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Team DIGO | 08/22/2019 | in
On this week’s episode of The A-List Podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein CCO, Tom Christmann is joined by BBDO’s Matt Low and Mani Schlisser
Matt is a Senior Copywriter (and resident sneaker enthusiast) at BBDO Worldwide where he has worked since being an intern for nearly five years. Matt is a graduate of Syracuse University and in his nascent career as a copywriter has received numerous accolades and nominations by bodies such as: The New York Festivals Advertising Awards, The Webbys, and his recognition earned him a feature in AdWeek.
Mani has recently taken on a role as a Senior Planner at BBDO (congratulations Mani!) having previously worked as a planner at mcgarrybowen, as well as a strategist at Laundry Service and Edelman. A graduate of Indiana University at Bloomington, he’s into all things tech media and business and has become a frequent contributor to the digital publication, Medium.
We are glad to have these two on for our second episode of our special “Dean’s List” edition of the A-List Podcast. On the Dean’s List we interview rising, young professionals who are building their legacies in the 21st-century advertising world. This is an interesting episode as we dive into a lot of great conversation and discussion about advertising in today’s world.
Tune in to this week’s episode of the A-List here:
Show Notes:
- [0:00-2:39] Intro.
- [2:42-5:31] Matt and Mani talk a bit about their roles at mcgarrybowen and BBDO.
- [5:32-9:00] Matt and Mani on their shared upbringing and experiences pre-advertising.
- [9:26-13:21] Mani on discovering brand strategy and creative planning.
- [13:44-16:06] Matt on full time creative and tips for interns learning to excel in the workplace.
- [16:09-19:51] Finding inspiration from agencies’ work and setting Google alerts to stay at the cutting edge.
- [19:52-24:52] Matt and Mani’s perspectives on industry changes and shifts.
- [25:00-27:50] Moms, millennials, and the importance of communication in the modern age.
- [28:00-32:28] Combatting instant gratification and developing skills outside of work.
- [32:30-38:10] Finding connections and inspiration from the world around us by unplugging here and there.
- [38:17-41:29] Discussing the modern workflow of an ad agency.
- [41:30-51:40] Matt and Mani’s goals for their future in the industry.
- [54:09-58:17] Outro.
“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, an inspiring action agency, recorded at the Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter
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Team DIGO | 08/15/2019 | in
On this week’s episode of The A-List Podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein CCO, Tom Christmann is joined by 72andSunny’s very own Alex Brueggeman and Ivan Whitted II.
Alex serves as the Talent Coordinator there while Ivan is a Junior Copywriter. Alex and Ivan have done great things in their relatively brief time in the industry. This episode is very interesting as it kicks off our A-List ‘Dean’s List’ series this season. On the Dean’s List, we talk to burgeoning, young leaders who are using their current roles to shake things up in the industry.
We are very excited to have them both on for this episode. This week, we dive into interesting issues, such as diversity, inclusivity and tips for starting out in the ad business! You’re not going to want to miss this one!
Check out the latest episode of The A-List podcast here!:
Show Notes:
- [0:00-2:01] Intro.
- [2:31-5:31] Alex and Ivan talk about their respective upbringings
- [5:32-8:22] Alex talks high school influences and his discovery of anthropology at Howard.
- [8:27-11:00] Ivan discusses early inspiration in the performing arts and discovering PR and advertising.
- [11:01-13:04] Alex discusses Howard University and the value of HBCUs.
- [13:10-15:58] Ivan discusses life after college and being inspired to jump into copywriting.
- [16:00-21:07] Alex’s switch into advertising.
- [21:14-27:43] Ivan’s experience in ad school and moving to NYC.
- [27:52-34:56] Alex’s work at 72andSunny and developing diversity initiatives.
- [35:30-40:20] Ivan’s take on diversity and agency culture.
- [41:30-46:18] Alex and Ivan’s thoughts about the future of representation in advertising.
- [48:30-51:13] Outro.
“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, an inspiring action agency, recorded at the Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter
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Team DIGO | 08/12/2019 | in
As many sources have reported, Instagram is currently in the testing phase of a new update that among other things, has most notably generated buzz by removing the ability for users to see the number of likes on their peers’ photos. (The app allows individuals to see their own likes, after clicking through the app a bit.)
