In times like these…
By Peter Ogden, the former ECD at Sydney/Newcastle ad agency Enigma, who was made redundant on Thursday
I was made redundant this week, and CB very graciously offered me a slot on the blog to tout my wares. But as I started to write a post doing just that, I couldn’t get out of my head the e-mails and LinkedIn messages I’d been receiving the past few weeks from some very talented creative people in the exact same position as I find myself today. (The irony is not lost on me that when the dust settles our industry will look to the creatives once again for some seriously on-point creative thinking.)
In times like these it feels almost pointless to write such a post when there are so many of us in the same boat…and that complement of crew is unfortunately growing by the day. So instead, because I have the forum, I’d like to simply say that we need to support each other like never before. Stay safe, stay strong and keep creating.
Find one thing in your day that is yours, that you own creatively. We need routine more than ever and I still manage to sneak under the barbed wire on occasion to take landscape photographs in the national parks near home. That’s some serious self-isolation right there. This has been my very cost-effective therapy for the past 18 months and it has helped me immeasurably.
While it may feel that we can’t control anything at the moment, we can control one very important thing – our ideas. We can keep sharing them and talking about them – to a client, a colleague, a partner, a friend. If you find yourself talking to a house plant, maybe just jump on Zoom or start a Facebook group instead. (In a stroke of perfect timing, Will Alexander from Heckler has just started the Australian arm of TalkClub, a men’s Facebook group that has many industry folks talking openly and frankly about issues they face.)
Hell, you can even reach out to yours truly. I have plenty of time on my hands…
In times like these, I have quickly come to realise that just because I am not being paid anymore to be a creative, it doesn’t mean I am not a creative.
And when this shit show ends, I will most definitely still be a creative.
16 Comments
Nice words Pete. Sorry to hear of your job loss. Your photography is looking great mate. I look forward to seeing more of it for a couple of months.
One of the nicest guys in the industry.
Well said Pete, hang in there. Tough tones but there will be better days ahead. All the best, Gary
*tough times
Pete,
Saddened to hear this news mate, you’re a true talent. But as I’ve pondered before, regarding you, your ‘therapeutic’ photography is remarkable, and proof that you are one of the true creatives.
I know you’ll prevail and also keep taking beautiful landscapes and also keep being kind and authentic to others in our often cruel industry.
See you one day in the hood.
👊
Great article from a top bloke, on every level. Can’t beat solid honesty, ever.
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Oggy is the best! Super talented and an incredibly good bloke. Even if he did wrap me in toilet paper and put me in a spot. Imagine what all that TP would be worth these days.
Talk Club is a really great initiative. The Sydney chapter, set up by Will Alexander is a great place to come and just…talk, no matter how you’re feeling. Obviously we’re meeting remotely now. Next meeting is tonight at 6, all welcome: https://www.facebook.com/groups/707849189637168/
Just wondering if it’s still exclusively a mens group of if ladies can be involved also?
Good onya Oggo, some wise words in there for an old pommy bastard. Cheers, Jarmo
Well said Oggy. As Bob Hoskins said many times ‘It’s good to talk’.
OH CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN.
Saddened to hear your news Pete. We are all facing tough times but creativity and staying connected, will bring us all through.
Thanks Pete. Mostly for keeping it short and sweet 😂
Sorry to hear Pete