Rad ads, storytelling and the evolution of visual communication: In conversation with Art Novak

Art Novak is a copywriter, ad guy, author, teacher and an overall presentation design pioneer. 

We feel lucky to know Art via his teaching days at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) because both Mikey and Allie Wilson, Creative Director at GhostRanch, had the privilege of being in his classroom. 

Before recording, Art claimed he had a “problematic background” starting most of his presentations in the past with words rather than visuals—he was a copywriter, after all! But learning to evolve his process as technology and different forms of illustration emerged put him at the forefront of creative visual storytelling and he became a true pioneer in leveraging PowerPoint.

In this episode we explore the common foundations of advertising, presentations and visual storytelling in general. Art shares some amazing and iconic ad stories that he contributed to and how they would later integrate into the way he taught students in the classroom. 

What’s in the Spice Cabinet?

Find more of Art

• On LinkedIn

Read Art’s books! 

• The Rabbi Wore Bell-bottoms
• AdJoined: The Destinies of Two Creative Crusaders

Favorite assignment Art would give students?

• When students would have to create a presentation and play the part of a famous advertising character (ie: Pillsbury dough boy, etc.) 

Art’s fave places to find inspiration? 

• AdForum.com - links to all agencies and ads throughout the world! Think of it as an advertising directory 
• Tune into major award shows like the ADDYs!
• Hang around inspiring people ��

How did Art win an Emmy??

• Helping create a public service ad to raise awareness for wearing seatbelts. Of course.

Art’s walkout song?

• I’m Still Standing by Elton John

Parting words for Presentation Nation?

"I’d encourage everybody that’s thinking about what they want to do with their life to consider copywriting and advertising because I think advertising—you know, it’s gotten a bad rap from some people—but I think it has the potential to really change the world in a better way. 

If advertisers start to realize that by promoting worthwhile causes in their advertising, not only are they doing something for humanity but they can distinguish their products from their competition."