The Choice.

Forthcoming technological innovations provide us with a choice.

We can either:
Celebrate the increasing number of media outlets.

Or we can:
Streamline those already cluttering the world.

Imagine a world without a single billboard to obstruct our view of the earth's natural landscapes or a long walk across town without a single solicitor vying for our attention. If we as advertisers make the second choice to tailor advertising so that it solves problem rather than creates them, we can make that world a reality and re-instill a sense of benevolence in our profession. As the trends towards increased personalization and new technological innovations fully integrate, we can target each individual at the right time and place, and finally eradicate advertising's stigma as "annoying" for the more welcomed description as "helpful." Those in the industry will truly work to fulfill consumers needs with the clients they represent.

Kryptonite to the Creative Mind

It is doubtful that when artist Auguste Rodin sculpted his famous statue "The Thinker," he suspected that the subject's pose would become as outdated as the piece itself...unless of course, it sat with its gaze affixed on a screen shining three inches away from its face. In modern-day Western civilization, we have traded our appreciation for personal reflection for the power of efficiency and maximum output. This bartering act was instigated by none other than our loyal pal, The Internet.

Maybe, The Internet isn't the trustworthy friend we thought it was. Though it has brought many gifts--a wealth of information, an ease of communication, and the ability to work efficiently--it may have taken away something very important. To an advertiser's dismay, The Internet may have stolen our ability to wonder. 

"I'll Google it." Like many others, I find myself repeating this phrase anytime the slightest sense of curiosity crosses my path. Before they have the opportunity to stray in whichever direction they please, Google puts my thoughts in line. Because of the guidance and answers Google and our devices in general provide, my knowledge grows everyday, while in contrast, my creativity shrivels.

Without giving our minds the ability to suggest their own novel solutions , we don't allow ourselves to enter the state of flow needed to think creatively. To those like myself who are planning to work in a creative field, I suggest this: spend a little time every day completely unplugged. Your right brain will thank you.