Ansom Bost
@ansombost.bsky.social
Pinned
Ansom Bost
@ansombost.bsky.social
· Oct 30
Still trying to find my footing on Bluesky… Following a whole bunch of people - mostly (but not limited to!) marketing, design, and other kinds of creative folk. I appreciate those who reciprocate. :)
Thought of the day:
I’ve come to realize that it makes much more sense to pronounce the word ”ocean” as “oh-sea-an”.
(And that’s exactly what I intend to do from now on.)
I’ve come to realize that it makes much more sense to pronounce the word ”ocean” as “oh-sea-an”.
(And that’s exactly what I intend to do from now on.)
December 5, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Thought of the day:
I’ve come to realize that it makes much more sense to pronounce the word ”ocean” as “oh-sea-an”.
(And that’s exactly what I intend to do from now on.)
I’ve come to realize that it makes much more sense to pronounce the word ”ocean” as “oh-sea-an”.
(And that’s exactly what I intend to do from now on.)
What I love about it:
1) Creates an emotional connection
2) Stays on point with what’s advertised
3) The message is loud and clear
4) All the hands have exactly five fingers each
Excellent pick, mr. walker!
1) Creates an emotional connection
2) Stays on point with what’s advertised
3) The message is loud and clear
4) All the hands have exactly five fingers each
Excellent pick, mr. walker!
Simple is not easy.
Simple is powerful and mesmerizing when done well.
No words. No hints.
They trusted the concept to touch people.
This could run today.
This is great advertising.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-8P...
Simple is powerful and mesmerizing when done well.
No words. No hints.
They trusted the concept to touch people.
This could run today.
This is great advertising.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-8P...
Embrace Life - always wear your seat belt
YouTube video by SussexSaferRoads
www.youtube.com
December 5, 2025 at 12:06 PM
What I love about it:
1) Creates an emotional connection
2) Stays on point with what’s advertised
3) The message is loud and clear
4) All the hands have exactly five fingers each
Excellent pick, mr. walker!
1) Creates an emotional connection
2) Stays on point with what’s advertised
3) The message is loud and clear
4) All the hands have exactly five fingers each
Excellent pick, mr. walker!
Thought of the day:
If you’re a freelancer, even a 15-minute meditation can do absolute wonders to your day. ESPECIALLY if you’re a freelancer. ;)
If you’re a freelancer, even a 15-minute meditation can do absolute wonders to your day. ESPECIALLY if you’re a freelancer. ;)
December 2, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Thought of the day:
If you’re a freelancer, even a 15-minute meditation can do absolute wonders to your day. ESPECIALLY if you’re a freelancer. ;)
If you’re a freelancer, even a 15-minute meditation can do absolute wonders to your day. ESPECIALLY if you’re a freelancer. ;)
I read that the Utah 2034 (Winter Olympics) wordmark was inspired by Utah’s landscapes. Having never been to Utah myself, I have a question…
Locals or tourists, can you confirm that the landscapes in the state - particularly in areas with mountains - are indeed as flat as a pancake?
#AskBluesky
Locals or tourists, can you confirm that the landscapes in the state - particularly in areas with mountains - are indeed as flat as a pancake?
#AskBluesky
November 30, 2025 at 2:42 PM
I read that the Utah 2034 (Winter Olympics) wordmark was inspired by Utah’s landscapes. Having never been to Utah myself, I have a question…
Locals or tourists, can you confirm that the landscapes in the state - particularly in areas with mountains - are indeed as flat as a pancake?
#AskBluesky
Locals or tourists, can you confirm that the landscapes in the state - particularly in areas with mountains - are indeed as flat as a pancake?
#AskBluesky
I jotted down some thoughts on why being an asshole is a choice, not an inevitability.
(And it’s a bit too long to post it directly on Bsky.)
brandingnotes.substack.com/p/note12
(And it’s a bit too long to post it directly on Bsky.)
brandingnotes.substack.com/p/note12
Note 12
On assholes.
brandingnotes.substack.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:18 PM
I jotted down some thoughts on why being an asshole is a choice, not an inevitability.
(And it’s a bit too long to post it directly on Bsky.)
brandingnotes.substack.com/p/note12
(And it’s a bit too long to post it directly on Bsky.)
brandingnotes.substack.com/p/note12
Perhaps my new favorite quote. :)
“Language can become a screen which stands between the thinker and reality. This is the reason why true creativity often starts where language ends.”
