The Neurodiversity Focus

With growing awareness that an estimated 20 per cent of the global population is neurodiverse - the fact that advertising needs to get on top of the spectrums is a no-brainer. This month, shots speaks to experts, commentators and ADHD/ASD-powered adfolk about battling stigma, enhanced creativity and making more ND inclusive campaigns.

Insight

All the colours of the spectrum: embracing neurodiversity in adland

As awareness of neurodiversity grows, so does the need to accommodate the different ways we think, feel, respond and act, both in adland’s workplace culture and in its campaigns. Here, Tim Cumming talks to strategists and creatives about the power and pitfalls of thinking differently.

Talent

The G/Jems' 24 carat creativity

Brought together by a shared name, McCann’s rising creative duo the G/Jems are channelling their differences – both neural and cultural - into an award-winning creative streak that’s changing the narrative around everything from women’s football to inclusive gaming.

Insight

James of all trades: how ADHD can power versatility

James Harris, VP of planning and strategy at WPP, talks to Tim Cumming about the impact of story, keeping it simple and how his ADHD has helped him build a multifaceted career.

Craft

How Mr Kaplin showed us what it's like to have ADHD

When Jelly director Mr Kaplin and his daughter Mia were diagnosed with ADHD, they teamed up to create an informative animation about living with the condition. Here, he shares more about their ADHD discovery, creating the film, and the connection between neurodiversity and creative minds.

Insight

I’m not normal... but why do I need a label for you to tolerate me?

Labels can be useful. On jars, for example, because who wants decaf coffee after a late night? Or at large industry gatherings where there're too many names to remember. But sometimes, says Amy Kean, labels are unnecessary, and seem more about absolution than assistance.

Insight

Leading with ADHD: why neurodiversity is the secret sauce to better businesses

With their unconventional ways of thinking and ability to connect with diverse audiences, Melissa Chapman, CEO of Jungle Creations and The Wild by Jungle, explains why neurodivergent leaders can be a company's greatest strength.

Insight

Thinking in pictures: why dyslexia is film production's secret strength

Though their dyslexia presents difficulties in reading and writing, Daisy Thomson, Head of New Business, and Sophia Ogilvie, Production Manager at Mad Cow Films, share how their visual way of thinking enhances problem-solving, script development, and project management.

Insight

Neurodiversity is going to make you rich

Alice Walker, Senior Strategist at adam&eveDDB New York, is "autistic as fuck", and wants to create a blueprint for workplaces to follow that embraces what neurodiversity can offer. Because being creative, paradigm-shifting thinkers means that neurodiverse folk are potential goldmines.

Talent

Emma Castle: A brighter state of mind

Springboarding off her late ADHD diagnosis, Emma Castle, founder of Margate-based creative collective Bright Island, is shaking up the ad industry with an alternative agency model. Supporting neurodiversity in its environment and working culture isn’t just good for creativity, she tells shots – it makes business sense too.

Insight

The neurodiverse edge: the untapped potential in creative industries

The ad world thrives on innovation, yet often conforms to trends that exclude neurodivergent individuals. Kicking off shots' neurodiversity focus, lecturer/strategist and brand consultant Dr Vina S. Theodorakopoulou explains how, by embracing neurodiversity, brands can tap into new revenue streams while boosting inclusivity.

Insight

emPOWERING neurodiversity; the creative edge our industry needs

With so much significance put on 'out of the box' thinking, why isn't there more thought given to those with neurodiverse traits? Athene Parker, emPOWER Breakfast Founder and autism advocate, says that being neuro-inclusive isn't just a nice approach, it's imperative for creativity.

The Music Video Focus

Since the 90s, when their budgets ran to millions, the internet and tech advances have made music videos easier to view, cheaper to produce and, possibly, more disposable. But is the medium a dying art, or still the best way for a director to get noticed? shots probes the state of the promo nation.

The Photography & Cinematography Focus

In a cacophonous digital culture that bombards us with a stream of personal image-sharing and branded visuals, it can be hard for photography to stand out. This month, shots pulls focus on the DPs and photographers whose work sets the optic nerves a-tingle and considers the input of non-human image generators.

The Inspiration Focus

What are the cultural artefacts, random objects, rituals and synaptic sparks that generate fresh ideas? We talk to some of ad land’s most innovative thinkers about creative inspiration. What it is, where they find it and do the AI bots have it too...