Doug Truppe Forum: Bullying in the Workplace, A Masterclass in Survival - Part 2

Please join us as we address various issues and mental health challenges on a weekly basis creating a forum for communication and solutions with experts in advertising and mental health. In this week’s Part 2 of the Bullying series, “Bullying in the Workplace, A Masterclass in Survival,” Doug Truppe and Gabriel Most, LCSW RN explore the impact Bullying can have on our mental health and what to do about it. Please join us as we explore how Bullying in the workplace is created, and how we can push back against it.

Bullying in the Workplace, A Masterclass in Survival - Part 2

1. Strategies for Survival

To deal with the mental stress from workplace bullying, employees can try a few simple strategies to stay strong and feel safe and secure. Here are some ideas:

-Document Incidents.

Keep a detailed record of bullying incidents, including dates, times, locations, and descriptions. This documentation can be useful if you decide to report the behavior to HR or management.

-Seek Support and Build a Support Network.

Share your experiences with some trusted coworkers ( if possible ), and friends, or family about what's going on. If needed, consider talking to therapist.

-Maintain Your Own Healthy Work Environment

Engage with positive colleagues and participate in team activities that foster a healthy work atmosphere.

-Set Boundaries and Stand Up for Yourself. Stand up for yourself calmly and confidently if you can but try to limit contact where possible and avoid making things worse.

2. Focus on Self-Care

Bullying can have long lasting repercussions on our mental and physical health. Stay mindful of the following to stay healthy:

-Develop Stress Management Techniques.

Use mindfulness, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation to reduce anxiety and promote emotional regulation. Maintaining adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, and regular physical activity supports your well-being.

-Esteem and Confidence

Focus on your strengths and accomplishments to reinforce self-worth. Set small, achievable goals to regain a sense of control and confidence.

Share your story: What has been your experience with workplace bullying? How was it addressed in your work environment, and what actions did you take? What did you learn from this experience?

Gabriel Most, LCSW RN, www.GMostTherapy.com

Contact me to share your stories: hello@dougtruppe.com

Doug Truppe Forum: What’s Going on with the Work-Life Balance

Welcome, my name is Doug Truppe, and I am an artist representative for commercial photographers and directors in the global market. Our mission is to empower, elevate and foster a sense of community for those employed in the advertising industry. Focusing on mental health, our hope is to provide a forum and backdrop to discuss and share the challenges our industry is facing in a fast paced ever changing global economy. Concentrating on one’s well-being with the expertise of a mental health practitioner, Gabriel Most LCSW, RN, come join us as we explore and discuss managing mental health in the advertising industry. Ultimately, we are here to provide helpful resources and offer a friendly voice in challenging times

What’s Going on with the Work-Life Balance

Please join us as we address various issues and mental health challenges on a weekly basis creating a forum for communication and solutions with experts in advertising and mental health. In this week’s topic, “Where Is Our Work-Life Balance?” Doug Truppe and Gabriel Most, LCSW RN explore the dynamics and challenges unemployment can create in the context of romantic unions and how to address and manage job loss as a couple.

Achieving work-life balance can be challenging for many Americans due to several factors.

1. The Culture in the Workplace.

In creative fields, there's often a culture of long hours and heavy workloads, driven by job insecurity during uncertain times.

2. Economic Pressures and Career Advancement.

The cost of living and financial responsibilities often push people to work more just to keep up, while career ambitions can lead to prioritize work over personal time.

3. Technology and Limited Leave Policies.

The rise of remote work and digital communications has led to blurred boundaries between work and personal life making it harder to create and maintain time for family and friends. In the U.S., fewer vacation days and parental leave compared to other countries make stepping away from work even more challenging.

The psychological implications of poor work-life balance can be significant for both individuals and families.

1. Stress, Burnout and Mental Health Issues.

Lack of time for oneself, family and friends can strain relationships and lead to isolation, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns leading to burnout, stress and poor quality of life.

2. Quality of Life and Family.

Lack of time for loved ones can strain relationships and cause isolation, while neglecting personal interests can decrease fulfillment and happiness.

3. Physical Health Problems.

Eventually, stress and fatigue can decrease productivity and job satisfaction, and a poor work life balance may lead to physical health issues.

Deliberate actions and strategies to achieve work-life balance with your employer.

1. Set Boundaries, Communicate and Prioritize Tasks.

Discuss needs and flexibility, like remote work,, with your employer.

