When I was asked to be a guest blogger, I was torn on the subject of my entry:
Should it be related to:
- What I do as a creative director
- My experience as a working mother with 2 1/2-year-old twin girls.
- What I’ve done to combat the effects of the economy on my families grocery bill. My quest for coupons and the satisfaction felt in saving $108.00 in one grocery-shopping trip.
- My self-admitted obsession with reality TV. I have no shame in indulging in hours of Project Runway, Shear Genius or Biggest Loser and American Idol.
Even with all these, true inspiration still eluded me. As each day went by, none of these topics were inspiring me to run to the computer to tap finger to key.
And then it happened. The 2008 Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremonies. I know what you are thinking: Not another discussion about politics and the Olympics. Nope. It wasn’t the amazing history of the Olympics either. Or the incredible athleticism and dedication of all the athletes. It was the creativity that got me off the couch, leaving my family, still watching in awe.
It was the unbelievable attention to detail when it came to the vision and creativity that went into the conception, planning, and execution of this massive production. I was captivated by the details in the story it told and how it all unfolded and the transitions it made between all artistic forms: performance art, choreography, costume, colors/lighting, timing, music, illustration, technology, martial arts etc. It was awe-inspiring, and just the thing that made me jump up off the couch and run to the computer to blog about it.
Attention to detail is something I’m familiar with in my day-to-day passion for the work that I do. I feel it is one thing to be creative, but it is a whole other thing to be creative and also put the crucial, and in some cases tiny, details and thoughts into an already solid creative concept. This, is where the magic happens. And in the case of the production in Beijing, it was inspiring.
My favorite part was when the dancers started to draw on that big screen as they performed, and how that drawing then was enhanced when the children added their emotion to it. I particularly enjoyed how the athletes walked across enormous sized ink pads and their footsteps added color and motion to the entire piece of art… it involved many, in creating this piece of art. The thought and detail in that one snippet alone of the production was a really amazing work of art. One that the entire world witnessed being created — in real time. This is what I think art is all about.
- What do you think of this production from a creative perspective?
- What "detail" was your favorite part?
- What "detail" was your least favorite part?
- Do you have any secrets or best practices that you use to be detail oriented?
I look forward to reading your comments.
Chime in.
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About Lisa Goin, Creative Director at AvreaFoster
As Creative Director, Lisa draws on nearly 20 years of advertising/design experience to help continually raise the bar on the creative work produced for her clients. Lisa works on many accounts, in industries ranging from technology to healthcare. This wife and proud mother of twins enjoys “jumping in and problem-solving.” She holds a bachelor of fine arts degree from Kansas City Art Institute.
Sarah Smith says:
Having had the pleasure of working with Lisa and knowing she has a great eye for detail, I can only imagine what it would’ve been like to watch the Olympics with her.
I continue on the design field in another state – MN; and for another firm – The Nancekivell Group. Detail in strategy and execution are even more crucial to truly achieving successful results in trying markets. It’s been an honor to be aligned with such talent and intelligence first at Lisa’s company, AvreaFoster, and now with my team at TNG.
In addition to an eye for detail, Lisa has a knack for creating a joyous work atmosphere (her smile gives you a hint).
Cheers to all!
Tony Amador says:
The opening ceremonies were breathtaking. The perfect circles of the martial artists were amazing!
Dave Foster says:
I must confess I am addicted to the Olympics this year. I missed the live opening ceremonies, yet was able to review at my leisure since my wife Tivoed it for me. And of course like any remote consumed male, ran it backwards and forwards numerous times. It was an inspiring event to see the human spirit (and energy) play itself out in such an expressive way. I especially liked the part where the participants were in large boxes and were synchronized to the rhythms of the story being told. A part of me was awestruck when they popped their heads out of the tops of the boxes and began waving to the crowd. Since the synchronization was near perfect, especially when they paused, I just assumed they were mechanically engineered. Even though there was a bit of irony to the fact that it was powered by the people of China, it was an event to remember for many years to come and a challenge for the 2010 winter opening ceremonies in Vancouver to outdo. We shall see…
Side-note: It took over 15,000 people and an estimated $100 million to produce the opening ceremonies. Don’t we all wish we had budgets like that!
Lisa Goin says:
Sarah,
Thanks so much for the nice words! Hope all is well with you in MN.
Hope you are enjoying the Olympics as much as we are here in Dallas.
Lisa
Lisa Goin says:
Dave,
I am not sure what we would do without the DVR and the rewind button in watching these Olympics. We are glued to the coverage and are having lots of fun watching.
Thanks for your comment!
Lisa
Lisa Goin says:
Tony,
I know those circles were amazing, how did they do that?!
It’s hard enough for me to walk in a straight line!
