DJ Reggie is Back

DJ Reggie, Ryan Adams's Hip Hop Alter Ego, has released another free album - check it out motherfuckers!

Hip-Hopbreaker by DJ Reggie

Sick Again :(

My immune system hates me.
I'm pretty sure I actually heard it call me a cunt this morning.
Whatever, immune system - Screw You!!

Ryan Adams = Genius

In a world of polished, packaged bullshit, Ryan Adams and his band the Cardinals are single-handedly keeping me excited about music. Not only is Mr Adams the best songwriter of the last decade BAR NONE with no less than 10 studio albums in 8 years, he is also a bit of an internet legend, recording dozens of webcam videos and short films from his home in New York and making them available for people like me to enjoy.

The man is a genius - a mad, tortured, emotional genius - and we all know they're the best kind. Do yourself a favour - go and buy his 2000 debut album Heartbreaker RIGHT NOW and then spend the rest of your weekend watching the hours of footage he's dumped on youtube. Unless you are deaf, heartless, or have zero musical taste, you won't regret it.

Here's a pick of my favourite clips to get you started:

Wilson and Barnubus Present 'Crossed-Out Name'

Shopping is Genius

My Life is Nuts

Halloweenhead

RA Interns at Blackbook

I Want One of Those

I haven't changed my phone for the last three years. Haven't seen the point really. It can make calls and take pictures and videos albeit not very good ones. But stick Bruce Lee onto a phone and it's time to get a new one. Unfortunately it's only available in Hong Kong and would cost around $1,200.

So i can't have the phone, but at least the advertising in my eyes is very good. This is one video I will definitely pass on. Reminds me a little of Rooney and the coke can, except this is better and has a great sonic sting at the end.

We've All Been There.

This is an ad made a long time ago in a galaxy far far away. Well about 2-3 years back in Southgate, Enfield.

Two Wise Men Come Bearing Gifts

There was a time when Christmas fell in December - late December in fact – but those days are gone. Christmas now starts sometime shortly after summer, building momentum through September and October, and reaching full in-your-face-please-make-it-stop status in November. So, given that we’re almost halfway through the penultimate month of 2008 we decided to throw our own nonsense into the mountain of Christmas crap by letting you all download some Christmas cards we made – FOR FREE!

Simply choose your favourite card and click on the link below to download the file from ImageShack. Then print, fold along the guidelines, personalise it with a message and give it to that special someone. Enjoy!

Choose from:
Lonely
Grumpy
Rocker

Who Needs A Brush

You may have heard of speed painting. It's basically using Photoshop as your canvas and creating an image thats looks like it's been painted, filming the process, speeding it up and slapping it on youtube. Well there are many so called speed painters around. But this guy is the master. His name is Nico Di Mattia. Check him out.

Get Em Hooked Then Reel Em In

Oasis have collaborated with BBH New York, to find an unusual way to launch their latest Album. The principle is simple. Get buskers to sing the Oasis tracks live before the band releases the album.

This idea has been pushed further by releasing lyrics and notations to a few songs off the album, so fans can record their own versions of the songs. Then with the aid of the ever popular Youtube, each video can be viewed and voted. The best versions will win some mouth watering prizes whether you're a fan or not.

Here is my housemates version. So do us a favour and have a look and vote. Nice one bruv.

That's Mr Diagonal To You

Saturday's Guardian had an article on "Breaking into Advertising", which describes the IPA's new test to see if you are suited for the world of drumming Gorillas and talking sticks of meat. Well as a copywriter (on placement) and curious individual I took the test. And my results? Well i scored 79 for the lateral part, but forgot to jot down the linear result. Nevertheless the concluding overall result was...High?

This apparently means I'm a high lateral and logical thinker, making me a diagonal thinker. It also means I'm suitable for the world of Advertising. Well I didn't need a test to tell me that. And, had the result been lower, I still wouldn't be deterred. It's what I want to do and no test is going to influence me. Especially one that hands out a certificate after completion of a forty minute assessement, in which you are responsible for marking the second half.

But if you have a spare 40 mins, why not try it out for yourselves. You get a nice piece of paper with your name on it and everything.
Click Here

Deja Vu?

Have you seen the recent adverts for Yell.com? Well I think the creatives at Mother have been browsing the archives. Because this is simply a remake of the Argos adverts that starred Richard E. Grant as a highly demanding Rock Star, with a helpful P.A. using an even more helpful Argos catalogue to meet all of his ridiculous demands.

