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The A-List Podcast with Bobby C. Martin Jr.

By Team DIGO | 05/16/2019 | in

On this week’s episode of The A-List Podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein CCO Tom Christmann is joined by Bobby C. Martin Jr., founding partner of Original Champions of Design, a design and branding agency that builds better brands through informed and strategic identity system design.

In 2017, FastCompany named Martin Jr. one of the Most Creative People in Business. At OCD, Martin Jr. has led design projects for a wide range of clients such as the Girl Scouts of the USA, MTV, The New York Times, the National Basketball Association and the Studio Museum in Harlem to ensure their growth and creative goals.

Martin Jr. is one of the first pure designers to join The A-List Podcast, and offers a unique perspective having worked both in-house at brands and for external agencies. Tune in below!

Show Notes:

[0:00 – 0:54] Intro
[0:55 – 5:53] Growing up in Virginia to parents who were both educators, and how he still applies what of much he learned in his childhood to his career today
[5:54 – 9:59] Falling in love with design in High School, and learning how to express himself visually
[10:00 – 11:10] What he learned from design legend Paula Scher and “painting with type”
[11:11 – 18:30] Martin Jr. talks about his early career and the job that introduced him to graphic design
[18:31 – 20:40] How to manage young talent, the importance of being patient, and giving people the freedom to make mistakes
[20:41 – 24:16] How to push clients to be bold while still being respectful
[24:17 – 27:45] Why agencies and design firms need to be more integrated, and how the best campaigns have a seamlessness between advertising and design
[27:46 – 33:34] Moving to New York City to work for Gear Magazine, and how that experience taught him relentless work ethic
[33:35 – 38:35] Going back to graduate school, why he chose The School of Visual Arts, and the importance of osmosis learning
[38:36 – 40:40] Martin Jr. dives into the research tactics that inform design
[40:41 – 47:03] His experience as design director of the Jazz at Lincoln Center, and how he sold his ideas to Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis
[47:04 – 50:10] Launching Original Champions of Design, and the philosophy of the agency
[50:11 – 53:26] The pros and cons of both external and in-house agencies
[53:27 – 56:31] How to help people understand design work, and why the designer needs to be involved at every step of the process
[56:32 – 1:05:16] Rebranding the NBA logo for the first time in 48 years
[1:05:17 – 1:06:12] Outro

“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, an inspiring action agency, recorded at the Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter.

The A-List Podcast With Paul Fix

By Team DIGO | 01/31/2019 | in

The A-List Podcast

On the Season 2 finale of The A-List Podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein CCO Tom Christmann is joined in the studio by super freelancer and Adhouse NYC advertising teacher Paul Fix.

As a creative director, copywriter, and content creator, Fix has worked at many of the industry’s most renowned agencies, helping deliver world-famous campaigns such as Dos Equis’ “The Most Interesting Man.”

In the interview, Paul shares his unique journey into the world of advertising, talks about his class and teaching style, and offers valuable advice to any young creative trying to break it in the industry. Hear it all below!

Show Notes

[0:00 – 1:25] Intro
[1:26 – 15:30] Paul talks about the class he teaches at Adhouse and shares stories from his upbringing
[15:31 – Paul talks about how his band was almost signed to a label, the importance of independence, and the moment he realized he wanted to be in advertising
[26:45 – 44:30] Paul shares the story of how he broke into the industry by collecting data in media
[44:31 – 1:02:19] Backpacking in Europe, becoming a high school English teacher, and going back to advertising school
[1:02:20 – 1:05:00] Finally becoming a full-fledged creative at
[1:05:01 – 1:17:15] The advantages of working freelance, the importance of being kind, and what he loves about teaching
[1:17:16 – 1:18:46] Outro

“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, an inspiring action agency, recorded at the Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter.

Happy Holidays from DiMassimo Goldstein!

By James Nieman | 12/21/2018 | in

Inspiring Action

Over the years, we’ve built quite a reputation for our annual Holiday stunts and videos.

Last winter, we famously created a campaign to #SitOutSantaCon, which earlier this week, was named #8 on the CW Network’s Greatest Holiday Video Countdown.

We were thrilled just to make the list, but that excitement would reach new heights shortly after when the #1 video on that very countdown was also video we produced, “We Got Fired by Santa.”

But creating famous Holiday videos takes time, and after a year of agency growth, that time needed to be devoted to our long list of inspiring clients.

Luckily, DiGo’s workshop has a large network, and in the holiday spirit, a few of our famous friends stepped in to lend a helping hand and deliver a holiday message on our behalf.

And, some of them even took to their personal networks to spread the holiday cheer for all to hear.

From all of us at DiMassimo Goldstein, thank you all for making 2018 such a momentous year. We wish you a warm and joyous holiday, and hope that the new year brings you laughter, peace, and plenty of inspiring actions to celebrate.

The A-List Podcast with Ari Weiss

By James Nieman | 12/13/2018 | in

Photo from Campaign

The latest episode of The A-List Podcast features Ari Weiss, the first-ever North American Chief Creative Officer at DDB, where he oversees the agency’s 17 North American Offices.

