Monthly archives
- June 2009 (20)
- May 2009 (24)
- April 2009 (40)
- March 2009 (9)
- February 2009 (15)
- January 2009 (31)
- December 2008 (40)
- November 2008 (64)
- October 2008 (88)
- September 2008 (33)
- August 2008 (42)
- July 2008 (60)
- June 2008 (36)
Packaging isn’t important…. Or is it?
My last post referenced people seeing modern art and saying they could have done that. How many times have you heard that in reference to design work? Why pay someone ridiculous sums of money for something anyone can do with a computer (hello Wordart)? Package design is something people often don’t understand why money would be spent on its development. After all haven’t we been told since childhood that it is what’s inside that counts?
Fair enough there are certain products that I would buy regardless of shelf appeal, like store brand pickles, toothpaste I like the taste of, and the…
New Math
I stumbled upon this series of work by artist and writer Craig Damrauer and was particularly struck by this piece. How many times have you heard I could do that and how many times have you wanted to respond with yeah but you didn’t? I think this equation could also equal graphic design. Damrauer has a book available on Amazon with the rest of his word math or it can be viewed at morenewmath.com.
It is such a clever concept that stands out even more because of the simplicity of the typography and the quiet color scheme. Some are funny, some…
Life’s About Sharing
Well, that is according to T-Mobile’s newest spot. I am a huge fan of anything dance related. Enjoy!
Beat the Snot out of a Banker?
During this time, a lot of people are under a huge amount of stress – rightfully so of course. But if your like me, you are probably reaching for that stress ball frequently…am I right? Well, CreativeFeed, a boutique agency with offices in New York and San Francisco, has launched an awesome line of “Squeeze the Banker” dolls in the guise of former Fed chairman Alan Greenspan, current Fed chairman Ben Bernanke and former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson. Who, of course, are the most unpopular men in the Continental United States – am I right? The agency notes that a percentage of the revenues (assuming…
N.Y. Lottery gets creative…
You have to admit the appeal of a lottery-jackpot windfall is more potent than ever, especially afterr the economic crisis we are in the midst of. Now, part of its attraction is that a winning ticket can suddenly make you as wealthy as the corporate drones who (amid all the recent disasters for which they’re responsible) still ‘get the big bucks.’
We hear that phrase repeatedly in this spot for the New York Lottery (via DDB in New York) as the mailroom guy, pushes his cart through the office and points out a familiar cast of corporate characters — the executive (receiving an in-office…
The Ladders think BIG
Here’s a funny new commercial from Fallon Minneapolis for premium job-search site The Ladders. The Ladders is a job-search site that deals only with executives who make $100K per year or more - and in this case the large…well monster. The spot starts out showing a bunch of smaller monsters trying (and failing) to wreak havoc on a cityscape while trying to instill fear in its populace. “If you think about it,” says the voiceover, “this is what makes The Ladders different from other job-search sites. We only work with the big talent.” I like how its a funny twist on the usual Godzilla ad…
You ‘Kin Do It!
Hill, Holliday’s latest advertising for Dunkin’ Donuts introduces the rallying cry, “You kin’ do it!”. No, they are not trying to be Tony Little, its actually explained in their press release - the term actually comes from Dunkin’s name. DunKIN DOnuts.
The new campaign “cheers on the everyday people who keep America running by reminding them they can take on any task: you kin’ make it through the workday, you kin’ shovel out that driveway, you kin’ pass that exam, you kin’ finish that paperwork.” Well, you kin’ also join a gym to work off that badonkadonk after scarfing down all those chocolate frosteds, though I…
Billy Mays Can Sell Anything
Whatever Billy Mays sells, he enunciates wildly in exactly the same pitch, while wearing his signature shoe-leather black beard and trademark blue work shirt and khakis. That goes for the “amazing!” product attributes of this ESPN 360 web site, which allows you to “watch your favorite teams and sports online, anywhere, anytime!”
Three TV spots, which are parodies of infomercials — are pretty funny. They’re not ESPN Sports Center-level funny–but good enough for a chuckle here and there. In one spot, the always hyper one explains that it’s so easy to use, “even my family loves it,” as his blonde wife and daughter…
Winning an Addy….Charlie Brown style
I always had a feeling that Linus was a bong-hitting prima donna, think about it - his hipster bangs and indie-band sock hat definitely gives him away. But who knew Charlie Brown got so much intra-agency action? Hat tip to Adrants, Brentter and all the others who shared this fantastic agency spin on “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Enjoy!!