Focus on high-impact tasks for efficient workload management. Define and adhere to work hours.

2. Take Breaks and Work Smarter Not Harder.

Utilize breaks and vacation days to recharge.

Use Technology Wisely: Limit after-hours communication and disable work notifications while on personal time if possible.

Deliberate actions and strategies to achieve work-life balance with your family and friends.

1. Quality Time and Setting Expectations.

Schedule regular activities and commitments with your family and friends making sure to communicate your availability to manage disappointments and unforeseen work-related issues.

2. Be Present and Engage in Self-care.

Focus on family and friends during personal time by disconnecting from work.

Prioritize self-care and well-being like physical activity to maintain energy and resilience. Step away from social media as part of your recharge.

Balancing these aspects requires ongoing effort and adjustments as circumstances change. How are you managing your life work balance? We’d love to hear from you .

Gabriel Most, LCSW RN , www.GMostTherapy.com

Contact me to share your stories: hello@dougtruppe.com

Doug Truppe Forum - The Green-Eyed Monster: Uncovering and Understanding Envy and Jealousy in Artistic Creative Industries

Welcome, my name is Doug Truppe, and I am an artist representative for commercial photographers and directors in the global market. Our mission is to empower, elevate and foster a sense of community for those employed in the advertising industry. Focusing on mental health, our hope is to provide a forum and backdrop to discuss and share the challenges our industry is facing in a fast paced ever changing global economy. Concentrating on one’s well-being with the expertise of a mental health practitioner, Gabriel Most LCSW, RN, come join us as we explore and discuss managing mental health in the advertising industry. Ultimately, we are here to provide helpful resources and offer a friendly voice in challenging times.

The Green-Eyed Monster: Uncovering and Understanding Envy and Jealousy in Artistic Creative Industries

Please join us as we address various issues and mental health challenges on a weekly basis creating a forum for communication and solutions with experts in advertising and mental health. In this week’s topic, “The Green-Eyed Monster: Uncovering and Understanding Envy and Jealousy in Artistic Creative Industries.”

Doug Truppe and Gabriel Most, LCSW RN explore The Green-eyed Monster, Jealousy and envy in the work force, what to do about it and how to manage it.

Contrary to popular belief, envy and jealousy are normal, healthy emotions that can sometimes motivate us. Understanding how to handle and process these feelings ensures that we do not become consumed by them and act in a destructive manner.

How are Jealousy and Envy Different and does it really matter?

Envy arises when we desire something that someone else possesses. Inferiority, resentment, and a desire to possess what the other person has are feelings we experience around envy.

Jealousy arises when we experience fear, insecurity, suspicion and possessiveness all rolled into a hot ball of emotion.

Jealousy tends to be a more complex, unmanageable emotion for many people because it involves the perceived threat of loss like a job or lover; unlike envy, which centers on longing for something we lack like a beautiful singing voice.

Envy and jealousy can feel different and so the approach to each will be different.

So, what's sparking your envy? Is it something someone else has, a chance they got, or something they've accomplished? Stay honest with yourself.

Turn that envy into fuel. Use it to set goals that'll help you level up and grow as a person. What skills do you want to master? What do you want to achieve?

Take a moment to appreciate the good stuff. Make a habit of thanking yourself for what you've got and what you've achieved. Focusing on self leaves less room for envy to fester.

Managing your jealousy sometimes requires a more open dialogue approach.

Just talk about it. Having an honest conversation can help you deal with jealous feelings. This can improve the quality of the relationship or clarify where you stand.

If you think your partner's cheating, don't bottle it up. Speak up and get it out in the open—your relationship's survival depends on it.

Jealousy like envy, varies in degree and in relationship. Is it personal? Is it business? Is it both?

Lift your confidence, reflect on the unique things you bring to the table at work. And instead of seeing your colleagues as the enemy, try to shift your mindset to community. Focus on collaborating, sharing ideas, and lifting each other up— it's way more productive (and less stressful) than trying to one-up each other. New thoughts ideas and bodies of work get generated in some collaborations.

Gabriel Most LCSW, RN www.GMostTherapy.com

Contact me to share your stories: hello@dougtruppe.com

Scott Montgomery Is an American Photography 41 Chosen Winner for Threads

We are excited to share another marquee-award win in our roster of talent: Scott Montgomery in American Photography 41. An image from his “Threads” series, featuring Greenfield Clothiers in Brooklyn, NY, a continuously active garment factory for over 100 years, has been chosen to appear online as part of The ARCHIVE online collection at www.ai-ap.com.

