MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Daniel Kee, Executive Creative Director at MullenLowe Singapore, gave a nostalgic and inspiring talk on the authenticity of being creative at the ONE Asia x adobo Magazine Masterclass last October 14, 2024.
The One Club for Creativity and adobo Magazine organized the event as a great learning opportunity for young creatives in the Philippines at the inaugural masterclass.
Daniel began his talk by saying, “Let’s take a walk,” as he reminisced about the early stages of his career. He mentioned that he hadn’t realized that someone who started as an IT guy would eventually become a creative celebrating the Agency of the Year Award. As the current Executive Creative Director at MullenLowe Singapore, he emphasized that “our life is a marathon, not a sprint.”
The industry, Daniel acknowledged, is not without its flaws — with unsustainable practices due to layoffs, long working hours, and even having bosses who are abusive towards their employees rampant in creative communities. These experiences are not unfamiliar to anyone within the field, but Daniel expressed his personal beliefs about what has kept him in the industry.
Do what you love.
He stressed that finding ways to maintain one’s passion and integrity are crucial when doing something you love. When you’re genuinely passionate about your work, it’s easier to stay motivated even in the face of challenges.
Have a passion for it.
He encouraged creatives to follow their hearts, to experiment with different approaches, and to take time for themselves. By doing so, they would not only produce better work, but also lead more fulfilling lives.
Sneak something in.
Daniel’s advice is to “sneak something in” by incorporating different interests into your work. Diversity in creative expression can lead to innovation and originality. By drawing inspiration from a variety of sources, creatives can produce works that are both fresh and relevant.
Talk a walk. Literally.
Often, our most inspired ideas emerge when we least expect them — in the quiet moments when our minds are free to wander.
Daniel’s inspiring insights resonated with the young creatives in attendance, offering valuable guidance and motivation as they embark on their own careers in the advertising industry. As he concluded his talk, he encouraged everyone to “go out there” and make their mark on the world.
adobo Magazine is an official media partner of ONE Asia and The One Club for Creativity.
The ONE Asia x adobo magazine Masterclass was made possible by the generous support of sponsors Yellow Brick Road Productions, Soundesign Manila – Audio Production House, and Meta.
Special thanks to our organization partner, Ayala Foundation, Inc., for providing the venue for this event. The One Club for Creativity – home of The One Show, ADC Annual Awards, Art Directors Club of Europe (ADCE) awards, ONE Asia Awards, Type Directors Club and competition, TDC Ascenders, Young Guns, Young Ones Student Awards, Next Creative Leaders, ONE Screen Short Film Festival, and more – is the world’s foremost non-profit organization whose mission is to support and celebrate the global creative community. Revenue generated from entries to its global awards shows goes back into the industry to fund programming under the organization’s four pillars: Education, Inclusion & Diversity, Gender Equality, and Creative Development.
