Have you ever met someone so creative that you feel like you’re a sock puppet in a sea of avant-garde puppeteers? Well, welcome to the world of Nikki Baker and Leslie Shaffer, the co-chief creative officers (CCOs) of Fallon, a renowned advertising agency. Recently, the dynamic duo sat down with Muse by Clio to share their thoughts on creativity, the magic of getting weird, and why sometimes you just have to throw a rubber chicken into the mix. And let me tell you, this interview is one wild roller coaster ride through the zany mindscape of two advertising visionaries who might just inspire you to buy a unicycle and juggle flaming pineapples for your next Zoom meeting.
A Recipe for Creative Genius: Just Add Weird
Nikki and Leslie are the kind of people who can turn a mundane trip to the grocery store into an epic quest for the Holy Grail of canned peas. When asked about their creative process, Nikki casually mentions that getting to the "weird and interesting" is a key ingredient. Imagine a brainstorming session with these two: “Okay, folks, we need a new tagline for a cat food brand. What if the cats were actually tiny, furry therapists dispensing life advice through interpretive dance?” Genius, right?
But it’s not just about throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks—though I’m pretty sure that’s exactly how Nikki and Leslie decorate their office. It’s about pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and never settling for the obvious. Leslie talks about not being afraid to “look stupid,” which is, ironically, one of the most intelligent things anyone can do in the creative field. Because, let’s face it, the line between genius and idiocy is thinner than a millennial’s patience for slow Wi-Fi.
Why Being a Little Nuts is Actually Quite Smart
Now, some of you might be thinking, “Weird is good, but isn’t there a line between being creatively unconventional and just plain bonkers?” Nikki and Leslie would probably laugh and then hand you a neon-green crayon to draw that line yourself—on a canvas of tofu. According to them, that “weird” space is where the magic happens, and stepping outside your comfort zone isn’t just encouraged; it’s mandatory. You know, like eating your vegetables, except these vegetables have been dyed blue and are served on a plate made of recycled skateboard decks.
Leslie mentions that part of their job is to create a culture where it’s okay to fail. But let’s be real, we’re not talking about ordinary failures like burning toast. We’re talking about showing up to a client meeting dressed as a time-traveling llama to pitch an ad campaign. Sure, the client might stare blankly at you for a moment, but then they might think, “Wow, these people are fearless. Or maybe they’ve been inhaling too much printer toner.” Either way, they’re interested!
The Dynamic Duo’s Secret Sauce: Collaboration and Controlled Chaos
So how do these two creative powerhouses keep their eccentric ship afloat without sailing straight into the Bermuda Triangle of advertising? It all boils down to collaboration and a healthy dose of controlled chaos. Think of them as co-captains of a pirate ship, steering through stormy seas of deadlines and expectations with nothing but a compass made out of paper clips and an uncanny ability to improvise.
Nikki and Leslie describe their collaboration as a harmonious blend of different strengths and personalities. It’s like a buddy cop movie, but instead of catching criminals, they’re chasing down the next big idea, sometimes armed only with a half-eaten bagel and a Sharpie. One moment, they’re deep in serious conversation about the existential implications of using a flamingo in a car commercial. The next, they’re having an impromptu dance-off to ‘80s synth-pop. It’s a delicate balance, like baking a soufflé while riding a roller coaster. But somehow, they make it work.
From ‘Weird’ to ‘Wow’: The Fallon Way
At Fallon, Nikki and Leslie are known for cultivating a space where creativity flourishes like a Chia Pet on steroids. They encourage their team to embrace the “weird” and find joy in the unexpected. Picture a brainstorming session where the office is transformed into a circus tent. There’s Leslie, juggling rubber chickens, while Nikki is riding a unicycle, all while trying to come up with a slogan for a new deodorant brand. (Spoiler: the winning slogan was “Smell Like a Champion, Even When You’re Losing at Life.”)
Their philosophy is simple: if you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong. This approach doesn’t just apply to their creative projects but extends to the overall work culture at Fallon. The office is a wonderland of quirky ideas and spontaneous activities. Imagine a team-building exercise where you’re asked to reenact your favorite movie scene using only office supplies. If that doesn’t bring a team together, I don’t know what will.
The Power of ‘Why Not?’
What sets Nikki and Leslie apart is their relentless curiosity and the infectious energy with which they ask, “Why not?” Why not make a commercial that’s narrated entirely by a French bulldog with a British accent? Why not design a billboard that doubles as a giant interactive puzzle? Why not wear a banana costume to pitch a healthy snack brand? This ‘why not’ attitude has propelled them to the forefront of the advertising world and kept them there.
It’s not about being reckless; it’s about being fearless. It’s about embracing uncertainty with open arms and a mischievous grin. And when you have leaders who are willing to explore the outer reaches of the creative galaxy without a map or a plan, you can bet that some truly out-of-this-world ideas are going to emerge. Just don’t ask them to explain those ideas before their third cup of coffee. Trust me on this one.
Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Inner Weird
Nikki Baker and Leslie Shaffer are living proof that weird is wonderful, that thinking outside the box often means setting the box on fire and roasting marshmallows over it. Their approach to creativity is both inspiring and delightfully absurd, reminding us all that the path to greatness is rarely a straight line—it’s more like a doodle on a napkin after a few too many drinks.
So the next time you’re feeling stuck in your own creative rut, just ask yourself, “What would Nikki and Leslie do?” Then do something completely different, add a dash of ridiculousness, and see where it takes you. Whether you end up with a brilliant campaign or just a great story about that time you pitched an ad concept while dressed as a pirate, you’ll have learned something invaluable: the power of letting your freak flag fly.
And remember, if all else fails, there’s always the rubber chicken.
Disclaimer: No rubber chickens were harmed in the making of this blog post. But they were definitely given a starring role, as they should be.