Kirby Schultz has a regular habit of strolling around the HS office and saying good morning to the team. It’s usually followed up by a friendly question, “Whatcha’ makin’?”
It’s Kirby’s fun way of checking in on the work, but also a subtle reminder that we are in the business of making great things.
“Whatcha’ makin” got us thinking. What other fun sayings, or Kirbyisms, have been floating around these last 30 years. We asked the President himself to share a few of his favorites.
“To see my Mom.”
Kirby is a big fan of pointing out the difference between advertising and marketing. He has been known to use the comparison, “Advertising is a hitchhiker on the side of the road holding a sign that says ‘Rapid City.’ Marketing is the same hitchhiker holding a sign that says “Rapid City, to see my Mom.”
The “why” of what you create is very important to Kirby. “Seeing Mom” gives you a reason to stop.
“The best fruit is hanging off the farthest limb of the tree.”
In a recent meeting, Kirby reminded us, “The best fruit is hanging off the farthest limb of the tree.” Who doesn’t love fruit or climbing a tree?
But the bigger picture is that the really great ideas happen when you go out on a limb. Creating something is easy, but creating something special requires reach, ambition and a desire to go for it.
“If you were a cook, you wouldn’t just add tomato because you like tomato.”
This gem was a bit of advice Kirby gave to a designer. Though presumably, he wasn’t exactly talking about making pasta.
Kirby’s advice here is a bit of a reminder that designs and ideas are not completely our own. Designs and ideas must serve a greater purpose than just our own instincts or preferences.
“Did you stay out of jail this weekend?”
This one has very little to do with advertising, unless you consider bad kerning a crime, which many of us do.
It’s just another Kirbyism way of saying hello, lightening the mood, and perhaps posting the bail.
For 30 Years. . .
Kirby has led the helm at HS. As we celebrate 30 years in business, we look forward to Kirbyisms for years to come!
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