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.

Are we diluted?

I have to admit I do love Fiji water ... it's more the package of the square bottle and tropical scene. Would I pay $42 for a bottle of water? Na. But someone is. That's darn good marketing and branding. Here's a blurb about one water that is the pinnacle of ... well I'll let you read,

"Wattwiller should be on any expert's short list of the world's greatest mineral waters. Its pedigree dates back to Roman times, with the source finally controlled by the monks of the Abbey of Murbach in 735 AD. The name "Wattwiller" itself tells the story - it means "village of water." So fabled is this delicacy, it is believed to have a soul. A look at Wattwiller's chemistry confirms anecdotal reverence. If you don't mind its faint salty aftertaste, this elite water delivers terrific Calcium, Magnesium, Sulphate, and Fluoride. It has a Nitrate level of ZERO!"

Monks?? Really? A delicacy ... a soul. WOW. See, at this point I think, "maybe I do want to try this water ... to really see what the fuss is about ..." Then I come out of crazy world and think I could use $42 to buy a pair of shoes and drink from the water fountain leaving the mall. I'd live.

The Aqua Maestro website lists several water brands. The descriptions alone will give you a good laugh. Cheers!

Burry me with my brand!

Strange maybe, overly obsessed sure, but you have to admit it's the pinnacle of branding. No "until death do you part" here. Fans of Star Trek, baseball teams and even some high schools will be able to have their ashes put in an urn or head six feet under in a casket emblazoned with their team colors and insignia. What's next, Coach patterned casket interiors? Maybe we'll need that death inspired Valentino dress for when we kick the bucket ... ok, I'll stop. But will they? I guess they are just giving the people what they want. Anyone for a Precious Moments urn? Get it while you can ... really.

Design gets my vote!

Whether you're red or blue there are certain elements, as an advertising exec, you take notice of during political season. Marketing marathons! Not claiming any vote here, but something has emerged in this political race as a winner in my book: Barack Obama's logo, website and design powerhouse. His logo and web designers have been sought after. Few companies or products have such amazing brand quality and consistency. Not to mention beautiful photography. You just can't argue the politics of this great design ... well I guess you could but you'd be wrong (and since it's my blog I won't let you!!).
I've even heard the comparison of his marketing to the Mac and other candidate's to the PC (McCain). Are they targeting a younger age group? Or is it just better use of design, functionality and online tools that speak to more savvy users.
Whichever side you choose, check out the endless media downloads, from logos for every party preference to buddy icons. Each piece clearly branded and illustrating the "tomorrow a new day, change" image Obama represents.
If design was the only issue, this race would be clear - too bad there's all that other "stuff" to vote on.

Branding, Burned Flesh and Disgrace?

Wikipedia, as unreliable as some may claim it, has always provided me with a great source of "no, sh#t!" tid-bits. While most of the time I am researching for client based knowledge, this time I happened across the word "Brand". This term I love and loathe. I use it frequently and want so badly to use it less frequently. Just like many marketing terms, this one has over-stayed its welcome with me. But sadly I can not conjure up a similar term that clients and the general public will understand - without a lengthly explanation (who wants more work?).
SO - upon reading the history of branding, I now see I must find another word. I did recall that branding also meant to sear a hot iron into the flesh of an animal (cattle usually). Nice huh? But I had never read the following, "Brand had also been figuratively applied since the late 16th century to criminalize people (as in disgrace, a stigma, or mark of infamy) and in the sense of firebrand since the 17th century." I guess I have used the term in this context, but to compile these meanings (and the rest of them) - I can't grasp the transition to marketing: brand architecture, brand equity, brand extensions and the like. A stretch no, but the word started out so very negative. Is what we do negative? I don't think so. Branding has helped companies transform and breathe new life into what was a stale, nonperforming business. I compare it to a new wardrobe before the start of school. You feel like a new person, you can jump higher and think better ... at least that's what I told my mom. Branding creates a team, with jerseys, a flag, mascot and pushes that image out to the fans. You don't have to be a fan - I mean not everyone likes the Jets. But someone, somewhere understands where they came from, who the players are and what it means to be a Jets fan.
So when Stephen Brown spoke at the Gravity Free conference I was a little confused at his branding anti-christ attitude. But now, (I think) I see why he feels so strongly about companies behaving untruthful. If the brand does not deliver on the promise, the customer can get burned. Which brings me full circle to the original meaning of branding. As long as you are truthful in creating a brand, you shouldn't fear hot irons or disgrace.

VW does it again.

I'm proud to be a driver. Their use of the brand is perfectly executed and even makes you laugh:



And others:

http://video.mediapost.com/index.cfm?clientfile=bobknight.mov
http://video.mediapost.com/index.cfm?clientfile=fanning_WVBA81090000_NS.mov
http://video.mediapost.com/index.cfm?clientfile=hoff_WVBA81010000_NS.mov