Barcode Culture

“House Par-tay” Client: Tommy Hilfiger Agency:...

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 23:12:28 -0500

“House Par-tay”

Client: Tommy Hilfiger

Agency: Laird+Partners

I won’t lie. Tommy Hilfiger in general confuses the hell out of me. As a brand, their style has changed drastically from what they once used to be, and they just don’t seem to have that edge they used to be known for. I’m not talking Calvin Klein-90s basement porn edge. I’m just speaking in terms of consumer recognition as being a fashion icon.

But with this commercial, they definitely seem to be showing some of that flare we once knew. Maybe a little more coked-out hipster-esque this time around. But you can’t help but jam to this 60 second spot. Which is a pretty big achievement since most people find it hard enough to sit still through even the best produced 15second spots.

Only downside I can comment on? Maybe needs a little more cowbell.

advertise-this: Client: Martini Agency: Fred & Farid...

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 22:55:23 -0500

advertise-this:

Client: Martini

Agency: Fred & Farid Paris

Adorable! I found myself watching the screen on the right more than the one on the left, but loved the tie-in at the end. So European, so simple, and I love the subtle product tie in. It works…luck is not just an attitude, drinking Martini is an attitude. It’s a roll-with-the-punches, make-your-own-destiny kind of drink without being hyper-masculine about it. It’s as if Martini puts the style in lifestyle. Love the Euro feel to it, and the music is perfect.

2-minutes may seem long but this is like watching a movie…and now I want a martini.

Heart-Shaped Glasses (When the Heart Guides the Hand)

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 15:58:00 -0400

Heart-Shaped Glasses (When the Heart Guides the Hand)

jeremydwill: Don’t let others influence your thoughts

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 21:21:11 -0400

jeremydwill:

Don’t let others influence your thoughts

“Ralph Lauren: 4D Projection Mapping” Client: Ralph...

Sun, 21 Aug 2011 20:28:57 -0400

“Ralph Lauren: 4D Projection Mapping”

Client: Ralph Lauren

Agency: Drive Productions, U.K.

Ralph Lauren and Drive Productions embraced digital innovation with this amazing 4D show at their New York women’s flagship location. 888 Madison Avenue became an unbelievable display of art, fashion, and culture as customers were treated to this 4D exhibit. And what made it 4D? When their new colognes flew onto the screen, they actually sprayed the crowed with the scent.

As far as advertising goes, the insight just doesn’t seem to be there. But for a brand like Ralph Lauren, something like this is less about generating sales and more about brand awareness.

Client: Victoria’s Secret Advertising School: Miami Ad...

Sun, 21 Aug 2011 15:53:00 -0400

Client: Victoria’s Secret

Advertising School: Miami Ad School

The debate to whether QR codes work or not is ongoing. But at least someones found a way to make them sexy.

Duracell Daft Punk

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 20:20:12 -0400

Duracell Daft Punk

Men Expert Client: L’Oreal Agency: VCCP Not a big fan of...

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 18:33:00 -0400

Men Expert

Client: L’Oreal

Agency: VCCP

Not a big fan of this campaign, but worth making a note of. Why does it seem every brand nowadays is trying to create their very own Isaiah Mustafa type character? From Old Spice to Dos Equie and Dairy Queen, it seems like brands are finding any excuse to develop their own version of the Old Spice guy.

D.O.T.S - Daily Opening Title Sequence “Enter the...

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 18:04:38 -0400

D.O.T.S - Daily Opening Title Sequence

“Enter the Void”

Gaspar Noe

An opening title sequence so good, even Kanye West decided to rip it off (RE: All of the Lights). From start to finish, Enter the Void is an amazing, and disturbing, look into drugs, sex, and life on the other side.

“The Facebook Effect” David Kirkpatrick If...

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 22:02:00 -0400

“The Facebook Effect”

David Kirkpatrick

If you’re looking for the real story behind the Harvard nerd who connected the world, forget the David Fincher adaptation (which, by the way, I really liked) and pick up this book. While there is way too much to mention in terms of what is true and what was glamourized/exaggerated for the Oscar winning film, there are definitely a few things I think are worth pointing out before you start reading.

First off, is the astounding depth Facebook has when you step back and realize just how profoundly it has impacted the world. Sure, most of the time we go on to creep our friends (or our friend’s friends), but Facebook was also one of the first online tools to help mobilize populations to form revolutions (for examples, READ THE DAMN BOOK!)

