It's a religion, you just have to believe.

I just finished reading an interview with Chip Kidd in ID Magazine (I'm about 3 months late) that was funny and insightful. During the interview they made reference that art is like believing in god, it's an all or nothing leap. You either get it or you don't. What a great concept. When discussing art, or music for that matter, some people have very strong convictions about what they do and don't like. Presenting a logo or design piece to a client can sometimes be very hard to explain when they aren't part of the religion. You can try and sell your beliefs about why you think it's great, but if they have a different view (let's say about color) - you might as well be the anti-christ.

That's why client education is a necessary step in the process of agency/client relationships. All questions, big or little, should be taken serious and given attention. Some clients don't like to admit when they don't understand, so if asked - great! Take the opportunity to showcase your knowledge and talent.

Like religion, you don't want to push your beliefs on them (that's a cult and no one likes a crazy). The client should never feel forced into anything they don't want. They need to come to the realization that "this is the best thing since sliced bread". State the facts, give the benefits and let them draw their own conclusions. No need for a sermon, it's a personal thing.

Good design isn't for everyone, but I believe the world is a better place for it. Amen!

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!

How does ChaCha do it?

Crazy name, crazy questions, real answers! ChaCha has create a texting service that will send you an answer to any question. Yes, any question. I text them, "Who invented the spoon?" and 1 minute later it came back, "Spoons have been used as eating utensils since Paleolithic times. It is most likely that prehistoric peoples used shells ... " Then it links to the longer answer. Hum. I should have asked something harder.
It doesn't cost anything ... yet. Since they don't have advertisers how is this service being paid for? CNBC had is featured on their show and said later on they hope to make money through the cell phone companies as a 411 service or add advertising to the bottom of the text answer.
But for now, there are so many unanswered questions - where do I begin?! I could be sitting in a meeting and need to know the population of Guam - and poof! Or what about how toffee is made? Even better, how fast does hair grow? Google-smoogle! I mean who has time to go to the library or search online! My next question is going to be, "where did they get the name ChaCha?"

Drip blogging

One blog at a time, two twitters today - it's a crazy world out there. Between hiring a plethora of staff and remodeling my bathroom blogging took back seat. Excuses, excuses - don't you hate to read a post that just says, "sorry I haven't written". Tough. I will never quit though. Hurricane or not - I will still give you updates some how!

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.

Innovation Nation

As mentioned previously, I had the great opportunity to attend the Gravity Free conference in Chicago. One of the many great presenters was Theo Jansen. His inventions exceed traditional thinking, bring a new species to life. The presentation he gives to the audience is not only jaw dropping, but insights a thought process that didn't exist. Innovation at it's best. And who shares this brand basis? BMW. What a great strategic spokesperson for their campaign.

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.

Chest hair, the rainforest and Harrison Ford?

It sure got my attention. But do I think this commercial will make me more concerned for the rainforest ... nah. More concerned for Mr. Ford yes, crazy old man.

I own you birthday boy!

The nerve of some people! Maybe you already knew it - but "happy birthday" isn't free people. That's right, it's now owned by a private Chinese company that trademarked it in 25 countries including the United States, Japan and European Union members. I know competition is getting bad but who dares take the fun away? The Fufeng toy plant in east China's Anhui Province - that's who. They have more than 70 products with the brand "Happy Birthday," from toys to dresses and shoes to hats. Well watch out "Merry Christmas," you better run and hide before corporate America puts you on a shelf too.

Error Free

This really made me giggle. Mac just keeps through punches, left, right, right, left. Above all they are really pushing the PC users over the edge into Mac world. You PC users can deny it all you want, but the Mac way of life is easier, cleaner, more beautiful and error free! I once was a (and still am at work) a PC slave. I too feel the pain of ctrl+alt+delete rebooting, mystery systems running in the background, 5 min shut down/turn on processes and don't get me started with the new office 2007. This Mac vs PC commercial says it all.

What the &$#@!

