Moms Demand Action, a collective of mothers calling for gun law reform, has launched a print and television advertising campaign focused on children in school. The print, outdoor and digital campaign, “Choose One”, features children carrying assault weapons standing alongside peers holding a candy egg, a classic children’s book and a playground ball. We apparently keep “Little Red Riding Hood” out of schools because of the bottle of wine in her basket. We also apparently ban dodgeball because it’s viewed as being too violent. We won’t sell Kinder chocolate eggs in the interest of child safety. Why not assault weapons? Moms and most of the rest of us want to know. The Moms Demand Action campaign was developed pro bono by Grey. When Mom (or Moms) gets mad, you probably ought to listen…
Month: April 2013
The big (brand) picture
Calvin Klein Presents Alexander Skarsgård in Provocations. As the primary advertising component of the Spring/Summer 2013 global advertising campaign, Calvin Klein has released an almost 10-minute short film featuring actor Alexander Skarsgård and model Suvi Koponen, a first ever for the fashion house featuring all three of its brands (Calvin Klein Collection, ck Calvin Klein and Calvin Klein Jeans) in one complicated plot line. Skarsgård and Koponen are displayed in all their respective modern hotness in a complex journey through sleek, idealized architectural settings to dark and mysterious milieus. Through its sensual and evocative visuals, the film captures the company’s legacy of modernity, aspiration and rule-making innovation. Directed and shot on location in California by legendary creative director Fabien Baron with Calvin Klein’s in-house global marketing and advertising agency. Certainly a maximalist approach for the grand dame of American minimalism. But please take note of the power of video in today’s increasingly online, social and visual world…
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
White House on Tumblr
Just launched. Graphic with the personal touch. They sure are good with the social media. Fingers are crossed it all may actually help with getting a few things done…
Brand extensions can be simply adorable
Diane von Furstenberg launches adorable Gap Kids collection. The fashion designer’s second collection for Gap Kids and Baby Gap hits shelves today. The line features bright colors and kid-friendly prints. Furstenberg went into the DVF archives to find playful prints inspired by nature and her travels with her grandchildren. “Ultimately it is about inspiring the little girl to be the best version of herself.” Yeah, ok. Not sure we get the self-esteem/inspiration connection, but kudos on the clothes themselves, the adorable photography, social media blitz, etc…
Cadillac thinks bigger picture
Site SPOTTED. Cadillac ATS vs. the World: Site developed to help Cadillac connect with a new generation of customers. Set in four countries around the world, the advertising campaign (Fallon) and the website features spectacular demonstrations of the vehicle’s unique features. The site is one of the best examples of a parallax scroll site we’ve seen. Flow between content blocks is both smooth and engaging. Variety and wealth of content is nothing less than amazing. Consistent high-energy Discovery Channel tone certainly holds your attention. The guys leading you around are definitely cool and very new generation-friendly. Based on both healthy sales increases and a growing ad budget, looks like Cadillac is back in the running…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xl_F4Rdl5r8
Helvetica, baby… Now&Forever, one of several spots in the recent Crate and Barrel campaign created by Los Angeles-based agency TBWAChiatDay (“the guys that do Apple”). Music, “Stuck on You” by American singer/songwriter, Meiko. Purely typographic (classic Helvetica), no-frills animation, no big production, no locations, no models, no celebrities. Simple, sweet and spot on with the welcoming personality that has become the Crate and Barrel brand. Let’s skip work today and have a picnic…
(Source: http://www.youtube.com/)
Storytelling, all the rage
Storytelling, all the rage… Stories, part of the integrated, multi-platform campaign for Crate and Barrel’s first comprehensive advertising effort since 2007, dovetailing with the brand’s 50th anniversary. Aimed at forging a deeper, more relevant brand association with consumers, the campaign celebrates shared everyday moments and life milestones through Crate and Barrel’s signature Helvetica font. Thirty-second spots with titles including “Now&Forever”, “Friends&Giving”, “Mom&Daughter”, “Love&Light” spotlight a range of relationships and universal life experiences. Use of the brand’s classic typography, prominent use of its ampersand carry through all promotional efforts including a series of featured “Stories” on the company’s website. Photography is colorful, aspirational and (almost) natural looking. Copy is concise and accessible as with all C&B communications. The relatable stories are perfect for social media leverage. Hats off to TBWA/Chiat/Day for delivering yet another brilliantly simple, on-brand and beautifully executed piece of advertising history…
Site SPOTTED. Milwaukee Police Department: To fix a public perception problem in the city of Milwaukee, Police Chief Ed Flynn used the department’s site to promote a full image rebranding campaign, Be a Force. Major messaging goals were to position the force as professional, effective and innovative team. Very unexpected to say the least for a government/police force effort. Contemporary and bold use of typography and photography very effective to communicate what otherwise would be ignored. “Most Wanted” page a bit scary (as it probably should be). Creative for TV, print, radio and online efforts by Cramer-Krasselt. Big salute for the effort and love the barking canine on the homepage (upon rollover)…
Real world importance of maps… Video intro to Developer Stories microsite for Google Maps API. Super straight-forward, but effectively humanizes the technology that is being promoted. Always good to think about utilizing video in promotion or communication initiatives…
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
Online mapping takes on new dimensions
Site SPOTTED. More than a Map: Microsite that showcases the available APIs for Google Maps and the stories of the developers using them. Hats off to Upperquad (San Francisco) for the well articulated and simply presented demos on the site, showing the downright amazing features that any developer can build into websites or apps. “Developer Stories,“ short video profiles shot for the site (on five continents over eight days), give the presentation a very personal and accessible feel for anyone considering using Google’s simply brilliant technology. Think seriously about how to present your capabilities simply and effectively. And while you’re at it, think about integrating some sexy maps…