Yell does have some slight nuances. Instead of a funny dated rock star, played by an actual star, we have a posh nancy boy who is irritating in every way. And the Argos catalogue has been modernised to a laptop.

Has it really come to this, a lack of ideas leading to regurgitation?

Good Use Of Old Porn

Check out this viral for Diesel's 30th party bash, excuse the pun. They must have had a lot of fun working on this. Genius.

A Day In The Office

So here I write, surrounded by a sea of A4 and A3 sized paper. Headlines, sentences, words, all ideas, all lost. Just a graveyard of thoughts and me, sat in the middle. Staring into a blank page, waiting for something to happen. Sometimes it does and most of the time it doesn't. But somehow I always manage to get it done on time.

Ah what a life.

Lazy and Boring

Red bull, such an exciting brand. Air races,art exhibitions, musical remix websites, the list goes on. So why the hell did they sign off, such a boring poster. Look at it. It's basically the brief mac'd up. A real opportunity has been lost to do something innovative and cool, just like the product itself. And what really grates me is that any self respecting copywriter spending longer than ten seconds on this poster, would have changed the end line from "Strong & Natural" to "Naturally Strong", it sounds more natural, therefore is naturally stronger.

The Older The Better

Last night my ears were fucked by Metallica. They played a mixture of classic oldies and soon to be classic newies. I loved every moment. I wanted my ears to bleed, but they did not. The 02 arena some how lacked the punch of the mighty riffs from Kirk's and Jame's guitars. But nevertheless, it was a truly special night, where all ages came together from 11 year olds, to 27 year olds, to 57 year olds. And the one thing i learnt last night is; no matter how old you are, playing air guitar while simutaneously going into an epleptic fit is never acceptable. Unless you're listening to Metallica of course.

Are they back? You're damn fucking right they are!

Facebook Sold Out?

I'm sure you, yes you, are aware that Facebook is changing it's user face template. I'm still hanging on there with the old Facebook. Its cleaner, simpler and less intrusive. But due to Facebook's need to please advertisers and make a profit, the people who really count (that's you and me by the way) are getting shunted.

It's a shame, because Facebook was one of the best sites to be used for people to interact with other people, without the interference or anal probing of advertisers.

First Google, now Facebook. Will there be anywhere on the net that people will be free from ads or advertising related content?

By the way have you seen my new clock to the right of the page. Pretty don't you think?

The Cyberspace Grave Yard

The Internet, the final frontier?

Seems these days campaigns come with a pre-bolted ".com". Do brands really need these websites? What value do they add? And how does one advertise the site rather than slapping the URL at the bottom of any poster?

I spend a fair time on the net, and I've never, out of my own free will, gone to the homepage of Branston pickles or Lurpack. Why would i? Why would anyone with a life do so? Nobody in the middle of stalking an ex girlfriend on facebook and scouring ebay for a date, will ever take a time out to explore the world of the brownest and tangiest pickle.

Now give me a reason to visit, something I can engage with, something that improves my life and I'm there.

But what happens to these sites once they have served their purpose? Will they be buried like an Egyptian relic, only to be discovered in 100 years time by our descendants?

Maybe if more thought went into a brand's homepage that goes into their campaigns, the Internet wouldn't feel like a giant reservoir with one or two fish, a few supermarket trolleys and a shit load of floaters (no pun intended).

Ambient. At Your Own Risk

In today's society the streets seem to be too dangerous to walk let alone advertise in. So if you're going to pull some kind of stunt that involves a person with nothing better to do to than get paid to be a chicken (for arguments sake), they better be carrying more than just a message.

The youth of today would kick your brands arse all over town and you don't want your brand looking like a pussy. Even I can confess to bundling MR WIMPY as he came out of his changing room (the male toilets) and into the restaurant to surprise the kids...and i was three! He never saw it coming.

So when it come to stunts a well thought out idea is a must, but an escape plan is a necessity.

Pick Of "What I Have Seen And Thought Was Really Really Really Good So Will Now Share It With You" No.6

Found this over on The Worlds Best Ever. I've become a bit of fan to stop motion animation. Especially after CHI's ad for the Yellow Storage Company. So much time, effort and patience goes into getting the best result, and bloody hell does it show. PES are also responsible for some of the stop motion for many TV adverts out at the moment.

Can't Draw Won't Draw

There comes a time when to "try and try again" should be "face it, you're shit, give up". Not to everything in life but definitely certain areas. Like drawing. I can't draw to save my life. I have tried to give it a go, even bought books on lighting and shading. But at the end of the day I'm trying to climb a mountain wearing roller skates.

