Rss Feed
Most Recent Jobs
Our Blog-FriendsSo, you may have read the recent article in Connect Savannah by our good friend Jim Morekis. If you don’t know Jim, you definitely should - he’s the editor of Connect Savannah and is a very cool cat. (He also has some really cool Savannah-salmon-colored pants that I often envy conspicuously, but that’s beside the point.) In his article, he makes some good points and is rightfully cautious about the future . However (you knew there was a “but” coming) we wanted to speak to a few of the points he raises.
Mixed feelings
When Richard Florida, author of the Creative Class concept — literally, as in he wrote the seminal work Rise of the Creative Class — came to the Lucas last year, I finally “got it.†I finally understood what he meant about cities needing to attract the new class of young, mobile workers who produce goods and services not with machines and blueprints but with brains and creativity. I internalized his words so much that I altered my entire approach to the content of this newspaper. Thus my mixed feelings.
See, that makes us happy - and in fact, that was the goal. When forward thinking leadership (the Chamber in this case) brings folks like Florida (yes, we know he’s not perfect, but that’s not the point) to town, people get inspired.
What is a creative worker?
When we think of this local “creative worker†we think almost exclusively of a tech-savvy white person in their late 20s or early 30s who is generally a new arrival to town — essentially a liberal version of what was commonly known 20 years ago as a “yuppie†or “Young Republican.â€
When we think of creative workers, we think of creative workers. That is a very big part of our “vision” as an organization - that everybody is creative or has the potential to be and should be treated as such. (Um, cough…yes, we know a “Florida” idiom.) That definitely means a white 29 year old female from NYC who’s trying to start a graphic design shop…but it also means a 45 year old British guy who’s lived here for 20 years that runs a production company, as well as a 50 year old native Savannahian who runs a successful application development business - and don’t leave out the 38 year old marketing whiz who’s a single mother of three. (Those, by the way, are not hypotheticals…they’re real-live Savannah examples. You know who you are.)
In short…the gist of “Creative Coast” isn’t a demographic - it’s a frame of mind.
Creative before creative was cool
But my nagging issue is that a lot of us were “creative workers†in Savannah long before it was cool. When it was really uncool.
I was going to produce a list of names to prove my point until it became so long I ran out of space. You know who you are.
Suffice it to say that many of us decided to stick it out in “Slow-vannah†long before Richard Florida put finger to computer keyboard and without the aid of seed money from SEDA. But because we didn’t just blow in from Boston or Boulder or D.C. or Portland or Santa Monica — and because most of us are hovering at various points around the 40 mark — we’re not on anyone’s radar screen.
Exactly. Exactly. Exactly. Savannah was already wildly creative with boatloads of creative people - before creative was cool, and before a pony-tail and flip-flops (scooter optional) was used as a wardrobe combo. That’s why TCCi was started in the first place. A group of forward thinking leadership (SEDA/cBETA/City/County) thought it worth their time and money to fund an organization to promote and highlight Savannah’s creative and technical industry and assets, and to try and attract more (ehem, cough cough.)
Party crashers
I confess sometimes I want to crash one of the Creative Coast’s networking happy hours – actually I wouldn’t have to crash because they’re always kind enough to invite me – and grab somebody by the lapel and say, “Hey, Mr. Open-Minded Guy Who’s Reinventing Savannah! Do you have any idea what it’s like to be the editor of the only alternative weekly in the southern half of Georgia? Since frickin’ 1996? Because I do!â€
Well, that would certainly make things more interesting. Take a close look around the room at one of our happy hours. You’ll see all the folks that I mentioned above - many of which are not in the infamous 24-34 demographic, but all of which collaborate, mix and do business with those pesky (liberal) Young (anti-) Republicans who are in the room as well. I think you’d find the former would probably relate to frustrations regarding Savannah in the past decade. If you look at our invite list, you’d find that a group of “more liberal Young Republicans”, it most definitely is not.
“Creative Coast” = “people not from here”?
