Spotlight Series – Ian Mirlin Pt. 2
In today’s instalment of the Spotlight Series videos, Ian Mirlin reflects on the interplay between the creative, strategic, and account roles within an agency.
We’ve talked a lot in previous blog posts about the importance of good strategy in branding and advertising. In an era dominated by flashy campaigns that win awards but don’t actually achieve business results, this has never been a more salient topic. The creative inspiration and mindful strategic bedrock of a brand or campaign should be well thought out and understood by everyone involved in the project… both agency team members and the client themselves.
We’ve talked a lot in previous blog posts about the importance of good strategy in branding and advertising. In an era dominated by flashy campaigns that win awards but don’t actually achieve business results, this has never been a more salient topic. The creative inspiration and mindful strategic bedrock of a brand or campaign should be well thought out and understood by everyone involved in the project… both agency team members and the client themselves.
SPOTLIGHT SERIES
Through the Wunderkind Spotlight Series, we will be highlighting the thoughts and insights of industry leaders to explore current trends in marketing and the innovations still unfolding.
IAN MIRLIN
Ian Mirlin is the founder of Zero Gravity Thinking and a veteran of the Canadian advertising business.
His experience as a Writer/Creative Director in agencies both local and multi-national and ultimately as President of Harrod & Mirlin until its purchase by the Interpublic Group, has built a rare, deep resume that spans four decades. Ian’s work has won awards in all the significant shows in Canada as well as in Cannes, London and the U.S. including the One Show, Communication Arts and Clio. His creative direction has contributed to the success of some of Canada’s best-loved brands, including conjuring up the idea for TD’s big green armchair as an “inhabitable methaphor” for how “banking can be this comfortable”.
Ian is a part time lecturer at OCAD University and the rare recipient of both of the Canadian Advertising Industry’s Lifetime Achievement Awards: The Canadian Television Bureau’s Spiess Award and the Toronto Art & Design Club’s Usherwood Award.