Darcy Maine: 1971, The Chimpanzee and Me – a surprising and unusual creative motivator

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AAMAAQDGAAgAAQAAAAAAAA_9AAAAJGYxMzgxNGY5LWFmMWQtNDU1Ny1iZjJkLTVlMTIzYmFmMGJjNw (1).jpgBy Darcy Maine, freelance producer, The Pound

That’s me on the top RHS of frame licking my chops enjoying the chimps birthday cake in Adelaide circa 1971! I recently unearthed this newspaper clipping and it resonated with me in a surprising way.

Whilst this gentle looking chimp looks old and is most probably not around anymore, I found myself astounded by its powerful presence in this image. A gentle grandparent, a caring friend, “all for one and one for all!! Both Kids and Chimp sharing common ancestry and DNA. Both also share the same concentration on eating delicious cake! The social interaction and nice vibe is palpable and imbues the photo with a sense of well being and acceptance. The image instantly sells a strong emotional narrative. (note no photo credit avail)

Obviously in the politically correct, risk adverse and let’s face it fairly conservative days of 2018, this photo would not be possible or even the idea contemplated. Of course many will say the Chimpanzee should not be in captivity at all. I tend to agree, however it did happen, I can’t change that fact, historical revisionism is not a path I travel. So for me, it’s a powerful moment about an idea. Let’s put a bunch of 5 year olds together with a chimp eating cake on their own, no restraint, great photo opportunity, it’s the Zoo’s message. Yes the Chimp could have ripped my head off…but it got me thinking about “Throwing Caution to the Wind” and Ideas.

For me, mediocrity is the enemy of success. Creative ideas with gentle, respectful collegial support and the creator being open to input, instead of zealously guarding every punctuation mark, can result in a far superior end game and success rate. Risk tolerance has never been a more important quality for creative direction and management. If you find you keep knocking great ideas on the head and reverting to safety, always playing by the rules, never going out near the edge than it’s time to look deeply in the mirror. Vision and leading requires exemplary risk management.

Trusting your instincts as a creative doesn’t mean putting the blinkers on. Many times I’ve found listening to a well meaning opinion or suggestion, even from those who may have no relevant skill sets to the job at hand, can save much time and heartache. Enabling jumping more rungs up the cycle than is possible on your own within the available delivery timeline. With deadlines getting shorter and shorter, clients becoming much more involved in creative, it’s never been more important to be able to “Bend like a reed in the wind” whilst remaining cognizant that the root of the reed is still absolutely your own creative idea.

With thanks to the unnamed Chimpanzee and News photographer.