Is Savannah really using the phrase “creative class†as it should be used? When people throw around the phrase “Creative Coast†— and they do, often — isn’t that just a euphemism for “People not from here?†You know, the people my parents’ generation simply called “Yankees?â€
What!? Excuse me, I think my {insert trendy energy drink of choice} just went down the wrong pipe and almost got all over my Mac and neatly pressed khaki’s from Banana republic.
Yes, a lot of the “creative class” (as we define it) moved here from other areas. If a ton of folks like Savannah enough to move here and set up shop in creative industry - that’s a good thing. But hold on just one minute - there’s plenty of us that are from Savannah…myself included. That said, by design, this is a non-discriminatory bandwagon and it welcomes Savannahians and non-Savannahians alike.
Socioeconomic totem pole
But Richard Florida says the creative class isn’t necessarily based on origin or socioeconomic background. Maybe we need to revisit the definition Savannah’s using, and consider that to truly make this a “Creative Coast†we’ll have to include a much wider variety of people than perhaps some of us are comfortable including.
Now you’re talkin’. We think that deserves some additional thought. We don’t want a city full of just yuppies (although don’t get me wrong, we love yuppies…I think I even am one.) We want a diverse population and a diverse set of groups, ethnicities and interests in this creative economy. I think you’ll find nobody on our side of the fence will disagree with including a wider variety of people and that we all need to make better efforts to engage them - after all, we’re missing out on a wealth of creative talent. It’s more a question of how to appeal to them - a typical networking meet-and-greet ain’t gonna cut it. Any suggestions? We think AWOL is an inspiring example. They’ve done an amazing job of engaging youth by communicating with them through a creative medium they’re passionate about - and helping them channel that passion in a positive, constructive and self-affirming way.
TCCi, 2.0
No, the Creative Coast is not “elitist.†But they could easily — and perhaps inevitably — become just another interest group among many here competing for media attention, political influence and yes, dollars.
Savannah is rife with well-intentioned people who strode into town determined to break through our notorious insularity, only to quickly fall prey to it themselves. Here’s hoping that the Creative Coast — version 2.0, that is — can break the mold.
Agreed, as Jim points out, a politically savvy, publicly visible initiative trying to make budget - does not an elitist organization make. We all have to play the game in order to push our “good intentions” to the forefront. Although I guess the fair question to ask is: Are our intentions good? Absolutely, I wouldn’t work here otherwise - but I’m glad we have friends who are willing to bring relevant issues to the table. If you disagree, then let us know…constructively. Oh, and for God’s sake, please, please don’t pull a dewberry.
Popularity: 16% [?]
Well said Fitz! I moved here about a year ago after growing up and living in several of those Yankee states you all speak of. I was surely not recruited to Savannah as a young creative, though I do somewhat fit the demographic. In fact, there are several forces that bring us northerners to Savannah. For some it may be a need of warm weather (after 18 years we all need to thaw out!). For a lot of us it’s just that much needed change, we jump in the car and stop when we run out of gas. As for me and many others who have layed roots in Savannah, it was the U.S. Army that brought us here. While we wait for our significant others to put in their time in the Middle East, we’re sticking it out and in the meantime doing great things for the city of Savannah. And I have a quick message for you Savannahians, please keep in mind that we parasitic Yankees love you! We don’t want to change your ways, in fact it’s far from that. We love what you’re doing here in Savannah and that’s part of what brought us here. We want to immerse ourselves in your culture and hopefully along the way inject some incite about life up there in the Rustbelt.
And let me tell you all, Savannah is so incredibly lucky to have an organization like the Creative Coast Initiative. I think of TCCi as that incredibly eager new friend that wants you to meet all of their other friends because they know how much you’ll like them and how much you’ll all have in common. For TCCi and all of its friends, that commonality is that we all love the city of Savannah and we want to make it the best that it can be. So keep on keepin’ on TCCi, and maybe this Yankee will stick around.
“ping!” did y’all here that? a single tear drop… thanks amanda!
I know that I came here for the beauty, but I am staying because of the brains. And I am fully aware and appreciative of the fact that a ton of brains were already here 6 years ago when I chose to relocate here. I couldn’t have lasted this long, otherwise.
