We love this recent promotional campaign for Swedish public transport operator Västtrafik to create social distancing for commuting passengers. The “No Douche Bag” serves as a solution to this, presenting as a graphic tote bag that kindly asks people to sit elsewhere. The tote bright yellow and black and with a striped pattern resembling barricade tape. They signal warning, but as a contrast, the text politely reads, “I’d love to sit next to you, just not right now. Thank you for keeping your distance.” This simple reminder is another way of encouraging individuals to take personal responsibility and practice social distancing. Created by Forsman & Bodenfors, Sweden. Reinforcing key messages of public policy in a simple, clever and direct way is undeniably, a very good thing…
Category: Advertising
Positive can be downright refreshing
One of the better positive ads by the Biden campaign. Narrated in the comforting, raspy drawl of actor Sam Elliott. “Joe Biden doesn’t need everyone in this country to always agree,” he says. “Just to agree we all love this country, and go from there.” Old-school patriotic values but in a sea of negative craziness and misinformation, we welcome the cinematic call to return to American values. Production values aside, the spot is a well-crafted message and a welcome ray of hope.
Telling a good brand story is worth its weight in Gucci gold
Another brand “Story”, the latest Gucci Tailoring campaign was directed by Harmony Korine. Three artists with distinctive style, outfitted in full Gucci regalia are featured in a swanky West Coast home with their pets, A$AP Rocky, Tyler, The Creator, and Iggy Pop, with his parrot Biggy Pop and a blue hyacinth macaw. Video features “Supernature” by Cerrone. “A certain type of fun is also portrayed and the idea of how one’s obsession with appearances can create a kind of common ground that can become a sort of brotherhood. It was beautiful to see these three men together, seemingly different but very similar” said Gucci Creative Director, Alessandro Michele. Keeping things eclectic and engaging is definitely the name of the game for the global luxury brand.
Act like a rock star and people take notice
Gucci launches its latest Tailoring campaign with A$AP Rocky, Iggy Pop and Tyler, The Creator. The campaign stars are at home along with their exotic pets, including Pop’s parrot Biggy Pop and a blue hyacinth macaw. They are later seen together at a table with a pot of spaghetti, and in the lounge in the afternoon sunlight. Video features “Supernature” by Cerrone. Campaign by Gucci creative director, Alessandro Michele with photographer Harmony Korine and art direction by Christopher Simmonds. These brand “Stories” are one of the highlights of the brand’s marketing plan. They are chock full of product but more importantly, entertain and intrigue Gucci’s increasingly young and hip target market. The brand seems to get just bigger and better telling and selling its cool lifestyle story around the globe. Something to watch, that is for sure.
Mask up NYC
New York has managed to keep the COVID-19 curve flat since June with coronavirus infections below one percent. The New York MTA (Metropolitan Transit Authority) just introduced a new campaign titled “The State of Respect”, a series of striking posters featuring city transit users wearing masks. The campaign was created by agency Conquistadors employing a dozen artists from all over the world, including New York, Sydney, Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Buenos Aires. The campaign accompanies the start of a citywide fine initiative ($50) for all public transport customers who refuse to wear a mask. R-e-s-p-e-c-t…
Exuberance can lead the way
Visual identity refresh and new campaign for the popular arcade and dining chain, Dave & Buster’s. New tagline, “Ding Ding Ding” sets the stage for new tv spots, short social media videos and a comprehensive brand redesign. Creative all by Mother in New York. We love the energy on all fronts here. Should serve the client well. Ding Ding Ding!
Creativity ignited
Set to the Rolling Stones’ classic “She’s a Rainbow” this new advertising spot, “Fantastic Voyage” from Adobe brings us a new reality after months of living with the global pandemic. Floors turning into lush gardens, a man getting a new hair style and fellow commuters coming alive with lively, fantastic graphics. Created by 72andSunny Los Angeles and directed by Antoine Bardou-Jacquet of Partizan. The spot is set to run in the US and UK across broadcast, digital and social. A brilliant moment of needed escapism and inspiration…
Campaign advertising: testimonials work in this social media world
It’s Okay to Change Your Mind, is an effective campaign spot from another anti-Trump Republican group, Republican Voters Against Trump. Real Republicans from all walks of life give their take on why Trump was a mistake for them and why they plan to vote for Biden. The goal is obviously to chisel away at the president’s base. Will it resonate with its target audience or merely brushed aside as fake news? Time will certainly tell, but the impact as advertising is real and believable.
Live stream moves into main stream fashion marketing
Shot during a twelve-hour live stream in July 2020, Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele revealed what lies behind the making of a (well-financed) fashion ad. Throughout the course of one day, the campaign features the Gucci design team as models wearing pieces from the Epilogue collection. Two Roman locations, Palazzo Sacchetti and graffiti-covered Campo Boario are add to the eclectic, colorful vintage inspired extravaganza. Shot by Alec Soth and filmed by directors Damiano and Fabio D’Innocenzo. Gucci continues to lead the top tier of fashion brands in creative and innovative use of social media channels. Their growth since Michele took over creative duties is definitive proof of a successful luxury brand today. Bellissimo!
Hard-hitting wins in anti-Trump advertising
Mourning in America, another hard-hitting ad by the Lincoln Project, a group of anti-Trump Republicans, leads most 2020 campaign advertising as most memorable. A remake of Reagan’s 1984 ad in reverse that succeeded in getting under Trump’s skin, prompting a presidential rampage on Twitter. Dems can take a few lessons from these guys. Catch it on social media or in a battleground state near you…
