The DBAs and a case of (not so) sour grapes
Something weird happened last night: I was genuinely really pleased that some of our competitor design agencies won big at the DBAs.
Weird, eh?
It's shameful to admit it, but historically that's not always been the case. Many a time I'm sure we've all muttered under our breath 'well that's not even very good' or 'I wouldn't have done it like that' and felt like we've been robbed. I certainly have.
Last night I found myself clapping other people's achievements and being sincerely pleased for them. It may be because I'm a more relaxed Creative Director 18 months in, safe in the knowledge that back in the studio we're doing a dozen or more projects I can't wait to start PRing and therefore that awards aren't the be all and end all. But I don't think it is purely that. I think it's because design has upped its game of late and some great work is finally getting the recognition it deserves.
Plenty of times over the years we've pitched against our fellow industry leaders like Design Bridge, Pearlfisher, Turner Duckworth etc and it felt like we were fighting for scraps of a decent creative opportunity or criticising each other's work at awards season in the fear that there'll only be room for one of us in the coveted Annual. That doesn't feel like the case right now.
Design is hot, and so are we. It's been coming for a while, and I hope that Cannes Lions and D&AD will see our section of the awards bulging with winners for once. Because brands are realising that design can play a fundamental role in changing their fortunes. It was heart warming last night to hear both global CEOs of enormous brands and local entrepreneurs who saved 80 jobs lauding how amazing design has been for their business.
Seeing us all do well for our clients and the difference it's made for them was a sign that design is getting the recognition that it - at times - has struggled to. So well done all. Great work all round. And, you know what? You deserve it.
Branding & Design Strategist.
9 年well said Mr Thomas
Great, uplifting commentary, good luck with the upcoming projects Sean!
Membership Director at the DBA, the trade association for the UK design sector. Helping business understand how they can be better. This may involve them being bigger, but not always. Better first. Bigger might follow.
9 年This is EXACTLY the type of feeling the DBA has been trying to cultivate in the industry. Well said Sean.
Co-founder and Creative Director at NotOnSunday
9 年Nicely put Sean, always nice to see friends and associates do well!
Chairman The Third Pig Company
9 年Nice article and I think the real truth is that the design industry is finally coming of age with more peers being prepared to be graceful about others work. The competition bar gets set ever higher and long may it continue.