I don’t necessarily consider my part of the ‘creative class,’ even though I’m educated, youngish and white. Even though I work in supporting, nurturing AND attracting new creative entities here. But, my background is in political science and public administration. Although I may not consider myself part of that class, I can assure you that the existence (and growth) of such a prominent creative scene has absolutely led me to have an even deeper affection for my adopted hometown.
I think we are all pretty lucky to be here, at this time, with so much going on. The greatest asset this city can have are those folks who believe in the potential and appreciate the foundation upon which we’re building. And I think that is what we are all trying to do.
Excellent, excellent set of responses/clarifications, Fitz. I was hoping for this kind of dialogue instead of the usual flame wars we’ve seen elsewhere. I very much appreciate your take on things.
I don’t disagree with a single thing you’ve said, but I offer this caveat regarding my “Savannah salmon” pants: I’m told they’re actually “Charleston red.” Can they be both? Please drop whatever you’re doing and weigh in on this key issue.
Flame wars? Who would do something like that. You are just running off at the mouth again Jim! Just kidding (this time). I think both of you brought relative points to the table and have inspired some great conversation to the cliques that I call my own.
I think the Dewberry brouhaha represented the first serious large scale flame war Savannah has *ever* seen. It played out on several fronts — perhaps reflecting the growing power of new media to shape opinion locally. With more blogs and podcasts coming online now, a redhot flame war was was bound to ignite sooner or later.
Now to the point:
There is absolutely nothing wrong with enlightened self interest. That’s what politics is about. Business thrives on it. The thing is, the new media is bringing us all a little closer and I dare say a little more respectful and tolerant of each other (The Brouhaha notwitstanding). On the other hand, there are some serious issues confronting Savannah’s future. Look closely and you see the ranks forming and the lines digging in. These are heady and exciting times. Richer and and more dramatic than the “Blue House” (on Abercorn) creative experiment back in the day or the “Vision 2020″ that died a slow death.
Anyway, Thanks Jim and Fitz for putting things in perspective.
Amanda - sniffle, sniffle. I give that the Nicest Comment of the Week award.
Jim - Thank you sir. “Charleston Red”…I don’t think that’s allowed. I’m of the opinion there should be only one southern belle city (and an actual recipe) associated with those pants of yours.
Phil - Agreed, enlightened self-interest makes the world go round. The problem is getting that “enlightened” part down pat.
I guess a good flame war now and again isn’t always a bad thing - reminds us all why they’re not productive or conducive to intelligent conversation.
So, I’m stoked we’re all (sort of) agreeing with each other, but I’m curious as to suggestions on how to engage the “much wider variety of people than perhaps some of us are comfortable including” that Jim mentions…wasn’t that the point?
That modern creativity is powered by technology is not a problem, per se. But we (in the creative/tech community) think of computers the way framers think of their hammers; you can’t even consider doing your job without one. People who can’t afford a decent hammer cannot be framers, unless someone is willing to loan them an Estwing.
Also, proficiency and creativity stem from comfort with one’s medium. I got my first “real” computer (a 486 DX2) at age 13. Even before that, I was coding in BASIC on my dad’s old Commodore 64. Simply throwing technology at a diverse group of kids is not going to result in a diverse group of techy creatives; they need to be taught that you can do more on a computer than play animated math games; kids who don’t have a computer at home need to be given free time to learn to see the computer, not as an expensive piece of Chatham County Schools equipment that has limits and rules, but as a tool that can be an extension of you and a means to whatever end you choose.
It’s the difference between being taught that a hammer is a tool for building sheds and being taught how to use a hammer. If I’m taught the latter, I may just start daydreaming about building a house.
Lucas: I agree wholeheartedly.
I would add that I tire quickly these days of the tech-for-tech’s-sake crowd, which is mounting a hostile takeover of my industry as we speak.
Anytime someone tells me that new technology is an end unto itself, I reach for my wallet to make sure it’s still there.
Bottom line is that computers are amazing, game-changing tools for information workers, such as journalists like myself. But they’re still just tools. I don’t give a crap how or why they work; I just want ‘em to work.