Weiss’ reputation as an illustrious creative has been built working for many of the world’s most creative agencies, including 180 L.A., Wieden & Kennedy, BBDO, Goodby Silverstein & Partners, Cliff Freeman & Partners, and Saatchi, among others. Throughout that journey, he has collaborated with many of the industry’s most legendary icons, and he shares many of those experiences in this inspiring interview.

In his discussion with host and DiMassimo Goldstein CCO Tom Christmann, Weiss talks about why DiMassimo Goldstein was the “best first job you could ever get” and reflects on many of the magical moments, campaigns, and mentors that inspired his career. He shares useful tips about the creative process, offers his unique point of view on the shifting landscape of the industry, and explains why he feels it’s the most interesting time to be in the business.

Hear it all and so much more in the episode below!

Show Notes:

[0:00 – 1:28] Intro
[1:29 – 9:09] Growing up in California, his early aspirations of becoming a photo journalist, and the connection that landed him an interview with Jeff Goodby
[9:10 – 16:05] Weiss talks about his early infatuation with the industry and its culture, his internships as a college student, and the iconic campaigns that inspired him to make it a career
[16:06 – 21:40] His first taste of rejection and the discipline and organization that you need to become a successful creative
[21:41 – 27:10] Weiss talks about his creative process, the power of a true partnership, and how the industry has shifted to less traditional silos
[27:11 – 30:42] The current landscape of the industry and why innovation and technology must still serve the idea and insight
[30:43 – 35:55] What it’s like being a CCO, work that breaks into culture, and the value of having strong mentors who teach you attention to detail
[35:56 – 38:10] Weiss shares what it was like interviewing for a job during the dot-com crash
[38:11 – 49:59] Working for DiMassimo Goldstein and why it was the best first job you could get
[50:00 – 54:50] Weiss talks about the secret sauce at Cliff Freeman and the amazing people who worked there
[54:51 – 1:08:57] What it’s like sitting in Bill Bernbach’s office, working to resurrect the creative revolution he started, and why today is the most interesting time to be in this business
[1:08:58 – 1:11:51] Weiss talks about what he learned working for each of the agencies he worked for and how those experiences have shaped the creative he is today
[1:11:52 – 1:12:22] Outro

The A-List Podcast with Jason Musante

By James Nieman | 11/15/2018 | in

This week’s episode of The A-List Podcast features Jason Musante, Chief Creative Officer at Huge, Inc., where he oversees integrated creative output across the agency’s global offices. Prior to joining Huge, Musante enjoyed success at several award-winning agencies, such as Kirshenbaum Bond + Partners, BBDO Worldwide, and Co:Collective. among others.

In this inspiring interview, Musante tells host and DiMassimo Goldstein CCO Tom Christmann all about how his love for history helped him become a better storyteller, why young creatives should look for people to work for and not places, and why it’s important not just to fail but to know when to fail.

This episode is packed with great advice for young creatives. Tune in to hear it all below!

Show Notes:

[0:00 – 1:12] Intro
[1:13 – 9:05] Growing up in North Carolina, and when Musante first realized you could solve business problems with creativity
[9:06 – 15:28] Musante talks about his experience as a student at West Point before ultimately transferring to the University of North Carolina, and why his love for history helped him become a better storyteller
[15:29 – 23:45] Being young and hungry, his first advertising gig at McCann, and why young people looking to get into the industry should look for people to work for, not places
[23:45 –30:49] The interview he had with Richard Kirshenbaum, the current state of the industry, and why he’s excited for the future
[30:50 – 42:20] Musante talks about his first big break in the industry, the integration of story and technology, and what he learned working for Gerry Graf
[42:21 – 54:48] Musante talks about the important of knowing when you can fail, and reflects on his time at Saatchi & Saatchi, BBDO, and Co:Collective
[54:59 – 58:48] What is so unique about Huge, and what he looks for in young creatives
[58:49 – 59:38] Outro

A Flashback to the Famous “Flamingo Girl”

By James Nieman | 10/26/2018 | in

About a year ago this time, “Flamingo Girl” was introduced to the world.

Flocking around in an adorable pink Flamingo costume with matching sunglasses, she charmed the streets of New York City, spreading word downtown and building anticipation for “the biggest, bestest Halloween event in New York City,” the Bronx Zoo’s annual “Boo at the Zoo.”

She instantly became a viral sensation, appearing all over social media and the internet in cute TV spots and in print ads offline. The TV spots were even named an official honoree of last year’s Webby Awards.

By the time we created an experiential pop-up to generate awareness in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, she was already a superstar, but of course, she made time to fly on over and say hello to all her newfound fans.

A year later and a year older, the “Flamingo Girl” campaign remains a classic. Turning an old tradition into something completely new, “Flamingo Girl” was fresh, memorable, and iconic. It was an inspiring action, and one of our favorites of the past year.

On its 1-year anniversary, we felt it was only right to flap our flamingo wings down memory lane and revisit the work that made waves in New York.

Flamingo Girl :45 from DiMassimo Goldstein on Vimeo.

