It’s an age-old practice, and a few brilliant pranksters caught our eye and encouraged us to use similar tactics in our own marketing performances. Here are our favorites:

Andy Kaufman – Andy, did you hear about this one? Known for his outrageous comedic antics and audience pranks, Andy Kaufman is the ringleader for absurd, off-the-wall and indeterminable tricks and hoaxes. Never used to insult, only to entertain, these measures were often met with mixed reviews (much like the kind of forward-thinking PR practices we profess). He is quoted in the New York Times as saying the following:

“I am not a comic, I have never told a joke…The comedian’s promise is that he will go out there and make you laugh with him…My only promise is that I will try to entertain you as best I can. I can manipulate people’s reactions. There are different kinds of laughter. Gut laughter is where you don’t have a choice, you’ve got to laugh. Gut laughter doesn’t come from the intellect. And it’s much harder for me to evoke now, because I’m known. They say, ‘Oh wow, Andy Kaufman, he’s a really funny guy.’ But I’m not trying to be funny. I just want to play with their heads.”

Not unlike Black Sheep, Andy believed that making someone laugh was fine and well, but truly connecting with people was the goal first and foremost.

Alan Abel – Often with a slight political undertone, Alan Abel pushed the limits of parodies and mock theatrics going as far as running for congress on the platform that he would install lie detectors in the White House, sell ambassadorships to the highest bidder and require doctors to publish their medical school GPA in the phone book. He also started an organization expressing the importance of clothing animals using the slogan “A nude horse is a rude horse.” What we can learn from this guy is the value of a well-constructed plan with a no-holds-barred mentality. He influenced the masses, garnered attention and spread a message in an entertaining way, and that’s exactly what we aim to achieve as well.

Remi Gaillard – Using everyday life as his stage, he pulled hilarious pranks, many of which are recorded on his YouTube channel. Whether it’s running through malls, grocery stores and meat markets to the theme of Rocky or acting like a Kangaroo, he takes people by surprise and is often surrounded by a group of fans and friends in a flash-mob manner.

Improv Everywhere – Improv Everywhere exacts missions involving hundreds of people at a time to cause a giant scene – usually in a major city area with high visibility. Known for their famous Grand Central Station freezing stunt and many similar performances, they are truly today’s ultimate pranksters.
STUNT – What? You’ve never heard of the Society of Troublemakers Uniting in the Name of Theatrics? Well now you have. Because we love pranks, performance art and unexpected, impromptu events for the purpose of marketing, we figured it was high time we got some like-minded people to join us. Requirements? There are none. Whether you’re a crazy, scene-stealer looking for some action, a student seeking experience or a marketing guru wanting to be a part of something BIG, we want YOU in our underground society. You may be asked to sing, dance, wear a funny costume or bark like a dog. We can’t really give away too many details! But if you want to bask in the limelight (or become Internet famous) we suggest you fill out an application ASAP.
You might even get a t-shirt…

– See more at: http://theblacksheepagency.com/blog/index.php/site/deets/pranksters-paradise

Tactics used by famous comics that can be used in marketing.

Prankster's Paradise.

Regular

When we first discovered Erik’s art, he was working on a set of pieces for an opening at East End Gallery. The entire show was created using Post-It notes. Once we saw the intricacy of his craft, we had to get this guy into the office to see how it would translate to our wall. Erik captured the Black Sheep essence while staying true to his rather mysterious, and sometimes dark, style.

Some people have described my art as “Surrealism,” which seems pretty accurate to me. I love exploring ideas and visuals in unique ways.

Can you tell us a little bit about the work you created for The Black Sheep Agency office? Where did you get the idea, and what do you want viewers to learn from it?

I wanted the image to tell a story and to incorporate a black sheep into the image. This led me to the idea of a desperate farmer clutching his last sheep out in the middle of a lake, while a crafty wolf waits for his opportunity in the background. It’s simple and goofy. I hope people get a kick out of it.

I’d have to say originality is my biggest inspiration, artistically.

If you could be any artistic tool—pencil, crayons, oil pastels, computer, etc.—which one would you be?

Hmm…I’ll say pencil. It’s simple, but has variety and can be quite the impressive tool in the hands of a skilled artist.

What is the first thing you do when you get up in the morning?

What is the first thing you do when you begin a new art project?

Typically stare at the blank space for however long it takes inspiration to strike.

Artists are notoriously weird. Prove it. (Or argue it.)

I think we just think differently. Everything comes with a dash of creativity. Whether that makes us weird or not is up to interpretation. For the record, I’m totally OK with being weird.

Has anyone ever said to you, “I don’t get it?” If so, how do you respond to that?

Definitely.  Depending on whether I want people to get it right away or not, I’ll either explain it or just ask what they made of it.

Fill in the blank. “I would die without ________.” 

What advice do you have to other creatives?

Draw a lot. Work on your weaknesses. Push past your boundaries and try new things.

If you want to see my work in person, I’m fairly regular at East End Studio Gallery and War’Hous Gallery.

Black Sheep interviews artist Erik Martinez.

Blank Slate: Ft. Erik Martinez