Surfing for Seniors

Via swissmiss

Social Media in layman's terms

Here is a nice little video that breaks down the evolution of social media and explains in plain English just how it works...

Via swissmiss

Miles

Say it ain't so...

Microsoft, thanks to our friends at CP+B, are branching out and creating apparel. Looks like we may have to wait to see if they will release more than just t-shirts. I really like the fun, vintage look, but, will it alter the current stigma that plagues the MS brand?

Via brandflakesforbreakfast

Miles

Judge a book

Here is a collection of nicely designed book covers from this past year. I have always found book design to be one of the more creative mediums, allowing for some truly artistic expressions. Enjoy.

Miles

Well done seasonal spots

Enjoy this collection of well executed holiday ads. Most are a refreshing departure from the typically mundane stuff out there.

Miles

Nice illustration...

Commissioned for Saks, each hand drawn, each with it's own unique approach.
Nice work

Miles

Random thought not related to advertising

So the big 3 auto makers want a bail-out huh? I have an idea, maybe they should start by helping themselves and making better automobiles. Just sayin'...

Putting down roots

Had a nice visit to South Carolina over Thanksgiving and visited a neat little city called Greenville. The south is an interesting place, sure, we saw trucks driving around with confederate flags pinned to them, ate questionable "greens" and for what its worth, I don't think anyone there really knows how to drive, or at least knows that the left lane is meant for passing, not cruising in. Overall though I found that the people are incredibly laid-back, open and really really friendly and genuinely nice. In the center of Greenville is a river with numerous cascading waterfalls. The city has turned this area into a big park with bridges and benches galore. The cool thing is that you can climb around on the rocks and even in the water if you want. Not sure if that would fly here in Colorado. Anyway's this is a tree near the bank of the river that I just had to shoot.

Miles

Good copy is good

Nice piece from TBWA Vancouver here. I smell a really smart campaign here, hope to see more of these.

Via ibia

Miles

Subconscious awareness = brand loyalty

Here's a nice brief via thenewyorktimes that delves into the theory that subliminal messaging may have a real, perhaps quantifiable, impact on consumer buying habits. We all have a suspicion that the logos and brand messaging we see emblazoned on other peoples clothing may stick with us and affect our purchasing decisions. "Incidental brand-consumer encounters” is the description given to this phenomenon in a forthcoming article and study developed by a group from the University of Maryland. According to their research, this sort of soft-marketing is quite effective. Of course the amount of time and energy it takes to build up enough brand equity for this effect to take place is no walk in the park.

Miles

20 Identities by 10 Designers

Courtesy of logodesignlove.
Enjoy!

Miles

Friends

Wicket... so much to say about Mr. Wicket. I honestly don't know where to begin... but, I suppose "delightful" is as good a place as any to start. He always has a smile on his face, and this picture captures it perfectly.

I'll be spending much time with Wicket these next few days, and I look forward to every minute.
~Dimple Brockhouse of Loamsdown

Photo shot by Miles

Don't trust this banner ad.

Miles

Malcolm Gladwell @ AIGA

If you haven't yet read the book Blink, I highly suggest giving it a gander. Malcolm Gladwell does a great job of dissecting the human mind and exploring the unique characteristics that define our personal perceptions of both life and society. Here is a nice presentation from this years AIGA business and design conference in which he analyzes creativity and it's natural evolution of trial and error. A bit lengthy (38 min) but throw on the headphones and give it a listen if you have a chance.

Via swissmiss

Miles

Let me google that for you

Total sarcasm. Here is a great tool to use when someone asks you a ridiculous question, one in which you know the answer could have been found with a simple google search. Just ask the question and send them the link. You little jokster.

Via brandflakesforbreakfast

Miles

Kitties riding Roombas

This has nothing to do with anything. But sometimes, watching a video of a cat riding around on a Roomba is the perfect way to start your day.

Via yesbutnobutyes

Miles

Less disgusting sliced up animals

This is a very clever print campaign for some place called Zoo Safari that may or may not be an actual place, I can't seem to dig anything up. Great copy and visuals help create an impactful, memorable message. In contrast to yesterday's near horrific Black & Decker campaign this approach of slicing animals into pieces is well intended and relevant.

Via IBIA

Miles

Choppity chop

Winter is beginning to settle in around my home so I took on the chore of chopping up some firewood. The morning light hit this bit of timber just right and I couldn't resist.

Miles

This is really cute

The entire campaign for the new VW Routan is just terrific. Here is the second installment from a series of 6 shorts promoting the new model. Enjoy.

Via The Denver Egotist

Miles

This is really sick

I think this campaign from Ogilvy (Thailand) for Black & Decker lawn mowers is completely disgusting. Maybe it's because I'm an animal lover or maybe it's because I have a soul. Ill debate anyone on this. And yes, I am already aware that this is not geared for our market. If you are not easily offended, click here.