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.