Tools of the Trade is an AgencySpy feature to help highlight the many tools that help make advertising and marketing folks successful. The tools can be anything that helps people perform at their top form, from a favorite drafting table to the best software program to a lucky pen, a vintage typewriter or a pair of headphones.
Next up is Michael Schillig, creative director and writer at Tampa agency PPK.
What is one tool you use all the time at work, and how does it inspire your work?
With all of today’s ingenious new technology, oddly enough one of my most valuable tools of the trade remains as old school as it gets. Yet, to this day, it continues to play an essential role in helping me create powerful, award-winning work for PPK. In fact, this unsung writing partner of mine has worked her ink off for me for over 18 years and, in spite of a few battle scars, is still writing strong. I’m talking, of course, about my old reliable yellow Waterman ballpoint pen.
Why is it your favorite?
Truth is, the vast majority of my concepts, sketches, headlines and copy are first written down on paper with my trusted ballpoint pen. She’s my favorite writing partner because I know I couldn’t have made a distinctive mark in this biz without her steady flow of ink and comfortable feel. What’s more, she’s also become a good luck charm by helping me write creative copy that pleases clients and wins awards. And I continue to use this prized writing tool every day – both in the office as well as when concepting and writing at home.
How did you acquire your tool or hear about it for the first time?
I first laid eyes on this little beauty at a pen shop in the International Plaza in Tampa in 2006. Her vibrant and rich yellow shade immediately caught my attention, since it was very similar to my college colors at the University of Iowa. And I guess you could say it was love at first write. Pun intended. Today, however, my tried-and-true yellow pen is showing some visible scars and age spots. Over the years, she’s endured countless ink replacements and her once gleaming silver clip and other components continue to darken with rust. But, to her credit, she still works with me every single day and writes as strong and silky smooth as ever. And together, we remain an inseparable team.
How does it help you be successful?
She helps me be successful by enabling me to first put my thoughts and ideas on paper. It just seems more organic, genuine and natural for me to write in this manner. Once I’ve penned a vast array of concepts and headlines, I’ll then transfer the best ones to the computer.
Does it have sentimental value?
Yes, she definitely has strong sentimental value, since we’ve been together for so long. Admittedly, some of my biggest panic attacks in the industry have occurred when I have on occasion misplaced or lost my precious yellow writing tool. But thankfully she has always turned up, oftentimes after a frantic agency-wide search. Several years ago, she actually went missing for a couple of days and I got so desperate that I spoke to my art director partner about designing a Missing Pen poster for me. Really, no joke. Anyway, my lost little sidekick was ultimately found alive and well under some papers near the printer, and my ad career was saved.