As a marketer, my passion goes beyond words.
I am also a
very “visually-oriented” person. Those who have worked with me know that I
have an unusual attachment to my white board. That’s because I must be able to
whip out my dry erase markers (many colours, naturally) to brainstorm, mock-up
a concept, sketch an image, plot out a strategy or visualize a process flow.
Those may
sound like boring visuals to the non-business type.
But in fact,
they all require forms of creativity and “stretch thinking.”
And
sometimes, the best way to think outside the usual box (aka your head) is to
map it out visually, in whatever form works for you. Personally, I like my
whiteboard. And, occasionally, other hand-held media.
I am
influenced both in my visual design and writing by other artists, of all genres.
This includes painters, poets, musicians, dancers, actors, fashion
designers, architects, graphic artists and other craftspeople.
Being
tactile is an important element of creativity.
It helps to
get out of the brain and to explore new concepts with your hands. That’s why
many great artists work in several media, including Pop Art master, Tom
Wesselmann.
Wesselmann's
first ever gallery exhibition in Canada was held at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
a few years ago. I loved his use of vibrant, unapologetic colour, seductive
figures, and larger-than life installations. Through his art, he depicted many
elements of American culture, most notably during the 1960’s and 170’s. Touring
that exhibit was a feast for my eyes and I was unquestionably impressed.
I wonder how
this artist will influence my work as a marketer and communications professional.
Perhaps he already has.
Feed your
mind (and free your mind) with art.
I try to
make it a habit to seek opportunities for exposure to different art forms. It’s
so enriching to allow yourself to consider other forms of expression and
communication. This is how we learn to understand the human psyche and how to
connect with each other in a meaningful and memorable way.
Essentially,
the more you experience life from different perspectives, the more rich your
contribution will be to anything you undertake.
What art
will you discover today?
Here are a
few suggestions:
20 Unusually awesome art mediums (media)
[Author's
note: I couldn't help but notice this gross mistype on the MMFA's Beyond Pop
Art website when they hosted Tom Wesselmann’s exhibit:]
Fortunately,
the MMFA has better proof-readers setting up the exhibits. I scanned each
paragraph that described the artist's life and career, each carefully
transposed onto the gallery walls, French on top, English on the bottom. I can
vouch only for the English.
