Super Delicious Ingredient Force GO!!!!!

Often wondered what your favorite fast food joint would be like if the ingredients were a super powered, super team? Well not me either, but Taco bell somehow managed to do it in credit from DraftFCB-Chicago. Not only did Taco Bell play with the idea of using their many different ingredients as a selling point, they did it in a unique, playful way. Taco Bell's Super Delicious Ingredient Force- SDIF is a wonderful approach to non-traditional forms of advertising.



Upon viewing this the first time, I was instantly drawn into their adventures. This spot didn't showcase the benefits/ rewards or even the actual product. What made this work in my opinion is in the fact the great non-traditional approach I mentioned before. towards the end of the commercial, you told to visit a microsite where you can learn more about the SDIF and their adventures. After watching one, I found myself watching them all at least 3 times. This is a prime example of how advertising can fun, witty, and entertainment. The individual personality of the characters almost made me forget that this was really a commercial to begin with. The aspect of the spot that won me over was the writing. The dialogue with the narration and the characters was amazing. Through the copy, the ad was set up in the form of a average day when the SDIF is needed. There was a conflict and then the payoff at the end. Everything worked well through the copy as well as the art direction.

Copywriting rules.

here's episode #1

All about me

For the past few months, I've come to realize that not one of my blog posts introduce and being to talk a little about me. Now I know it's a tab bit late in the game and it may appear to be slightly vane, but I think a necessary subject if people are to consider me for employment upon checking out this blog. How could you possible know that sometimes I have the imagination of a third grader, if all you read are my grammer challenged posts about amazing work that everyone should already know about? For those out there interested still reading this post, I want to first thank you and secondly tell you a little secret about my childhood. I'm still convinced that when I grow up, I'm going to be a evil scientist that is bent on being cranky all the time for no reason. Or maybe I'm cranky because I consider 40 old and I'm destined to have no hair by the time I reach the half century mark. you see back when I was a kid everyone talked about how the moon looked like cheese and how they wanted to take a chunk out of it. While that might fly by in a Disney movie, I'm lactose and tolerant. I never had the intension of eating the moon. No. As a matter of fact, I see the moon as a giant flash light sometime. I remember in the darkest of night past my bed time, I would use the glory rays from the moon to light my path to the secret stash of junk food in the bottom dresser. Those were the days.

Now let's fast forward through time a little bit. In the era of my life where boy meets world, I discovered I had a thing for creating things that didn't fit in the formula during algebra. I grew up with commercials such as Aflac with their duck and the Budweiser lizards. Commercials that literally tickled your funny bone to death.



I realized that I had a thing for just talking to people. As simple as that sounds, not too people can do it and do it well. I was inspired by the works of Andy Warhol and what I took as an example of being different. Using your work to stand out is one things, but when people see gaze upon a piece of art and point use out amongst the flock is a level I wanted to and to this very day strives to achieve. After a while I discover advertising and methods of communicating messages to a variety of people. I want to be apart of a creative force that gets the message to the viewer with being compared to the mass visual invasion of bad ads out there. I choose copywriting as a concentrate because writing, I feel that it blends well with my personality. I can say certain things and people automatically know it was me who said it, mainly because I stand out through the things I say. I want my writing to have the same impact with any audience that is exposed to it. Here are a few that I feel communicate the message effectively.

vintage trends

Looks like someone is blogging past 10pm. I guess we know what that means huh? Anyways shall we get right into the topic of discussion?

I'm thinking of taking it back a bit for a old school look. While stumbling across the net, I came across these beautiful reflections on modern day obsession with the internet while showcasing the rapid growing popularity of the idea of social networking. I think these ads are wonderful and think they work on several different levels. You can tell the agency Moma, did their research on what the different means of social networking have to offer. With headlines like "The sublime, mighty community with just 140 letters" and "your films will last forever on Youtube the champion address on internest" How could you not want to admire these master pieces. I believe this is one of those strong examples of good art direction and good writing combined into one. I don't think you could have just done regular, non vintage looking ads with those lines and vis-versa. This little campaign works because it not only looks like vintage ads from the 60's, but because of the underlining message it's trying to say. Just take a look, these ads are trying to show how great social networking sites really are. The contrast between the vintage style and the modern day twist is interesting. People back then didn't have the internet to make them happy like all the ads from back them portrayed. Nowadays people can't go more than 24 hours without stepping foot onto the internest and yet these vintage ads can clearly point that out. Bravo Moma from Sao Paulo, bravo.

Screw thinking outside the box. Try thinking inside the can.

For this week's blog post, I wanted to find work on a different level. Don't ask me what that level is because i'm still sure quiet yet. I've been spending my time on http://www.behance.net/ lurking other people's work lately. This site is good for those who want to display their work and receive feedback all in one centralized place.