(Attributed to one Arthur Koestler)
“Language can become a screen which stands between the thinker and reality. This is the reason why true creativity often starts where language ends.”
(Attributed to one Arthur Koestler)
November 24, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Perhaps my new favorite quote. :)
“Language can become a screen which stands between the thinker and reality. This is the reason why true creativity often starts where language ends.”
(Attributed to one Arthur Koestler)
“Language can become a screen which stands between the thinker and reality. This is the reason why true creativity often starts where language ends.”
(Attributed to one Arthur Koestler)
Reposted by Ansom Bost
“Creative standard” = good
“Standard creative” = bad
“Standard creative” = bad
November 21, 2025 at 3:32 PM
“Creative standard” = good
“Standard creative” = bad
“Standard creative” = bad
Thought of the day:
There are too many podcasts out there these days, wa-a-y-y-y too many…
…but I probably wouldn’t mind being featured on one (or, a couple) of them.
:D
There are too many podcasts out there these days, wa-a-y-y-y too many…
…but I probably wouldn’t mind being featured on one (or, a couple) of them.
:D
November 21, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Thought of the day:
There are too many podcasts out there these days, wa-a-y-y-y too many…
…but I probably wouldn’t mind being featured on one (or, a couple) of them.
:D
There are too many podcasts out there these days, wa-a-y-y-y too many…
…but I probably wouldn’t mind being featured on one (or, a couple) of them.
:D
“Hey, Ansom. I may be interested in your services. I’ve heard you’re a real pro.”
So far so good, but then comes…
“How much do you charge per hour?”
Yikes! It’s not the question I want to be asked - especially if out in a social setting. :/
[Repost of my Substack comment; yeah, I‘m lovin’ it :)]
So far so good, but then comes…
“How much do you charge per hour?”
Yikes! It’s not the question I want to be asked - especially if out in a social setting. :/
[Repost of my Substack comment; yeah, I‘m lovin’ it :)]
Most creative teams price the thing people see. But the real value is in the part they don’t: flow state, clarity, the leap from “we have no idea” to “yes, that.”
If you price by hours, you’ll sell hours.
Price by value, and you’ll sell outcomes.
And outcomes are what clients actually want.
If you price by hours, you’ll sell hours.
Price by value, and you’ll sell outcomes.
And outcomes are what clients actually want.
Flow State Isn’t Billable by the Hour (So Why Do We Treat It Like It Is)
There’s a moment in every creative project when something finally clicks.
findingconnection.substack.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:19 PM
“Hey, Ansom. I may be interested in your services. I’ve heard you’re a real pro.”
So far so good, but then comes…
“How much do you charge per hour?”
Yikes! It’s not the question I want to be asked - especially if out in a social setting. :/
[Repost of my Substack comment; yeah, I‘m lovin’ it :)]
So far so good, but then comes…
“How much do you charge per hour?”
Yikes! It’s not the question I want to be asked - especially if out in a social setting. :/
[Repost of my Substack comment; yeah, I‘m lovin’ it :)]
Hmm… I don’t think you have to be a neuroscientist down in a lab to notice that. :)
“Your musical history doesn’t just influence your preferences—it shapes your personality, your cognitive abilities, and your emotional responses to the world.”
flip.it/dEz6Xj
flip.it/dEz6Xj
The music you listen to physically reshapes your brain, according to neuroscience
Neuroscientists have discovered something remarkable: the music you listen to doesn't just affect your mood temporarily—it physically reshapes your neural
flip.it
November 18, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Hmm… I don’t think you have to be a neuroscientist down in a lab to notice that. :)
Just about every industry is full of “profe$$ionals”, now more than ever, so it’s a gift if you meet someone who’s deeply enthusiastic about their craft.
Not only are those people more pleasant to interact with, but they also tend to be more competent.
Here’s to meeting them!
Not only are those people more pleasant to interact with, but they also tend to be more competent.
Here’s to meeting them!
November 16, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Just about every industry is full of “profe$$ionals”, now more than ever, so it’s a gift if you meet someone who’s deeply enthusiastic about their craft.