Flamingo Girl: Statue from DiMassimo Goldstein on Vimeo.

Flamingo Girl: Cab from DiMassimo Goldstein on Vimeo.

Flamingo Girl: Chess from DiMassimo Goldstein on Vimeo.

Flamingo Girl: Yell from DiMassimo Goldstein on Vimeo.

The A-List Podcast with Linda Kaplan Thaler

By James Nieman | 10/25/2018 | in

This week on The A-List Podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein CCO Tom Christmann is joined by industry icon and Advertising Hall of Famer, Linda Kaplan Thaler.

Over the course of her illustrious career, Kaplan Thaler created some of the world’s most famous advertising campaigns, such as the Aflac duck. She also authored and composed two of the most globally recognized advertising jingles: “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up, I’m a Toys ‘R’ Us Kid,” and “Kodak Moments.”

Kaplan Thaler’s impressive résumé extends well beyond advertising. She is a nationally acclaimed author with several best-selling books to her name; she has worked on two presidential campaigns; and she has become a familiar face on several television programs.

In this interview, Kaplan Thaler talks about leading with kindness, how to write a good jingle, what it was like interviewing Warren Buffet and Jay Leno, and much, much more. Check out the full episode and show notes below!

Show notes:

[0:00 – 1:59] Intro
[2:00 – 13:30] Growing up in the Bronx, and how Kaplan Thaler first got into singing and writing both music and comedy
[13:31 – 16:38] The famous jingle she wrote for Toys ‘R’ Us, and the worldwide reaction it received
[16:39 – 22:19] The secret to writing a good jingle, the story behind “Kodak Moments” and putting humor into advertising
[22:20 – 27:53] The moment she knew Robin Koval would be a perfect business partner, and the importance of leading with kindness
[27:54 – 33:57] Working on presidential campaigns, and the story behind her interviews with both Warren Buffet and Jay Leno
[33:48 – 38:10] Her latest book, Grit to Great, and what “grit” means to her
[38:11 – 42:30] The one big piece of advice she has for young creatives
[42:31 – 43:58] Outro

The A-List Podcast with John Patroulis

By James Nieman | 09/13/2018 | in

“There’s always going to be a job for people that really care”

The A-List Podcast is back for Season 2!

In this season’s premiere episode, host and DiMassimo Goldstein CCO Tom Christmann returns to the recording booth to interview John Patroulis, Worldwide Chief Creative Officer of Grey Global Group.

Prior to joining Grey, Patroulis spent six years at BBH New York, joining as the agency’s Chief Creative Officer before being named its first-ever Creative Chairman in 2015. Under his leadership, BBH became one of the most awarded agencies in New York City.

Tune in to hear how Patroulis went from swinging a sledgehammer in Toledo, Ohio, to becoming one of the most decorated creatives in the industry. His adventure-filled career journey will leave you feeling inspired. Full episode and show notes below!

Show Notes:

[0:00 – 1:26] Intro
[1:27 – 5:02] Growing up in Toledo, Ohio as the son of teachers, and having an early affinity for reading
[5:03 – 9:58] Patroulis talks about attending the Ohio State University without a “plan”, bouncing around different majors before eventually landing on English Literature
[9:59 – 17:39] Spending his college summers swinging a sledgehammer at a concrete pipe factory, and what he learned from boxing
[17:40 – 26:13] Patroulis talks about couch surfing after college, shares a funny story about being night watchman, and recounts his time working as a bartender at a punk rock club in Wrigleyville called The Cubby Bear
[26:14 – 38:51] How Patroulis developed a relationship with a famous NYC-Filmmaker Charles Lane while bartending at the Riviera Cafè
[38:52 – 52:38] The amazing story of how Patroulis met David Angelo, and how that friendship propelled him to get his book together, ultimately landing his first advertising job at N.W. Ayer
[52:39 – 1:01:26] Getting an offer from Chiat/Day, the importance of working on your craft, what he learned under Gerry Graf, and the responsibility of being irresponsible.
[1:01:27 – 1:02:40] How bad meetings can serve a purpose
[1:02:41 – 1:09:29] Moving to Chiat/Day’s San Francisco office to work on Adidas, and how Chuck McBride taught him the importance of caring about every little detail, all the way to the end
[1:09:30 – 1:13:05] The story behind the famous Adidas commercial, “Hello Tomorrow” directed by Spike Jonze
[1:13:06 – 1:15:40] The difference between being a “doer” and a leader
[1:15:41 – 1:19:07] Co-founding his own agency T.A.G., and launching Halo 3
[1:19:08 – 1:23:42] Going to BBH, and what he learned from John Hegarty’s endless optimism
[1:23:43 – 1:25:09] Working at Grey, being confident in yourself, and doubling down on creativity
[1:25:10 – 1:26:47] Patroulis explains why he thinks it’s a great time to be in advertising, and why he’s so excited for the future
[1:26:48 – 1:28:30] Patroulis shares one piece of advice to young creatives trying to break into the industry – “care”
[1:28:31 – 1:29:35] Outro

“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, recorded at the Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter.