Jim Haven Wants to See Your Print Work

On the heels of the last two posts, here's something from Creature co-founder, Jim Haven.

In this article for TalentZoo.com, Haven explains what he looks for when hiring creatives: "I’m looking for great ideas, like everyone else, but I think I’d almost rather see a well-crafted print campaign right now than something like augmented reality or an iPhone app. Shocking? Old school? I know; but there’s a reason, actually."

Any of you wanting to work for a shop like Creature (98% of you) should check out the article to read his reasons. They're pretty much in line with our Blank Page Manifesto.

The Blank Page Manifesto

I've spent a lot of time thinking about our industry and its future. The great thing about advertising is it's in constant flux. That's also the scary thing.

When I left portfolio school, it was with a book full of print ads. That wouldn't cut it today. The bar is much, much higher. You've got to have ambient media, web executions, product design. Big thinking no longer means a double-page spread.

And yet you probably spend a lot of time in school working on headlines and layouts. We spend tons of time on this blog discussing body copy and photography - techniques that seem hardly revolutionary or cutting edge.

So are we wasting our time? Are you wasting yours? I don't think so.

I've written something that's put things in perspective for me as a teacher and creative director. And I hope it puts things in perspective for you as students, juniors and the future of this industry.

If you agree with it and if it helps, please share it, post it or print it. Just don't change it or charge for it.

Here's the link for The Blank Page Manifesto.