Lexus’ The Big Hint
This morning I was sent a link to a pretty great site. TheBigHint.com is a great site from Lexus where you can email your loved ones a hint about which Lexus vehicle you want this Christmas. It’s a fun site to visit. When you get to the site, you are greeted by a very happy looking avatar of different people showing great excitement, one would have to guess that they are getting a new Lexus this year. Next to the excited faces is the tagline: You’ve been extra good this year. Here’s a chance to drop a subtle hint that you deserve…
Looking at the world a different way…
I began watching this spot for Canadian Tire scratching my head thinking “What the heck?” But this is no normal spot gone awry; this is actually a well-executed concept. This is the type of commercial Philip K. Dick would’ve created if he had been in advertising. Philip K. Dick was a mind-bending novelist whose works inspired Blade Runner, and Total Recall. Indeed, such mind games are probably best suited to films and books, as they require more attention to detail than the average consumer normally gives to a 30-second commercial, but it works in this spot.
The Simpsons: MAD MEN Style
This year, I did not get a chance to watch The Simpsons Halloween special, but I had heard about this awesome spoof they did. The Simpsons spoof Mad Men. Sorry if you have seen this already…but I loved it so much I wanted to share it. Enjoy!
Source: Video Gum.
Samsung and Ozzy
Marble-mouthed British rocker Ozzy Osbourne gets some translation help in this hilarious new spot for Samsung Propel from Leo Burnett, Chicago. Following Osbourne throughout his day, the spot begins with the rocker trying to order a cup of black coffee but after several attempts he still gets a look of confusion from the barista. So he pulls his spiffy green Samsung phone out of his pocket to tap out his order in a text message instead. This goes on throughout his day, a closing voiceover tells viewers the phone can “make yourself heard.”
The spot is entertaining and gets its point across,…
Welcome to the Wiserhood…
Have you ever received a present that made you wonder: “What in the heck were they thinking?”. I have received several presents from caring relatives who “should’ve known better”; and like the rest of the world - I smile and thank them for the aforementioned atrocity. Its the thought that counts right? Once they are gone, I take the present hide it in the back of the closet and bring it out when they come for a visit. Sounds familiar right?
Well, Wiser’s Canadian Whisky chose the route that most people wish they had the nerve to take. Ruining the present. Here is…
Ubisoft “Rabbids”
Ok now I have seen it all. How would like to play a video game…with your butt? That’s right Ubisoft Raving Rabbids has finally done it. This new campaign via agency Moses Anshell of Phoenix; is showing that this Raving Rabbids thing (unlike chess or, as in other spots in the campaign, archery or charades) actually is a game that opens new entertainment vistas for one’s butt, since it’s compatible with the Wii Balance Board. Part of the appeal of a game like this (in which you thrash around in ways that, in the pre-Wii era, would have suggested you were having…
Peyton Manning is Advertising Gold!
I am not a fan of sports, but what I am a fan of is Peyton Manning. I love every commercial I have seen with him in it, I can not help but laugh. I don’t know what it is, he’s just funny! In this newest spot for World Mastercard from McCann Erickson and MRM, they cast Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.
Manning visits hotels in rival cities where the Colts play this season. In each, he trades on his “nice guy” persona, interpreting the hostility of staffers in positive ways. In Boston, a hotel operator warns Manning that he’s “going down,”…
Transport for London: “Whodunnit”
How observant are you? Well back in March, Transport for London decided that the road wasn’t safe for motorcycles because other drivers aren’t observant enough to share it with them. If the group’s latest spot (above) from agency WCRS is any indication, this is still an issue. I had to watch a couple of times to catch all 21 changes, but one thing I did notice from the beginning is that the opening piano ditty is way too cheerful for a murder scene. See an earlier awareness-test spot at dothetest.co.uk.
Columbia Sportswear Admires Pioneers
When I was younger, Columbia Sportswear was the thing to wear. You were not cool unless you had some form of Columbia Sportswear. I have to admit, I gave into pressure (well really my parents) and got a jacket. That was the best jacket I ever had, it was warm when it needed to be and cool when it called for it. I loved that jacket. Then when I got older, I never looked back.
I even thought that they discontinued making Columbia Sportswear. Then I saw their awesome commercials, where the Chairman Gert Boyle blows a knockout dart to the…
Brother of the Bride
I have a younger brother, and when I was recently married he was strangely quiet. I say strangely because he always has something to say about everything. I understood though, he was losing his sister. Well, I talk about this because I recently say this old spot from Hallmark its from Leo Burnett. This cute 2 minute spot follows the brother of the bride throughout his sister’s wedding. This poor guy who more often than not, should probably just keep his mouth shut. But with a little help from Hallmark, he makes his sister’s day priceless.
Oh, and did I mention this…
Unleash Your Inner Rock Star!
Like everyone at that time, I fell in love with Tom Cruise in “Risky Business”. He was great singing Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock and Roll”. It’s a priceless moment that has been replayed, re-enacted, mimicked hundreds of times.
Now, in my opinion Tom Cruise was the best at it. That is until I saw this latest creation from advertising agency DDB . It features Kobe Bryant rocking the mic, Alex Rodriguez and Michael Phelps busting a move while ripping it up on the exhilarating new guitars, and Tony Hawk sliding in on a skateboard to play the drums.
