It has been another eye-opening day, even though were so, so tired by the end of it. BETC and Edelman were on the agency to-do list today.
First of all, it’s huge that we’re visiting these agencies at all. BETC has worked with such huge clients and won a stupid amount of awards at Cannes. You know that Evian dancing baby campaign? All them. Most impressive on the tour, however, was the BUILDING. Once home to Parisian squatters and misfits with a couple cans of spray paint, the building was a no-man’s art gallery of graffiti for any artist who dared entering. Its enchantment harnessed a reputation that solicited artists from all around the world, making it a staple within the community and a symbol for nonconformists everywhere. Unfortunately for the art, the whole thing had to come down in order for BETC to create their office. In order to preserve the integrity of the space, the company launched a project called Graffiti General. Hundreds of pictures and 3D renderings (stairwell halls to bathroom stalls) of the building in its final days were morphed into a virtual reality website gallery. Check it out, it’s extremely impressive.
BETC was super proud of their conservancy, but it still had me… pissed. Reclaimed structures like abandoned and graffiti’d warehouses are what make towns so unique. A destination in itself, free of any corporate owner. I was relieved to learn so much about the Graffiti General project, but it still isn’t the same, you know? I admired their office while on the tour, but I couldn’t help but think their value for art was misguided there, despite their incredible creative work.
Of course, questionable building ethics aside, I was still extremely jealous of everyone that worked there, hah. Overall, BETC is an admirable company with an incredible attitude. The CEO even talks on women’s rights in the work place, offering leave when an employee is having a child. Our guide even mentioned that 63% of their workers are female and the majority are of diverse backgrounds. So, I could definitely see myself working there. As long as the Parisians aren’t like the one in this spot they made years ago…..
-A.J. :~)
P.S... we took our raincoat squad pic ;~)
Newest single drops 2018, baby.