Hate The Player. Don't Hate The Game
Like it or not, awards matter.
Last week Ad Age took a poll to see if readers were following The Cannes Lions. The "no" response was a resounding 77 percent. Reading the feedback, people went off on how the Lions were "elitist" and for the "in-crowd." You won't get a disagreeable word from me. But as long as those individuals keep producing Lions worthy work, they will remain part of the elite (that's how they keep a job). Still it doesn't mean you have to deny yourself of any value the Cannes Lions may offer.
Egos aside, creative careers are sometimes defined by the awards won.
If you still want to hate Cannes or any other awards, I won't try to stop you. Some people stand firm that awards are only good for ego inflating. I can respect that. Too bad the arrogance of some (many) can be overbearing, overshadowing the significance of the awards. Still there are some winning campaigns you should check out.
And if you're afraid that checking out the Cannes site turns you into some kind of ad snob, then don't tell anyone. I'm sure there are plenty of sites you check out that you don't tell anyone about.
Last week Ad Age took a poll to see if readers were following The Cannes Lions. The "no" response was a resounding 77 percent. Reading the feedback, people went off on how the Lions were "elitist" and for the "in-crowd." You won't get a disagreeable word from me. But as long as those individuals keep producing Lions worthy work, they will remain part of the elite (that's how they keep a job). Still it doesn't mean you have to deny yourself of any value the Cannes Lions may offer.
Egos aside, creative careers are sometimes defined by the awards won.
- Awards help your agency grow or keep you in demand as a freelancer. Build your rep and hopefully bring in new business.
- Clients like them. Some clients even have it their contracts to award bonuses, if the agency wins various awards.
- You get noticed. Being on the list of credits on award entries can open doors for you. It may be leverage for a promotion or raise at your current position. It may create opportunities somewhere else.
- You get to see great work. Awards give you the opportunity to see what creatives worldwide claim is their best work. Just because you don't like the pretentiousness of the awards, don't deny yourself the opportunity to see something inspiring.
If you still want to hate Cannes or any other awards, I won't try to stop you. Some people stand firm that awards are only good for ego inflating. I can respect that. Too bad the arrogance of some (many) can be overbearing, overshadowing the significance of the awards. Still there are some winning campaigns you should check out.
And if you're afraid that checking out the Cannes site turns you into some kind of ad snob, then don't tell anyone. I'm sure there are plenty of sites you check out that you don't tell anyone about.
Posted by Clifton Simmons at 6/28/2010 8:00 AM 
Categories: You've Been Schooled, Events and Premieres
Tags: Cannes Ad Age
Categories: You've Been Schooled, Events and Premieres
Tags: Cannes Ad Age
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