We are grateful to the judges’ attention at American Photography, who along with Graphis and Communication Arts, is a premier industry benchmark. Please see the images submitted, the winner "Bench with Clock," the entire series and more work on Scott’s site, www.smontgomery.com. View the Threads series here.

Doug Truppe Forum - What Is an Addiction? Do We All Have It? - Part 2 of 2

Welcome, my name is Doug Truppe, and I am an artist representative for commercial photographers and directors in the global market. Our mission is to empower, elevate and foster a sense of community for those employed in the advertising industry. Focusing on mental health, our hope is to provide a forum and backdrop to discuss and share the challenges our industry is facing in a fast paced ever changing global economy. Concentrating on one’s well-being with the expertise of a mental health practitioner, Gabriel Most LCSW, RN, come join us as we explore and discuss managing mental health in the advertising industry. Ultimately, we are here to provide helpful resources and offer a friendly voice in challenging times.

What Is an Addiction? Do We All Have It?

-Part. 2 of 2-

Please join us as we address various issues and mental health challenges on a weekly basis creating a forum for communication and solutions with experts in advertising and mental health. In this week’s special 2 Part Series, join Doug Truppe and Gabriel Most, LCSW, RN for Part 2 of What is an Addiction? Do we all have it? Together we’ll explore what is an addiction and what one can do to manage it.

Whether We ’re All Addicted to Something Because It’s Part of the Current Human Condition or Not; the Following Is True:

Confessing to an addiction requires self-disclosure only. What others think won’t get you to change your behaviors. Change is purely optional.

Once we recognize that we have a problem we can begin to focus on the solution(s).

Here Is Just a Short List of Things One Can Do to Manage an Addictive Behavior or Relationship:

Get Help – You cannot figure this out on your own, that’s why this is an addiction. You just can’t stop.

Do some research on your addictive behavior. Use Google and AI to access information on your specific addiction. Research helpful tools like books and types of treatment and speak to experts or person of faith and find out how others are getting help. Hotlines?

What has proven effective? What has not? What type of therapy? Out-Patient, Inpatient treatment, Drug Rehab? Psychologist, LCSW, MD or go unconventional like Music or Art Therapist? Individual, Couples or Groups?

Come up with some type of plan that predetermines how you want to behave or manage triggers, cravings or bouts when they rear their ugly head and taunt you to reengage in the addictive cycle. This prepares you for the unexpected because shit happens.

Socialize & Share- Use your discretion. What, how and who you share with is vital to your success. Socializing in all its variations combats loneliness and isolation which are key components and triggers for addictive behaviors and cycles.

Create a daily Self-Care routine. We are all busy, juggling the many directions our lives take us to; however, creating a daily ritual or tradition which we customize to our own liking and time constraints ensures we are staying connected to ourselves and our feelings.

The most important relationship we will ever have is the one we have with ourself. Be kind to yourself today. Give yourself a break today. Remind yourself that you do know what is best for your life. It is your purpose to listen.

Gabriel Most LCSW, RN www.GMostTherapy.com

Contact me to share your stories: hello@dougtruppe.com

Photographer Tadd Myers Finds the Sweet Spot with 4-H Programs for H-E-B Grocery Chain

In a recent project Tadd Myers and his crew had the opportunity to work with a Dallas-based Ad Agency and H-E-B, a prominent Texas-based grocery store chain to highlight their support of youth across Texas and 4-H program Livestock Shows and Auctions around the state.

4-H programs focus on teaching young people life skills, leadership and responsibility through animal husbandry. “With this project I knew we’d be focusing on real people at these events. Flexibility is always key to the production on projects like this since our team had to secure releases prior to or while shooting,” says Tadd. Photographically, he wanted the final images to be both cohesive as a group and portray the kids caring for their livestock in a beautiful and engaging way. Tadd finds that sweet spot and reveals the dedication, pride and tenderness in every gesture and face.

The client loved the locations and the idea of kids actively participating in community events. A small selection of the images are being used for a wonderful :30 sec broadcast spot and other online marketing efforts. Wanna see more of "deep in the heart of Texas" with H-E-B grocery…just click here.

Doug Truppe Forum: What Is an Addiction? Do We All Have It?

