I’m not one for role models. Perhaps that is just because I don’t know how to interpret that word properly. To what level do you begin to “model” your life around? The epitome of one person is too powerful to mimic and at the same time you’ve immediatly lost your unique essence. A great quote, “You were born an original, don’t die a copy”

However, I do believe in mentors. Those esteemed individuals that offer insight and experience. They tell a story on how life goes in a fashion that isn’t condesending or judgmental but a sprinkling of nurturement. Mentors come in many shapes and sizes and a perform a variety of roles. Many of my friends offer more inspiration than I could ever give them credit for, but where their spectrum fades to the impractical, new people emerge. The uniqueness of true creative genius is hard to come by. Creativity is the answer to most questions. It is your best aid in solving any problem. Most people get the misconception that creativity only applies to the world of art. Not true. A little creativity can go a long way in the problem solving process. Unfortunately most people fail to embrace that creative braintrust and over rationalize as they figure out that conundrum. Immediatly killing any stroke of brilliance that could have erupted. Ideas create ideas. Even those insane notions can lead to rational clarity. Sorry I’m rambling now and once again I’ve likely confused many. If you think you life is boring call me up someday for coffee and I will enlighten you on the creative process.

Anyways, getting back to mentors. Finding true creative genius to learn from is few and far between. Therefore I have to look in the external celebrity pool. What have I come up with? Well there are many, but likely the two most prolific are Lee Clow and Andy Warhol.

Lee Clow is the worldwide creative director of TBWA. He is the creative godfather. He’s living proof a free spirit and a little creativity can go a long way in finding your place among the “suits”. The guy is a 62 year old surfer who still gets business done in a big way. Clow is also the brainiac behind the Apple Computers 1984 television commercial which has been regarded as the best television spot of the 20th century. Advertising Age has written a great article on him. Have a read.