This change comes during a time where digital media platforms have come under much scrutiny by an increasing number of end users who demand that these platforms become safer, more positive spaces. These updates have been very well received in the test markets and rollout plans appear to be on the horizon. This change, if adopted by the platform at large, would signal the dawn of a new age, not only in social media but marketing and advertising.
Influencer marketing has become a burgeoning and widely adopted channel of advertising, but with a number of high-profile abuses of such social influence have made the public wary of such irresponsible marketing tactics. By offering up this update, Instagram may be following the trend many social platforms have adopted by adjusting their algorithms in order to provide quality, relevant content that people truly wish to interact with.
Given this, some may assume that such changes are the death knell for social media marketing and advertising. However, we’d opt to think differently. Quality advertising is deeply rooted in a strong brand and crafting an agile presence that listens more than it talks. If the future of social media will no longer be based in likes, then we as advertisers are thus obliged to step up to the plate and dig deep to provide the real, honest, and truly quality content that the social world has come to expect.
So, as Instagram improves its platform, it will likely benefit millions of users, ushering in a new day for social media. As marketers and behavior change agents, we’ll always seek to optimize our content, to be more relevant, more engaging and more authentic. Because to us, it’s not just the future, its #InspiringAction.
(P.S.: If you enjoyed this blog post, give us a follow on Instagram: @dimassimogoldstein)
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Team DIGO | 08/08/2019 | in
On this week’s episode of The A-List Podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein CCO, Tom Christmann is joined by Gerard Caputo. A celebrated creative with a career spanning more than two decades, Gerard Caputo is the Chief Creative Officer of BBH New York and an instructor at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn as well as being a notable name in advertising. Mr. Caputo has received a number of industry accolades including an Emmy award an ANDY, recognition at the Cannes Grand Prix and more!
After graduating from Boston University in 1996, Mr. Caputo began his career at Boston-based Mullen (now MullenLowe) and worked at a number of the industry’s top agencies such as BBDO and Ogilvy as a creative director before arriving at BBH, where he has assumed his current post for nearly 6 years.
Check out the latest episode of The A-List podcast here!:
Show Notes:
- [0:00-2:06] Intro.
- [3:01-7:55] Growing up in Little Falls, New Jersey.
- [10:52-14:00] Discovering photography in school and creative writing.
- [14:01- 18:35] Transitioning to advertising and becoming an intern at Mullen.
- [20:17-26:36] Building his book, ‘finding the fire’, and becoming an art director.
- [28:12-31:30] Emerging as a creative and moving on to Fallon, in Minneapolis.
- [32:18-34:01] Tips for young people who relocate to new cities.
- [34:30- 38:20] Being stubborn and pushing to make great ads.
- [40:14-44:00] On the rise of digital storytelling.
- [45:00-50:33] Leaving Fallon for BBDO and meeting Tom!
- [54:24 -1:00:23] Leaving BBDO and evading complacency.
- [1:01:12- 1:06:55] Moving to BBH and the challenges of being a senior level creative.
- [1:07:00-1:10:30] Outro.
“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, an inspiring action agency, recorded at the Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter
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Team DIGO | 08/01/2019 | in
On this week’s episode of The A-List Podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein CCO, Tom Christmann is joined by none other than, our chief and the founder of DiMassimo Goldstein, the most Inspiring Action agency in the world, Mark DiMassimo!
Okay, we can’t lie, we’re obviously excited about this episode. As chief, Mark has overseen the production a lot of great work in the advertising space over the past 23 years. However, Mark was not always the leader of an ad agency…
After a career as a young entrepreneur and musician, Mark DiMassimo began his second career at twenty-five years old in the direct marketing division of BBDO. There, Mark apprenticed to the Direct Marketing author, Ed Nash, and soaked in the atmosphere at a time when direct marketers were entrepreneurial, and brands where built through direct marketing.
As an account executive and without asking permission, Mark started writing ads for a client that had frustrated the creative department into mass creative block. Instead of being fired, he was invited into the creative department with the proviso, “But you won’t be able to tell us what to do anymore.” With time, he emerged as a pre-eminent creative with his career took off due to his track record of success.
