Welcome to a new week and another ad chat. This week we tapped Koert Bakker, the Director of Strategy at Victors & Spoils, though he originally hails from Amsterdam. He blogs quite a bit about planning, strategy and advertising at koertbakker.com and you can stalk him on twitter at @koertbakker.
What’s your favorite funny story about yourself?
At my first job as a junior planner at BBDO I wore a suit for the first three weeks.
Which piece of art (movie, book, music, painting, etc) has influenced you the most? How or why?
It’s not a piece of art as much as a philosophy on art. Andy Warhol’s Factory was a huge inspiration for me as a manifestation of the blending of culture and commerce and the power of community. Hard to believe that was almost 50 years ago if you realize how relevant that vision still is today.
Who was your favorite mentor and why?
John Winsor, as he’s truly visionary and fearless in pursuing his vision.
What’s the one thing that excites you about the future of advertising?
That technology and cognitive surplus will redefine how the industry is organized. Everybody with good ideas deserves an outlet for their creativity.
If you could meet anyone in history (dead or alive), who would it be and why?
Mark Zuckerberg, to learn about his vision for the evolution of Facebook.
What’s your favorite website/blog, and why?
I don’t really have one favorite site or blog. I love finding new sources that reflect the zeitgeist. Right now I’m interested in Brikki.com because crowdsourcing by children is a new idea. Looking at children makes you realize that every human being is innately creative.
What campaign or project are you most proud of?
I always hope the next project I work on will make me the proudest. Past work I’ve really enjoyed:
Who is your advertising hero and why?
I respect creative entrepreneurs who create innovative products that change culture. People like Joe Gebbia (AirBnB), Noah Brier (Percolate) and Adam Leibsohn (Voyurl).
Tell us one of the things on your bucket list and why?
Taking my wife and children to Curaçao to show them where I grew up as a child.
What piece of advice do you wish someone had told you when you were starting out?
Innate talent is of little value without practice and a constant honing of your skills.
Super Bowl Ad Chat: Vinny Warren, on Wassup humor & preachy advertising
Ad Chat Super Bowl: John Kritch creator of "My Bold Dad" Toyota #SBads