Imagine Vincent van Gogh having to deal with picky clients, corporate sponsors, and focus groups. Imagine if Frida Kahlo were forced to make changes to please the lowest common denominator of the target audience on social media. Neither artist would find the experience pleasant, and neither do we, but the idea sure got our attention. And that's what advertising is all about.
Advertising is an art form, and it takes real creativity to stand out from the pack, but pleasing corporate clients is built into the system. Getting a great idea approved by so many people without it being watered down to mediocrity takes patience, grit, and sometimes a strong stomach. This ad from the Association of Independent Commercial Producers, titled Museum-Worthy, aims to draw attention to the 2024 AICP Awards that will recognize innovation in advertising. -via Kottke