Jim Rohn had it right...

“You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with”
Jim Rohn


I wouldn't often do this, but having just read a post by Michael Karnjanaprakorn it really got me inspired.

It's true, when they say you are deeply inspired by those around you they mean in, perhaps even in a subconscious level. 


As Tony D[avidson] said: 
"You just got to f*ckin' surround yourself with real f*ckin' talented people, they'll help bring your ideas into reality".


I am spending the next 30 seconds identifying the 5 people I spent most of my time with. Unfortunately, Einstein isn't one of them... 

Young Team of the Year...

Here's a little something that you may want to sink your teeth into...

A chance to take part in the Newspaper Society's 'Young Team of the Year' competition.

It's a developing competition, I attended last year (more here), the work by all means could have been improved, but if you win the London competition, you get to represent the UK in Belgium... expenses paid - which is never a bad thing.

If all goes well I hope to be there, it's a good chance to meet people from Uni/ grads up to 3 years into an agency see how you fit in...

For a summary go here

To apply go here

For some interesting directions go here

I've been informed there are still places, but they are limited - So go get on the e-mail if you fancy a shot.

Oh, and it's FREE, Bonus.

Long Road and all that...

FINDING THE TIME 
TO WRITE //

A hell of a lot has happened in the last week and a bit, I've met some incredibly talented people and maybe I'll work with them some time in the future. It seems everyone knows everyone in this industry, I've heard it's quite incestuous but it seems I end up knowing people who know people. I'm in the process of putting together a singles type website which hopefully will help some people find someone to work with if they ever find themselves sans partner or looking for a fresh start. There are some facebook groups and that but it would be handy if it's all in one place. I'll keep people posted on that front.

But finally, I've been offered a job at Leagas Delaney! Which I've accepted. I started on Monday, but there's seems to be a lot kicking off there, which has resulted in my whole week disappearing into a world of hard work and pitches! I'm currently working with a new creative called Nick, who I've work with on a couple of bits before, top bloke and good fun to work with. Not really had much time to stop and think! I am fully aware I'm using way too many exclamation marks too, apologies for that.

Hopefully, this week I can get back to writing some interesting bits and posting a little more frequently...

Read this right now! You have but an hour...

I totally forgot to mention this! The deadline is in an hour... 5pm not a lot of time, I know, but for some of you creatives that have some awesome Ideas in book already made up - it may be worth checking this out...

Chip Shop Awards - I entered last year and it was a laugh, it's growing in popularity and the Judges aren't half bad either ;)

Flaws: It does cost a couple of quid (well a tad more than that) and if you do some cool work, rather than the micky take campaigns I think it's got good potential. Creativity without boundaries!

It's always pretty straight forward - read up more here (but be quick!)
Cheers,

Mike

Popular by association...

Does it really pay to borrow the identity of another brand? I can see how it has it's benefits, but I doubt people are really that silly to confuse the brands. Perhaps all they want is a coffee and if you serve it, they'll buy it... a worthy noticing no less.

Pret A Manger...

Costa Coffee...

In the flesh... or plastic, vinyl whatever.

Sorting through some photo's I found these little celebrity chaps... Miiillk! 

...along with the prototype for Dan Wieden's musical ruler!

In the not too distant future...

Hello You Creatives Mix Up...

A bit lost for something to do tomorrow night? Good, then you'll be free to pop on over to this...

The lowdown (from the fb event)...

***We're planning an informal get together for our London members, just to say hello to one another. This would be a good time to catch up with an old friend and make some new creatives contacts.

Even if you just pop along to say hello - it would be nice to see everyone who has helped this group be as fantastic as it is.

Guests, friends, family and even stranger off the street are welcome. 

When: Wednesday March 3rd 2010 - 7:00pm to 11:00pm

We will be meeting at http://www.marketplace-london.com

You can find it here: http://bit.ly/dl5lte

We've been told that it's a big pub with space inside and out so hopefully we'll be able to find a corner to settle.***

If you're interested, here are the fb group & the blog

Baby steps...

Anyone else slightly perplexed by this... 

So... I've basically been spending my time seeing what's out there, meeting some very interesting people. The thing I've noticed most is the diversity of single creatives out there, I'm not just talking about ability, but backgrounds, situations, visions & directions. It's an exciting time, I won't mention names because, well it's just my opinion, but there's a real mixed bag. Some very talented people and some... who are just starting out. Obviously from my perspective I'm looking for someone with a little bit of experience, but there's some really enthusiastic people out there, who are just starting out and have some nice spec stuff in their 'folios. What's more is everyone has been bloody nice, I am yet to come across anyone who has been a complete tw*t - more to my surprise. I've not made any drastic decisions just yet, I'm considering all the options before leaping head first into anything. 

I've been in touch with a couple of people who have been/ are followers of this blog (there's one reason to start up a blog if you're starting out - or not), the old fashioned NABS lonely hearts monthly meet-up run by Rory over at The Talent Business, friends, friends of friends and contacts from agencies that I've worked at. I'm trying to use a whole heap of resources to find my best possible match.

When I get a second or two more I'll put up the resources I've been using and try and be a little more specific for any other aspiring and/or single creatives. If it helps then great if not, then what's lost, right?

I've also been collating my work, or rather hoarding it in a new 'folio. I spent quite a bit of time running this blog and our previous website that I never thought to put any time into my own web side of things. Which leaves me currently working on developing something a little better than a temporary website.

Cheers.

Mike!

Online vs. Offline...

A little idea I've been playing around with for sometime... there's a huge focus on getting the real world into digital... which I'm all for, but what about the other way around? The like of Last.fm & Spotify have a huge online presence but surely they could benefit from offline targeting?

Benefits over a common jukebox:

Endless playlist & track selections
Spotify could install these for free, but gain a fair bit of PR as the no.1 source of music.
Imported playlists from home via mobile / USB or bluetooth
DJ Nights - playlist themed nights.
In record stores, to preview music.

**edit limitless

Thoughts, issues & debates welcome.

New blog means new and exciting opportunities.

So, here marks the end of mikeandphil.blogspot.com & the beginning of mlcuthell.blogspot.com

I've found things a little bit difficult not having somewhere to vent my creative thoughts and discoveries, so I thought it was about time I got my new blog up and running, hopefully anyone who was interested in reading mikeandphil.blogspot.com will find their way over here soon enough.

I'll be up to my usual tricks and wizardry - I still intend on continuing in the same spirit as the previous blog. I've imported all the previous posts because it gives you an idea of what I'm like, and if you don't already know what this blog is all about!

So, with my pint of water that sits besides me, I say cheers to a number of exciting possibilities!

Mike.