My New Mantra – Be Stupid
Posted on February 3, 2010 - Filed Under Inspiration
One of the first posts on Idea Drunk was about the importance of stupid ideas. A new campaign from Diesel has reignited my love for stupidity. (Thanks Dan for the tip.) I love it when a brand is willing to plant a stake in the ground and decide to stand for something. When they develop and manifesto and preach to the people.
People will get offended. Who gives a fuck? Now the brand stands for something. Now they have an identity. Now they can inspire. Inspire fans. Inspire loyalty. Inspire change.
Check out their manifesto:
If you can’t view the video, click here.
Like balloons, we are filled with hopes and dreams.
But over time a single sentence creeps into our lives.
Don’t be stupid.
Its the crusher of possibility.
Its the worlds greatest deflator.
The world is full of smart people.
Doing all kind of smart things…
That’s smart.
Well, we’re with stupid.
Stupid is the relentless pursuit of a regret free life.
Smart may have the brains…
But stupid has the balls.
The smart might recognize things for how they are.
The stupid see things for how they could be.
Smart critiques.
Stupid creates.
The fact is if we didn’t have stupid thoughts
We’d have no interesting thoughts at all.
Smart may have the plans…
But stupid has the stories.
Smart may have the authority
but stupid has one hell of a hangover.
Its not smart to take risks…
Its stupid.
To be stupid
Is to be brave
Stupid isn’t afraid to fail.
Stupid know there are worse things than failure…
Like not even trying.
Smart had one good idea,
And that idea was stupid.
You can’t outsmart stupid.
So don’t even try.
Remember.
Only stupid can be truly brilliant.
So, BE STUPID
And that is my new mantra. Shit is about to get stupid.
- Christian
When Ideas CLICK
Posted on January 27, 2010 - Filed Under Inspiration
Ever wonder where big ideas come from? Sometimes they just CL!CK.
If you can’t view the video, click here.
Awesome video sponsored by LEGO. I love how they’ve grown from a purveyor of kids toys and building blocks to become ambassadors for creativity and inspiration.
- Christian
Life Philosophy
Posted on January 26, 2010 - Filed Under Inspiration
Society tells you to be a lot of things.
Be nice.
Be polite.
Be intelligent.
Be different.
Be normal.
Be yourself.
Be on time.
Be responsible.
Be an adult.
But to be creative, you only have to be one thing.
Be awesome.
- Christian
Ninjas + Google = Awesome
Posted on January 20, 2010 - Filed Under Inspiration
What’s the most awesome thing about this video?
The ninjas? No.
The phone? No.
The crazy stop motion animation style? Nope.
It’s the fact that it’s fan made. That’s right Patrick Boivin loves making movies so much, that he thought he’s do this. How wicked is that? Your brand is at that level of love that people want to make cool ads for you … for free!
This video has gotten over 300,000 views in just 3 days. For free. Update: found out that it was for a “sponsorship”, which probably means they gave him a free phone. But still a good price.
Now, it takes time and commitment to generate that level of love for you brand. But when you have it, you need to empower your craziest fans. You need to make it easy for them to create content for you. And you need to reward them when they do it.
At a minimum, Google could get in touch with Patrick and pay for his Nexus One usage for life. Or buy the ad and put it on TV. But Google tends to avoid advertising on TV.
A bigger idea would be to employ Patrick as a brand ambassador and give him a hundred Nexus One phones to give away however he sees fit. Sell them on eBay. Run a YouTube video contest. Give them away to his Facebook friends. Whatever he wants. It’s obvious that this guy loves your brand. Now give him the tools and opportunity to show that love to everyone in his network.
I’m working on a brand right now that has some of the most cult-dedicated fans in Canada. Here’s to hoping that we can empower them to do the same.
- Christian
Want A Sixpack?
Posted on January 15, 2010 - Filed Under Cool Ideas
The sixpack was created by Dutch Design firm OOOMS. (Or maybe there’s another ‘O’ in there … I can’t remember.) It’s a great idea. Basically, it’s an environmentally friendly alternative the cardboard sixpack. Maybe you are bringing beer to a house party and want to mix and match brands. Maybe you don’t want the hassle of carrying a poorly constructed cardboard sixpack.
It’s simple. It looks good. I want one.
- Christian
5 Signs You’ve Become An Adult (And What To Do About It)
Posted on January 12, 2010 - Filed Under ideaDRUNK's ideas
I hate maturity.
It kills creativity. Instead of seeing a world of possibilities, you start being “realistic”. What that means is that you’re content to deal with what the world gives you. Not daring to dream. Not daring to question the norm. Not curious enough to ask “Why?” And despite all efforts, maturity eventually creeps up on you. Here’s how to spot it:
- This Christmas, you enjoyed giving presents more than getting them.
