Gabby's WORD 24 April 2012

The 19th of April saw many of the global advertising elite attend the D&AD Yellow Pencil Awards at London’s IMAX Cinema. Among the judging panel was none other than Leo Burnett’s, Chief Creative Officer, Mark Tutssel. At 3pm that day, I wandered over to Olympia, where the judging had been taking place to meet with Mark and interview him for ‘5 minutes with…’. It’s always really nerve racking meeting people in such big roles. Namely, there is a sense of envy as, in a dream world, I’d obviously be creative guru of an agency but overall there is a moment of dread - like walking into a blind date - where you hope they don’t find you stupid and you worry that you have lettuce stuck in your teeth. What always fascinates me is when people recognise and remember me. I first met Mark in 2004, when working at Contagious. Over the years I’ve bumped into him in Cannes, or in NYC, but I never really imagine that he will remember who I am, let alone be able to pick me out of a line up. So, it’s rather flattering when you walk through a door and someone not only knows who you are, but also feels comfortable enough to flash you an apologetic smile and mouth ‘five minutes’. Speaking with Mark was great and I thoroughly enjoyed his enthusiasm for the D&AD and his almost parental love for Leo Burnett. 

 

What about the awards? Well, most of the evening saw us at the bar, which always makes me feel like I’m skiving off school. For me, the highlight of the night was to see my school friend collect a Yellow Pencil. Well done Harry and Mike. Later, we spent time with Dave Droga and Bob Greenberg. Dave was, as always, very charming and very kind. Bob and I had an in-depth discussion on the merits of the font on his current business card, in comparison with his previous. It appears we have a difference of opinion on the matter, but thankfully this didn’t lead to a fisty cuffs. I’d like to say that I have many intelligent opinions and thoughts about the evening and the work that I saw, but as mentioned earlier, the gin might have managed to eradicate these. Thankfully I left before any atrociously bad impressions could be made.