Not only are those people more pleasant to interact with, but they also tend to be more competent.
Here’s to meeting them!
Not only are those people more pleasant to interact with, but they also tend to be more competent.
Here’s to meeting them!
Reposted by Ansom Bost
Personally, I stand firmly on this:
While human mind remains mostly a mystery today, you can still train it to obtain skills. Creativity is a mental skill, akin to, say, chess. Chess relies on thinking patterns - as does creativity (in my opinion). Patterns can be taught and can be learned.
While human mind remains mostly a mystery today, you can still train it to obtain skills. Creativity is a mental skill, akin to, say, chess. Chess relies on thinking patterns - as does creativity (in my opinion). Patterns can be taught and can be learned.
November 15, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Personally, I stand firmly on this:
While human mind remains mostly a mystery today, you can still train it to obtain skills. Creativity is a mental skill, akin to, say, chess. Chess relies on thinking patterns - as does creativity (in my opinion). Patterns can be taught and can be learned.
While human mind remains mostly a mystery today, you can still train it to obtain skills. Creativity is a mental skill, akin to, say, chess. Chess relies on thinking patterns - as does creativity (in my opinion). Patterns can be taught and can be learned.
digg is being rebooted… Vine is being rebooted… What I would really want is if someone brought MySpace back - while preserving its original spirit.
November 14, 2025 at 1:04 PM
digg is being rebooted… Vine is being rebooted… What I would really want is if someone brought MySpace back - while preserving its original spirit.
The thing about debates (of all kinds)… It’s mainly an oratory exercise - whoever is more fluent usually wins, regardless of the legitimacy of their arguments. :)
November 7, 2025 at 4:18 PM
The thing about debates (of all kinds)… It’s mainly an oratory exercise - whoever is more fluent usually wins, regardless of the legitimacy of their arguments. :)
I’ve never said anything (publicly) about everyone’s favorite subject - LLMs! - until now. Here’s a short note I wrote on Substack, which I’m going to repost below (in multiple parts).
brandingnotes.substack.com/p/note11
brandingnotes.substack.com/p/note11
November 5, 2025 at 10:47 AM
I’ve never said anything (publicly) about everyone’s favorite subject - LLMs! - until now. Here’s a short note I wrote on Substack, which I’m going to repost below (in multiple parts).
brandingnotes.substack.com/p/note11
brandingnotes.substack.com/p/note11
I was sent this link and asked for my comment… I’ll reiterate what I said (in conclusion) to the person:
”If this is ’bold’ by someone’s standards, then copulate the standards!” - I exclaimed quite angrily!
(As you can see, I’m not in a good mood at all today.)
marcommnews.com/barclays-unv...
”If this is ’bold’ by someone’s standards, then copulate the standards!” - I exclaimed quite angrily!
(As you can see, I’m not in a good mood at all today.)
marcommnews.com/barclays-unv...
Barclays unveils a bold new brand direction in major UK reappraisal campaign – Marketing Communication News
marcommnews.com
November 2, 2025 at 4:27 PM
I was sent this link and asked for my comment… I’ll reiterate what I said (in conclusion) to the person:
”If this is ’bold’ by someone’s standards, then copulate the standards!” - I exclaimed quite angrily!
(As you can see, I’m not in a good mood at all today.)
marcommnews.com/barclays-unv...
”If this is ’bold’ by someone’s standards, then copulate the standards!” - I exclaimed quite angrily!
(As you can see, I’m not in a good mood at all today.)
marcommnews.com/barclays-unv...
Dead on!
Yeah I can get that to you by end of day, no problem.
October 31, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Dead on!
Still trying to find my footing on Bluesky… Following a whole bunch of people - mostly (but not limited to!) marketing, design, and other kinds of creative folk. I appreciate those who reciprocate. :)
October 30, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Still trying to find my footing on Bluesky… Following a whole bunch of people - mostly (but not limited to!) marketing, design, and other kinds of creative folk. I appreciate those who reciprocate. :)
Once upon a time, businesses solved problems. Ads communicated the problems and the solutions in a direct manner.
Later down, businesses started to mainly exploit behaviors. Ads started crawling deep up their own asses…
No, it’s not just you. The question is: how long is the alimentary canal? :)
Later down, businesses started to mainly exploit behaviors. Ads started crawling deep up their own asses…
No, it’s not just you. The question is: how long is the alimentary canal? :)
I am wondering if ads were more creative and persuasive in the past, or if it just me getting old and annoyed.