- You and the bank successfully co-own a house. It also means that the bank independently owns your balls.
- You have started to take a multivitamin. Not the Flintstones kind.
- You no longer wear sweatpants outside of the house (unless you plan on actually sweating).
- You’ve convinced yourself that you “like” salad. And vegetables.
If you find yourself moving swiftly towards maturity, here’s what to do:
- Go to Toys “R” Us. Buy a toy.
- Create art and give it to your parents. It can some fancy photography or a macaroni picture. Nothing brings back your childhood like the feeling that your work is going on the fridge.
- Eat a Happy Meal. And make sure you get a sweet toy.
- Play in the dirt.
- Take notes in crayon.
Maturity is the enemy of creativity. In order to foster a fruitful creative environment, you have to think like a kid. You have to be curious. Because the secret to creativity is curiosity. Look at the world in wonder. See the possibilities.
And don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you should grow up and become an adult.
- Christian
Don’t Be Boring
Posted on January 5, 2010 - Filed Under Inspiration, ideaDRUNK's ideas
An interesting mantra for a new year. If this is the year that you want to do something extraordinary, don’t be boring. Be interesting. Do new things. Take chances.
And get yourself into an environment that rewards bravery. There’s no sense in leaping off a bridge if it’s not going to get you somewhere cool. Unless it’s fun.
- Christian
Clever Tiger Woods Ad
Posted on December 28, 2009 - Filed Under Cool Ideas
As seen in the LaGuardia Airport on Boxing Day. Nice work Accenture.
- Christian
In The Christmas Spirit…
Posted on December 23, 2009 - Filed Under Cool Ideas
According to the news, it’s been a tough year for the economy.
But it’s getting better.
And I’m thankful.
Thankful that I have an awesome family
Thankful that I have a job that I like.
Thankful that it pays me money.
But some kids aren’t that lucky.
They come from homes where they get abused.
So they run away.
And end up on the street.
That’s why there’s Covenant House.
To be that network to help street kids in need.
So that they don’t starve.
So that they don’t freeze.
So that they’re not tempted to sell sex.
And you can help out. By giving.
Need a last minute gift for your mom?
Give on behalf of her.
Think of it like an investment in a kid’s future.
Like how she invested in yours.
Got to http://giftsthatcount.ca to give.
- Christian
Top 10 Gifts For A Creative Person
Posted on December 16, 2009 - Filed Under Random
It’s the holidays and we all have that “creative” person on our list. We can be a little bit harder to buy for because we’re particular. But sometimes we’re easier to buy for because we think the most random shit is cool.
Anyways, if you’re stuck on what to get someone (creative or not), here are some ideas:
1. A Best Made Axe. I’ve talked about these before. They’re awesome. The look sweet. Plus, who wouldn’t want an axe? Nothing says “don’t fuck with my ideas” better than brainstorming with an axe in hand.
2. A Long Board. It’s not all “extreme” like those X-Games skateboards. People don’t expect you to do tricks on them. It’s mellow. It’s bringing skateboarding back to its roots – surfing on pavement. Need more convincing? Check out this video.
3. Storymatic. Any writer knows the horrors of writer’s block. Now The Storymatic ($30) is here to help. By following two simple laws — a main character that changes during the story and doesn’t die along the way — the 500 cards, separated by color into gold cards offering a character trait or occupation and white cards that contain a situation or object, help you build a compelling story by simply following along.
4. A Blank Moleskin. These are the notebooks that Hemingway used. Creative greats all over the world love the classic touch and feel of a Moleskin. And the blank pages scream for you to fill them with scribbles, doodles, notes and ideas.
5. A Box Of Crayons. They bring you back to your childhood when all you had to worry about was the fact that you used up the black crayon, so you sub in navy blue instead. They’re colourful. And they let you create.
6. A White Shirt. Every person could use a crisp white shirt. They go with everything. This one is even designed for someone who bikes to work, but still wants to look good when they get there.
7. A bow tie. Or a skinny tie. Either way, bring back the nostalgic charms of the Mad Men era into the modern workplace. Ties used to say suit. Now they say cool.
8. A Screen Printing Kit. That way they can make their own ironic t-shirts. Or vintage t-shirts. Or witty t-shirts. Whatever. Check out this one from Urban Outfitters.
9. A Polaroid Camera. Or a newfangled Fujifilm imitation. Every since Polaroid stopped making film, there’s been some nostalgia around these. There’s something about having to wait to see it. Having it be permanent. It forces you to make every shot special.
10. Booze. The old standby. Everyone likes it. Just buy a cool looking bottle, like this R1 Whiskey from the makers of Jim Beam.
Bonus Gift:
A Fake Mustache. Who doesn’t want one of these? Great for costume parties, instant disguises or simply to wear while ironing your shirts on a Sunday.
- Christian
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