Hate Advertising? You Are Advertising

There are some members of the public, who detest advertising. What it stands for, how it infiltrates their lives and sometimes what it says. But what they need to realise, is they are in fact a walking advertisement. From the clothes they wear, to the car they drive, to what they say and how they say it. Almost everything they do is advertising in one form of another. To sell themselves, to the opposite sex, friends, employers, essentially to everyone they meet. So the next time you think "why can't advertisers leave us alone", someone, somewhere might be thinking the same thing about you.

Top Ten most complained adverts of last year

I've Seen Beattie's Bits

While I was pretending to be rich in Selfridges last Saturday. I took the opportunity to see Trevor Beattie's "Holy Relics". I was a bit disappointed with the amount on show but nevertheless, what was on show was worth being shown. Amongst a few pieces was a dress worn by Marilyn Monroe, a cheque from the Wright Brothers that Beattie had folded into a paper plane in tribute, Ali's Gloves, Beatles Memorabilia and Michael Jackson's hat. It's not a distinctive one but it was his alright. I managed to take a sneaky picture before being thrown out.

He-heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Radio Workshop

Today we had a master class in script writing from Tony Hertz, who is one of few to have won a "Black D&AD" Pencil for Radio. He took us through some great radio scripts, put us to the test by writing our own scripts which he gave us great feedback and direction. Some handy tips were given on how to write great radio. But I can't give too much away otherwise how would he carry on paying his bills. If you get the chance to see him, make sure you do.

What's The Point?

This digital Billboard is near where I live. I'm quite surprised that the opportunity to try and do something a little more exciting with this medium wasn't taken. I know it's not the best of digital opportunities but for the love of god, put some love into your craft. Make something move, twirl, flash, ANYTHING. Otherwise all I'm looking at is a poster that could be a spread sheet. Mercedes could have the car in motion. BA could have the day turn to night while you wait and Vodafone could have... well never mind about Vodafone. Initially i took some video footage to post. But these photos replicate the same effect. The fact of the matter is, if you're going to foot the bill for an electronic version of your poster, one that wastes energy during the day and attracts moths at night. Get every penny's worth out of it, make it move.

Words of Wisdom

Our tutor and mentor Tony Cullingham will help you a lot on this course. His handouts are a must have, but it's his wisdom that is far more valuable. Last Friday we had a TV workshop. I learned a lot. But one piece of advice stayed with me. And I'm going to share it with you. Tony was talking to us about propositions. How it's easier to have a simple proposition, like the cheapest car, than a unique proposition. Because as creatives this gives us license to be...well creative. I'll leave you with a quote from Fridays workshop.

"It's your job as a creative to make the ordinary, extraordinary"

Tescoisation

So Tesco's is now taking on i-tunes and offering MP3 downloads. They are the new and improved version of McDonaldization, which George Ritzer wrote about many years ago. Everything he says in this book can be attributed to Tescos. All he'd have to do is draw the world in a Tesco's carrier bag and he can release a 2008 edition. What will Tesco offer us next? Tesco Holidays? Tesco Hospitals? Tesco Brothels? Remember every little helps.

Inspired or Copied?

I came across this Poster on Ads of The World. It's for Mercedes and it looks beautiful. But what exactly is it telling me? Is the feeling of being overwhelmed, being chased by gargantuan sea horses (excuse the pun). Also it seems they left out the surfers, "pint of the black stuff please barman".

Third Book In a Week

Our tutor has set up another book in a week for Karmarama. We visited the agency a while back at their old headquarters just off Oxford Street. A team from the course have already got a month placement with them. Toby & Rich, both talented and worth keeping an eye on. That's what's great about the Watford course, you can get work placements before the course has even finished.

Everyone needs a battery operated rabbit.

No not that battery operated rabbit. But Nabaztag!. This cute little rabbit acts as a speaker and more. He can read stories to your kids, deliver you the news, dance, talk, etc, etc (click here). I'm sure we will see advertisers using him soon enough to help improve their consumers lives.

"What're you looking at Bub?"

I love comics. When I was little, I used to collect Iron Man, Spiderman and of course X-men. Wolverine was my favourite character. So I had to write about this blogger. His name is Gideon Boomer from LA and he draws Wolverine, everyday. The above picture is my favourite so far. Can't wait to see more :wolverinedaily.blogspot.com

Agency Republic Beckons

So a new week and another book to be done for Friday. But good news i have a new Art Director, and so far so good. More late nights and early mornings to be had. But it will be worth it. Best case scenario we get a work placement, worst case scenario... well it's too disappointing to mention.

Another great mind lost forever

Sadly Paul Arden has passed away. I never had the pleasure of meeting the man, but I've read many of his books. In fact 2 days ago i reread "Whatever You Think, Think The Opposite". Short, simple and to the point, a must read. To find out more about the man himself click here.

Mark with a 'C'

Some of you may have seen this already. The Agency Rodgers Townsend made these videos as a Christmas card send out, about 7-8 years back. Ballsy! Try to see all 3 if you can.

1.35am And I've Finally Finished

My book in a week for Saatchi & Saatchi is done and dusted. All i have to do is hand it in tomorrow and receive the next 7 briefs for another book in a week (this time for Agency Republic). I found the week went fast but I'm happy with the amount and quality of work i did. Drawing isn't my strong point so that took time but the hardest part was choosing the best campaign strategy. Not having a partner to bounce ideas off and make decisions with isn't easy. How does JC do it? (Juan Cabral not Jesus Christ, although I'm sure some consider him to be Christ himself. Well I've never seen the two of them in the same room together, have you?

Diesel are holding a competition to design a massive poster for walls around the world. Enter here. Good Luck