Originality doesn't exist

Nothing is original according to Austin Kleon, author of the highly acclaimed Newspaper Blackout. Austin even goes on to say that every new idea is just a mashup of previous ones. And he inspired me to start a conversation and write this post.

Jon Raney, son of legendary guitarist Jimmy Raney, also provides some interesting thoughts on originality and musicians,

"Originality is having a good sense of who you are and being able to transmit that individuality successfully in your chosen art. Perseverance and single-mindedness towards that goal can also be a reflection of originality (but not a guarantee). To that extent, it’s not an accident. Certain skills, like for example those of a math genius, may be just the way certain people are wired. Sincerity and depth cannot be designed though and this might have nothing to do with skill in music. This is a question of integrity. A great musical artist might be the union of these two elements: musical ability coupled with special personal qualities he might have in common with non-musicians."

In other words, what makes up a great musical artist is partly derivative of qualities already in existence. Or a mashup. Sounds familiar doesn't it? 

I guess originality is a matter of definition, much like anything else. I challenged people to rethink the pursuit of originality, question parts of their creations and if they're truly their own effort. And whether you believe in originality or not it's always fascinating to start a conversation and get people enthusiastic about their ideas. 

My take on the lady

Lady GaGa has become one of the most, if not the most, bankable artists in the last decade. I saw her collaborate with Polaroid to release picture-taking sunglasses at CES and her performance last week at the Honda Center alongside 17,000.

There's plenty of successful musicians. But GaGa and her team are the catalysts of a cultural phenomena. And there's two fundamental things they consistently do extremely well. 

1. Build anticipation and emotion around every single experience. They incite curiousity and leave people wanting more. They always keep people hungry.  

2. Use openness as a lasting way of connection. They create access to elevate reasonance. They invite, accept and constantly acknowledge people realizing the power in sharing the journey. 

If you haven't already, check out this exclusive Google interview with Lady GaGa. 

Always remain a student

"I am learning all the time. The tombstone will be my diploma." Eartha Kitt

Next week I have the privilege to speak with the graduate students at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business. I've been invited to speak during a class on the importance of content strategy. And I support everything Dr. Scott Rader is doing to incorporate his perspective in the UST MBA curriculum.

I remember my business school days listening to guest speakers, their experiences and war stories. I never really anticipated I would speak on St. Thomas's behalf and it is unusual to be standing on the other side of education this time around. I am both honored and excited to have a conversation with people about the things I'm passionate about. And even learn a ton along the way.

 

Changing the ways stories are told

A few months ago Leica launched Explorer where 10 photographers were selected to follow routes traveled by William Adams or Marco Polo and share everything along the way. And this week the offbeat clothing brand Uniqlo introduced Uniqlooks - a community of fans sharing different looks for all to see. 

The Leica and Uniqlo experience embody the value systems of their respective brand. And become powerful new mediums filled with personality and authenticity. They live and breathe by way of their communities, which become storytellers in their own right. 

There is always opportunity for more authentic, compelling stories to unravel. Especially when communities are given the keys to the kingdom. 

 

No point of view is the worst you can do

"Come with a unique perspective." Joshua Kissi, Street Etiquette 

It was great to hear Joshua Kissi talk about Street Etiquette's serendipitous vision and how passion fueled its launch. He is the type who is always making things worth paying attention to. And so it comes as no surprise I share his commentary given a world of such attention scarcity.

The convergent space of blogs aimed at fashion is flooded with noise much like anything else. But Kissi, who grew up in The Bronx, has such a unique perspective on high fashion that it ultimately won likes over the traditional hip-hop view. And so Street Etiquette offers something that isn't being talked about, which has attracted the attention of celebrated mags like GQ and Complex.      

Check out the Street Etiquette blog here.

Audience first. Reinvent second.

They collaborated with Warhol fans to create films. Even allowed us to walk the museum from the comforts of our home. And now they're exploring the communication between people and objects with, "Talk to Me."

The MoMA masters a way of engagement with exhibitions that uphold the museum-going experience. And at the same time create new ones by encouraging what might be seen as a museum-going killer.

Exhibits like Andy Warhol: Motion Pictures and The Google Art Project embrace technology by taking the experience online where traditional exhibitions aren't. But clearly where people are.

Conceiving ideas around audiences and reinventing ways of doing things makes The MoMA a brand like no other.

Founded on co-creation

"Our clothing is a collaboration, we enjoy nothing more than the customer feeling that they have ownership of the clothes we make for them." Thomas Bird, Creative Director

Prior to the birth of House of Billiam, the "hoodie" lost much of its staple-ness within British culture. The UK clothing line set out to revert the iconic clothing piece and so the brand ethos was born.

HoB combines suiting fabrics with modern styling to create unsuit-like pieces. They collaborate with customers by combining elements of indivdualism and commonality to design an exclusive clothing item like no other. Everything is customization in its rarest form, which in turn makes for empowerment and a "big name" feel amongst their customers.

Co-creation is seemingly the new black. But actually building a brand around it? An excellent story that's rarely being told.

Check out HoB here.

Make it an experience

Make it simple. Make it memorable. Make it inviting to look at. Make it fun to read. - Leo Burnett

Leo's comments came to mind after watching Coke's latest here, where they challenge you to unlock the secret formula. They do it by giving you bits of clues that lead you through an entire storyline. Only everything is transmedia.

Perhaps make it an experience is something Burnett would add if he were still around today. Great stuff from the aged brand.  

MoMa + Warhol + You

If you happen to be in New York over the course of the next two weeks check out MoMa's Andy Warhol: Motion Pictures Exhibition. It focuses on Warhol's non-narrative, silent black-and-white films from the 1960s. In true Andy fashion I like the direct involvement of willing participates. Compelling stuff sure to get people talking.

Check out the exhibition site here

Shop social this holiday season

If you're like most Americans you'll use your spare time to toggle between Facebook and online shopping this holiday season. Now you don't even have to leave Facebook because this week JCPenny becomes the first major retailer to develop a way for customers to shop, share and buy right within the social network.

JCPenny's move is the missing link between using Facebook simply for brand messages and tracking customers, to a means of generating income. And with virtually no overhead (no pun intended). Talk about gifts of (social media) ROI and conversion rates this Holiday season. I'm surprised more retailers haven't done the same. Happy Holidays.