It's so much easier to find someone that can do it for you. Creatives all the time commission illustrators and cartoonists to execute their ideas.

Because I can't draw doesn't mean I cant respect and appreciate others that can. That's why I have posted two pictures from Frank Frazetta. If you don't know about the guy or his work you're in for a treat. His range of styles and techniques, blew me away when I was a teenager and happened to stumble on trading cards of his work. I have his second edition of cards framed on my wall at home.

This guy was one of the true greats with a pen, pencil, or brush in his hand.

And Another Tree Weeps A Tear

Yesterday I was strolling the streets in search for my hoe, it seems to have gone missing from my garden you see. Anyway I was handed yet another free magazine going by the name of Dare. More of a chick mag than anything else, it got me thinking. With the amount of free papers and magazines out there jostling for your attention against the traditional papers and magazines. How, as an advertiser do you decide where you should place your highly crafted poster? All of them? Just one of them? Which one?

As the free sheets go 'Short List' has my vote. Definitely the best free sheet out there. In fact, if they charged for it, i would probably fork out the money for it, but don't tell them that.

Through Destruction Comes Creation

See what happens when we destroy the earth through our gas guzzling cars and our dual Lynx sprays. We make it better, more creative and aesthetically pleasing. So help destroy the world so we can have more creative concepts like this.

I'm doing my bit. I'm sleeping with my light on. What will you do to help?

Is It A Brick, Is It A Weight. No It's A Book.

After exploring every crevice of my sofa, hassling my Bank Manager, Mother, Brothers and Mates for money, and finally selling my ass to needy workers in the square mile. I managed to save enough to buy the Kessles Kramer 2 kilo book (and it was on sale).

But I'm happy with my purchase, as it has shed some light on a very enigmatic Agency whose homepage leaves me a little bemused.

The decade of work will take you some time to get through. Which is handy as they city boys left me in a right state. After you've finished reading it, it serves as a great dumb bell or murder weapon.

Conclusion, get yourself down to the square mile ask for Roger, close your eyes and start saving.

Pick Of "What I Have Seen And Thought Was Really Really Really Good So Will Now Share It With You" No.5

This is bloody funny. Not more to say really.


Previous Posts:
Pick Of "What I Have Seen And Thought Was Really Really Really Good So Will Now Share It With You" No.1
Pick Of "What I Have Seen And Thought Was Really Really Really Good So Will Now Share It With You" No.2
Pick Of "What I Have Seen And Thought Was Really Really Really Good So Will Now Share It With You" No.3
Pick Of "What I Have Seen And Thought Was Really Really Really Good So Will Now Share It With You" No.4

Use A Monkey And You Can't Fail

This is airing tonight at 7.30pm BBC1. I'm super Jealous of the Creatives at Y&R as they got to collaborate with Jamie Hewlett, who i am a fan of and love what he has done with Monkey. If you get to see some of his artwork from the theatre production, do so.

BBC: Journey to the East
Issue: 110 Contender
Agency: RKCR/Y&R
Creative Director: Damon Collins
Creative: Paul Angus; Ted Heath
Director: Jamie Hewlett
Production: Passion Pictures; Red Bee Media; Zombie Flesh Eaters
Producer: Cara Speller; Deborah Stewart
Music: Composed & produced by Damon Albarn
Brand: BBC

Brief And A Pint Please.

I was in Swansea this weekend and stumbled across this little pub. It got me thinking how many other agencies share their names with pubs or clubs? Is there a "Weapon 7" hanger in America? A small "Santo" bar in Europe? Or a little dessert shop in the UK called "Cake"?

Have you seen any? If so I'd love to hear about them, so take a pic and get in touch.

Tanvertising. More Like Bollox

So according to this week's campaign 'Tanvertising' is the new craze in advertising. Um me thinks not. Have people forgotten we live in London. Yes that's right the place where the sun only shines out of smug people's arses.

To advertise via a sun tan would be the worst way to get you brand seen. We have like 355 days of rain. And everyone who has a tan, automatically becomes a twat to those without one.

Digital people that's the way froward, even if half the population like my mother can't even turn on a laptop. The future's bright, the future's digital (what...if Orange doesn't want it, I'll have it).

Right I'm off to finish my replica build of Noah's Ark, it looks like it's going to rain.

