I had no idea what to expect from my "Copy Around the Campfire" workshops at the 2011 AIGA Austin Design Ranch. I had hopes. I had fears. I had not a lot of planning. But I had an idea.
The premise was as simple: There are parallels between copywriting and country music lyrics. And I figured that by writing a catchy little ditty about logo revisions or a love song to a typeface, graphic designers could learn a thing or two about identifying a message and creating interesting copy.
Boy howdy, was I ever wrong. Because what these folks did instead took my li'l ol' workshop — and even the Design Ranch experience — to a whole 'nother level.
People didn't just write lyrics. They bore their souls. There were songs about lost friends, portraits of conflicted working moms, and lyrics about keeping up with the Joneses. There were songs about lost inspiration, and even one about a troubled family held together by a broken-down dog.
In other words, there were stories.
Below are merely a handful of examples. As you'll see, even the titles are pure country gold.
2011 AIGA AUSTIN DESIGN RANCH
"Copy Around the Campfire" Workshop
(in no particular order)
I Sold My Truck and Lost the Keys to My Heart
Bad economy + agency on the slide = a quest to find inspiration
Doghouse on the Moon
An abused rescue dog dreams of finding a secluded spot
He Makes My Logo Bigger
A Design Rancher has an unrequited crush on a fellow guest
I Don't Finish, I Just Start Over
A song about coming up with song titles — and possibly about relationships?
Six-Shooter Necklace
One camper found his muse in a brassy cowgirl (read: designer) in a Lone Star baseball cap
Standing In Your Own Way
A song about clients, God love 'em
I'm Bringin' Home the Bacon (and it Ain't for the Takin')
Words of warning for deadbeat ex-boyfriends everywhere
It's Not Perfect (But It's Perfect for Me)
A working mom struggles to have it all — and decides she's already got it
My Man Can't Do the Two-Step (But I Love It When He Tries)
A sweet (not sappy) tribute to the apple of her eye
That Skinny-Bone Dog Is Home
An old dog is the glue that holds a family together
Cookies & Milk
Another working mom promises to always be there for her two girls
Two of a Kind, Not One and the Same
A twin claims her own unique identity
You Can't Hide Your Vegan Eyes
A cowboy fears the worst when his carnivorous cowgirl discovers a dark secret
Take Time to Think
Slowing down applies to work, life and love
You Can't Drink All Day if You Don't Start in the Mornin'
Even being a loser takes commitment
My Two Dads Can Beat Up Your One
A sweet tale of love and family told from the perspective of an 18-month-old son
I'm Dumb As Hell, But I Mean Well
He called home from Design Ranch — and might have forgotten to mention her birthday
Stay tuned for pictures, full lyrics and (hopefully) video. And if you don't see your title here, don't worry. I picked the ones that stood best on their own. Send me your lyrics so readers can appreciate the whole enchilada.
Thanks to everyone who participated. You made the workshop what it was — namely, a huge hit.
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