Problem with this, you can‘t ask people, most would never admit that ads worked on them; vanity.
Problem with this, you can‘t ask people, most would never admit that ads worked on them; vanity.
October 29, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Once upon a time, businesses solved problems. Ads communicated the problems and the solutions in a direct manner.
Later down, businesses started to mainly exploit behaviors. Ads started crawling deep up their own asses…
No, it’s not just you. The question is: how long is the alimentary canal? :)
Later down, businesses started to mainly exploit behaviors. Ads started crawling deep up their own asses…
No, it’s not just you. The question is: how long is the alimentary canal? :)
Everyone is unflattening their logos to… blend in with each other?
This butterfly now looks, for instance, like a very close relative of Reddit’s alien mascot. And then there’s countless more.
What’s the point?
This butterfly now looks, for instance, like a very close relative of Reddit’s alien mascot. And then there’s countless more.
What’s the point?
v1.109 is rolling out today! #NewProfilePic
We've given the app a mini makeover with some new shades of blues! Plus, a whole bunch of bug fixes and performance improvements to make your experience better.
We've given the app a mini makeover with some new shades of blues! Plus, a whole bunch of bug fixes and performance improvements to make your experience better.
October 28, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Everyone is unflattening their logos to… blend in with each other?
This butterfly now looks, for instance, like a very close relative of Reddit’s alien mascot. And then there’s countless more.
What’s the point?
This butterfly now looks, for instance, like a very close relative of Reddit’s alien mascot. And then there’s countless more.
What’s the point?
On a more serious note… Marketing discussion is in short supply on Bluesky. :(
Hmm… No wonder I’ve been talking to myself all this time since I got here.
hey folks, we've heard reports that some posts and accounts weren't showing up in search.
there was a technical issue on our end that prevented a small number of new posts and accounts from getting indexed.
we're backfilling the missing data now, and search results should return to normal soon.
there was a technical issue on our end that prevented a small number of new posts and accounts from getting indexed.
we're backfilling the missing data now, and search results should return to normal soon.
October 27, 2025 at 9:35 AM
On a more serious note… Marketing discussion is in short supply on Bluesky. :(
Hmm… No wonder I’ve been talking to myself all this time since I got here.
hey folks, we've heard reports that some posts and accounts weren't showing up in search.
there was a technical issue on our end that prevented a small number of new posts and accounts from getting indexed.
we're backfilling the missing data now, and search results should return to normal soon.
there was a technical issue on our end that prevented a small number of new posts and accounts from getting indexed.
we're backfilling the missing data now, and search results should return to normal soon.
October 25, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Hmm… No wonder I’ve been talking to myself all this time since I got here.
The copywriter (who’s probably a designer, though) chose banal over anal. Most do. :)
A SQUANDERED OPPORTUNITY to create a warning pictogram featuring a spherical anally inflated customer.
October 24, 2025 at 10:32 AM
The copywriter (who’s probably a designer, though) chose banal over anal. Most do. :)
Good people of Bluesky, is there a way to turn on email notifications if you‘re on desktop? I’ve seemingly looked everywhere…
October 23, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Good people of Bluesky, is there a way to turn on email notifications if you‘re on desktop? I’ve seemingly looked everywhere…
…Which indirectly reminds me of a time when a (prospective) client emailed me and asked what my ”unwritten rules of branding” were.
I had - at the time - no idea what to reply to that, so I improvised and sent them these three:
1)
2)
3)
Never heard back from them. :)
I had - at the time - no idea what to reply to that, so I improvised and sent them these three:
1)
2)
3)
Never heard back from them. :)
Don’t judge a book by its cover and don’t judge a brand by its visual identity. ;)
October 23, 2025 at 12:06 PM
…Which indirectly reminds me of a time when a (prospective) client emailed me and asked what my ”unwritten rules of branding” were.
I had - at the time - no idea what to reply to that, so I improvised and sent them these three:
1)
2)
3)
Never heard back from them. :)
I had - at the time - no idea what to reply to that, so I improvised and sent them these three:
1)
2)
3)
Never heard back from them. :)