Sadly, I can’t fashion a moustache. I’ve tried and I look too suspicious; security guards get sweaty and the axis of evil tilts just a little further. Mark Denton on the other hand looks like the quintessential gentleman. Which, he pretty much is.
The art-director, creative director, film director, design guru, head honcho at Coy! Communications and all-around creative genius, was here at WCRS to chat about advertising and some of the lessons he’s learnt over the years.
And boy did Mark bring the ruckus. Insightful, funny and bursting with more enthusiasm than a teenage lad who’s trying to impress a pretty girl with a ‘reputation’, Mark’s passion for creative work, craft and just getting things done was a welcomed punch in the arm, slap in the face and stinging nipple-cripple.
Picking up the phone, meeting people and just doing creative stuff for fun because who knows what might come of it, were running themes which seem pretty obvious but are often forgotten in the hustle and bustle of our daily fight against the forces of darkness.
As Mark guided us through his career, casually showcasing one brilliant award-winning ad after another, it was hard to ignore his sheer dedication, as well as his enthusiasm for creative opportunities being all around us. “Why haven’t I made more things happen?” I thought to myself, and I’m sure I wasn’t the only one.
Yes, I’m guilty of letting the phone ring, ignoring emails and being too busy to spend 10 minutes to look at a few reels. But not anymore…well, for a while at least. I’ve seen the light and it had a moustache. The next time a photographer or production company calls I’m picking up and booking a meeting (even if it’s a bloke), because there’s a chance something great might come of it. And making great stuff is what it’s all about.
