Am I a BMW driver? No. Volkswagen Golf? No siree. Do I drink Yellow Tail or Jacob’s Creek? When I was younger. How about Paul Smith suits? Can’t afford. Versace neither. Wallpaper magazine? I pick it up at airports because in fact I really love design. I’m pretty proud to say, though, I am not a brand. Life has been hell trying to be one, trying to live up to expectations.
It’s only a passing observation but these affiliations with brands seem to go hand in hand with a personal brand mentality, that whole Brand You gig, and with it, the danger of feeling unfulfilled. Yes, under-branded.
If we don’t get a slice of the brand action, if we can’t or won’t talk ourselves up, if we won’t embrace the idea that we are out there selling ourselves there’s a good chance we’re going to feel a little short on the essentials.
On the other hand can we reject branding and all that goes with it? What does go with it? A set of signs and a language of what constitutes success, a short hand for luxury, even if luxury is just your Friday night shot of Standard Vodka.
Branding and design are beautiful and that is why they wield power. But art too can be beautiful, more often than not original, always in search of a difference but never, well nearly never, a brand. A little art in our lives opens up the possibility of a brand-escape route, a road to a brand-free life. Well that would be impossible but to be on the road, that is the thing.
If you are not a brand or want to be a little less branded in your life maybe you could take a look at our first project, the One World Wallet. Heck if you are an artist you might want to suggest our next project. All it takes is a comment.
Tags: one world wallet, thisisnotabrand