Lisa
Greg Goin says:
As spouse and complete opposite of Lisa, I enjoyed reading her take on the show we watched together. It is amazing how two people can see the same thing and focus on different aspects. I am more of a big picture person who cares less about the details than the end result. I remember both of us deciding to give the Atkins Diet a shot when we lived in California. Lisa wanted to read all the details on the how’s and why’s it works. The only thing I wanted to know was what I could or couldn’t eat. All I could think about when watching those ceremonies was how in the world could someone visualize this and then execute it so I could experience it while sitting on my couch. I then started wondering how satellite TV works but I guess that is for another blog. It is a good thing that I have Lisa to make sure the details get handled so my big picture can become reality.
Lynne Perrine says:
Lisa,
As my daughter in law, I can say without bias…you have writing talent!
Your take on the opening ceremonies shows your attention to detail. I was enthralled with the people blocks that showed Chinese characters in a continuous flow. The training & dedication were phenomenal.
As a graphics person, I know you couldn’t take your eyes off the whirling & swirling.
Lynne
Judy Mishkin says:
From an artistic and technical point of view, I too, was blown away by the opening ceremonies at the 2008 Olympic games in Beijing! However, I was a bit awed by the cost of a production of that magnitude and the DETAIL to the military strength it went out of its way to convey. It seems China made a statement that echoed around the world on many levels! However, that said, the games have been exciting and entertaining in a state of the art venue.
Neil Robinson says:
> how did they do that?!
By undergoing 51-hour rehearsals in the heat and rain with no break, apparently:
http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/summer08/news/story?id=3543618
The tai chi demonstration was my favorite part, too, but reading this story put a bit of a damper on my enthusiasm. One never wants to know how the sausage is made, I suppose. But talking about it from a creative perspective, I suppose it’s another reminder that making things look effortless requires a lot of effort—far more than the clients or the final audience often realizes.
Jeff Joss says:
It would be difficult to pick one part of the opening ceremonies, but if pressed I would have to say the LCD screens that rolled out and flanked the boxes (with people operating them from underneath) which together simulated rain drops hitting water. The coupling of technology and creative choreography was very inspiring.
Mike Joss says:
I totally agree with Lisa’s comments on the blog. The design and planning of the Olympics opening ceremony was awesome. She was right about the importance of attention to detail in design and other endeavors. It’s something I stress everyday to my staff.
The two elements of the ceremony that stand out in my mind were the 2,008 synchronized drummers and the undulating blocks. I kept saying as I watched it that it was so perfect that had to be computer controlled. I was stunned when the people popped out at the end and waved.
Good job Lisa.
Amy Rembert says:
Regretfully, I missed the 2008 Olympics Opening Ceremony. Lisa’s detailed account of the performance urged me to view it online…what an amazing display of fireworks! I too am in awe by the close attention to detail during this massive event. They put on a great show, and Lisa, your “detailed” blog does a great job of walking the reader through the event. Job well done!
Lisa Goin says:
Greg, Lynne, Judy, Jeff and Mike,
Thanks for your comments and the addition of your favorite parts…
Neil,
Thanks for sharing the appropriate link on rehearsals.
Amy,
Glad we inspired you to go take a lookey see! Weren’t they just awesome?
Thanks for all your support,
Lisa
bev Root says:
Detail runs in our genes. It’s always good to step away and review.
The Chinese work for perfection. Look at their swimmers, gymnests. etc..
I loved the boxes that were moved by the people inside them
Keep up the great work we are so proud of you
Lisa Goin says:
Bev,
I agree that was quite amazing.
Thanks for your comments.
Lisa
Janice Hoskins says:
I completely agree and am thrilled to hear your description (which was perfect) of the entire Olympic Opening Ceremonies project. One part of this production can not be compared to others. Each held it’s own and mesmerized the viewers. I was overwhelmed by the perfectionism! I must admit I loved the painting that was completed throughout the ceremonies finishing with the athletes walking across an ink pad. Lisa, you have always been a fabulous writer. Thanks for putting into words what I could only hope to express.
Hugs!!!!
Lisa Goin says:
Yanice!
Thanks for your comment.
And now that the Olympics are coming to an end… we’ll need to find something new to rave about!
Lisa
Jamie Womack says:
Lisa – Now that the Olympics are over and I can look back at the entire 2 weeks, I have to say my favorite part of the opening/closing ceremonies was the very first “act” with the drums. I can’t believe how perfect it looked and how everything was timed out right. I wish I would have saved the opening ceremony on Tivo so I could go back and watch it again.
It is sad that it is over now, as that was the only good, quality show on TV. Josh and I are already trying to figure out a way to make it to London in 2012. Not sure if you got a chance to watch the men’s volleyball championship game yesterday, but I’m glad we went out with a bang!
I think it’s time to start a blog so we can all keep up with the twins.
Miss you and the rest of the AF clan!
Lisa Goin says:
Jamerz, thanks for your comment. Yes our family was totally into the Olympics and sad they are over too. We have both ceremonies also on Tivo. The twins love watching the drums… and trying to mimic them! Hope all is well, Lisa