As I wrote about last week, I was named a "Creative Allstar" by a magazine I've never heard of. And last night there was a soiree where I was given a small, heavy block of brass with a star, my name and a logo etched on it. All in all, it was a very nice affair.
As I was sneaking out, I was assailed by a guy I had met many years ago, a very brainy, successful and nice guy.
Here's what he said to me.
"George, you're the last of the breed. You're the last writer in the business. Not a diletante, someone who can really simplify and express ideas through words."
I stammered a thank you and made a quick exit.
But my friend's words stuck with me.
Then this morning I read Steve Frankfurt's obit in "The New York Times." For those who don't know him, Frankfurt brought the light of the creative revolution to mainstream Y&R. He was responsible for famous campaigns like "Give a damn," for the United Negro College Fund, "Betcha Can't Eat Just One," for Lays' potato chips and "The Wings of Man," for Eastern Air Lines.
Frankfurt also turned his brilliance to movie titles, his most famous being the seminal "To Kill a Mockingbird."
His advertising work, though visually striking, it seems to me was equally driven by powerful copy.
Copy as in words.
Not Xerox.
Copy that defines.
Copy that clarifies.
Copy that amuses, entertains, informs, persuades.
If I'm the last scribe standing, so be it.
I'll keep doing what I do until I can't.
...which is precisely why I was happy to have worked with you, George. because you'll be dead soon. just kidding - I've called you a mentor more than once, friend.
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