Legendary ad man Lee Clow discusses iconic campaigns like Apple's '1984' commercial and the Energizer Bunny. He shares insights into Steve Jobs's leadership and the importance of creativity in advertising. The podcast delves into the evolution of decision-makers in businesses and the crafting of memorable brand campaigns.
Lee Clow's Think Different campaign for Apple transformed the brand and advertising industry.
Steve Jobs' visionary leadership empowered creativity and innovation at Apple, setting high expectations.
Deep dives
The Creation of the Iconic Apple 1984 Commercial
The podcast episode explores the iconic 1984 Apple commercial featuring the woman throwing a hammer at Big Brother on a screen, discussing how the ad was created by Lee Clow and the impact it had in launching the Macintosh computer. Steve Jobs' involvement and the ad's significance in revolutionizing advertising during the Super Bowl are highlighted. The narrations reveal the challenges faced in getting the commercial aired and its enduring legacy in advertising history.
The Influence of Steve Jobs' Leadership on Creativity
The episode delves into Steve Jobs' leadership style emphasizing his visionary approach and ability to challenge and inspire creative individuals, such as Lee Clow, to think bigger and push boundaries. Jobs' unique ability to see beyond the present, set high expectations, and trust in creativity is credited for fostering innovation within Apple and other ventures like Pixar. Comparisons are drawn to traditional CEOs lacking the same level of trust in creative processes.
The Creative Process behind the Energizer Bunny Campaign
The podcast recounts the creation of the Energizer Bunny campaign, tracing its origins from a previous ad by Doyle Day Bernbach. It reveals the process of adapting and popularizing the character in commercials, capturing the essence of its enduring appeal and cultural impact. Details of the campaign's evolution and the collaborative efforts involved are highlighted, showcasing the significance of innovative marketing strategies.
The Power of Mentorship and Encouraging Creativity
Through personal anecdotes, the episode underscores the impact of mentorship and encouragement on nurturing talent and creativity. Lee Clow's childhood memory of receiving praise for his artistic abilities serves as a testament to the importance of recognizing and fostering creativity from a young age. The narrative reinforces the value of pushing individuals to realize their potential and the lasting influence of supportive relationships in cultivating success.
Apple's "1984" commercial, the Energizer Bunny, and the launch of Air Jordans all have one thing in common. They're all creations of legendary ad man Lee Clow.
As creative director of Chiat/Day, Lee spent decades making work that transcended advertising and became cultural icons. He shared a close relationship with Steve Jobs, and his Think Different campaign revitalized Apple, transforming it into the brand we recognize today.
As someone whose career started in advertising, Lee's a hero of mine, and I was thrilled to sit down with him. He shares the entertaining stories behind his most iconic work and some insights into Steve Jobs's leadership, his rare ability to fearlessly embrace creativity.