Emotional Connection: The New Brand Purpose
If you are reading this, you probably know that brand purpose—once the shining city on the hill of modern marketing—has suffered an identity crisis. What started as an earnest attempt […]
The Purpose Mirage: Do Brands Really Mean It?
Let’s start with the premise that brands—those buzzing, memetic, semiotic Frankensteins stitched together from consumer desire and corporate ambition—want Purpose. Capital-P Purpose. Not to be confused with lowercase-p purpose, which […]
The Illusion of Metrics: Why Brand Marketing Wins the Long Game Over Performance Hustling
Let’s start with the fact that you (yes, you, the reader, the human behind the screen, whether you are a CMO of a mid-sized DTC skincare brand or some poor […]
The Branded Abyss: On Tourism’s Thin Line Between Ephemeron and Eternity
When I was young, during those interstitial years of university and master degree where one’s brain is a sponge for both Kant and the Kama Sutra, I worked as an […]
The Parthenopean Paradox: Or, Why My Son, Against All Reason, Chose Napoli (A Marketing Inquiry)
As someone who usually explores the intersection of brand purpose, brand activism and brand narrative, I’m constantly searching for examples of how companies and organizations imbue themselves with meaning beyond […]
Trump vs. Harris: A Political Branding Analysis (This Article Reflects a Neutral Perspective)
Analyzing the Trump and Kamala Harris “brands” through the lens of contemporary politics is not unlike looking at the branding dynamics between, say, two ideologically opposed beverage corporations fighting for […]
Brand Purpose and Cancel Culture: The Dance of Corporate Virtue in the Post-Internet Age
We’re in an era where every company, from Pepsi to Patagonia, is relentlessly engaged in the existential wrestling match that is brand purpose, a concept that sounds suspiciously like what […]
Consider the Lobster of Personal Branding: Is It Possible to Design a Person’s Narrative?
By now, we’re all aware of the term personal branding, which in some circles gets thrown around like synergy in corporate boardrooms or intersectionality at liberal arts colleges—terms so overused […]
From Nothingness to Narrative: Sculpting a Brand Like Creating a Human Being
Let’s start with a reckless, absurd comparison, shall we? Creating a brand—designing a brand—can feel like sculpting a human being from the ground up, from a void so vast it […]
On the Decline of DEI Initiatives: A Sad, but Maybe Not Surprising, Epilogue in Corporate America
Let’s begin with some stage-setting, an establishing shot, like the slow pan of a suburban strip mall at dusk in a Coen brothers film. You’ve seen this place before. Not […]
The Paradox of Purpose: A Reflection on Mark Ritson’s View of Brand Sacrifice
September 30, 2024 In the world of marketing, where brand purpose has become the go-to strategy for connecting with consumers, there’s a provocative notion that stands in sharp contrast to […]
The Consequences of Greenwashing for Brands: A Deep Dive into the Abyss of Corporate Psyche
So here’s the thing about greenwashing: it’s not so much that companies are intentionally trying to pull a fast one—well, okay, maybe they are—but it’s more that they’re desperately flailing […]
The Brand Revolution
I’m thrilled to introduce my latest book, The Brand Revolution: How Purpose is Evolving. This is a must-read for every marketer—a topic that should be at the forefront of your […]
Infinite Loops of Persuasion: Navigating the Labyrinthine Hunt for New Clients in Advertising
In the sprawling landscape of modern capitalism, where attention spans flicker like dying candles in a tempest, the survival of any advertising agency hinges upon its ability to navigate the […]
In the ever-evolving landscape of advertising, where creativity reigns supreme, one name stands out as a true pioneer: Cliff Freeman. With a career spanning decades and a portfolio brimming with iconic campaigns, Freeman has cemented his legacy as a reference point for all advertising creatives.
What sets Cliff Freeman apart is his fearless approach to creativity. He doesn’t just think outside the box – he obliterates it. Freeman’s campaigns are bold, irreverent, and unapologetically unconventional. From “Where’s the Beef?” for Wendy’s to “Pizza! Pizza!” for Little Caesars, his work is instantly recognizable and unforgettable.
But it’s not just about catchy slogans and witty one-liners. Freeman’s brilliance lies in his ability to tap into the zeitgeist, to capture the essence of a brand and distill it into something that resonates deeply with consumers. His campaigns are not just advertisements – they’re cultural touchstones that have become ingrained in the fabric of our society.
What’s truly remarkable about Cliff Freeman’s creativity is its timelessness. Even decades after their debut, his campaigns continue to inspire and influence generations of advertisers. They serve as a masterclass in storytelling, humor, and the art of persuasion.
But perhaps Freeman’s greatest legacy is the way he has challenged the status quo and pushed the boundaries of what advertising can be. In an industry often plagued by formulaic approaches and copycat strategies, he has been a beacon of innovation and originality.
For advertising creatives, Cliff Freeman is more than just a name – he’s a symbol of what’s possible when you dare to dream big and break free from convention. His work serves as a constant reminder that creativity knows no bounds and that the only limit is your imagination.
In conclusion, Cliff Freeman’s creativity is not just a reference point – it’s a rallying cry for all those who dare to defy expectations and forge their own path. As we continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of advertising, let’s take inspiration from Freeman’s fearless spirit and strive to leave our own indelible mark on the world of marketing.
All the Cliff ads here: https://youtu.be/GDu_0OP0KK0?si=z4LK2rwOCZ8Caz9B
