Ad code of ethics about applying common sense says Special Group creative partner

(l-r) Tim Burrowes, Fiona Jolly, Richard Morgan, Dave Bowman and Damian Eales

There is a natural tension between creating work that “cuts through for a client” but “doesn’t hurt your integrity” Special Group founding creative partner Dave Bowman told an audience at Mumbrella360.

Speaking on the Dear Sir Please Ban this Ad session, which examined how the Ad Standards Board reviews complaints against ads, Bowman said: “There is a natural tension in trying to do something that cuts through for a client, that sticks out, but doesn’t do it in a way that is going to compromise their or your integrity.

“The code is a good reflection of common decency. If you went to a BBQ where you didn’t know anyone and said ‘how about this guys?’ if people would be broadly ashamed to stand next to you’re in a wrong spot, it’s common sense.”