I have only one word…
Boost Mobile Bringing Back the dollar
Pay-as-you-go Boost Mobile is swapping its former lifestyle positioning for a value message – Boost Mobile chat unlimited for $1/day. Their new campaign which will break this week, which will be the first from 180LA of Los Angeles, attempts to persuade consumers that the U.S. dollar is still pretty strong. “The idea is a metaphor for what’s going on right now with the dollar”, said William Gelner, of 180LA. “Instead of being impeccable and regal, George Washington has to make due in a beat up old Buick.”
Their new campaign is in direct response to Tracfone, Cricket, Virgin Mobile and MetroPCS…
When You Need Travelers Insurance
The well-dressed Travelers Insurance man and his helpful red umbrella return in the new spots from Fallon - but this time his fixes aren’t so magical. Gone are the days when the funny little man used his magical umbrella to save a stranded circus troop and to fly home lost children; sniff, sniff. I guess the more literal manifestation of his powers in these spots are more in tune with the times – but I still prefer the unexpected visuals and storybook quality of the last spot.
Just Plain Creepy
Talk about building, if not a better mousetrap, than the creepiest one ever created. As part of the campaign promoting the British Columbia Dairy Association, this little ad is creepy, but a little funny — it’s well written and well executed, but creepy.
Thanks to the wonders of puppetry and stop-motion animation by Bent Image Lab (Tribal DDB Vancouver is the agency), we see a mouse wandering out of his hole and we get a view of the creepiest eyeball, which turns out to be part of the mousetrap. He’s almost Silence of the Lambs-level cruel as he fixes on his prey and…
McDonalds “I Won’t Do That”
Remember that song “I would Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That)” from Meatloaf? It was a great song, made in the 80’s. I remember when Dr. Pepper came out with an ad using this song; the boyfriend did everything for his girl, until she tried to take a sip from his can of Dr. Pepper. Well, here is McDonald’s hysterical take on the song, in an ad from Egypt.
Holiday Inn Express Rapper
Are nerds funny? Can they rap? Is there any originality in the idea that nerds rapping is funny? Those are the questions that Fallon answers in this new ad for Holiday Inn Express. I like the fact that it’s different; it makes the point that even nerds got game. This is definitely thinking outside the box!
What Is Love?
Remember that skit from SNL? Or the movie: “Night at the Roxbury”. It was hysterical! Chris Kattan and Will Ferrell were priceless. Anyone from Saturday Night Live is funny, but this movie was great. It brings back such memories – I was just graduated from High School, getting ready to go to Europe…awesome times.
Well, the other day I was watching TV and this commercial came up. It is priceless! Its a parody of the movie/skit; that will keep people awake with a humorous take on the before-and-after effects of drinking Diet Pepsi MAX. It also includes a behind-the-scenes look which features LL…
Do You Love My Hair?
Here is a funny ad…well music video really.
I found this video today and had a good chuckle. Its from the California Milk Processor Board. Apparently this will be their second release; entitled “Is It Me, Or Do You Love My Hair?” This will be another “hit” for their White Gold Campaign from Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, San Francisco. It’s definitely a nod back to the awesome Glam Rock of the 80’s.
I like it and think it’s funny, but do you think it sells milk well? Watch as they take you on a milktastical journey schooling you on the benefits of milk. …
Must Drink More Milk
Have you ever come across someone on their bad day (really in a bad mood), and get an earful? I come from New York, and I used to come across someone like that everyday. It was hard to be the bigger person, but I prevailed…most of the time. So, when I see an ad that has a big old grump in it, it makes me laugh and miss New York…just a little bit.
I came across this new ad for BC Dairy. It is a stop image ad campaign from Bent Image Labs. There are no words except: HYSTERICAL!
Enjoy!
Earth Friendly Timberlands
If you are a hiker…beware – you must wear Timberland’s Earthkeepers boots hiking; or Nature will kick your behind. Well, that’s according to Timberland’s newest ad, from Leagas Delaney in London. It showcases two hikers on a mountain enjoying the view, peacefully. While one guy is wearing the Earthkeepers boots, which are environmentally friendly and made from recycled materials, his friend is not so ’smart’. His friend is wearing the ‘other’ boots, and nature lets him have it… well, nature-style. Here is the funny commercial.
When Is It Too Much?
As my fellow blogger has so humorously wrote about, there is no escaping advertising. Everywhere you go, there is a new ad promoting…Pepsi, Coke, Nike, Addidas – you get the drift. I have to say though it gets especially annoying – during an election season. Man, do those smear ads run rampant or what? If you 
haven’t done the proper research, it can get down right confusing. It seems every time you blink, there is a new ad stating: “We can’t afford John McCain” or “Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Republican”.
By the of the election, one can find themselves thinking: “Wahoo –…
-
Search
Offset Media