I have to give our media director (and Saturn) props for posting a pretty funny TV spot by Saturn's creative team (?). Is it wishful thinking or just leaked out intentionally? Either way, I love it. Still won't buy a Saturn though.


Find more videos like this on AdGabber

I sew want that dress!

I have a sewing machine, but the thought of dragging that huge free weight out of the closet, well, doesn't sound appealing. But now, with several clicks of your mouse a dress will magically appear at your doorstep just as you designed it. Well hot damn. Although I haven't tried it myself (see I'm lazier than you thought) I do however think it's a grand idea. I found StyleShake though a email I get called SpringWise. This site has lots of great new business ideas that make you want to curse them for beating you to the punch, "wish I'd thought of that!" There's also a design your own purse, by Elemental Threads, that was featured on SpringWise. And with 60,000 ways to create a custom bag, I can really wrap my fingers around this.

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.

Say Cheese

Nifty little thing, I saw this being used at a conference last week and really want one (yes, it's on my Kaboodle - so buy it for me!). There's always that great picture moment and no one else to take your picture, but this helps out by giving your arm that extra length to take a self portrait. Although I have to say I'm really good at doing this with out the extender - I'm sure I'll be a pro when I get this.
http://www.getpixpal.com/History.htm

Gravity Free 2008

After three days of inspiring, creative, mind blowing, brain freezing speeches by the industry's noteworthy designers - I feel like I'm just now coming back down to earth. This year's conference was held in Chicago and although I missed touring the city, I did get to listen to and meet some of the most "dangerous minds" of the design world. From Stefan Sagmeister to Karim Rashid and Massimo Vignelli to Chip Kidd - the list could go on and on. While their disciplines were design based, I was amazed at the diversity in approach and character. If you've ever needed a pick-me-up to get your creative-self turned around, this is the conference to do it. At first I laughed at the "money back guaranteed" message on the website, but there is no doubt I will not be asking for any refund. While my head still spins from all that I heard, saw and learned I will take away this: we can do better. What I mean is that they are people just like you and I. What sets them apart is they did something. Anything. And everything. So, get off your butt and make a difference ... now, yes you - up out of that chair and do something!

If you have time to spare (ha), check out the site and make sure you click through to each speaker's website to see more of what they do. http://www.exhibitoronline.com/gravityfree/2008.asp

Check out another blogger at Core 77 that took diligent notes and pictures (my gaping mouth prevented me from doing so.)

New? No, but they are back on the block alright!

I'm at the point I can now say, "this shows my age". As a young girl New Kids on the Block were all the rage. Ok, I have to admit I was obsessed. Now they are back together with their own kids watching them from home. Looking back at all the paraphernalia they sold to us (lunch boxes, buttons, sleeping bags, board games, etc) what an amazing marketing machine they were! At one point they were compared to the Beatles, not for their music but the girl-craze that ensued when they so much as walked down the street. How does a group of good looking, average singers, not so great dancers get to be chased down the road after screaming, crying girls? I don't know the answer, but I do know the marketing machine is back - and I'm ready. The tickets are selling like hot cakes, not to mention the prices for resell are getting $300+ per ticket - auh! Me, I'm well prepared with a box of old buttons and posters that have a good amount of dust on them (thank you mom for keeping everything!). Ebay, here I come.

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

The come back

Recently, even locally, there seems to be advertising wars that don't amount to a hill of beans in the consumers minds. The first hospital says, "We're bigger" to which the other hospital replys, "Not bigger, just better" and on and on. Do people really get it, or are the advertisers so consumed in their battle they miss the point?
One of the best examples of this are the ads below. And I must admit the last one mads me laugh for hours, wishing I'd have thought of that!

We got jokes.

Jaguar

This was the first TV commerical that I ever fell in love with. The voice is right, the imagery, the color casting of blues and blacks - it made me want to buy this car and I don't even really remember what the car looked like. Other commericals Jaguar has done recently are just as great but this one started it all for me ...