Strands of Genius: Everyone Knows MSCHF By Now, Marketing Weapons Of The New York Times, Maximalism And Guinness

Guest curated by Jay Bawar, Junior Copywriter

Sep 19, 2024

:: A BIT MORE ABOUT GUEST CURATOR, JAY BAWAR ::

LOCATION: Toronto, Canada

Hi! I’m Jay Bawar, a copywriter at Zulu Alpha Kilo in Toronto, Canada. My journey in the creative world has been an exciting one, filled with opportunities to collaborate and learn from incredible talents. I was fortunate enough to meet Faris through the LIA Creative Mentee program! My passion for storytelling drives me to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences and elevate brands. I believe in the power of creativity to connect people and inspire change, and I’m always looking for new ways to push boundaries and explore fresh ideas in my work. I’m excited to share my experiences and learn from others in this vibrant community!

Editor’s Note (Genius Steals): It’s always a pleasure to meet and provide some old man counsel for the young people in our or coming into our industry. It’s a weird time and they are both the most excited and, sometimes, the most worried, about the future. Both of which are appropriate, in our opinion, because wisdom isn’t picking whether to be a cheerleader or a naysayer it’s carefully considering what is happening, what might follow, and how to thrive within that.

This is an excellent edition, we love MSCHF, good journalism is more important than ever especially since the global media agencies only allocate about 1% of total spend to proper news, and of course pubs are the greatest British socio-cultural invention of necessity. Read Watching the English by anthropologist Kate Fox for more on how pubs are essential liminal spaces for a stratified culture that frowns upon unprompted social interaction and any public expression of feeling ;-)

:: THE LINKS ::

EVERYONE KNOWS MSCHF BY NOW

There's so many lessons in this behind the scenes look at the agency. My takeaway: If it's dead simple, and has a good reason to exist, it's probably a good idea. This video really highlights their unique approach to creativity and how they blend art with marketing. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most impactful ideas come from straightforward concepts executed with purpose. (YouTube; Business Untitled)

WEAPONS OF THE NEW YORK TIMES MARKETING

An inside look at The New York Times' campaign in collaboration with Droga5. It really shows the power of storytelling. I could watch these spots all day. The way they capture human experiences and weave them into compelling narratives is masterful. Each segment feels like a mini-documentary, highlighting the importance of journalism in today’s world. It’s a great reminder of how effective storytelling can elevate a brand and resonate deeply with audiences. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to connect with people, this is a must-watch!(YouTube; It’s Nice That)

MAXIMALISM AND GUINNESS

This article explores the unique appeal of traditional pubs through the lens of Gen Z's appreciation for them. I don't remember how I came across this piece, but it rings true even for a guy from Toronto. It captures the vibrant atmosphere of these spaces and how they blend history with a sense of community. The discussion around maximalism in design and experience really resonates, highlighting that sometimes, the charm of a place lies in its rich layers and character. It's a fascinating read for anyone who values the stories behind their favorite hangouts! (Standard)

Looking for more from Jay? Coming Friday, look for an interview from him in your inbox!

:: AND NOW… SOME FAST FAVORITES ::

:: Game :: Connect Four

:: City :: Berlin

:: Book :: Slaughterhouse 5

:: Podcast :: Conan O’Brian Needs A Friend

:: ELEPHANT MEMORIES ::

Thanks for reading!

You can connect with copywriter Jay Bawar on LinkedIn

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It's called Genius Steals because we believe ideas are new combinations and that nothing can come from nothing. But copying is lazy. We believe the best way to innovate is to look at the best of that which came before and combine those elements into new solutions.

Co-Founders Faris & Rosie are award-winning strategists and creative directors, writers, consultants and public speakers who have been living on the road/runway since March 2013, working with companies all over the world. Our Director of Operations is nomadic like us, our accounting team is based out of Washington, our company is registered in Tennessee, and our collaborators are all over the world. Being nomadic allows us to go wherever clients need us to be, and to be inspired by the world in between.

Hit reply and let’s talk about how we might be able to work together :)

Strands of Genius