YOU
CAN CONTINUE THE
STORY HERE //

Baby steps...

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:30:00 +0000

Hello! Glad you're still reading, for some reason the stats have been higher than usual... weird - But thanks all the same...

Anyone else slightly perplexed by this...

So... I've basically been spending my time seeing what's out there, meeting some very interesting people. The thing I've noticed most is the diversity of single creatives out there, I'm not just talking about ability, but backgrounds, situations, visions & directions. It's an exciting time, I won't mention names because, well it's just my opinion, but there's a real mixed bag. Some very talented people and some... who are just starting out. Obviously from my perspective I'm looking for someone with a little bit of experience, but there's some really enthusiastic people out there, who are just starting out and have some nice spec stuff in their 'folios. What's more is everyone has been bloody nice, I am yet to come across anyone who has been a complete tw*t - more to my surprise. I've not made any drastic decisions just yet, I'm considering all the options before leaping head first into anything.

I've been in touch with a couple of people who have been/ are followers of this blog (there's one reason to start up a blog if you're starting out - or not), the old fashioned NABS lonely hearts monthly meet-up run by Rory over at The Talent Business, friends, friends of friends and contacts from agencies that I've worked at. I'm trying to use a whole heap of resources to find my best possible match.

When I get a second or two more I'll put up the resources I've been using and try and be a little more specific for any other aspiring and/or single creatives. If it helps then great if not, then what's lost, right?

I've also been collating my work, or rather hoarding it in a new 'folio. I spent quite a bit of time running this blog and our previous website that I never thought to put any time into my own web side of things. Which leaves me currently working on developing something a little better than a temporary website.

Oh, and as for the latest on the blog front I've set up a new blog here: mlcuthell.blogspot.com. I've imported all of the posts I did from this blog so it's pretty much just the same - but different haha... It just allows me to continue the journey but under a new banner. Get it in your bookmarks!

Cheers.

Mike!

Snap...

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 01:25:00 +0000

A selection of snaps from my recent trip to Scotland. You can find more at my flickr (which will be updated in the coming weeks also).

Not that you would, but if you should, please credit them (if you borrow them). A little note may be nice too.

The Plural Genius...

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 13:49:00 +0000

Whilst I'm in the process or sorting out my work and what not, here's a 'new' initiative from another creative team, Amy Jackson & Hollie Belton. I don't know much about them but this landed in my inbox... I'll leave it to you to decide - Is it a silly attempt at securing some work? Or an enthusiastic act of genius in these difficult times?

Personally, I think if they only get £7k someone has got a bargain and the workers rights may have something to say about it - unfortunately the terms are a little vague, seeing as the starting annual rate for a junior seems to be between the £20k - £25k mark each. Maybe it's only out of hours. Perhaps they should have spoke to Campaign and a few newspapers...

Anyway here's some free minimal publicity girls...

For more see here and here

For a laugh...

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 14:22:00 +0000

Our Nike film spoofed by one of Britain's top comedians* doesn't seem to have done badly on the PR front. Nice. More here

*subject to personal opinion.

Mike sans Phil.

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:27:00 +0000

So... unfortunately, our time at W+K has come to an end. It's been a hectic 7 months but we've definitely got something to show for our time there. Following a chat with Tony & Kim, in light of changes happening, their focus is on the senior ranks at Wieden + Kennedy

As much as there was no longer a permanent role on offer, they did express that based on our performance in our work and ideas, that if there was work, they would like to keep us around. As a result, we are now on the freelance roster for W+K should any suitable projects come up in the near future.

A big thanks to all the guys who helped us achieve what did whilst we were there. You are some really talented people and I look forward to working with you sometime in the future.

This may come as a surprise to some of you... but the dynamics between Phil and I have shifted, we realised our ambitions are different and have decided to go our separate ways. we've had some fun times, he's a good bloke, but I think he now feels this industry may not be for him.

As for me, I will be continuing on my path and hopefully it will pay off in the end. I am left filled with optimism and unexpected yet exciting possibilities. I don't know where I'll end up, but I know this is what I want to do, so we'll see.