The fundamentals of my business, and most businesses, haven’t really changed. Anyone that tells you otherwise is just trying to sell you something you probably don’t need.
Not everyone has to be a tech-for-tech’s-sake person, but some of us have to be; if it weren’t for those kinds of people, there would be no one to develop new tech. Really, if my profession is A, I’m going to do A for A’s sake, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Problems happen, though, when people try to push their professional religion on everyone around them.
And I still don’t think we’ve solved Fitz’ problem. We’re not much of a think tank, are we?
Regarding your statement Jim, about the fundamentals of your business - the fundamentals of my business have changed 360 degrees from it’s origins. I’m in the business of cartography via a GIS (Geographic Information System). Cartography began with paper and pencil, now I am unable to do my work without a computer and expensive software. Same with my online work obviously, but these are two very specific niches. If I broaden my professional interest to geography then, well, you’re correct in that the fundamentals are the same. I’m not really sure I would be considered a creative worker, aside from my online work - although cartography is the expression of information through graphic representation.
Enough on that - Fitz - you raise a good point, a simple ‘meet & greet’ isn’t going to attract a more diverse group of creative workers. I’m all about having a more culturally diverse group of people to network with. Does anyone attend AWOL’s open mic sessions at Sentient Bean? I’ve been meaning to check it out since it’s close to home - I used to go to open mic nights at the Green Mill in Chicago.
Brandi, you’re confusing me. You say the fundamentals of mapmaking have changed 360 degrees, which of course means they haven’t changed at all and are back where they started.
Also — are you actually suggesting the fundamentals of MAPMAKING have changed? Seems like that’s one of the few areas where fundamentals almost by definition won’t change. I mean, seriously, maps? That’s the earth’s surface, yes?
Surely it’s still important to put cities in the right place and spell their names correctly, etc. I would hope your clients still expect accuracy and usability above all.
You’re correct in all of the above, I suppose I was thinking the method in which the maps are produced then, not the fundamentals, I apologize. They were done with pen, then ink, then using lithographs, now digitizing to GIS. And map making isn’t just merely laying out the lay of the land anymore either, it’s gone more in the way of spatial analysis using a GIS.
There is also some interesting history in the fact that maps were intentionally created incorrectly - putting the cities in the wrong places, along with physical features. This was mainly done back in the day during wars so if and when other tribes/groups/countries stumbled across their maps they were led in the wrong direction on purpose. Also, maps are manipulated in advertising as well, making places look closer on paper than they are in the real world. A good book: How to Lie with Maps by Mark Monmonier - it’s an easy read too. Then again, it may not be interesting to people that are not map nerds such as myself!
No, that all sounds extremely interesting. Since I was a kid I’ve always been able to stay busy for hours looking at maps, even of the most mundane places. I can still do that today. I’ll be sure to check out that book, it sounds very enlightening.
I have a bone to pick:
Leigh:
Brandi:
If I had a ruler I’d walk into your office(s) and smack you both on the knuckles. (And I will if Leigh can tell me where the rulers are.) I think you both are a.) creative workers and b.) part of the “creative class” - even as Mr. Florida defines it.
That said, I understand your hesitation in saying so…to Jim’s (first) point, sometimes the perception of the “creative class” is more exclusive than I think it really should be.
Damn this is getting out of hand. Who cares who is part of the creative class and who isn’t? All these labels are beginning to make me feel like my contemporaries have fooled me these couple of years and are really just elitists wearing the badge of creativity. Seriously. Who isn’t creative? I don’t care if you are the first blogger, the editor of a magazine, a map maker, a cobbler, a hot dog vendor…you are creative. You are waking up each day and, as wikipedia states, create meaningful new forms. You may not build websites or own a KBB but doggone if every one of us doesn’t want to create a meaningful new form of something; map, hot dog, magazine, website, etc. Let’s quit wasting time calling spades spades and start thinking about how we can all contribute to a Savannah that has room for us all; “creative” or not.