What Is an Addiction? Do We All Have It? Part 1

Welcome, my name is Doug Truppe, and I am an artist representative for commercial photographers and directors in the global market. Our mission is to empower, elevate and foster a sense of community for those employed in the advertising industry. Focusing on mental health, our hope is to provide a forum and backdrop to discuss and share the challenges our industry is facing in a fast paced ever changing global economy. Concentrating on one’s well-being with the expertise of a mental health practitioner, Gabriel Most LCSW, RN, come join us as we explore and discuss managing mental health in the advertising industry. Ultimately, we are here to provide helpful resources and offer a friendly voice in challenging times.

-Part 1 of 2-

Please join us as we address various issues and mental health challenges on a weekly basis creating a forum for communication and solutions with experts in advertising and mental health. In this week’s special 2 Part Series, join Doug Truppe and Gabriel Most, LCSW, RN for Part 1 of What Is An Addiction? Do We All Have It? Together we’ll explore what is an addiction and what one can do to manage it.

The definition of an addiction is described as:

A behavior or act such as gambling, drinking, shopping or sexing which we are trying to manage or stop entirely and yet, we are UNABLE to…

Despite negative experiences like Hangovers, DUI’s, Foreclosures, Bankruptcies, Divorces and STD’s, we are still unable to walk away from, stop or manage the behaviors that created these serious problems to begin with…

This is often seen as the addictive cycle:

“I want to stop (Online shopping or Pornography websites) yet despite all the negative consequences I simply am unable to.”

In deciding if we have an addiction, it is first necessary to ask ourselves the question of:

Do I Even Have an Addiction?

We all have different perceptions and responses to what feels like an out-of-control addiction and what feels like a manageable behavior, pastime, hobby or indulgence. Examples of this might include:

“Buying one Hermes scarf felt wonderful and I worked hard for it. It was when I charged all four scarves to my account, (one in each color) that I recognized something else was going on here and I needed to stop it.”

“When I couldn’t pry my hands off my lucky slot machine in Vegas, I knew I was now going through family money earmarked for my kids summer camp; It felt like I couldn’t stop, I had a problem.”

Here Are Four Questions You Can Ask Yourself to Clarify Where You Stand:

1. Do you frequently feel remorse, guilt, depression and or frustration about your behavior after engaging in it? Have you tried to manage how often you engage in your behavior but find that you cannot?

2. Are you neglecting your family, friends or spouse to find more time to engage in the behaviors you are trying to stop?

3. Have you missed out on or damaged work relationships because of your behaviors?

4. Have you told yourself that you can quit the behavior but find that you simply cannot despite wanting to?

If you answered yes to any of these questions it does not mean you are an addict, but it might be worth reflecting on this behavior and questioning whether it feels like a manageable behavior, pastime, hobby, indulgence or addictive behavior that needs to be removed from your life.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on how you manage indulgent behaviors and how you decide if they are addictive in nature or not.

Gabriel Most LCSW, RN www.GMostTherapy.com

Contact me to share your stories: hello@dougtruppe.com

Please stay tuned for Part 2 of this series, What Is an Addiction. Do We All Have It?

Doug Truppe Forum- Ghosting

Mission Statement

Welcome, my name is Doug Truppe, and I am an artist representative for commercial photographers and directors in the global market. Our mission is to empower, elevate and foster a sense of community for those employed in the advertising industry. Focusing on mental health, our hope is to provide a forum and backdrop to discuss and share the challenges our industry is facing in a fast paced ever changing global economy. Concentrating on one’s well-being with the expertise of a mental health practitioner, Gabriel Most LCSW, RN, come join us as we explore and discuss managing mental health in the advertising industry. Ultimately, we are here to provide helpful resources and offer a friendly voice in challenging times.

Ghosting

Ghosting….A Complexity of Modern Relationships or Just Bad Behavior?

Please join us as we address various issues and mental health challenges on a weekly basis creating a forum for communication and solutions with experts in advertising and mental health. In this week’s topic, “Ghosting….A Complexity of Modern Relationships or just Bad Behavior?” Doug Truppe and Gabriel Most, LCSW, RN explore the newer phenomena of “Being Ghosted. What to do and how best to manage it

What Is Ghosting and How to Proceed Forward?

To Ghost:

When employees, employers and or colleagues SUDDENLY stop all communications without ANY notice.

For many of us being Ghosted feels very personal and often fosters anxiety, uncertainty and second guessing all our actions. “Did I lose this account? What did I do or say to get Ghosted?”

Why Does It Hurt So Much?

