#Creative

How Brands Like

Manchester United

Are Getting It Wrong

1 min

Actions really do speak louder than words

We say we are advanced and civilized, but our actions often speak otherwise. We say we are humane and caring, yet we witness cruelty and heartache on almost a daily basis. We say we want to be better at what we do in our lives, yet sometimes we do nothing to change our reality, other than talking about it a little more. If we are to change anything in our world it is great to talk about how we can help. Yet nothing ever changed from talking, only the action that followed it m

2 min

Don’t just listen, hear.

In life we often talk about good listeners. People who are always attentive and are the ear for you to bend when things are not going well. But listening is only half of the story as it takes a certain type of person to go from listening, to hearing. We all listen to what is happening around us yet very few people really, truly hear what is being said to us. I know that I have to make a concerted effort to stop myself thinking about what I am going to say or trying to solve t

2 min

The future is not what is used to be

Things change. people change. The world changes. It’s a fact of life and something we cannot, ironically, change. I have on occasion found myself ploughing on deliberately, trying to keep the status quo within my life as stable as possible. But over the years you realize that no matter what you prepare, no matter what you do things around you are going to change and there is nothing you can do about it. Fight it? Fight what? How can you fight something you cannot see? You beg

1 min

Fuel the fire; that burns within, Never give up; or give in.

Hold back no more; break the mold, it only harms; the ambition you hold. Be strong and delve; into your dreams, Things only come; to who be bold. Cast off the shadows; that drag you deep, Chains of creation; that you did reap, Our passion and hopes; will fuel you far, But determination; success will keep. Pass through the doubters; they matter not, Some people scheme; whilst others plot, But dreams can break; all negative vibes, & like a star; you’ll burn so hot. & insp

2 min

Life is not perfect, so keep making adjustments along the way.

Self doubt can be the most paralyzing feeling you experience. You can be sprinting down your path full of confidence when from no where comes self doubt and knocks you sideways. It stuns you and blocks you. It stands in front of you mocking the very things you believe. Tearing every shred of assurance you have away. It can be a terrifying experience as there is no way of seeing it coming. It often comes when after being passionately involved in something for so long with care

2 min

Fuel the spark of dreams that lie within you

A change is as good as a rest, they say. Getting stuck in a rut can really destroy your moral and spirit as it takes away any sort of natural decision making, and therefore creative thinking. I do not believe that only artists, designers and people with creative occupations are the only creative ones. We are all creative by nature as it is part of what has helped us evolve over the years. It is this creative spirit that has forged new inventions, created new industries, creat

1 min

A positive change in my career

Well I am officially moving into my new position as we speak. I am moving from my head creative role in Y&R (Young and Rubicam) in Abu Dhabi into another WPP company, and I have to say I am very happy today! The company will be called Intermarkets|VML and I am going to be the Regional Creative Director & Digital Strategic Director for the Middle East. It’s quite a mouthful really. Intermarkets is one of the oldest advertising groups in the Middle East and VML is one of the le

1 min

Trouble in Bahrain led to a quick exit

The trip to Bahrain went very well. Had trouble getting back to the airport as more protests started just before I was supposed to leave the office. It was all pretty quiet really until the GM came in looking a little pale saying, ‘I think you better leave!’ It’s amazing the thoughts that go though your mind, not just what kind but the amount in literally a fraction of a second. I cannot tell you how many different scenarios were racing through my mind as I sat and looked at

1 min

A parents challenge

I would walk through hell to find you. I would march against the world to protect you. I would sacrifice myself, to give you one more day of sunshine. And, I would throw caution to the wind, if it meant bringing beauty within your world. If an obstacle appeared on your horizon, I would break it down or carry you over. Even for only one second of joy and happiness. I would never let another take away your sunshine. And I would bring the rain when you needed refreshing.

1 min

A parents challenge

1 min

The evening sky here in Dubai

This is a picture I took yesterday from Festival City in Dubai. It overlooks the Marina and in the background under that beautiful sky is the Burj Khalifa, tallest building in the world. (The picture was taken on an iphone with the Hipstomatic app) #city #boats #sun #Dubai #sky #photography #Creative #travel #clouds #Art #BurjKhalifa #sunset

1 min

The evening sky here in Dubai

2 min

Life is one continuous improvement

I see a mountain in front of me. It reaches high into the stormy clouds and I am unable to even see the summit, how will I reach my goal? How will I struggle along dangerous paths of insecurity and worry? How will I take on such an unsurmountable challenge alone? What are the steps I must take? I must do it the only way I know, one step at a time. Each one assured that it is merely just a meter in front of me, that is my goal for now. I must not stand in horror at the entire

2 min

Life is one continuous improvement

1 min

You can do anything, but you can’t do everything.

With a passion for everything to do with art, I often find myself lost in a maze of inspiration where I do not know which route to take. Should I write, draw, paint, photograph, sculpt or anything else that is racing around my mind to do. I would genuinely love to do everything but unfortunately time doesn’t permit when you have other commitments. But this is not an excuse. It is no excuse not to be doing one thing at least as just because you could do everything, it doesn’t

1 min

You can do anything, but you can’t do everything.

1 min

You are the only person in control of your life

People believe they can control another’s life. People believe they can shape someone’s destiny. But the truth is this only happens when we allow someone else to influence us in any way. No one can ever take away your dreams no matter how far you may feel away from it, they are still yours to keep and realize when you want. A dream is a glimpse into what your life could be like. But put passion and effort into your journey, for anything worth achieving in life usually comes w

1 min

You are the only person in control of your life

1 min

Most of the things you worry about never happen

How many times have you spent the night before stressing over something that never materialized the way you imagined? I know occasionally I have got myself into quite a state worrying about certain meetings or presentations only to have the meeting go very well. Of course there have also been times when I didn’t worry and it was a disaster, but thankfully, they are few and far between. When you look back in retrospect you often wonder why you made such a big deal out of thing

1 min

Most of the things you worry about never happen