In the meantime, if there are any enthusiastic & passionate single creatives out there who want to get in touch feel free :)

// Inbox:
mike@mikeandphil.co.uk
mlcuthell@hotmail.com

// Twitter:
@mlcuthell

// Chit-chat:
+44 (0)791 910 4930

For those regular followers, I will in be continuing the blog but under a new title, of course. I will get a redirection set up to the new blog in due course. For the time being however, I may continue to post a few bits up here.

All the best & good luck to Phil for the future.

Mike.

Observer Relaunch...

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:15:00 +0000

On a lighter note, the Observer concept we were part of is airing out as we speak in preparation for this coming Sunday's Observer relaunch. Our print range will be supporting the TV by Ben & Rob. The campaign reflects the informed, considered opinion of the Observer; which takes a moment to think about what we say when compared to the daily, live by the second, media hype.

Examples of the 30 second ad & print can be found below...

As a result of our pitch work in the summer, the second part of COI campaign has recently arrived in cinemas near you. Paul & Angus have done an amazing job and in my opinion it exceeds the TV ad that came out in early Jan.

Battle of the Blogs...

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:01:00 +0000

Best Creative Blog

The journey is finally over. It was fierce, it was close, we stood level for a long time, but we seemed to clinch it right at the last minute. A big thanks to all those who voted for us, we are ever so grateful. A nod to Emily at theideabakery for a nail biting finish.

Oi! get down from there...

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:42:00 +0000

These adverts are lovely from an art direction perspective, simple and a little different to the usual style. A faint whiff of 'Keep Calm and Carry On' about them, which cropped up when the posters were released.

If only all criminals caught in the act genuinely gave themselves up that easily.

Why...

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:37:00 +0000

Sorting through the 'bottom drawer' of ideas. Found this little beaut that I knocked up a while ago.

Noticing...

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:57:00 +0000

We notice things... we sometimes post them on here, here's a notice about noticing something we noticed.

If you like noticings it maybe be worth checking this site out.

Battle of the Blogs...

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 20:41:00 +0000

So here it is, we go head-to-head with Emily over at The Idea Bakery... It starts tomorrow - for a week.

You may have seen Adam & Dan triumph over Blog off Mate a couple of weeks back but now the ball is in our court. It's all a bit of a laugh, but if you get a minute hop over to BOTB and give us a nudge (Just click on the pic).

Em's already got her post in so it would be rude not to stick up for ourselves!

Collateral...

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:19:00 +0000

Being as the Nike film it is our first notable piece to circulate the public domain, it seems to be getting some interesting coverage. There's the obvious...

And then the slightly unexpected places...

The most interesting bit is reading the comments on the film - the social interaction is one of the most interesting bits, I always wonder why people duplicate films on YouTube? Is it for the ratings?

Under all of the faceless slanging matches (typical of YouTube) there are a few interesting debates coming out of the film...

I'll let you judge for yourselves...

Who's the better player Wayne Rooney or Fernando Torres?
Rooney & Torres to team up at Man U or Barcelona?
What in the film is real and what's not?

What's the song? I'll tell you this one the track is called 'Jump' by 16-Bit.

Technology has added benefits...

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:16:00 +0000

How many times have you been caught doing this? This is Noe one of the Creatives here at Wieden + Kennedy.

Ah, tracing off a laptop - Phil and I used to do this all the time in our uni days, and to be honest, ever since we left. The tip is not using a sharp pencil and extremely fine pen or pushing too hard on the screen. You can learn the hard way, but it certainly does beat the hell out of printing stuff off and holding up against the nearest window, plus it works when it's dark. Bonus.

...there is always a light box however...

#Mangojuice...

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:17:00 +0000

The latest social media phenomenon.

Take one...

Add one @Colman

A nudge by one @nicowen

& an ultimate love of #mangojuice.

Wow. In under a day. Impressive.

If you can't win the game, change the rules...

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 02:05:00 +0000

This is actually mind blowing and distinctively original... just watch out for the night mode.

First person Tetris. Amazing.

All you can eat...

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 01:50:00 +0000

A sweet little note from an all you can eat chinese buffet at the weekend. I'll restrain from pointing out the obvious flaws in its logic, but I do like little hand written notes, I can't help but hold on to them.

There's something rather nice about the time someone has taken to put pen to paper and how it tends to be a little more personal. I tend to slip them into the inside cover of a little great book of hand written notes I have from the University days, called 'I lick my cheese' by Oonagh O'Hagan.