Mark worked on choice assignments and launched major brands with the philosophy of exploiting the blind spots of fellow direct marketers by using brand insights to create integrated brand response advertising campaigns that dramatically out-performed more tactical work.
Mark led integrated creative departments and produced notable work at some of the best creative agencies in the world before founding his own in 1996. He founded DiMassimo Goldstein in the spirit of leading the charge for “a brand revolution among direct marketers and a direct revolution among brand marketers” as well as laying the groundwork for our practice of #InspiringAction.
On this episode, we follow Mark through his career and delve into his gritty origin story from start to finish.
You’re not going to want to miss this one. Listen here!
Show Notes:
[0:00-3:00] Intro.
[3:01-7:25] Mark talks about growing up in NJ and his early upbringing.
[7:26-9:29] Mark’s imagination and first forays into creativity as a profession.
[9:29-13:46] Mark’s super-dark childhood short story and learning how to express himself.
[13:47-16:11] Wayne Dyer’s ‘Erroneous Zones’ as a marketing inspiration.
[16:13 -20:23] SUNY Fredonia, majoring in music, and discovering the library.
[21:17-24:45] Transferring to Cornell and Industrial and Labor Relations.
[24:54-27:44] How he made the switch to communications and ultimately deciding on Advertising as a career path.
[25:00-32:30] BBDO Direct and Mark’s first job working on brand accounts in advertising.
[32:31-40:20] Mark discusses his first creative experiences as a copywriter and being challenged for the first time.
[40:42-49:00] Being laid off, freelancing, and getting copywriter positions.
[49:15-55:59] Mark on his rise through the ranks and deciding to start his very own agency.
[56:00-57:37] Outro.
“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, an inspiring action agency, recorded at the Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter.
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Team DIGO | 07/25/2019 | in
On this week’s episode of The A-List Podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein CCO Tom Christmann is joined by Steve Sandstrom, the Executive Creative Director of the Portland-based, strategy and design firm, Sandstrom Partners and a board member of the One Club for Creativity.
We are grateful to have Steve with us this season.
Steve is also one of the founding minds behind Tazo, a tea company that challenged consumer perceptions and spawned a litany of brands in its wake. Steve’s work with Tazo resulted in a number of accolades and recognition in major competitions for over a decade.
Steve has been instrumental in launching some of the most iconic brands of this decade and revitalizing many well known brands, most notably having worked on Converse, Nike, Coca-Cola, Miller Brewing, ESPN, Jordan, adidas, Levi Strauss, and more.
In this interview, Steve shares a bit with us about his journey, his upbringing in Portland, and the stories behind some of his most famous designs.
Tune in now to this episode of the A-List Podcast!
- [0:00-2:33] – Intro
- [2:34 – 7:40] How to pronounce ‘Oregon’ and Steve’s upbringing in Portland.
- [7:41- 9:52] Steve’s early inspirations and first exposure to art through his family.
- [9:52- 14:17] Learning design fundamentals in school and discovering graphic design in college.
- [14:18 – 17:33] Steve’s first design job as an illustrator and standing out in class.
- [17:34 – 21:00] for the love of drawing.
- [21:01 – 26:50] University of Oregon and developing a unique style at the Daily Emerald.
- [26:51 – 30:17] Deciding on commercial art and getting notable exposure for designing.
- [30:18 – 34:15] Starting a design career in advertising and advice to young artists
- [34:16 – 37:10] Turning a local radio station into a design opportunity.
- [37:11 – 46:33] Being picked up by Nike and working as a creative director.
- [46:34: 53:59] Starting Sandstrom Partners and discovering a design niche
- [54:00 – 1:03:40] Problem solving and favorite challenging projects
- [1:05:55 – 1:07:22] Outro
“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, an inspiring action agency, recorded at the Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter.
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Team DIGO | 06/27/2019 | in
Doing just enough, just isn’t enough
On this week’s episode of The A-List Podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein CCO Tom Christmann is joined by Nick Law, previous Chief Creative Officer at Publicis, who made the recent leap to become a Marketing Executive at Apple. Yes, that Apple company.
Nick’s unique integration of design, storytelling, and technology give him a unique perspective in the advertising industry. He observes behavior to create brands and believes big ideas can come after the product’s medium.