Lack of closure being cut off without even a word can create confusion and uncertainty. “What happened? Did I do anything wrong. Did I ask for too much?”

Self Esteem gets called into question. If part of my self-worth and identity is surrounded around my career and you suddenly disappear without even a word, of course I will feel rejected and inadequate.

“I thought we were Peers/Colleagues working together creating a common bond. Making money! Now you won’t answer my calls, texts or emails?” WTF!?

Things to Consider….

Understanding that we cannot control if someone will or won’t communicate to us is a vital first step . However, if we can understand what we are FEELING when we are GHOSTED and WHY, we are then more apt to handle being ignored in a more professional mindset and a less personal one.

Calling out a peer for ghosting and expressing anger disappointment or judgment over it, rarely gets you the response you are looking for, engagement. So why say something? What are your thoughts here?

Our own psychological awareness regarding Ghosting gives us more focus to choose more productive ways to find more work, money and opportunity.

What’s been your experience with Ghosting? How have you managed it? Please share, we’d love to hear from you. Together we can create a community of empowerment.

Knowledge at Wharton: Here Today, Gone Tomorrow: Why Workplace Ghosting Is on the Rise

Gabriel Most LCSW, RN www.GMostTherapy.com

Contact me to share your stories: hello@dougtruppe.com

Doug Truppe Forum - Ageism: Fact or Fiction

Mission Statement

Welcome, my name is Doug Truppe, and I am an artist representative for commercial photographers and directors in the global market. Our mission is to empower, elevate and foster a sense of community for those employed in the advertising industry. Focusing on mental health, our hope is to provide a forum and backdrop to discuss and share the challenges our industry is facing in a fast paced ever changing global economy. Concentrating on one’s well-being with the expertise of a mental health practitioner, Gabriel Most LCSW, RN, come join us as we explore and discuss managing mental health in the advertising industry. Ultimately, we are here to provide helpful resources and offer a friendly voice in challenging times.

Ageism: Fact or Fiction

Please join us as we address various issues and mental health challenges on a weekly basis creating a forum for communication and solutions with experts in advertising and mental health. In this week’s topic, “Ageism: Fact or Fiction” Doug Truppe and Gabriel Most, LCSW, RN explore ageism in the work force, what to do about it, and how to manage it.

Ageism is a form of discrimination that targets individuals based on their age. A perception of being “too old.” These thought systems of being too old are born out of cultural and societal beliefs which prioritize youthfulness and associate getting older with a decline or incompetence and an idea that older individuals are less capable of learning new skills and resistant to change. Such broad stereotypes can lead to unfair treatment including exclusion from job opportunities.

Ageism can create the following psychological ramifications.

1-Low Self-Esteem- Ageism can have an impact on our sense of self-worth and identity. “No one is hiring me; I can’t find work! Who am I if I can’t find a job?” Studies have also shown that when older adults internalize this messaging of ageist attitudes it can lead to a decline in cognitive functioning.

2-Depression and Anxiety- Experiencing ageism can lead to feelings of hopelessness, sadness and anxiety.

3-Fear of Aging- Ageism can perpetuate the fear of aging, leading individuals to excessively reconstruct their face and bodies to keep up with youth driven culture. Moderation is key. Cosmetic treatments can give us confidence but overdoing it can highlight insecurities and obsession with youth at any cost. Confidence is key.

It is not all doom and gloom. Here is what one can do to manage ageism in the workplace.

1-Don’t buy into the narrative if you experience ageism.

-Stay resilient and remain empowered. Lead by example. Age can be an asset. It’s experience. it’s a perspective, based on years of successful campaigns. Highlight this and don’t make your age an issue even if it appears to be one for others.

-Stay confident. Your age is an asset, even if you didn’t get hired. Stay current on all the new trends and skill sets. Don’t be afraid to learn new things and wrap yourself around the latest trends in technology and the industry.

2-Promote Inclusivity-Talk about, focus on contributions from colleagues of all ages and highlight the importance of appreciation for diverse age perspectives.

3-Mentorships-Sharing your expertise and perspective can help bridge generational gaps and foster great collaborations and sharing of ideas.

Champion advertising campaigns that feature people of different ages, showcasing the value of age diversity in target markets. Highlight diverse campaigns.

Share your story. How have you managed ageism in the workplace? We’d love to hear from you. What has worked for you? What hasn’t? Together we can create a community of empowerment.