Pick Of "What I Have Seen And Thought Was Really Really Really Good So Will Now Share It With You" No.4

I've chosen a poster this time from TBWA. Extremely simple and bold. It shows the confidence the brand has by relying on their "3 stripe" design, rather than their name.

The three stripes as the opening ribbon is a great solution to this brief, as the client must have wanted a logo somewhere on this poster.

Like it.

Previous Posts:
Pick Of "What I Have Seen And Thought Was Really Really Really Good So Will Now Share It With You" No.1
Pick Of "What I Have Seen And Thought Was Really Really Really Good So Will Now Share It With You" No.2
Pick Of "What I Have Seen And Thought Was Really Really Really Good So Will Now Share It With You" No.3

Hide and Seek

So CBS are promoting their new 'XTP' (Cross track projection) screens.

And when you're a company whose expertise lies in "providing advertising solutions for clients looking to reach consumers on the move" and "to be effective for driving sales, increasing footfall, and raising awareness for a wide range of clients, products and businesses". Naturally you would use yourself to advertise yourself.

I mean what better way to show potential clients how good you are by advertising your own services through the services you offer.

So I'm a bit surprised that at my station (Manor House) there are approximately 6-7 posters all the same and positioned in the worst of places. For example, just at the top of the escalator before the barrier. I took a moment to watch 10-20 people heads down like a Spanish bull charging a Matador, heading straight towards the gates.

Furthermore the posters they have used are copy lead, accompanied by a purple background with that ever original shot of a pair of sun glasses. Why sun glasses? Are the projection screens brighter than the sun? Will our eye balls melt?

If anything i think commuters will only know about 'XTP' when they accidentally look at a poster and their eyeballs burst. Hey, couldn't that be the next Specsavers ad?

Picture it; a commuter on his knees in agony, clutching what once were his deepest blues. Voice over "Should have gone to Specsavers".

No Más Trajes

El curso ha terminado y yo a españa para hacer un ciervo. Por lo tanto, no será hasta el día de Hoy miércoles. Catch a todos más tarde.

The course has finished and i'm off to spain for a stag do. So won't be blogging till Wednesday. Catch everyone later.

Ps. I'm sure the above spanish is totally wrong.

Bloody Smashing

I've just recently read Sam Delaney's book "Get Smashed". It's a detailed synopsis of the advertising industry, when Creatives were Gods and a seemingly never ending flow of champagne was at hand.

There are some great little anecdotes and laugh out moments. Especially the notorious rumour of a certain CD's response when offered a Blow Job in the agency lifts.

But I did feel a little let down by Delaney himself. With his witty remarks and humour stamped across previous works, this book felt a little flat. I found the parts written by Delaney merely a running commentary of the days gone by. They lack his personal stance on certain individuals and the industry at the time as a whole.

The book is saved however by the hilarious vignettes of pissed up creatives getting their way (well almost).

Pick Of "What I Have Seen And Thought Was Really Really Really Good So Will Now Share It With You" No.3

Euro 200-and-GR8. I've loved the tournament this year. Spain won last night and since I'm a Liverpool fan I'm happy for Torres and Alonso. So in honour of their win i picked this advert for Nike for my top pick this week. Not to sure of the endline but a neatly shot advert in tune with the zeitgeist.

Watch it here

Previous Posts:
Pick Of "What I Have Seen And Thought Was Really Really Really Good So Will Now Share It With You" No.1
Pick Of "What I Have Seen And Thought Was Really Really Really Good So Will Now Share It With You" No.2

There Will Be Blood And It Won't Be Mine

Yesterday I went to the New Blood Exhibition. Full of anticipation, excitement and a little anxiety. After all this is the place where the next best advertising creatives are to be spotted. So it would be quite daunting to see who's the competition.

After 2 hrs of trawling through long copy and busy pages, I'm safe in the knowledge that I'm going to be ok. Don't get me wrong I'm no creative genius nor do I have the experience of a work placement under my belt. But I was surprised by the poor quality of work on show from the advertising colleges.

Everything was beautifully photoshopped and a lot of love and attention went into the books. But where was the idea. I saw no great truths or insights, it was just contrived and small ideas. In fact, some work, I swear had been done already.

The only thing that saved the day being a complete waste of time was some of the illustration and design colleges. Great craft and vision was on display with some neat little designs ideas.

I'm quite relieved at the fact it was poor, but also disappointed. I wanted to see work that made me think "shit on a stick, wish I'd done that" but I was left with just one thought "Shit".

