Our Creative Director, Jamie Cartledge, talks us through his workspace
Apr 14th 2015
written by...
Jamie Del Grosso
Founder/ Creative Director
The Workspace
Upon reflection I realised that, to date, my blogs have not been particularly informative, meaningful or even that well worded. I felt that I owed it to myself and more importantly anybody reading this to write something of value. That being said, here is a pointless look at my desk.
I am a creature of simple needs, I don’t go for the pointless gadgets, over-priced oh-look-how-important-and-excutive-I-am pens or imported Italian notebooks bound in narwhal hide and the tears of 7 virgins (not thinking of anyone in particular here, definitely not our Assoc. Creative Director, Shay Mcgreal).
I like to keep my workspace minimal and somewhat tidy. I always found that I have to juggle so many things for my job and keep so many campaigns in mind that it helps me feel a little bit organised. I keep everything very neutral (mostly blacks and white) as I find this doesn’t influence or interfere with the design process when I’m trying to think of ideas and visuals for our clients. This is often the reason most creative studios go for white/light coloured desks.
this is where the magic happens
These little craft paper covered beauties are where most of my ideas are formed. I always carry a notebook around with me, I often have a ‘Field Notes’ brand memo book and pen stuffed in my back pocket wherever I go and I always suggest the same for my team. Computers and gizmos are great but I always think it’s easier to explore ideas the old fashion way; with a pen and paper.
I always remember something I read in a David Ogilvy book, he said that when he wanted to create the big ideas he would research, research and research some more. He would fill his head with knowledge on the project until his head hurt. Then, once he knew all he could, get away from it. Exercise, relax or just drink a good ol’ glass of whiskey with a pen and paper in front of you and let the ideas flow. I still find this to be the best method to get out everything your thinking and even pluck out a few more ideas that may be hiding in the back of my mind.
in true british fashion
While it may not be socially acceptable to drink whiskey at your desk any more in true Don Draper fashion, we all still need our vices. For the yesyesBD office we are heavy tea drinkers, maybe a sneaky whiskey if we are working late, or if we have had a good week, or a bad week or we are out of tea. Don would be proud.
immersed in inspiration
The only exception to my ‘minimal and neutral’ rule is my ‘inspiration wall’. A collection of artwork, ads and design ideas I like that I have stuck to a wall behind my desk. This is ever growing as I find more pieces that catch my attention, they may be something I have come across online, a scribble on some paper or something ripped out of a magazine. Seeing great work always makes me feel motivated to create.
I am also very proud to say that some of these great pieces have been created by our very talented team here at yesyesBD. I love seeing members of our team create great work for our clients and this has always been my biggest motivation.
I hope you all appreciated this pointless and massively uninformative blog about my desk which was written for reasons I don’t remember.