This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism by Ashton Applewhite

Gabriel Most LCSW, RN www.GMostTherapy.com

Contact me to share your stories: hello@dougtruppe.com

Doug Truppe Forum- Leading Life Is a Life Worth Living

Mission Statement

Welcome, my name is Doug Truppe, and I am an artist representative for commercial photographers and directors in the global market. Our mission is to empower, elevate and foster a sense of community for those employed in the advertising industry. Focusing on mental health, our hope is to provide a forum and backdrop to discuss and share the challenges our industry is facing in a fast-paced, ever-changing global economy. Concentrating on one’s well-being with the expertise of a mental health practitioner, Gabriel Most LCSW, RN, come join us as we explore and discuss managing mental health in the advertising industry. Ultimately, we are here to provide helpful resources and offer a friendly voice in challenging times.

Please join us as we address various issues and mental health challenges on a weekly basis creating a forum for communication and solutions with experts in advertising and mental health. In this week’s topic, “Five Stages of Job Loss” Doug Truppe, and Gabriel Most, LCSW, RN explore what happens when we lose our job and go from a schedule with a paycheck and benefits to an aimless focus, no income and no health coverage.

Five Stages of Job Loss

According to Elisabeth Kubler -Ross, M.D., a psychiatrist who pioneered research around loss and grief, the following is a list of stages that we experience when we lose our job:

1. Denial - “ I can’t believe this is happening. I have worked there for 20 years.”

2. Anger - “After twenty years they fire me with an email and a zoom call?! This can’t be happening.”

3. Bargaining - “Maybe if I take a 30% pay cut or work freelance without benefits, they’ll keep me on.”

4. Depression - “Who is ever going to hire me, this is all I know, and I’ve been doing it for 15-plus years and I’m too old and making too much money.”

5. Acceptance - “ If I can reinvent myself and pivot, I can still stay relevant and make money in this industry.”

Share your story. What has been your experience around job loss? How did you manage and then land on your feet? We’d love to hear from you. Together we can create a community of empowerment.

Come join us as we explore the changes in advertising due to AI, and other technologies, managing the changing landscape.

Book by Dr. Kubler Ross- Elizabeth Kubler-Ross M.D., David Kessler- On Grief and Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief Through the Five Stages of Loss

Gabriel Most LCSW, RN, www.gmosttherapy.com

Contact me to share your stories: hello@dougtruppe.com

Francesco Bittichesu Shoots Heineken/The Closer to Unplug the Workload

Working late and need a break? We think Francesco Bittichesu can help with his award-winning campaign for Heineken/The Closer, a brand platform that helps address the growing work-life imbalance we face today. Heineken developed a functional gadget that closes work applications when cracking a beer, part of a push to address the growing stress of work and being “on call” all the time. People feel overloaded with work demands but can quickly unplug with the Heineken/The Closer. Snapp the cap off a Heineken and simultaneously shut down work on your laptop. The Closer resembles a traditional bottle opener bearing the Heineken branding. The tech-enabled bottle opener leverages Bluetooth technology to put nearby laptops on sleep mode. It helps workers to act responsibly and gives them the power to shut things down when they choose.

Francesco worked on the New York shoot with Publicis Worldwide, the lead agency on the project, LePub Amsterdam, Milan and producer Joseph Falasca. The Heineken® campaigns achieved an impressive 20 Lion wins, including 1 Gold, 7 Silver, and 12 Bronze. The Closer scored 1 Gold and 1 Silver in the Brand Experience & Activation category, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze Lions in Outdoor, as well as 2 Bronze in Direct and PR, respectively.

Client: Heineken/The Closer

Agency: Publicis Worldwide. LePub Amsterdam, Milan

Producer: Joseph Falasca, https://josephfalasca.com/latest-commercials

Photographer: Francesco Bittichesu, New York Shoot, www.francescobittichesu.com

Click on Heineken/The Closer Below and Unplug The Workload

Welcome to the Truppe: Francesco Bittichesu

Francesco Bittichesu is an Italian-born photographer and director from Sardinia who has made New York his creative haven for more than two decades. With a passion for spy films and the glamour of old Hollywood, and drawing inspiration from the world of cinematography, his photography resonates with a meticulously cultivated, unique aesthetic.

By living in and merging the worlds of Italy and New York, Francesco captures the beauty of ordinary life with an inherent European look and a desire for expression. In his photographic world, life is intense and characterized by his distinctive style of light, atmosphere, and narrative. His clients love the elegance, mystery, and suspense of his work, which keeps viewers on edge and eager to discover the next moment. Francesco always brings an international perspective and an open mindset to the work he does for his advertising clients, such as Heineken and Giorgio Armani, as well as in his personal projects.