Oooo…we’re in trouble….. :)
Age wise I am part of the creative class, and I am by online profession as well. But my background in geography and map making - to me I’ve always been classified in the ‘technical/analyst’ category - not so much in the ‘artsy/creative’ group.
I think it’s a shift in perspective regarding regional industries. Where I moved from I was just a technical map nerd and never would of been considered creative. Is this because the population there in the Creative Class age range was so huge there wasn’t a distinct group? Since moving to Savannah I feel I am in more of a distinct group of people in this age range that have creative and technical skills that are active in the community.
But isn’t everyone creative really in their own way?
I hit ’submit’ the same time as Drew - my comment was directed towards Fitz.
Drew - I agree with you there. The definition of ‘Creative Class’ is a group of people that are a key driving force for economic development of post-industrial cities in the US.
Then it goes on to say specific age ranges (which really, isn’t that just younger than the Baby Boomer generation?) and professions. But there isn’t a point in arguing who’s creative or not - financial planners, doctors and lawyers are included in the ‘Knowledge Worker’ category.
I think it’s just about who’s stepping up to the plate to help the city grow and prosper in one form or another. That’s creative enough for me.
Back to Lucas’ comment about teaching the tools…computers that is. There is a successful program that was started up a few years back near my hometown in Michigan. The organization accepts donated computers and provides them to students in the County who don’t already have one at home. It’s called Bridges to Digital Excellence http://www.cwcconline.org/programs/bde/. What has made the program successful is that they don’t just throw the computer in front of the kid and say, “here ya go, have at it.” They require the student AND A PARENT to attend a couple weeks of training. They get local community leaders to come in and teach these classes too. And you don’t necessarily have to be a computer tech genius to come in and teach, just some experience and a little thing called community spirit! After 2 weeks of training the student gets to take the computer home along with modem, Windows XP, Microsoft Office, and 6 months of free internet service! I love that they require the parents to participate. The parents are learning important skills right along with their kids. I think it’s great.
I’m not very familiar with AWOL, but is this something they could take on? Do you all think a program like this would be beneficial to our goals?
Drew…I agree with your point. However, fortunately or unfortunately, the “label” is out there, and if people are going to start throwing it around they might as well understand what it means (or should mean) - especially when knickers are twisting in reaction to the perceived exclusivity of the term “creative class.”
That said, I agree the “name” shouldn’t be the focus and to spend too much time on nomenclature undermines the whole point…actions speak louder than words after all and are infinitely more important.
Fitz: I agree. Typically, labels are made to make one feel better than others or make others feel worse about themselves. Rarely do they make everyone feel good about everyone. Throw the word “class” in there, and you can spark a revolution involving guillotines (”Let them use CakePHP.org!”).
Someone mentioned up there that any profession can be creative. I agree. But a lot of people still choose not to be. Very few people *must* be creative in their profession. Many people just hum along, doing things exactly the way they were taught to do them. Promoting a creative–almost rebellious–spirit in local professionals and teaching those in management positions to allow it could help a lot. Being creative is more about state of mind than profession.
Here we come to the core criticism of Florida’s theories: Isn’t everyone theoretically in the creative class? And if so why make a special effort to attract it to your city?
Florida himself can be very aggravating on this point, unfortunately. I asked him if a newspaper deliverer at my company would be considered a creative worker, and he came up with a scenario where they would. If you’ve ever met a newspaper deliverer and know what they do, you’d be hard pressed to put them into a creative class. It’s grunt work, pure and simple, necessary but not very “creative” even when done well.
My contention in the recent Connect column was that Savannah will always try to work its voodoo on people, forcing them to self-segregate into cliques. This is true of everyone of all races and classes, not just “yuppies” and techies.
My call to action was that therefore no one should think they invented the wheel, because they didn’t. The building of Savannah has been a slow evolution. Truth is, we primarily have Ms. Adler and the other six women to thank for much of what we have now. This entire place would look like the southside if they hadn’t taken a stand in 1955.
But then again, we also have to thank Gen. Sherman, don’t we, for not burning the place down like he could easily have done? And come to think of it, that underrated genius James Oglethorpe. You see what I mean. Etc., etc.
