Postage Stamp Artwork

I have found another love, yes it's true. Although I will not leave my first love (advertising), stamp collecting is has my attention. The story behind each piece of paper, where it's from, who it represents, the colors, the design - similar to branding in some ways. The British Postal Museum is keeping this lost art alive with a contest for kids. Gone are the days of sending letters and cards, we communicate here - online, in email or by smart phones. The stamp has all but died. When I dove into a box of stamps my father gave me I was immersed for hours. Clueless to the right and wrong of god stamp collecting, I was amazed with the color and design details. Since then I've organized, admired and frame some of my favorites. Enjoy.

The Agency Christmas Card Assignment

We've all been there. The agency (that's us) is the worst client - we are picky, demanding and critical. The Christmas card is a once a year demonstration of creativity to everyone you've worked with and want to work with ... no pressure. Some of that creative juice must be ordered right away, in eggnog flavor please. Charlie Brown, can you help us?

Gorgeous and Funny!

Not only should a website provide information, but it should engage and entertain. Well, if you're looking for a good time http://www.gorgeous.co.uk/ takes the cake. Building a website that communicates your brand, services and personality can sometimes be an overwhelming thought, but the old rule of k.i.s.s (keep it simple stupid) holds true even in this case. The simplicity of the site and humor at every turn leaves you wanting more. It's just kittens, but with a whole lot of personality.
PS. I'm not even a cat person, but this is makes me giggle.

Get Juiced.

Where do all the great creative ideas come from? For some time now it's been a well kept secret, agencies are very proud of this and win awards to prove it. But thanks (yea, thanks a lot) to an agency called Rubber Republic, they've pulled back the covers ... or should I say shared the juicy details. For some of you this will be a learning experience and for some ... well, you will gasp at the thought of clients finding out your little secret. The substance we call creative juice CAN be bottled. That's right, designers and art directors have being lying all along saying, "it's hard to get creative juices flowing - I just can't do this is minutes you know". Not so. Be warned, the video below contains some material unsuited for clients. Agency discretion is advised.

IMAC

Standing in Times Square, NYC (is that redundant?) the new "I'm A PC" campaign flashed in my face. My first thought was, "what do care that those boring people are PCs. Lame." But the more I see and hear about it - the more I'm amazed CP+B did this. Get your own brand PC! Stop worrying about what Mac users think about you and just get a life. One that doesn't involve being dorky. Looking back at the photo I took of the digital boards in Times Square a group of insanely smart advertising people that we are finally saw what the hidden meaning of this campaign. I'M A PC = IMAPC ... or don't you see IMAC??? Yup, we uncovered it here first. These people are trying to tell us they really use the iMac and are being held captive by snotty nose, pocket protector wearing, high-water pants, a snort while they laugh PC task force. Someone save them.

Little Tweets, Big World

In the world of new media, this makes me drool. I've come to like Twitter; easier than a full blog, but finding Twittervision rocks my world (sorry for all the puns). It's termed "a real-time geographic visualization of posts to Twitter". Check out the classic and 3D view - both addictive. I can see it now! ... Agencies will pay interns to sit in front of this screen and document all the unpaid advertising, tracking likes and dislikes. Insight into the lives of your audience one country at a time, priceless. The thoughts of so many across the globe makes watching the world truly come to life. Some other Twitter candy: Twitter Election, Twittermap, and Twittersearch all very new and by David Troy.

Design your own shoes - I'm in love!

I'm a product of Keds, I wore the all white kind along with multi colored scrunchies (gosh I'm old)! But now you can make your own patterned Keds. As you can see on the left, my glorious version done online, too cool. You can be creative or use the "surprise me!" function. Even sell your great designs through www.zazzle.com. Similar sites, which have chosen user made designs have come to pass, but not with the memorable name and user friendly interface. Business Week and Springwise gave props to this great application. Custom shoes for $60 - heck yes. I remember using puffy paint on my Keds, ah good times. Bring back the Keds!!!