"The German philosopher Hegel defined art as "the sensuous presentation of ideas". It is, he indicated, in the business of conveying concepts, just like ordinary language, except that it engages us through both our senses and our reason and is uniquely effective for its dual modes of address." — Alan de Botton
What lies at the heart of all successful public communication that is stronger than a logo, a color or an image? An idea, story, a reason to engage. It is these ideas what we should demand as consumers. And it is these ideas that visual communicators bring as the ultimate value to our clients. After all, engaging and relevant brand relationships are in one way or another intellectually and emotionally satisfying.
It is because an idea was planted that "think different" set in motion the company we now hold as one archetype of relevant brand and consumer communication. It is because of an idea that "yes we can" became the rally cry that brought a nation together. It is because of ideas that good and bad things happen, because people are willing to live or die for them.
Now, lets backtrack to what triggered this writing: the economic power of art when married with the communication of an idea and the absence that I see of this type of brand attitude in the field of FMCGs. It is through meaningful engagements with a consumer that brands grow and flourish, so why is that in this world of quarterly reports the larger goal is overseen? I encourage every one of us to follow the leadership of these lighthouse brands and learn from them. Ideas do sell. So let's get back in the business of marketing and visualizing them. Business strategy leaders such as Michael Porter are already questioning the relevance of short term business thinking and advocating putting the consumer's interest, or embracing ideas first. From a business point of view this makes total sense. From a visual communication sense this can be extremely powerful. From a brand growth point of view - if not for it's survival - this could be essential.
What lies at the heart of all successful public communication that is stronger than a logo, a color or an image? An idea, story, a reason to engage. It is these ideas what we should demand as consumers. And it is these ideas that visual communicators bring as the ultimate value to our clients. After all, engaging and relevant brand relationships are in one way or another intellectually and emotionally satisfying.
It is because an idea was planted that "think different" set in motion the company we now hold as one archetype of relevant brand and consumer communication. It is because of an idea that "yes we can" became the rally cry that brought a nation together. It is because of ideas that good and bad things happen, because people are willing to live or die for them.
Now, lets backtrack to what triggered this writing: the economic power of art when married with the communication of an idea and the absence that I see of this type of brand attitude in the field of FMCGs. It is through meaningful engagements with a consumer that brands grow and flourish, so why is that in this world of quarterly reports the larger goal is overseen? I encourage every one of us to follow the leadership of these lighthouse brands and learn from them. Ideas do sell. So let's get back in the business of marketing and visualizing them. Business strategy leaders such as Michael Porter are already questioning the relevance of short term business thinking and advocating putting the consumer's interest, or embracing ideas first. From a business point of view this makes total sense. From a visual communication sense this can be extremely powerful. From a brand growth point of view - if not for it's survival - this could be essential.
