Utter Nonsense
Even when a business owner knows good writing is needed and great writing is wanted, it can be a daunting task to source the talent and create the processes, especially for a major undertaking or on a tight timeline. A good communicator, facilitator and follow-througher can make all the difference.
Utter Nonsense is a Chicago-born card game that combines silly phrases and specific accents. When they were fast-tracked to launch a Family Edition for Target, the gamemakers needed to source hundreds and hundreds of phrases and accents.
Rather than pay writers on spec and risk budget and timelines, I suggested coordinating brainstorming and writing sessions with a vetted handful of fellow funny parents with experience in the worlds of improv, comedy and copywriting. I pitched a process that would then seamlessly integrate our ideas into the already-started process of card creation.
Collaborating with the founder and marketing director, we helped finalize 450 tongue twisters, truth tellers, pop culture callbacks or generally absurd statements ready for a living room full of giggling. I also batted clean up on packaging to adapt the more risqué original marketing materials to the more family friendly, without compromising on edge or creativity.
The process was such a success that when it came time to update the original Kickstarter-funded Utter Nonsense Naughty Edition, I was called up on active funny duty again.
First, a quick-turnaround, small holiday-themed pack was on the deck, which I worked on directly with the founders and internal team.
Then, I sourced a smaller group of writers to come together to audit the original deck, sussing out what was a keeper, worth an edit or ready to be replaced. The audit team powered through a large number of new accent and phrase cards at a quick clip.
This was an opportunity to show how a trusted partner who meets deadlines and exceeds expectations can help make a project a success. I’ll answer that email and meet that deadline. Sometimes someone not afraid of a good booger joke can be an asset (ha!) to an already talented, successful team.