Today we're talking with word wrangler/brand raconteur/utterly delightful man, Cameron Day. He's clever and pun-y and we love when he walks in the studio door. Now let's chat.
Cameron Day
So, what do you do again?
I’m a 360-degree Brand Raconteur.
What inspires you?
Documentaries, music, sunshine, hot rods, and fear of failure.
How lucky are you and why?
I’m the luckiest person I know. I married spectacularly well, genuinely enjoy the small handful of friends I’ve made and thank my stars that I get to dream up stuff for a living.
What do you love about Austin?
The eclecticism.
What were the major turning points that got you where you are?
Reading livability studies in Money magazine when my boys were 5 and 7.
What helps you access your creativity?
Restlessness. People watching. Concentration. A healthy sub-conscience.
What are a couple of your most memorable projects?
Too many to list, but I’ll take a shot.
The Central Market radio I wrote while at McGarrah-Jessee using Robert Kraft as our announcer, and engineered by the second-loveliest woman in all of Austin.
I consider Robert and Shay to be the best one-two punch I’ve ever collaborated with in audio. (Listen to one of these radio spots here if you feel like smilin'.)
The Wyoming Tourism “Road Trip” campaign I helmed while at Barnhart Communications in Denver. We commissioned 18 vintage-style travel stickers for various locations throughout the state, took the television into animation and sold some of the best outdoor I’ve ever seen. The digital part of the campaign set records for response rate.
The Land Rover “Orbit” commercial for the Discovery, and the Wall Street Journal Range Rover campaign while at GSD&M. Eric Saarinen directed the TV and was the only guy who could figure out how to pull it off.
Shiner beer stuff in guerilla mode: the koozie ACL stunt, the SXSW urinal posters, the “home movies” takeover where we projected Shiner Brewery’s history on building at night during SXSW.
I’ve been lucky enough to have a lot of fun in this business.
What’s the most fun part of your job?
Collaborating with the creative malcontents you invariably end up locked in conference rooms with.
What do you think Austin needs most to help its production community succeed nationally, internationally?
This whole town needs to up its game in terms of the work produced. Stop sending the best boards out of town. Have some balls and support this community. The talent is here. Don’t chase after the big names the moment you get a budget.
What’s your favorite date night place in Austin?
My own backyard. Music playing. A light breeze blowing and no mosquitos.
If you could shadow anyone for a day, who would it be?
Bruce Springsteen.
Fill in this blank: If I were Mayor of Austin, I would _____
Figure out how too make traffic move before road rage becomes a daily occurrence. I’d put in a credible light rail system. Protect what’s cool about this town before tearing down another institution.
Franklin’s BBQ or Salt Lick BBQ?
Rudy’s. I’ve never been to Franklin as I’m morally opposed to waiting two hours for a freakin’ meal. Salt Lick has become Disneyland with meat. Rudy’s is the best gas station I’ve ever eaten at. Brisket, extra moist. Creamed Corn. Onions. Copious amounts of sauce. In and out in twenty minutes.
Favorite place to hear live music?
The old Backyard in my hood. Moody Theater is acoustically cool. I’ll always love the Continental Club, La Zona Rosa and Stubb’s.
What do you wish someone had told you 10 or 20 years ago?
Life is short. If you don’t like the ride you’re on, transfer buses.
To thy own self be true.