I came across a campaign that was too good to pass up. It was about the product-Spam. The campaign is called "Break The Monotony". It takes every boring/plain aspect you could think of when you hear the name Spam and spices it up. What caught my attention to this campaign was the consistant look of the campaign and how Zaar Taha - The Copywriter, took the idea across several different mediums. This campaign is effective in my opinion because I can tell he did some research before just deciding to a make a commercial with talking eggs. The message and flow of the message is pretty clear, simple and to the point. I mentioned the idea of spreading the love across different type of medium being a key factor in this campaign. The creatives really pushed it when thinking of ways to reach people in non-traditional ways. It made me think of the Lifestyle project we are currently working on and how no matter how complicated the message is, there's always a way to make simple way to execute it.

To view the entire campaign visit the behance site- http://www.behance.net/gallery/SPAM/778997

While you're at it, check out Zaar Taha's work, his stuff is very inspiring.

Touched by an angel?

This week's blog is rated "eww" for what the fuck? Reader's discretion is advised.

This blog post covers a problem that many of us face today. By many of us, I'm talking about the 10 and younger crowd for the most part. That's right folks, I'm talking about pedophilia. Now I know you don't have to be 10 and younger to face this problem, but that is the time of your life when you are the most vulnerable. The minute I saw this campaign, I couldn't help but stop dead in my tracks and conduct a mini google search on the topic. I have to admit that I myself, don't know that much about pedophilia, or should I say didn't know? It doesn't matter if you're an expert on the matter or have just heard it for the first time, these ads explain it all. This is one of few times where a before and after is very efective in my opinion. The image contains a regular picture of a cute kid with a simple headline that reads “Turn off the lights and help (child’s name) overcome his fear of the dark”. There's a bit of disconnection until you view the second infrared version of the same picture. This time you're forced to imagine these actions occurring before your very eyes. This is due to the second headline “Pedophilia. You might not see it, but it could be happening. 70% of child abuse cases take place in their own home. This campaign, though a bit visual is very extremely powerful in my opinion. This didn't do anything or say anything that hasn't already been said, it's just that the message was said in a different way. It's messages like these that make people actually want to go and do research on their own. The large percentage plays a key factor, especially for those who aren't too educated on Pedophilia.

Never Hide from good art direction

There really isn't much to say about this Ray-Ban "Rare Prints" campaign, brought to you by everyone's favorite Cutwater agency in San Francisco. When I hear the name Ray-Ban, I think of hipsters or surfer bros, pretty much my generation so it's only natural that these ads speak to me. The art direction for these Ray-Ban ads are wonderfully crafted. You can tell they knew who their demographic is and how to grab their attention. The different styles in the art direction, each have a unique message while remaining consistant. The Rare Prints campaign is taking the idea of the "Colorize" campaign they launched last year with a little spin. In my opinion, taking an old idea to build off of that original idea to create something new is a great idea. Ray-Ban became very popular during the 50's and 60's, a time where being a youthful rebel was the thing to be. The Colorize campaign emphasized the thought of a colorful experience once you started wearing the Ray-Ban glasses. The Rare Prints campaign is taking the the use of color and graphic to the next level. Success, style and sensation is just a pair of Ray-Bans away.



The Rare Prints-





















Colorize-

BOOOOOOM!

BOOM BABY! Nike has done it again! But the question is, is this campaign effective? Even now as I blog this post, there appears to be a heated discussion about Nike's new commercials. In one corner, with a 5'9 frame and weighing in at 180 solid pounds we have the people's favorite, Curtis Anderson. In the other corner, a series of none Nike fans. I believe Nike is becoming a dominate force is the sport industry. I also think the agency that brought this concept to life deserves all of the credit. I mean, Why not? WIEDEN+KENNEDY should know Nike better than anyone else. I view this commercial and see a fast pace, action packed story filled with Nike all-stars plus the top boss himself Rick Ross. I like the way everyone was incorporated in the commercial. From the beginning with Bo Jackson on the sideline, wanting to see something amazing from second basemen robinson cano of the Yankees and ends a series of clips displaying that amazing excitement the Nike brand delivers. The none Nike fans don't particularity like the TV spot because they don't get the message in which Nike is trying to get across. They think it's a fast pace build up to nothing and is left disappointed by the end of the commercial. I couldn't understand why they felt this way. I figured since the brand was well known that everyone would automatically see excitement. Even the shorter versions of the commercial, depending on which version you're watching has the same impact. I'm not sure it's because I'm bias towards the brand or if it's because I really like Rick Ross's random appearance, who knows? All I know is that I think this commercial is very effective. It talks to anyone enjoys those moments when you see something amazing and you just have to see it twice to believe it happened to begin with. That's just my opinion, what do you think?


