You can't test great advertising. You can only test the mediocre. Not that I don't care about demographics. You have to understand who you're going after.
In professional work - certainly in the arts and graphics - 99% of people have zero courage. They blow with the wind.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the rarity of true courage in professional fields, particularly in arts and graphics, where conformity often prevails.
George Lois highlights a significant issue in creative professions: many individuals lack the courage to express their unique ideas and instead conform to prevailing trends. This lack of bravery inhibits innovation and personal expression, as most professionals are swayed by popular opinion rather than standing firm in their convictions and creativity. Lois calls for greater courage among artists and creatives to differentiate themselves and contribute original work.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech at an art college to inspire students to embrace their unique vision.
More from George Lois
All quotes βTruly great images make all the other millions of images you look at unimportant. You gotta look at an image and understand it in a nanosecond.
In any creative industry, the fact that others are moving in a certain direction is always proof positive, at least to me, that a new direction is the only direction.
I've done truth to power all my life. It's got me into trouble, but who cares?
I don't design. I get what I think is a big idea, and I put the idea down. I'm not a designer. I'm a communicator.
Great advertising, in and of itself, becomes a benefit of the product.
Similar quotes
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Courage means going against majority opinion in the name of the truth.
Being disabled gave me an immense advantage. People are kinder to you. It puts you on a different level than if you go into a situation whole and secure.
Nothing truly stops you. Nothing truly holds you back. For your own will is always within your control. Sickness may challenge your body. But are you merely your body? Lameness may impede your legs. But you are not merely your legs. Your will is bigger than your legs. Your will needn't be affected by an incident unless you let it.
I challenged God. I said, 'God, I know that I'm a sinner. I know that I won't probably have peace until You're in my heart. But I will not let You in my heart until You answer me, why? Why did you take my arms and legs? Why didn't You give me what everybody else has? God, until You answer me that question, I will not serve You.'
I am aware that in presenting myself as the advocate of the Indians and their rights, I shall stand very much alone.