Ok, the titles a little strange but it's a collection of witty insights to flat-sharing via scribbled notes - In some cases they are utter genius. Here's a sampler: 'I have put your copy of "My Wammys are bigger than Pammy's" in your bedroom' or the one below... 'Here's a stamp. Write to your mum she keeps calling'.

Maximalist or Minimalist?

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 01:17:00 +0000

Here's two great websites that I've stumbled across recently. A lot of websites seem to be going pretty clinical these days, favouring the modern minimalist look (including this very blog) ...and for a good reason too, usability and simple navigation usually have something to do with it. However, these two sites do the opposite, I actually want to spend time clicking around finding out which bits I can click and which I can't.
So maximalist or minimalist... for me it depends on my mood. It's got to reflect your personality right?

What if we created websites that matched our mood? Neat & tidy vs. Full on & Hectic.

Nike film released...

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 16:14:00 +0000

If you're not a follower on twitter or a friend on facebook or generally haven't been following the Nike feed etc - here's our Nike film that was released yesterday after featuring on Soccer AM.

Or the YouTube version if you'd prefer it...

It seems to be getting some coverage after appearing on the Sun website and numerous other online feeds. Make sure you've got your sound up, way up. If you like it, let us know.

Sometimes there's just not enough crockery...

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:13:00 +0000

Nicole does caesar salad American style. Big bowl, small salad.

Weightless...

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 13:44:00 +0000

My instincts tells me it's wrong to laugh, my mind tells me otherwise.

Rayban Viral...

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:49:00 +0000

You may remember this...

Now there's this...

I really like these from an entertainment perspective, but the new one certainly feels a bit more 'real' - I use that term loosely. The first one makes me think, oh that's cool - but then it gets a bit silly, the second I could actually see some idiot doing.

Viral as a term seems to be overused these days, I wonder if the definition is clouded somewhat. I see a viral as something that has the capacity to entice you to pass it on to someone else... or post it on your blog, in which case I've done both. I always think they are there to question the norm but still in the realm of believability - cue the is it real or is it not debate. Surely anything to do with PR, Advertising or promotion of a product should endeavor to be viral?

What do people think? YouTube seems the best place for natural 'virality' like the little kid playing the ukulele or the cat playing the piano (for a more recent reference). When associated to brands do they have to be entirely believable or just a bit of fun?

How much do you want one of these...

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:53:00 +0000

Multicoloured Pentax K-x - the limited edition camera of a hundred or so from Pentax Japan.

Hello 2010ers...

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 17:14:00 +0000

Does anyone else think the hols have just flown by? or 2009 for that matter? I already feel like I've been back for weeks, perhaps that's just the welcoming feel of W+K.

I've been stalling and it's now the 9th. Most people seem to reflect on the best industry ideas of 2009, new year's resolutions and the copious amounts of food they consumed over the holidays. So i'll probably just do that in a roundabout way.

Over the past year we've been on a bit of a journey... less of a bit - and more of a lot. You can find out more or less of what we've been up to if you read back through the blog, but unless you're ever so slightly obsessed and have nothing better to do, you're unlikely to do that so let me give you a brief overview...

We've made our way through 4 different agencies, Iris, DLKW, Leagas Delaney & W+K. All have been very different, both through the work, people and experiences. Most of our luck has paid off in the most recent placement as we're still in at Wieden's, we're due for a catch-up to discuss possible long term plans at the agency.

The development of the film has been a steep learning curve. I never realised just how much production goes into it. It doesn't end when you've shot the footage, there's the rushes, the editing, the grading, the sound design and the post visual effects. People have no idea just how many people are involved when they sit back in their livings rooms and watch a 60 second spot - nor do they care, probably.

The last week has been split between post production over at Time based arts and working on a new brief that landed on our desks just before the winter hols. We've not entirely cracked it yet but things are progressing and it seems to be going along the right tracks so fingers crossed - and toes.

Just recently we've taken to having the review meetings out of the agency, which has been kind of nice. A little more inspirational that sitting in a board room or in the booths of 16 Hanbury St.

We'll set up a link when the films finished. Be nice to know what some of you lot think.

My main new years resolution, besides a few personal targets is to stop taking photos on my phone and start using my camera again!

Back in the day...

noreply@blogger.com (Phil) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 20:21:00 +0000

Adman Phil

Adman Mike