The Imposterous David and Cam Blackley. Treating creative departments like family and the importance of getting there on your own, ft Esther Clerehan
Does imposter syndrome run in the family? Does having a Dad in the biz make it easier to be creative or does it bring pressure? Does anyone read our press releases? This episode of The Imposterous answers none of these questions but it does let you in on Cam Blackley’s dislike of public transport and David Blackley’s drive to take Clemenger Melbourne (yes, before it was BBDO) to the top of the Creative and New Business charts.
David’s son Cameron better known as Cam has led international creative shops including Droga5 New York and Sydney, Publicis London, AMV BBDO, Grey, BMF; for the last four years he’s filled the Chief Creative Officer’s chair at M&C Saatchi Australia. Cam has been awarded hundreds of times at international shows including a coveted D&AD Black Pencil for The New York Department of Education, D&AD Yellow Pencils and Cannes Lions for CUB and Cadbury, two Grand Clios and two Gold Clios for the A-League. And in 2020 another D&AD Pencil for hijacking the Queen’s Christmas Address with ‘Matesong’ for Tourism Australia. Cam is currently the Chairman (or President) of The Australian Writers and Art Directors organisation (AWARD).
Cam’s dad David is a very successful Creative leader too having done it all years earlier in offices with doors. David or Blackers as he is affectionately known oversaw Clemenger Melbourne and took them to the very top of Creative and New Business ladders year after year. Blackers turned Clemenger Melbourne into one of the first true hot shops in Australian advertising winning at Cannes Lions more than 10 years in a row from the late 80’s to early 2000’s. This was at a time when Cannes had a lot less categories and gave away only a fraction of the metal. Returning from a stint in BBDO’s London office, Blackers founded The Australian Writers and Art Directors organisation (AWARD) and in 2014 was inducted into its Hall of Fame. After 34 years at Clemenger BBDO, Blackers retired as its Chairman and went on to take up the position of Chairman at Brainwave Australia and a lot more painting.
With a new episode every Tuesday, The Imposterous is hosted by Michael Knox (ECD, Roller) and Graham Drew (CCO, Grey Malaysia) and as has been created to explore the theory that even the world’s most respected creative professionals suffer pangs of inadequacy that either stifle their potential brilliance or protect them from mediocrity. Tune in to find out how Imposter Syndrome might just be your super power, if you let it.
LISTEN TO THE DAVID AND CAM BLACKLEY INTERVIEW FT ESTHER CLEREHAN
Made with a smile on its face and a song in its heart by We Love Jam Studios – The Imposterous is available now on itunes, Spotify, Google Play, Tinder or imposterous.com
