I just saw this online - with no credits, and it reminded me of my father who was a Master Cabinet Maker in Germany before he and our family moved to Canada after WW2. He used to tell me stories about some of the clients that came to the family business in the early 1900s with their unrealistic design, delivery date and price expectations.

In Canada he managed the construction and subsequent maintenance of a dozen large office buildings in Toronto. He used to tell me stories about some of the clients that came to the construction company's head office with their unrealistic design, delivery date and price expectations.

While I spent my career in advertising, I ran into my share of those clients too. They didn't know much, but they all knew how to make any well thought out idea or campaign much "better", how to get the job to the finish line faster, and how do do it cheaper.

Clearly this studio has met one too many clients who know it all.

I love their polite response.

Mark Edward Wicken - Obituary

October 24, 1944 - November 5, 2024

Mark died at home, peacefully, after a seven-month battle with cancer on November 5, 2024. He leaves behind his beloved wife, family and innumerable lifelong friends. Mark grew up in Port Credit, graduated from The University of Toronto, Victoria College, in 1967, and is a recipient of the University of Toronto Arbor Award for outstanding volunteer service to the University.

Mark began his career in advertising and worked in Toronto, Chicago and Saudi Arabia on both the Account Service and Client sides. 

He was later an educator at the International Academy of Design, Toronto Film School, and a guest lecturer at numerous other institutions. In retirement, he was the author of the book “Remember Me!”: a passion project to instill invaluable lessons and strategies for new graduates in job search and career development. 

His aptitudes were enormous: professional drummer, incredible chef, martini mixologist, and entertainer - he was inducted into the Academy of Magical Arts at The Magic Castle in Los Angeles in 2015 as a recognition of his talents as a magician. Mark served on the Board of Directors of MusicFest Canada from 1992 until 2018 and become President in 2006. He played an integral role in transforming and advancing this organization which hosts the largest education-based music festival in North America.