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 Tyler Moore, director of integrated strategy at The Escape Pod.
What is one tool you use all the time at work, and how does it inspire your work?
On my desk I have two ceramic figurines, a whale and a hippo. While these animals may be small in stature, they have the biggest smiles that show their pearly white teeth. My dad gave them to me when he retired after 50 years of being a children’s dentist.
Tyler Moore values the ceramic hippo and whale that were handed down from his father.
Why is it your favorite?
My dad’s favorite thing about being a children’s dentist was making kids laugh and smile. He would make up the funniest songs and tell the corniest jokes, but the kids absolutely loved it. The animals were part of the fun too, giving the kids a smile when they were scared. So, when I’m trying to inspire my team, stressing about presenting a strategy to a client, struggling to write a brief or working through complicated feedback, the hippo and whale are constant reminder to keep it fun, happy and creative. It’s impossible to take life so seriously when you see a hippo and whale smiling at you.
How did you acquire your tool or hear about it for the first time?
These two animals had been at my dad’s dentist office for 50 years. They’re older than me. I remember playing with these two for endless hours as a kid when I would hang out at his office after school. I’d make up elaborate battles between hippo and whale, sing silly songs about the two and tell adventurous stories that would fuel my creativity.
How does it help you be successful?
It’s a constant reminder to enjoy what I do as a strategist and team leader. It’s very easy to get caught up in the stress, frustration or pressure of advertising so having something fun and childlike helps me keep work light and be a positive impact on people. That’s very important to me.
Does it have sentimental value?
Of course. It’s been in my family for 50 years. I love seeing my two-and-a-half year old daughter grab them when she’s playing in my office. They fuel her sense of wonder as well. It’s also probably why the hippo is my favorite animal.
Do you think your tool could go TikTok viral?
No. They’re fun and funny to look at but not crazy or wacky enough to cause a viral sensation.
We want to know what tools you use to make you successful. If you’d like to contribute or know someone who would want to be featured in Tools of the Trade, contact kyle.obrien@adweek.com and fill out our survey.