the cranky creative blog turns 1 year old on july 5

The Cranky Creative blog turns one

The Cranky Creative blog first lit the pixels of computer screens a year ago on July 4, 2018. Frustrated with the red tape, politics, and backstabbing stupidity that pervades the full-time working world, I spit on my hands, hoisted my pirate flag, and set out on my own. Happy Independence Day, indeed.

It hasn’t been easy building this blog and a freelance writing business at the same time. But I find that pulling my own rock sled uphill, as exhausting as it can be, is infinitely more sane and satisfying than having to shake off one bumbling tackle after another from my own teammates as I try to reach the end zone—which is exactly how it was at some of my full-time jobs.

(And mixing metaphors? It’s just one more perk of running your own blog!)

Prestige worldwide

Today, it humbles me to say that The Cranky Creative blog is read around the world. Besides the United States and Canada, the site receives regular visits from the U.K., Ireland, Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, Singapore, Nepal, Australia, New Zealand, Morocco, South Africa, Poland, Russia, and more.

Whoever you are, wherever you are: thank you for reading. (And give yourself extra points if you recognize my reference to Step Brothers, objectively the funniest movie of all time [link NSFW], in the subhead above).

A walk down Cranky lane

Let’s celebrate 12 months of cranky fun by looking back on a few of the (I hope) more interesting, helpful, and humorous items this blog has produced in the past year.

If you see something you like, please share it with friends and colleagues. Slip a printout under your boss’s door if it will help. And let me know if you have suggestions or ideas for other topics you’d like to see covered here. Send an email to rob@thecrankycreative.com or post a comment below.

Again, thanks for reading!

Cranky blog posts

The most popular blog posts have been Cranky Creative ad reviews—especially the one about Liberty Mutual’s LiMu Emu commercials. But my favorite blog posts are the ones that try to help creative people solve problems or perhaps share a laugh.

Why I love graphic designers (and why your brand needs a good one)

why i love graphic designers and why you need a good oneThis love letter to graphic designers sings the praises of groovy people with otherworldly talents who make the rest of us look good. (And in some cases, better than we deserve.) 😛

Hey, advertisers! People hate you, and you deserve it

ads all over times squareAdvertising today is more intrusive and annoying than ever. This rant explains how and why advertisers need to rebuild the trust we used to have in them. Includes links to consumer-protection resources you can use to report bad behavior.    

Anxiety and creativity: How they’re linked, tips to cope

Anxiety and creativity: How they’re linked, tips to copeIt’s a blessing and a curse. Who knew creativity and mood disorders went together like a hot dog and a bun? Unfortunately, it’s not as fun as it sounds. Try these tips to cope.

Incompetent people don’t know they’re incompetent

incompetent people don't know itSound like anyone you know? The Dunning-Kruger Effect is a cognitive bias in which unskilled people not only fail to recognize their incompetence; they are supremely confident in their abilities. Find out why it happens and get tips for staying sharp.

Start 2019 right with wisdom from Pema Chodron

wooden bridge spans running water in a gorgeous green zen garden This uncharacteristically positive post offers practical yet profound inspiration gleaned from a book called The Pocket Pema Chodron. Give it a read. It’ll change your life if you let it.    

Critiquing the creative of a ransom email scam

Critiquing the creative of a ransom email scamThis criminally overlooked post never caught on for some reason. Maybe the subject matter was too dark. I thought the idea of critiquing a ransom scam email’s creative was hilarious. Give it a read and see what you think.    

“Should I quit my job?” 16 signs it’s time to move on

how to tell when it's time to quit your jobWith two-thirds of Americans feeling either “not engaged” (53 percent) or “actively disengaged” (13 percent) in their work, there ought to be a lot of people looking for new jobs. If you’re on the fence, this post might give you the gentle push you need.    

Exploring the effects of positive and negative motivation on worker happiness and productivity

exploring the effects of positive and negative motivationThis post explores a TED Talk about the fascinating impacts that money, recognition, meaning, and people’s intrinsic love for the work have on motivation and productivity. A must-read (and see) for anyone who manages people.    

9 ways to keep your creative professionals happy and productive

9 ways to keep your creative professionals happy and productiveCreatives are loath to say it, but many of them feel unsupported and underappreciated in their jobs. Here are nine things agency and in-house marketing managers can do to help their creatives stay happy, productive, and doing their best work.

No, the client is not always right

creatives and clients sometimes butt heads like goatsIt sounds nice, but that old saying, “The client is always right,” simply isn’t true. Find out why marketing people who work from this mindset are doing themselves (and their clients) a grave disservice, and why we need to stand our ground when we believe that a requested change could have a negative effect on performance.

 

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The Cranky Creative on Twitter

I’m not a big Twitter guy, but the platform has been a rich source of interesting people and ideas. Following are some of my favorite tweets from the past year.

Oh! And whatever you do, if you are a fan of The Matrix, do not miss the short video tweet about client budget versus client expectations. You’re welcome.

See more Cranky on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Cranky_Creative.

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Happy Independence Day! Tell me, how did you find The Cranky Creative blog? Do you have a favorite post? What kinds of topics would you like to see here in the future? Say hi and share your thoughts below.

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