While territorial explores whether their leadership team members are more “kiki” or “bouba” (based on the fascinating linguistic phenomenon where certain sounds universally feel sharp or round), the rest of the indie agency world is tackling everything from America’s collective anxiety to AI-powered creativity.
This three-day collection from Indie Agency News members showcases how indies are finding unexpected angles on transformation, whether that’s through sound symbolism, data-driven insights, or simply putting CEOs back in their own advertising.
🌀 The Perma-Swirl Diagnosis
McKinney surfaces a stat that explains why everything feels so chaotic: 60% of Americans report living in “The Perma-Swirl” – a state of constant disorientation and uncertainty. The agency’s research gives a name to what we’re all feeling but couldn’t quite articulate.
VaynerMedia offers a practical antidote to doom-scrolling with their curated list of content marketers should actually consume, suggesting that perhaps the cure to information overload is better curation, not less consumption.
Storythings (B Corp) asks the existential question about what our job titles will be in 2050, presumably preparing us for a future where “Chief Vibes Officer” might be a legitimate C-suite position.
🎬 Indies Go Hollywood (and Silverstone)
Ardmore demonstrates smart cultural crossover by placing Las Vegas tourism ads at Silverstone, capitalizing on F1’s entertainment appeal.
The same agency is also behind Ireland’s upcoming reality TV sensation “The Traitors Ireland”, filmed at Slane Castle and hosted by Siobhán McSweeney – bringing dramatic castle intrigue to Irish television.
Mocean celebrates that Jurassic World Rebirth is the #1 movie in the world, proving that dinosaurs still rule the box office ecosystem 30 years after the original park opened.
🍼 First Meals and Road Trip Essentials
David&Goliath shares how Saint John’s is bringing families closer by providing newborns and new parents with celebratory first meals in their “Everything for the Better” campaign – recognizing that hospital food doesn’t have to be a punchline.
Mischief @ No Fixed Address captures a universal truth: “Goldfish are a road trip essential—beloved by families, always smiling, and sometimes scattered across the backseat” – presumably referring to the snack, not the pet.
Chameleon Collective celebrates that only three gins in the U.S. earned Platinum at this year’s SIP Awards, with Gate 11 being one of them, proving that transformation consulting pairs well with premium spirits.
💰 Million-Dollar Statements and Agency Rankings
Strike brings attention to the $660 million fine being demanded from Greenpeace International – not for crime or fraud, but for supporting mobilization against fossil fuel projects.
FUSE Create announces that for the second year running, they’ve been awarded the #1 agency in Canada from the WINA Festival, maintaining their northern dominance.
Delve Deeper joins forces on the 2025 Digital Outlook Report for nonprofits, partnering with hjc, BrightVine Solutions, and Globalface to map the digital future for mission-driven organizations.
🐕 Tails, Transparency, and Tech Skepticism
Left Hand Agency shares their latest creative crush: A Pup Above, a pet food brand created by frustrated dog parents demanding transparency in pet nutrition.
TiNY offers refreshing honesty about the industry’s AI obsession, noting that every agency claims to have THE formula with AI Agents and proprietary processes, suggesting that maybe human creativity still has a role to play.
DCA doesn’t mince words, declaring that the agency landscape is fundamentally broken with fragmented P&Ls and disconnected specialists – presumably positioning themselves as the solution to this industry dysfunction.
🎯 Email Evolution and Marketing Purpose
Response Media digs into Litmus’s 2025 State of Email report, revealing how marketers are adapting to frequent mailbox provider updates and complex privacy regulations.
TravelBoom Hotel Marketing notes that travelers are booking smarter and more consistently, opening doors for better-timed, better-targeted hotel campaigns.
Serviceplan Group explores how marketing can be part of the solution – not the problem, presumably tired of being blamed for everything from consumerism to climate change.
🎙️ CEOs, Creativity, and Human Connection
Argonaut observes that CEOs are reappearing in ads – not just as spokespeople, but as symbols of transformation, accountability, and trust.
Epica Awards features insights from Blue Chip’s Executive Creative Director Michael Brown on not over-emphasizing technology in favor of imagination and human connection.
OLIVER Agency announces major leadership news as The Brandtech Group turns ten, welcoming Angela Tangas as new Global CEO and Partner/Chief Strategic Officer.
🌍 Purpose, Partnerships, and Podcasts
Worldwide Partners, Inc. shares Blue Chip’s Stanton Kawer’s perspective that advertising sits at the intersection of meaning, resonance, and cultural authorship.
Odd Notion unpacks Patagonia’s journey from climbing gear to environmental champion in their Sunny Brands podcast, exploring how purpose-driven brands navigate growth.
Antidote continues curating notable intersections of culture and wellbeing in their Weekly Drop series, maintaining their commitment to content that matters.
🎪 Community Celebrations and Creative Connections
The Gerety Awards hosted their VIP BBQ and shortlist celebration with support from Tantor Films and Ketchum, proving that even in the digital age, nothing beats actual human gathering.
Klick shares a remarkable human interest story about how 25 years ago, Danny Stewart found a baby in a New York subway station – a reminder that sometimes the best stories have nothing to do with advertising.
BackPocket Agency expresses gratitude for their partnership with MDA and working with Mindy Henderson, showcasing the human side of B2B relationships.
Want your agency featured in future editions? Indie Agency News showcases the best thinking from independent agencies worldwide. Join the community and add your voice to the conversation.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
