talent

davidkennedylaughing.gif (112922 bytes)

David Kennedy and recruiters Melanie Meyers, left, and Beth Anderson share a laugh in Walt Perl's advertising portfolio class.

Students in Walt Perls' Advertising Portfolio class had their creative work critiqued by David Kennedy, co-founder of the Portland advertising agency Wieden & Kennedy on Nov. 20.

Accompanied by creative recruiters Beth Anderson and Melanie Meyers, Kennedy came to review the assignment he had sent ahead of time for Colorado Tourism. Each student explained his or her campaign ideas and presented ads to "the client."

"I was surprised by the level of work in this class, surprised to see so much great stuff," Kennedy said.

Kennedy says he doesn't pay much attention to advertising these days. But as he reviewed the Colorado ad ideas, it was clear that he remains very much in tune with what works.

"I turn on to concepts more than anything. Something that makes you stop and consider, an idea so clever that you are compelled," he explains.

Since retiring as chairman of the board at Wieden & Kennedy, the creators of the Nike 'Just Do it' campaign, Kennedy remains connected to the agency. "I'm not involved in any of the money business. We have a pro-bono account with the American Indian College Fund. We produce their public service advertising, and this takes up half of my time," he said.

He is also pursuing what he started in Colorado many years back. "I went to CU as a fine arts major and I'm now going back to classes. I'm doing more sculpting and welding so that I can produce art full time," Kennedy said.

"Knowing that a founder of one of the most creative shops in the country will be reviewing your work is both inspiring and terrifying. But the students said the way David gave feedback put them at ease and made the experience a very positive one," said Associate Professor Brett Robbs.