Thin Is The New In

So the world has gone anti-obesity crazy. Just the other day I read that Japan's Government is bringing in "Fat Laws" to help the nations bellies stay under 85 cms (shit we'd all be fucked here).

I've lived in Japan and apart from the sumos who are celebrities in their own right let alone weight. The people of Japan do not need to size down, if anything they need to bulk up.

What has all this got to do with the above picture? Well here's my super tenuous link to. Remember 'Monster in my pocket'? Well now they come in a business card size. Seems that even in the fantasy world of Monsters, where their looks would be the biggest concern, weight is still an issue.

I'm so depressed I'm off to eat a donut.

Pick Of "What I Have Seen And Thought Was Really Really Really Good So Will Now Share It With You" No.2

Came across this ad. It stood out so that must be a good thing. A nice take on children's fear of the dark, done with humour in replace for scare tactics. Details below.

TITLE: "Sylvania Light Bulbs", BRAND: Sylvania, AGENCY: JEH United Ltd

Previous Posts:
Pick Of "What I Have Seen And Thought Was Really Really Really Good So Will Now Share It With You" No.1

Which Came First. Wallce Or The Ad?

Last week Danny Wallace wrote an article in Shortlist, branding Ad Men as lazy. Really? Creatives lazy? Well in recent weeks it seems he may have a point.

Agencies aren't doing themselves any favours nor are they propelling themselves to the forefront of creativity by impersonating God and resurrecting their dead campaigns.

Even more damning is his claim that Creatives are ripping off his ideas. On this point I have to agree with Mr Wallace based on evidence I found using techniques to rival that of Colombo (don't you just love the Internet).

Wallace is the author of the book 'Yes Man' which was first published 2005.The book follows a period in Wallace's life, in which he says yes to almost everything he is offered and how this has a profound affect on his life. In that same year an advert was produced for Virgin Credit Card. Strategy... "Life gets better when you say yes".

Hmmmmmmmmmm. Coincidence?

Pick Of "What I Have Seen And Thought Was Really Really Really Good So Will Now Share It With You" No.1

So it's Friday and I think I'm going to start a pick of the week. So here's my first pick. It's from W&K. There are a few adverts out at the moment that are slicing and mixing up perfect food for our eyes and ears, such as DDB'S 'Enjoy The Everyday" for Volkswagen. But I especially like W&K's effort for Nokia. All shots were taken from the phone and placed together to make one continuous free flowing script, quite like my title.

How To Piss Off Graffiti Artists

This piece of work just goes to show that you don't need a big budget to get a great result. Just a lot of determination, creativity, time, a shit load of paint and one gargantuan ladder. I wonder if they paint rooms?

Channel 4 Leads The Way...

...everyone else just follows.

We all know the excellent work 4 Creative does for dispatches and it's home programs, such as skins.

Also the recent Honda spot 'Jump' has been credited more so to 4 Creative than WnK. So it would be seriously stupid to try and imitate any of their work.

But recently I have been seeing Television ads that are exactly like the celebrity spots Channel 4 did way back last year. Sky+'s attempt with so called celebrities such as 'Ross Kemp' telling me that I can't live without Sky. Funnily enough, I can and I do.

Also the BBC has jumped onto the imitation bandwagon with the same format for 'The Culture Show". Is this what my TV License is going to? The work from the BBC has made me feel a lot better for all those years I supposedly "lived without Tele".

So the moral of this rant? Don't imitate, and if you do? Make sure it's bloody better than what you're copying.

I've Been Slack

I haven't blogged as much as I'd have liked to recently. This is because we have been given another book to do in a week for Y&R. So that's taken most of my time. Also it was my birthday on Thursday. But I was sat at the computer doing work. No rest for the unemployed eh?

Indiana Jones and The Plastic Skull of Shit

I recently watched the new Indiana Jones film (although I wished I hadn't) . If you haven't seen it yet, you're the luckiest person I know. I'm not going to go into too much detail but lets just say a lot of CGI and poor dialogue means it'll never live up to its three predecessors. It falls into "Rocky Five" territory. This means I refuse to acknowledge its existence.

In fact, its so bad it has resulted in one fan starting a blog just to vent his anger at George Lucas.
Click Here - warning: it has spoilers in his rant.

The only thing I liked about it was the short film before hand which I posted about earlier this month. Thank God for Mini Clubman & Future Shorts

Martial Arts Advertising

Recently on the course we have been looking at directors reels. I came across Rocky Morton's reel and this advert he shot. I love anything to do with martial arts so i found this ad funny as.

