Life experience can be a great source of inspiration in coming up with a sensible and intriguing creative output. This is precisely the main lesson behind the project, “Concepting with Convicts“. These lines basically sum up what it’s about:
Great ideas can come from anywhere.
We’re using the prison pen pal system to prove it.
Work is uploaded as it’s completed.
Believe it or not, this project was started by two advertising interns. Through the service, Write A Prisoner, Ben Pfutzenreuter and Pat Davis contacted convicted felons and asked if they would like to help them with their advertising project–none of the final outputs would be professionally used. After receiving such enthusiastic responses, Ben and Pat sent out briefs that resulted in these truly amazing and creative outputs.
Brief: Sell tattoo removal to ex-cons.
Roles: Convict served as copywriter.
We provided art direction.
Notes: The writer has administered a tattoo before.
Brief: Proactive idea from inmate.
Roles: Convict served as creative director.
We provided art and copy.
Notes: Convict conceived app that connects recovering alcoholics together to stay strong.
Brief: Show folks why they need a safe.
Roles: Convict served as art director.
We provided copy.
Notes: Inmate informed us that a heavy safe was a serious deterrent to the average home invader, who looks to grab as much as they can, as fast as they can.
Brief: LoJack never lets up the search
Roles: Convict served as art director.
We provided copy.
Notes: We’re told LoJack is pretty easy to circumvent.
Brief: Make Cadillac even cooler.
Roles: Convict served as copywriter.
We provided art direction.
Notes: Inmate is not serving time for larceny.
Brief: Keep kids in school.
Roles: Convict served as copywriter.
We provided art direction.
Notes: Inmate attained his GED while in prison.
Brief: Pens are forever. Unless they erase.
Roles: Convict served as art director.
We provided copy.
Notes: The inmate was not able to send his original artwork because convicts don’t have access to the scanner in the administrative area.
Brief: Help Amnesty International speak truth.
Roles: Convict served as copywriter.
We provided art direction.
Notes: The inmate was concerned that criticizing law enforcement would garner him unwanted attention from corrections officers while serving his sentence.
Source: via con-cepting
