Autumn at Aesop

It's autumn in Melbourne and the streets are awash with fallen leaves.

And there's nothing I love more than scuffing my feet through the as I walk.

To celebrate autumn at Aesop skincare in Fitzroy they brought the outside in yesterday.

Shopping has never been so much fun!

Variations of American Apparel

 Maybe it's just me. But I'm pretty sure there's something not quite right about the way American Apparel market the same product to different genders.

Case in point this blue flannel shirt. And below it yet another flannel shirt.

Stock footage romance

Stock shots are the bane of the modern creative person's life.

Clients think they're cheaper and easier than doing photography.

They're not. Well most of the time anyway.

What many people don't realise is that stock libraries also have stock video.

Yes video.

This gorgeous little spot for Getty Video was created by AlmapBBDO.

It's made from 105 different Getty clips.

And it took four months to review over 4,000 videos to find thos 105 clips.

I have no idea who on earth has the patience for that! 

Velvety chocolate floating

When I was in New Zealand back in January I noticed a lot of long copy as headline type ads.

I have to admit I kinda like them.

Especially when they're done well.

Beverage brand Mac do some particularly good ones.

Their beers are pretty damn good too.

A gay ad

For some reason gay marriage is still a topic of hot debate in Australia.

And as is so often the case our neighbours in New Zealand have shown that they're a far more progressive nation than we are.

So hats of to the kids from Grey Melbourne who created and ran this topical ad to tie in with the announcement that New Zealand had legalised gay marriage.

I've always loved a good topical ad. And this a good one.

The team who made it were part of the Come Home Droga promo from last year.

They've obviously got some serious creative skills. 

Take and give

That Seth Godin quote is from a Creative Mornings talk he gave last week.

It is the first time I've heard but believe me when I say it is spot on.

You see it on the football field where young players are encouraged to step up.

And you see it in agencies where the person who grabs a brief and takes charge is the one who goes on to do great things.

if you're one of those sit quietly in the corner types I suggest you take notice of what Seth has to say. 

A far from bright idea

I've spoken many times about my disappointment that rather than killing advertising the internet has actually been responsible for more of.

And most of it bad.

Case in point is the flashlight app on my iPhone.

That's a screenshot of the interface above.

Clean. Simple. And very easy to operate.

Last week they issued an update so I downloaded it. Of course.

Imagine my surprise when I opened it and saw that godawful little banner ad at the bottom of my screen.

Advertiser funded. Advertiser supported. Brand engagement opportunity.

Call it what you will but I cannot for the life of me understand why any brand would advertise on a banner in a flashlight app.

If you've ever used a torch (and I know you have) you'll know that you don't look at the torch you look at the beam of light it shines on the ground.

And never ever at a banner ad.

Farewell Mrs Marsh

Colgate's Mrs Marsh is one of the great Australian advertising creations. The lady who played her Barbara Callcott died today. Unbelievably she was still helping promote oral hygiene for kids right up to her death. 

Half the story

Visually stunning campaign for the BBC. Sadly my blog template doesn't allow me to have the pics up any bigger. However I do believe if you click on the pics you will get a much bigger version.

Sometimes nobody cares

Love this quote from legendary designer Saul Bass.

Words to live by I think.

Warmth and charm

I've been working on a campaign for the last few days that is slowly but surely having every ounce of wit and charm sucked out of it.

I can't tell you how frustrating it is.

But then I've always said that having an idea is the easy part. It's making it happen that requires real creativity.

Anyway I don't want to moan. Well actually I do. But I won't.

I just wish people were able to put aside their 'two cents worth' and just embrace a piece of work for the goodness it contains.

Just imagine if the florist's message in the pic above had to be run past a committee.

I'm pretty sure he'd be left with nothing more than a sign that said 'Flowers'.

And even that message would probably be accompanied by an asterisk.