He lives and works between Europe and New York in a cinematic world we all want to be a part of. He is as comfortable in the midst of remote landscapes as he is within the bustling confines of a New York City studio, crafting his very own universe.

Welcome to the Truppe Francesco Bittichesu. See more work at FrancescoBittichesu.com. Follow him @francescobittichesu.

Doug Truppe Creates Industry Event - Show & Tell with TBWA/Chiat/DAY NY

Doug Truppe created a lively face-to-face event to present his award-winning group of photographers to TBWA/Chiat/Day in New York City recently.

Our group’s greatest strength lies in their personalities. Everyone is unique, but they all have several things in common: they know how to work cohesively, complement any project they work on with kindness, respect and thoughtfulness. Today more than ever we need to be thinking all the time, be flexible and go with the flow. Our photographers do their homework, study their clients, listen to feedback so they can bring their ideas and options. A great story is about transformation, what we become and how we got there. Our photographers take you somewhere.

It was so much fun to meet in person, to chat and pitch ideas that we plan to take our show on the road. We thank the creatives at TBWA/Chiat/Day for this terrific opportunity and for taking time out from their busy schedules to meet for some fun and a relaxing “Show and Tell.”

Next stop? Let us know when and where and we’ll be there!

TBWA/Chiat/Day presentation in New York City.

Claudio Napolitano Is Honored in 18th Annual Black & White Spider Awards

This year the 18th Annual Black & White Spider awards received 6,193 entries from 69 countries, and Claudio Napolitano received Honorable Mention in the People category for his Confronting Shadow Self. Quite an achievement. His art has filtered into his commercial images, granting him a signature style for telling a brand’s story. Claudio’s curiosity and passion are a driving force for research and for improving his technique. His work is characterized by portraits and his expertise in handling light, with a deep understanding of collective psychology and the language of emotions.

The Jury represented the industry's biggest names and tastemakers including: Phillips, London; Flatland Gallery, Amsterdam; David & Goliath, Los Angeles; San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; Saatchi & Saatchi, London; Portuguese Center of Photography, Porto; Jason McCoy Gallery, New York; Hulsbosch, Sydney; Willas Contemporary, Stockholm; FCB Global, New York; ADK Creative One Inc., Tokyo; The ArtFactory Club, Vienna; Silvan Faessler Fine Art, Switzerland; Goldsmiths, University of London; Alfred Ehrhardt Foundation, Berlin; DDB Canada, Edmonton; Galleria Valeria Bella, Milan; David Clarke, London; Chiara Badinella, Art Advisory & Appraisals, Milan; Goodby Silverstein & Partners, San Francisco; Grey Group, New York; and Galerie Bugada Cargnel in Paris who reviewed the entries online before making their nominations and honoring 612 title awards and 561 nominees in 33 categories. The Awards could not have wished for a better group of professionals to work with.

We are thrilled to congratulate Claudio on this prestigious award. See more of his work at his site and follow him @ claudionapolitano.

Honorable Mention to Confronting Shadow Self .

Doug Truppe - Come Shoot With Us

Doug Truppe Represents starts the year with the best in award-winning photographers and directors worldwide. Working on any platform with today’s latest emerging technologies, we transform ordinary everyday life, slow down a scene to capture those small, special moments—key to storytelling that makes a difference.

We are excited to collaborate, create and produce, always accommodating our clients’ perspectives and needs. With a nod to traditional values—Curiosity, Passion Integrity, Kindness and Truth—we work in the present as we look to the future. Build a message that intrigues and the audience will come.

Rhea Anna, Kevin Arnold, Andy Goodwin, Jim Hughes, Tom Hussey, Jared Leeds, Scott Montgomery, Claudio Napolitano, Peter Rodger, Walter Smith

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TOM HUSSEY Photography Honors Vietnam War Veterans in Portraiture and Words

In honor of Veterans Day, we share a very personal project from Tom Hussey. Tom created this body of work with the hope it would help him understand the Vietnam War era and how it affected him as he got older.

Tom’s moving portraits show the veterans as a cross section of the population. They share their stories their way in their words, and we learn, understand and get a better perspective on this very difficult period in our country’s history. We are grateful for their service and honor them today and every day. See all the stories here.

Follow Tom to see more work and latest updates @tomhusseyphotography.