The Shorter Version-





The Longer Version-

Don't Text & Drive.

Ladies and gentlemen, I'm pleased to announce that I came across the most visually appealing ads to date. These ads have left me speechless, dumb founded, sad, excited, anxious, and then speechless "again". These ads are all similar because they all send off a powerful message and executed perfectly. These ads are from three different campaigns from three different countries. The series of ads are right up the ally of the Don't Text & Drive campaign we've been working on.



This advertisement comes from NTF Stockholm of Sweden. This particular ad, I'm not too fond of for the following reason(s). Though the visual is beautiful, I can barely make out that it's a phone. The message isn't clear and therefor, I probably would just walk by this billboard. Secondly, after I realized that it was a phone that was suppose to be a car, I then started asking "what happened?". With this concept, the message should be clear without question. Someone was driving & texting at the same time and wasn't paying any attention to the road thus getting into a car accident. Although this isn't always true, but it takes two to tango, so to speak and I would have loved to have seen another car in the image to bridge a connection.



The next ad in this must see PSA series is by far my favorite. I'm a bit bias, so my explanation might sound repetitive for those who I talked to about my "old" idea. This advertisement was created by BBDO Kuwait. Perfect. My second thought as I gazed upon my computer screen. It's funny because my first thought was "Oh crap, it's been done already. bleep my life" The idea that I came up with had already been done 9 months ago. Needless to say, I felt like I owed someone an apologize or something. It doesn't matter anymore, back to the drawing board has been my favorite facebook quote from day one. As for the ad itself, message is clear without any doubt. The photo manipulation is nothing short of amazing. What pulls it all together for me is that there's another car in the image. With two cars in the frame, one can start forming stories around the concept. Who hit who first?, who was at the fault?, this reminds me of.., and I have to show this to my son/daughter are just a few things that popped in my mind when I just stare at it. It's that type of impact that will get people's attention and get them wanting to know more. The only down side is the headline. With an image this powerful, I feel they could have come up with something more creative than "Save your life and others. Use a head set".







Now the third campaign in the PSA series is pretty creative. I was torn between this campaign and the previous one. I think the main reason why I had such a hard time deciding on a favorite was because they both came from the same agency. It only proves that BBDO is producing great work. This campaign comes from Clemenger BBDO. The message they're sending is clear in my opinion, but at the same time it feels as if it's missing something. It doesn't say don't text & drive, but stay focus if you're going to be on the road in the first place. They kept it simple but not using more than bed in each piece. Overall I feel the use of the beds in place of cars was a really great idea. The headline doesn't compare to this powerful image. I agree you should sleep before you drive, but I would think others would to. I would have loved to have seen additional copy to talk about this issue or at least a website for me to go to.

To be or not to be inspired..

Due to recent events, I decided not to blog on someone's else work. I believe following the mold and what I'm told, exactly how everyone else does it wouldn't cut it for this post. I feel the need to be inspired in more ways than one and looking at prints that make me grudge my teeth at how amazing it is wouldn't do me any good.



I found this video two years ago when I needed that extra kick in my pants to jump start my day. I find myself watching Will's Wisdom whenever I feel counterproductive. Up until about three or four weeks ago, I had been feeling average, borderline crappy. Now No, I wasn't sick. My work wasn't where I wanted it to be. No I wasn't putting in everything I could, things could have always been done a better way. No I'm not complaining or blaming someone else for my slump, I just want to change. A change wouldn't be such a bad idea, but change could mean vast number of things and couldn't be taken to the ends of the world and back in terms of my own work. I consider this video relevant to advertising as well as certain aspects in with my personal life. Even in the eyes of my "art director" and "creative director", I still feel as if I have to myself jump through a loop of acid fire to be recognized as apart of the pack. I understand that there are going to be things in life in which I simply CAN'T do. The word CAN'T is a figurative of my imagination and will hence forth be known as refuses to make an attempt. I often refuse to make an attempt in begin creative. Period. There isn't a much to be said, I can/have/will do better. After watching Will's Wisdom I'm often granted with the courage to take down the world. Some might confuse my inspired ambition with the petty thought of me being cocky or "conceited". My new found way of viewing my work should only be seen as a new chapter in my life. I believe this video will ensure everyone that whatever idea people come up with or however they decide to execute it, that it will be the greatest piece of artwork that has ever communicated a message known to date. I hope people can grasp the concept of honing in on your skills will ultimately beat out talent. Only you know your limits therefor only you can surpass them. Take me for an example, I lack the talent to compete in the design area of advertising. Lack the talent doesn't rule me out of an art director job is just means I have to work twice as work to beat out EVERYONE. Much like Will Smith, I don't really consider myself a particularly talented person, but what I excel in is working hard to make me,..me. All and all I can say that I am by far the best damn salesman this program/school/city..great beyond ect. has ever seen. No it's not an exaggeration, it's just me honing in on my skills.