From there, it is actually just a flat out amazing story of how Facebook came into existence. It’s hard to believe as someone who created their account in 2005 when there were only 5 million users (only, right), that this network has grown to just under 700 million people and has become a global juggernaut. And despite how it appears in the movie, without Justin Timberlake…or, I mean Shawn Parker - Facebook simply would not exist.

Anyways, my advice is don’t stop and take what was in the movie at face value. Pick up this book and find out the truth behind the worlds obsession.

Next step for me: “The King of Madison Avenue” - Kenneth Roman

Time to brush up on my Ogilvy knowledge (now that was one badass dude).

Cool Never Fades Client: Target Agency: W+K I’m not sure...

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:05:00 -0400

Cool Never Fades

Client: Target

Agency: W+K

I’m not sure whether it’s Marlena Shaw’s California Soul (Diplo Remix) or the fact that they are playing bocce, but I’m really jammin to this ad.

Target is getting closer and closer to the Canadian market, and consumers north of the border are starting to pay more attention to the brand and their message. As people are getting tired of giant super stores like Wall-Mart Supercentre and The Real Canadian Super Store, there is a huge opening for Target to swoop in and nab the hearts of Canadians (as well as their wallets).

What Target has over stores like Zellers and Winners is their definite sense of style - something that clearly shines through in this spot. Can’t wait to see what this may look like with a Canadian flare.

“Only the Paranoid Survive” Andrew Grove

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 12:30:00 -0400

“Only the Paranoid Survive”

Andrew Grove

Stunning - Stunned Client: Associazione Donne Insieme Contro la...

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 11:18:43 -0400

Stunning - Stunned

Client: Associazione Donne Insieme Contro la Violenza (Women Against Violence)

Agency: 1861 United, Milan, Italy

Pretty powerful ad right here. Definitely a more subtle approach to this subject, but I like what 1861 United did here. While some people are complaining this ad glamourizes domestic violence, I feel like that is the point - but to present it ironically. Abuse is just as natural as the her picture on the left - the point being, it is not.

This ad works in part because of campaigns like Dove’s Real Beauty (which I think this ad plays off of nicely). It is clean, nicely shot, and even the copy is subtle but effective. For the complete campaign, click the ad and take a look.

Photo

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 10:00:57 -0400

“Inspired Experiences from The Cosmopolitan of Las...

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 21:07:00 -0400

“Inspired Experiences from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas”

Agency: Digital Kitchen

For most people Vegas can be described simply as an “experience” - and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is giving visitors something to really experience.

Developed by Digital Kitchen out of Chicago “Inspired Experiences” creates a captivating visual experience utilizing (among other things) 8 screen-wrapped columns that welcome guest in the lobby. These screens feature artwork, photography, 3D and 2D animation, and film that create a convergence of architecture, art, style and physical space.

Having stayed at Caesers Palace Las Vegas (I’ll admit because of The Hangover), hotel lobbies are treated nothing short of works of art, and Vegas hosts a gallery of masterpieces. Either way, the work done by Digital Kitchen here definitely sets The Cosmopolitan apart from other establishments.

“Inspired Experiences from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas” took home the Design Grand Prix at this year’s Cannes International Festival of Creativity.

Banksy - TV Heads

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 13:15:33 -0400

Banksy - TV Heads

Photo

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:04:35 -0400

“Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others...

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 22:33:16 -0400

“Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die”

Chip Heath & Dan Heath

While I’ll be the first to admit I’m not exactly a bookworm, “Made to Stick” is a book I feel comfortable recommending to anyone who is looking to improve their communication skills or just looking looking to kill some time.

A quick breakdown: “Made to Stick” analyzes what makes some ideas more memorable than others, and details exactly what you can do to communicate and make sure your ideas become “sticky.”

I’m not even going to try to go into more detail than that description, as the book covers an amazing range of examples and situations where great ideas have brought about amazing change. While I was suggested this book by a friend for its advertising value, “Made to Stick” is a great read for anyone in any industry trying to find ways to make their ideas “stick.”

My next conquest: “The Facebook Effect”

Although, I only tend to read during my commute to/from work. So, I wouldn’t exactly hold my breath waiting for my two cents on that one.

advertise-this: modernhombrealpha: The Agency Bloodline Just...

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 17:02:31 -0400

advertise-this:

modernhombrealpha:

The Agency Bloodline

Just a cool infographic on this rainy Wednesday. It’s a little overwhelming, but line by line it’s pretty cool.

szymon: Brand Reversions by Graham Smith

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 14:16:28 -0400

szymon:

Brand Reversions by Graham Smith