Linda Langley-Barrett, U.S. Army US Garrison Medical Corps

Rusty Kurtz, U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)

TOM HUSSEY Photography: A Perspective on the Possibilities of AI

AI has become an all-consuming topic in advertising lately, with discussions revolving around how to utilize it and/or how to address its implications. Personally, I’m treating AI as a new tool with fresh possibilities for my work.

Recently, I decided to experiment with a new bit of AI software that generates an entirely new face, matching the look and feel of the original photograph.

Within 10 minutes, I successfully crafted a completely "new person" using AI. I selected the ethnicity, age, hairstyle, hair color, eye color, expression, and more, creating a new face that doesn't exist in reality, yet matches the mood of my original image impeccably.

In my opinion, the AI used here introduces two advancements. First, the face I created is not that of an actual living person, and second, the speed and accuracy at which this transformation occurred is truly astounding. Traditional methods would have entailed photographing a different person (ensuring a close match in terms of pose and lighting), and then meticulously retouching the new head onto the existing image to achieve a seamless and believable result. As many of you can likely relate, this conventional approach would have consumed far more than the ten minutes I spent crafting the "after" image in the examples below.

As I delve deeper into the realm of AI, my experience in its applications continues to grow. This newfound expertise enables me to harness AI as a valuable tool in my image making. By immersing myself in its intricacies and pushing the boundaries of what is achievable, I have developed a profound understanding of how AI can augment and elevate various aspects of my work.

The transition from film to digital photography had a profound impact on my creative process, as images showed almost immediately allowing for creative changes in almost real time. The swift emergence of images empowered me with newfound efficiency and inspiration, transforming the way I approached my craft.

Similarly, embracing AI is again expanding my horizons, igniting a fresh wave of inspiration utilizing these new tools to create images. I’m truly inspired and am now approaching my work with renewed passion and innovation. See more of Tom’s stories and client work at his site. And follow Tom for his latest updates @tomhusseyphotography.

Scott Montgomery Goes Back in Time

There is a feeling about walking into an old house or building. Scott Montgomery didn’t teleport or time travel this summer, but he did step back in time with a new series of stunning images where the lead character is a clothing factory over 100 years old.

“The tactile density of items and stuff at first is unnerving. It’s a visual hurricane to stand in, and yet felt as welcome and safe as grandma’s house,” as Scott describes the busy industrial space he chose to capture. The initial challenge for him was to make solid compositions out of the chaos—wide angle, deeply layered complex compositions of the space. Next was to honor the highly skilled workers who treat each other like family. And last was to show the details, the intricate sculpture and design of the tools and machines that have served these artisans so well for a generation or more. We are drawn into this tough manufacturing landscape, and there is beauty in the resilience, dedication and precision of a job well done.

See more work at Scott’s site and follow him @scott_mont for his latest updates on this project and others.

Executive Producer Patty Hussey Launches The Production Party

We are thrilled to share the vision of talented Executive Producer Patty Hussey for her latest venture, The Production Party, a premiere storytelling engine dedicated to bringing concepts to life. With over 25 years of experience in the stills and motion production industry, Patty brings a wealth of experience in art buying, creative direction, marketing communications, casting talent, crew coordination and scouting locations to The Production Party.

Patty aims to cultivate collaborations not only with Tom Hussey, but also with a curated group of innovative creatives including photographers and directors. “In alignment with Doug Truppe Represents’ objectives, I believe our synergy will be most impactful by focusing on engaging with small to medium-sized agencies and in-house creatives. Additionally, I'm excited about the potential collaborations with Doug's talented individuals when the context is right,” says Patty.

While Tom’s involvement is significant, there will be an emphasis on compelling direction with the highest production values. The Production Party is poised to take on the new and exciting challenges and evolution we are seeing in our industry today.

We are honored to have Ad Chat DFW go live with a feature article : "The Production Party Launches as Premier Production Company, Led by Executive Producer Patty Hussey." Stay tuned for more to come at The Production Party.

Jared Leeds Is a 2023 APA Photo Awards Winner

We are very proud and congratulate award-winning photographer and director Jared Leeds on winning 3rd place in the Corporate category of the 2023 APA Photo Awards. Jared won honors for his portraiture of workers he shot for UniFirst Corporation late last year. “I’m thrilled to be included among a bunch talented folks and great images.” We ditto that. See more of Jared’s work at his site and follow him @jleedsphoto for his latest updates.
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