For a Better Tomorrow.

Now I realize that Smart Cars are suppose to be better for the environment, but what does that really mean? One should always ask these types of question when a product you're not familiar with proposes the idea of better in the long run. In the case of Smart Cars, it is a cleaner tomorrow. Through this campaign, It is made evidence. This campaign puts the viewer in driver seat, of a car, or maybe life. We as the customer control how far the ride goes, we have the ability to see over the horizon and determine for ourselves what could. We as people are aware of the world around us, we know the world isn't a clean place. We know about the pollution being emitted from the modern day car isn't good for the air in the long run, but we choose to continue this unhealthy trend. In my opinion, it's because we don't have any idea how much today's pollution can actually affect tomorrow's ozone layer. This Smart Car campaign understands the problem and uses the fact that the cars don't use that much energy to operate. Knowing that you and other people around you could benefit from this feature, it's safe to say that Smart Cars are trying to show that there could be a more cleaner tomorrow. The idea of a better, cleaner tomorrow could be seen in the image of a windshield whipper whipping away the problems of today. The images are strong, simple, colorful and holds truth which makes it easy for people to relate. I allows people to the road to a less polluted world more clearly which I also believe makes it easier for people to relate. The headline holds a great part in this campaign. The headline reads " Smart, the less polluting car of the World". To me it doesn't say that the car is 100% better for the environment, but better than what's causing air pollution and together with the image could help prevent it.

Consuming Children

Last year I realized for the first time why people consider advertising an evil profession. I watched the documentary called “Consuming Kids: The Commercialization of Childhood” . I have to say that I was both disgusted and intrigued at the same time. For those who've never seen the documentary, it's about a time during the 90's when businesses/ advertisers would gear their ads towards kids.

I couldn't decide if I liked the idea or wanted to think about a career choice. Now don't get my wrong, that was almost 18 months ago. That was back when I only knew of the existence of the evil side of advertising, but yet experienced it. Now that I have a bit more hair on my chest I can now say that the video was a little bias, just a tad bit. I don't 100% agree with the idea of "manipulating", but hey who's keeping score. I think it's a great idea!. If you stop and think about it, americans were spending a lot money for those little tikes. We were living in a time where we as americans felt pretty good about ourselves. The video discussed that it was too easy for the advertisers, it was so easy that congress had to put a stop to it. Congress banned advertising geared for small children for awhile. I believe that alone is enough to make anyone in the industry puzzled. Why stop/change something if it works? Aren't we doing everything in our power to please you and supply you with everything you want? these are the things I would ask myself. If the general public is happy than so is everyone else.

Tiz the season to be jolly.

It's that time of the year again, when you actually wash, dry and press your favorite team's jersey right before kick off. The NFL does more than bring two opposing team together, it also glues your eyes to the commercials between the action. I also forgot what time of the year it was until I watched this commercial.



If it wasn't for this spot, I would have completely missed opening kick off. My life would have never been the same. This commercial is apart of a campaign brought to you by Deutsch NY and all of their "wonderfulness". I particularly love these commercials because my first reaction while watching them is "Me want Football" followed by "NOW". At the end of the commercial my prayers are answered every time, no matter how many times I views these commercials. You see, I'm one of those people who is more fascinated with the message than the actual product. I watch them with the urge to watch football, but with no NFL SUNDAY TICKET "The product being sold" that's not possible..Right? Wrong. Even though I don't that it's necessary to purchase to buy the package, I do yearn for the thought of 22 guys knocking the life out of each other wearing colorful tights. The commercials are set in place to remind us of who we are as fans and that is why I think it's a great campaign.

I feel loved :)

"AT&T covers 97% of all americans"

I remember when I first saw this commercial. My first impression was WOW, that's amazing coverage. My second thought was damn, where's everyone else. This commercial was pulling on one of my heart strings. Nothing about this spot was loud, disruptive, or too much for me to handle. It kept my attention from beginning to end leaving me with one single after thought. I thought about the on going cellular struggle between AT&T and all of the other cell phone companies, mainly Verizon. Verizon had spots where they had their own " coverage map" just to compare to AT&T. I didn't surprise me that AT&T responded with facts to silence their critics.

Bam- Ringling "RA" Old Spice spin off

Girls, Shoes, and of course...ADVERTISING!!!!!!

To whom it may concern,

Please excuse my boyish charm, my smooth chatter box and my overall suave debonair from school. My ego has been feeling like he could single handed take on the world with nothing but, The New Shakira CD and a fresh pair of "GROWN MAN SHOES".

Yours Truly,

Momma Curtis

New, New, NEWW blog.

Oh hey Vivian.!