Nothing's impossible in advertising!
“The power to make clients do things that will benefit them” is a power probably every creative wishes she or he had. It's certainly one favoured by Black River FC creative director, Ahmed Tilly.
Tilly started his soccer career with the Pietersburg Indian and Coloured Primary School football team. After his graduation he was transferred to the high school team and finally was spotted by a Johannesburg-based team called Rebels FC. He played many, many games for the club in the centre of midfield and even more gracing the subs bench. His life-long dream to play professionally came to an abrupt end in 2004 when his teammate told him, “You suck, broer!” Accepting that he really did suck at soccer and would never make it professionally, Ahmed started Black River FC in 2005 so that his family and friends would think he worked for and got paid by a football club.
1. Define creativity…
Creativity is the ability to engineer pleasant surprises.
2. What do awards mean to you?
For me, awards are like a surprise visit from a best friend.
3. If you thought you were a sure thing for a Loerie and then lost out to the competition, would you be a bad loser?
I'd place the blame entirely on all those pathetic judges for making such poor decisions.
4. If you were an animal, which would you be and why?
A bear. Months of hibernation can't be so bad.
5. Which superhero power do you wish you had?
The power to make clients do things that will benefit them.
6. What is the best thing about the ad industry?
To live in a world where nothing's impossible.
7. What do people call you behind your back?
You'll have to ask them.
8. If you weren't in advertising, what would you do?
Bake bread.