Bottom line is: If we’re successful in bringing the creative class here — and yes, I think there is such a specific entity — it will not be because of clever marketing, but because the right groundwork was laid for them to come. Certainly Fitz made this point crystal clear in his initial post.
LOL. I love this exchange.
When we’ll know we’re really in trouble is when the “creative class” starts having secret handshakes and coded passwords.
Right now, the world is a fruit tree ripe for picking. I just returned from Charleston where it occurred to me a notion.
That’s this:
The really cool tech/kbb/wow factor stuff of the future is not going to be born only in California or inside the Boston
beltway. There’s a geek factor lurking inside us all even in sleepy ole Savannah and the blue-blooded Holy City of Charleston.
Even Richard Florida’s consultancy may be grossly underestimating what’s about to happen.
I’m loving every minute of it.
Hey Phil:
Shoot me an e-mail at jim@connectsavannah.com
I gotta ask you a couple of things. It’s all good.
Really–call me a heretic–there’s no such thing as a localized tech community, anymore. Yes, it’s true, we still have physical homes in communities, so having techy/creative people around can make things interesting, especially life outside of work. From a business perspective, however, it’s starting to matter less and less.
I work with programmers in India. I have clients from out of state. I have techy friends who congregate on IRC from all over the world. Heck, I may be a Lucas imposter who frequents shady bars in British Columbia. But when it comes right down to it, it doesn’t matter. We challenge each other to think, and we work together on projects. That’s why we don’t have to move to Silicon Valley if we want to be part of the next Big Thing(tm).
Of course, I’m definitely more “tech” than “creative” in “teach/creative”, so this is probably more true for my business than others’.
Oh, and Phil: If I see you in the street, I’ll know it’s you if you say, “ACK” after I say, “SYN.”
I would like to speak to Jim’s last point — “If we’re successful in bringing the creative class here — and yes, I think there is such a specific entity — it will not be because of clever marketing, but because the right groundwork was laid for them to come.”
I am in total agreement and my job is marketing Savannah as a location for business. The marketing may make people aware of Savannah in a way they weren’t before, but if the product doesn’t live up to the promotion, it can do more harm than good. There is a lot to love about Savannah but we do have our challenges, and we must continue to invest (time, talent and money) in making it a better place for everyone to live and work.
Getting specific about how and what we do now to achieve that is the bigger issue. I wholeheartedly welcome ideas about that!
Could the ladies who saved the Davenport House in 1955 ever have imagined the effect their actions would ultimately have on this city? As Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” (Forgive me. After 38 years on this planet, I am still an optimist. I realize to some that just means naive. They said I would grow out of it, but now it’s an informed choice and how I prefer to live in this world. Hooray for diversity!)
Jim, we need to reschedule our meeting. Hope you will wear your Savannah salmon pants. I am dying to see them!
Hey guys, sorry to weigh in late.
I agree that there’s nothing wrong with “other” creative people coming into Savannah - that could definitely be a good thing.
But as Jim points out, now that “Creative is Cool” what about those of us creative Savannahians who have beent towing the line for the last “x” number of years?
What about talented graphic who are 5-10 years deep in their profession & are still being paid $12 an hour by the local publications? What about creatives who get laughed at for trying to charge $50/hour for work - when their counterparts in Atlanta or Jacksonville charge $75 /hour?
How do we collectively change the mindset of Savannah businesses so that they actually VALUE creative work? And (800 pound gorilla in the room alert!), how much does having SCAD in our backyard actually HURT us? With a seemingly endless supply of design students, how do we educate businesses that spending a paltry sum to have “creative work” done by an undergrad student is not the way to go?
My experience in Savannah is that too many of us have lowered the bar for our services, and as such, people value our expertise relative to what they pay for it. If it costs them relatively little, they place little value on our input. We are rapidly becoming viewed as merely “the people that use the software”, as if that is the only skillset/knowledge-base we possess which they do not.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel like if I have to “make the logo bigger” one more time, or add a second web address and third phone number to an ad, I’m going to scream. (Actually, sometimes I do!)