| Four With... |
| Diana Blackwell |
1. How did you get interested in advertising?
I remember noticing strong advertising campaigns even as a child - in fact, my first nightmare was about a rather menacing Mr. Clean (although in my bad dream he was called Cheddar Cheese Man). I've always been captivated by great advertising, but now the excitement is not just in the ad itself, but also the whole creative and strategic process that goes into an effective ad, and the tremendous benefits derived by the client.
2. Who or what inspires you?
I'm inspired by anyone who does what he or she loves, because of the passion and skill that are brought to the task. But if I were to narrow the source of my inspiration to a single person, it would have to be my sister Marylyn, whom I've slavishly copied for years. She influenced my education, my career path, even my handwriting! She approaches life with immense talent, conviction, and fearlessness.
3. What do you think makes an ad successful?
There are so many components to a successful campaign, but I think that the essence is understanding the brand. When you know a company's mission, values, and goals as well as you know the product or service it sells, that's when you create the best strategy for setting that company apart from its competition.
4. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Lolling about on a chaise, sipping a Pink Lady cocktail, and indolently watching glamorous black and white films on Turner Classic Movies (preferably something with Clark Gable or Harold Lloyd) while Johnny Depp gives me a foot massage.
|
