Would you repeat that?

Here’s how you get a lot out of a little space. In what’s likely the shortest ad ever, Tel Aviv McCann Erickson created this spot for the International OCD Foundation.

By requiring you to replay the video to actually read the copy, it demonstrates how some people with OCD must perform simple actions over and over again. It makes the point nicely, and it’s a perfect use of YouTube. As clever as it is, do you think people will take the time to get the message? 

Keeping it weird—and in brand In Austin, local businesses do a great job of tapping into the city’s reputation as an independent, creative and quirky place. A lot of them do this by leveraging the Austin Independent Business Alliance’s slogan, “Keep Austin Weird.” It’s a great umbrella message that perfectly captures the city’s brand and helps set the locals apart from the corporate chains. Check out a few of the locals we love:  Amy’s Ice Cream  Chuy’s  Uncommon Objects  Lustre Pearl  Alamo Drafthouse  Maria’s Taco Xpress

Keeping it weird—and in brand

In Austin, local businesses do a great job of tapping into the city’s reputation as an independent, creative and quirky place. A lot of them do this by leveraging the Austin Independent Business Alliance’s slogan, “Keep Austin Weird.” It’s a great umbrella message that perfectly captures the city’s brand and helps set the locals apart from the corporate chains. Check out a few of the locals we love:

World Cafe Live and WXPN 88.5 Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Celebration.

Thanks to all who made this possible and allowed us to share in the celebration.

This place is amazing and the sound design is incredible to boot. Props to Buccini/Pollin Group for having the vision to create this. 

Great Music is alive in Wilmington.

Another reason to feel bad eating a Filet-o-Fish The song from the TV ad campaign was sure catchy. But we’re not sure what to make of this recent ad on a bus shelter. Is it really a good idea to associate your fish sandwich with a plastic fish? And eating the poor thing’s family? 

Another reason to feel bad eating a Filet-o-Fish

The song from the TV ad campaign was sure catchy. But we’re not sure what to make of this recent ad on a bus shelter. Is it really a good idea to associate your fish sandwich with a plastic fish? And eating the poor thing’s family? 

People ignore design that ignores people.
Frank Chimero
The Taco X-press in Austin TX doesn’t waste any opportunities to get their message across. Just about every inch of this local favorite is covered with messaging that’s quirky, fresh and home bred. The Taco X-press is true to its image, its brand and its message. Plus it is down right yummy. 

The Taco X-press in Austin TX doesn’t waste any opportunities to get their message across. Just about every inch of this local favorite is covered with messaging that’s quirky, fresh and home bred. The Taco X-press is true to its image, its brand and its message. Plus it is down right yummy. 

Getting all touchy-feely 

Sure, it’s a digital world. But sometimes it’s nice to actually touch and feel what you’re looking at. Take holiday cards. These days, a typical agency card comes in the form of an email or website. That’s fine, but not exactly full of warmth, is it? We had another idea.

Since the goal was to share holiday warmth, we created a card that you would actually hold, feel and want to interact with. A wintery scene featuring cutouts of some of our favorite things, like a retro fireplace, our comfy chairs and mascot, Quincey, and other fun stuff from our office. Our clients were encouraged to punch out the die-cut pieces and make their own miniature holiday scenes.

 And did they ever. The photos started coming in.

Driving response for our clients is what drives our business. So, it’s great to see our philosophy at work. In fact, we’re really touched.

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What do you think? Let us know. Please check back in a few weeks, we’ll be posing from the SXSW Interactive festival.  

Living poo free: is it offensive or more relevant?

Being the the biz for 22 years, there are a ton of great ideas that are left on the table. Clients get squeamish, palms get sweaty and any inkling of resistance from one key stakeholder can turn the tides on a brilliant idea. “Think outside the box” “Push the boundaries”. Those are all common phrases that really don’t mean anything to companies that are just replicating what their competition is doing. They are just playing catch-up. They are scared be first—to lead the peloton.

What does it take to move the needle? Do you say the same thing just a different way? Really comes down to the definition of insanity: Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Don’t just say it differently. Use what connects people. Truth. As in “Crazy People” circa 1990, a film about truth in advertising. An ad executive (Dudley Moore) reaches his breaking point and finds himself in a mental institution. All of a sudden his career takes off. Ad campaigns like “Volvo, it’s boxy, but it’s safe!” and “Buy a Jaguar, if you want to get laid.” win over consumers and his competition has to follow suit. Is it taboo or is it something that is more relevant and creates a more meaningful and lasting connection? ”Just tell me how you really feel…” That approach and that mindset, for the most part creates an open door for dialogue.

When you are knee deep (no pun intended) with a new born, you feel like no one understands your plight. Only the Diaper Genie has some assemblance. That is where Huggies’ agency really hit it out of the park with this series of ads. Not sure if it was intentional, but I am sure there is some strategy behind the placement of the box, so that you could argue that it doesn’t say “Oh Crap”. Very well played my friend. You not only need to give kudos to the agency, but also to the decision makers at Huggies who dropped their drawers and went for it. 

Whenever a conversation turns to an uncomfortable subject, people say Did you really have to go there?”, well I am glad that Huggies did. Thanks for paving the way for some more relevant messaging strategies in the future and showing us a great example of a client that doesn’t take themselves so seriously, they become irrelevant. 

Form follows function-that has been misunderstood. Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union.
—Frank Lloyd Wright

At Tom’s of Maine we do it naturally!

That’s a statement you’ll find on their corporate website. As a user of their toothpaste, I believe in their statement. As a Brand Developer, I feel they naturally goofed on their new identity. Lost is the brand I used to seek out in Crunchie organic food/health markets. If I hadn’t been using it already, I wouldn’t grab it off the shelf now. What propelled Tom’s was it’s great product and it’s great brand. Let’s see how long it takes for Tom’s popularity to start declining. I’ll be watching. What do you think?