Before Publicis, Nick worked at R/GA for 17 years, where he helped expand the company up from 100 to 2,000 employees.
Nick has twice been named in the Creativity 50 list and is a force to learn from. We were very lucky to have him on The A-List Podcast. Make sure you tune in below!
Show Notes:
- [0:00 – 2:10] Intro
- [2:11 – 2:20] Growing up in Sydney, the benefits of a “feral” upbringing, avoiding school & enjoying art
- [4:46 – 8:18] Drawing, discovering graphic design, getting into art school
- [8:19 – 11:06] First jobs and how to become a master
- [11:07 – 12:54] Are big ideas that important?
- [12:55 – 15:16] The importance of not taking the first job you land, the difficulty of unlearning bad habits
- [15:17 – 21:58] Taking a gap year, starting at Pentagram and moving in advertising in 1988, moving to New York in 1994, entering the dot com boom and the internet
- [21:58 – 27:40] The “strange delicious isolation” before the internet and the unavoidable future of it
- [27:41 – 42:40] How creatives can use the newest tools and executing ideas at the speed of thought
- [42:40 – 1:05] Observe behavior before building a brand, the power of storytelling, technology connectivity
- [1:06 – 1:03:24] Outro
“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, an inspiring action agency, recorded at the Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter.
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Team DIGO | 06/13/2019 | in
On this week’s episode of The A-List Podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein CCO Tom Christmann is joined by Paula Scher, the absolutely iconic graphic designer, painter and art educator.
Quite frankly, Paula Scher is a legend. The “Paul McCartney of design,” if you will. One of the most influential graphic designers in the world, with work so ubiquitous you don’t even know you know, but seriously, you know it.
After a decade as an Art Director designing album covers in the 70’s and 80’s (that iconic Boston spaceship cover was her) she became a partner at Pentagram in 1991. Yes, that’s 28 years. In that time she’s created world famous posters, logos, paintings, album covers, architectural designs and more.
Her work is featured in permanent exhibits around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in New York, the Museum für Gestaltung Zürich, and the Bibliothèque nationale de France, the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris and more. She was the first woman to receive the Type Directors Club Medal in 2006, served as the president of the Alliance Graphique Internationale (AGI) from 2009-2012, and in 1998 was named to the Art Directors Club Hall of Fame. She’s currently featured on the Netflix documentary series Abstract: The Art of Design.
Despite her incredible success, she’s still a proponent of trying new things, embracing failure, and admitting she still “doesn’t know.” Tune in for some serious wisdom.
Show Notes:
- [0:00 – 1:30] Intro
- [1:31 – 2:31] How drawing became a respite from family disputes
- [2:32 – 3:59] Getting inspiration from beatnik counter-culture at the Corcoran School of Art in D.C. and using artistic inclination to make social connections in teen suburbia
- [3:59 – 5:33] Linking her talent to the field of graphic design
- [5: 34– 6:56] Embracing time and failure as the greatest teachers, “For me, finding what I’m good at is an ever-evolving playing field.”
- [6:57 – 8:13] The importance of pissing off the older generations. “To discover something you have to make errors. Discoveries look weird when they’re new. Then someone comes along and does it better. Discoveries may not be recognized, but they’re necessary.”
- [8:14 – 19:42] The no-formula formula for rule breaking. “Be a brat, break the norm,” and how Helvetica became a symbol of corporate culture and the Vietnam War.
- [8:14 – 23: 20] The benefits of smoking cigarettes in a cubicle with your boss
- [23: 20 – 27:01] Becoming an Art Director at Atlantic Records and designing iconic album covers
- [27:01 – 29: 02] Being “dead serious” about designing album covers, moving into freelance work, magazines, running a design firm, then finally joining Pentagram
- [29: 02 – 32:34] The benefits of learning through failure, what she’s most proud of, being unable to pick favorites, and always moving on to the next piece
- [32:35 – 35: 04] Teaching clients “how to see” and the benefit of taking the time to explain ideas
- [35: 05 — 36: 49] Working at Pentagram for 28 years and their unique shared work structure
- [36: 50 – 44:40] Advice for young designers, how time constraints have changed the industry’s portfolio review system, and the consequences of large tech companies on creativity
“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, an inspiring action agency, recorded at the Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter.
