As kids growing up, many of us at DaviesMoore saw life like a television show or a movie.
Early in our first brainstorm, someone threw out “sexy” as a joke to describe the new agency. After the laughter quieted, something about it resonated (we have no idea why). Later, during the strategic phase, we identified a goal to be bold. And part of being bold is taking risks.
We knew we wanted to do something totally different than either MMG or Davies Rourke had done before. We wanted to pay homage to the classic, quintessential ad agency since our agency dates back to the early 1950s, but do it with a contemporary twist.
During the creative direction phase, we got really excited when someone mentioned the television series, Mad Men, as a source of inspiration. Using images from other popular television shows, we let the inspiration of the archetype ad agency craft the spirit of our photo shoot, as well as the art direction of the site. We each portrayed the character of our position at DaviesMoore as if we were in a television drama—paying homage to the ideal of a modern, yet classic ad agency that is a bit, well, sexy (don’t laugh!).
Yes, we may seem a little moody with our bright key lights and warm colors, but we believe this art direction will help set us apart from the previous agencies that MMG and Davies Rourke were before. Sure, posing like rock stars is a little risky, but so is launching a new brand. And who doesn’t like to feel sexy?
The DaviesMoore Creative Team (top: Michael Reagan, Ernie Monroe bottom: Jason Sievers, Aaron Grable)
The DaviesMoore Media Department (left to right: Nikki Reynolds, Leo Morgan, Brooke Smith)
The DaviesMoore Account Team (top: Tyler LaDouceur, Jory Sutton bottom: Edward Moore, Jeff Nielsen, Carolyn Sali)
The DaviesMoore Finance Team (Roger Finch, Vicki Ward)
Taking these photos was a lot of fun. Getting everyone together to hang out in the dark was yet another great bonding exercise, and we’re pleased with how these images turned out. Congratulations to Jory for his time and talent to make the photo shoot a success.
Also, we’d like to especially thank the folks at c308 for all of their hard work to make our website sing. Thanks to On The 45 for their assistance with ux and search engine optimization. Thanks to Brian Harrison of Idahoadagencies.com and our followers on Twitter for playing along.
This has been fun … and the fun is just starting!
Congratulations on the new agency! I’ve known Jeff Nielsen for 36 years and know he brings a wealth of talent, dedication, and creativity to the team.
Hi Jeff and Ed,
Wow, I had no idea you merged companies. Good for you .. you have quite the team assembled. I wish you much success!
I’m looking at design agency web sites and came across this one… I’ve seen a lot of great sites by agencies and I know you’re capable of doing the same! Your latest campaign succeeds…. in making this all about YOU. Last I checked “Mad Men” isn’t exactly a flattering look at the old ad guys. People who are looking for good agencies don’t want to see smug, self-involved, egotistical people on the other end… this is all about them and their needs - not your need to appear sexy, or even appear at all! Also, all the white text on the black background gives me a headache! There’s just too much text in general… less explanation, more demonstration is needed. I don’t mean any disrespect, I know you have talented people working there.
Browsing…
Thanks for the feedback. A) we don’t expect anyone to hire us based on our website and B) if they can’t find the humor in our “smug, self-involved, egotistical” display they’re probably not the right fit.
But, to your point, maybe next iteration we’ll do something white, whimsical and loaded with client logos… like everyone else.
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