Innovative Marketing Thoughts: Banksy!

Moved from old site (06/19/09)

Banksy Intro

No longer can his talent and influence be denied; Banksy, the world’s most famous graffiti artist, has solidified his reputation with a number of exhibits in the past years.  In doing so he has remained an anonymous figure, one that captures our attention and is now profiting from it.  Oddly enough this rogue artist provides a number of stunning examples of marketing in the modern world.

Viral Marketing

Benefiting from the interconnections that facilitate the movement of global thoughts and trends Banksy has been primarily publicized by casual (well at one time) observers.  Their admiration for his work has launched his career; similarly a surprisingly large number of other stars have been born from viral marketing.  The term is largely used to denote a rapid exchange of some form of art, whether a marketing video or the latest song this escalation of interest increases exposure exponentially.  On top of that, the nature of the message being passed on is generally well received because it isn’t a classic form of advertising…..do you realize as we speak I’ve accomplished this by not only exposing you to Banksy, but Windward Reports, TypePad and blogging?

Point being-if you’re looking to make a name for yourself you need content that will be spread by your supporters.  Whether a customer, a relative or even your cubicle neighbor when creating marketing collateral please, please, please let it be unique and something aside from the dribble adorns day time TV (except Infomercials, God I love those and in particular any with Mister T)

From the wall separating Palestine-Israel

Unique Selling Proposition

Satirical and willing to push the edge Banksy operates in a highly illegal industry (if it can even be called that)….don’t kid yourself if you think based off his fame he’s exempt from the perils of vandalism.  But this edge, and the ability to push it, is what separates and glorifies Banksy!  He details an encounter with a Palestinian when working on the wall, "You paint the wall, you make it look beautiful." "Thanks," Banksy replied. "We don't want it to be beautiful," the old man countered. "We hate this wall. Go home."

Now there’s certainly two ways to approach this scenario, one could be to criticize his actions….the other is to realize that like most successful companies Banksy has found his niche and is actively developing a unique selling proposition.  His role as the forefront graffiti artist living anonymously in a world built to impair such actions inspires, challenges, and offends others but at the end of the day it defines him.  This ability to separate himself from not only the rest of the graffiti world, which is rarely glamorized, but the standard approach to art has led to his ability to sell his ‘Space Girl and Bird’ piece for $576,000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  This isn’t the only piece of work that has sold for such an amount; there have been a number of other pieces that have sold for over $100,000. 

The piece that sold for $576,000:      

       

‘Self Portrait’ sold for over $100,00

Banksy Intro

No longer can his talent and influence be denied; Banksy, the world’s most famous graffiti artist, has solidified his reputation with a number of exhibits in the past years.  In doing so he has remained an anonymous figure, one that captures our attention and is now profiting from it.  Oddly enough this rogue artist provides a number of stunning examples of marketing in the modern world.

Viral Marketing

Benefiting from the interconnections that facilitate the movement of global thoughts and trends Banksy has been primarily publicized by casual (well at one time) observers.  Their admiration for his work has launched his career; similarly a surprisingly large number of other stars have been born from viral marketing.  The term is largely used to denote a rapid exchange of some form of art, whether a marketing video or the latest song this escalation of interest increases exposure exponentially.  On top of that, the nature of the message being passed on is generally well received because it isn’t a classic form of advertising…..do you realize as we speak I’ve accomplished this by not only exposing you to Banksy, but Windward Reports, TypePad and blogging?

Point being-if you’re looking to make a name for yourself you need content that will be spread by your supporters.  Whether a customer, a relative or even your cubicle neighbor when creating marketing collateral please, please, please let it be unique and something aside from the dribble adorns day time TV (except Infomercials, God I love those and in particular any with Mister T)

From the wall separating Palestine-Israel

Unique Selling Proposition

Satirical and willing to push the edge Banksy operates in a highly illegal industry (if it can even be called that)….don’t kid yourself if you think based off his fame he’s exempt from the perils of vandalism.  But this edge, and the ability to push it, is what separates and glorifies Banksy!  He details an encounter with a Palestinian when working on the wall, "You paint the wall, you make it look beautiful." "Thanks," Banksy replied. "We don't want it to be beautiful," the old man countered. "We hate this wall. Go home."

Now there’s certainly two ways to approach this scenario, one could be to criticize his actions….the other is to realize that like most successful companies Banksy has found his niche and is actively developing a unique selling proposition.  His role as the forefront graffiti artist living anonymously in a world built to impair such actions inspires, challenges, and offends others but at the end of the day it defines him.  This ability to separate himself from not only the rest of the graffiti world, which is rarely glamorized, but the standard approach to art has led to his ability to sell his ‘Space Girl and Bird’ piece for $576,000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  This isn’t the only piece of work that has sold for such an amount; there have been a number of other pieces that have sold for over $100,000. 

The piece that sold for $576,000:      

       

‘Self Portrait’ sold for over $100,00

Comments

[Jason Derulo Loves Banksy]

Great post on Banksy and his marketing strategy as an artist. Staying within the realm of graffiti art, I wonder what the online equivalent would be? Maybe blog comments? Google sidewiki posts?

Has Banksy already done digital graffiti? For his documentary "Exit Through The Giftshop", he appears to be employing another classic and wise marketing strategy: focusing on one's core strengths. I understand he released new graffiti art in LA (Los Angeles) during the week if the movie premier.

Anyway, thank you for a great post!