This little Kung Fu parody made we wonder what other ads used traditional martial arts to convey a modern message. Here are some I found below.

Apprentice Turns Avertising Agency

This week saw the Apprentice candidates become creatives for Ogilvy. They had to design a new brand and market it. The product... Tissues. The above is the winning advert. Many people are confused as to why this advert won. It looks cheap, tacky, blatant product placement and is generally shit. But that's exactly why it won.

I too thought Alan Sugar had got it wrong. He scathed Raef's team for not showing the product, not knowing what the advert was for and again not showing the product. What would have been the outcome, if they had set a chocolate bar and the result had been a drumming Gorilla?

Gorilla breaks all the rules of standard advertising. But it's allowed to. Dairy Milk is a well established brand that can afford not to show their product. "Atishu" and "I love my Tissue" do not have that luxury.

In today’s market you must please the client, stand out from the rest and be memorable. Atishu is so bad, but you remember it. Just like Michael Winner's Esure advert, the confused.com advert and Michael Barry's Cilit Bang. All shit, but memorable.

I must admit I preferred Raef's campaign. It was the lesser evil of the two. But I was judging it from a creative point of view, not the clients. And this is where the danger lies. When doing a campaign, we must not get carried away with wanting to make mini movies. It's the client’s money at the end of the day not your little "film project".

What do you think? Did the right campaign win? What would you have done in two days?

Cinema Treat

I saw Iron Man on Sunday. A must if you collected the comics like I did. Before the film started, i was treated to a short by Future Shorts in association with the new Mini Clubman. "Neighbor" is one of three films previewing before a number of films on the big screen for the next few weeks. It was funny, and entertaining with a warm reception from the usually cold audience.
So if Iron Man or Indiana doesn't do it for you, maybe the short film beforehand will.

How To Judge Cannes Lions 2008

Craig Davis, Chief Creative Officer, JWT Worldwide, gives tips on how to judge at Cannes. I love the part where he sums up whether to award Bronze, Silver or Gold. Simply as "if you feel envy, that's bronze. Jealousy that's silver and humility is gold". See it here

Is This Ad Here To Amuse You?

Can't believe the client bought this. Praise goes to them for having the nerve to say yes, and the agency for having the balls to pitch it. This would have better suited Good Fellas Pizza. But they didn't have the "fucking balls" to do it. See the rest of the family here

To Entertain or Communicate that is the Question.

There are two schools of thought. The first is that advertising must communicate a message first and utmost. Once that has been done you may communicate in an entertaining way. Such are the ways of Bernbach and Trott.

But times are changing and we are seeing a shift gravitate towards giving the consumer more than just information. "What's in it for the consumer" is the question you must ask when doing any campaign. From digital sites allowing consumers to dictate what happens (Diesel) to Nike + (personal trainers built into a shoe). Something more than just communication must be given.

If you look at Cabral's "Gorilla" spot, the message (if there even is one), is buried deep behind the entertaining drumming gorilla. The biggest sign of entertainment first, communication later, is "Somers Town". A film directed by Sean Meadows but written by the creatives at Mother for Eurostar (who isn't even one of their clients...yet).

There's no questioning that it's a piece of entertainment. No train prices or timetables just a story told through the eyes of a child. A story that Eurostar has commissioned.

So you need to ask yourself, in today’s new world where consumers want more from a brand, what will you give them?

There are always casualties in war. Watford is no different. This post is for our fallen comrades, who have suffered whilst serving their tour at Watford.

Max was our first casualty. We haven't seen or heard from him since week 3 of the course. Sightings have been reported in Marrakesh, Iran and Paris.

Rich was assaulted by a flying football. He acquired a broken wrist but more importantly the name "Mr Glass". But he did save the ball from going in.

Clem suffered "Stress Rash" on both his hands from working late nights to complete a book in a week. So that's what they're calling it these day.

Thom's lip swelled and his legs turned blue. He was admitted to the A&E at North Berwick hospital outside Edinburgh and given an anti-histamine shot. He puts this down to the "Pre-Easter drubbing" he got, from who is unknown.

Nick had a pain in his heart, luckily it wasn't a heart attack but stress related heartburn. Personally i think it was the dodgey kebab he had consumed. And for the record he really does have a pillow for a head.

Any other unsung heroes will be added and this post reposted.

Poster Graffiti?

This poster has appeared on a bill board near to my humble abode. The message is simple, a "never ending" scenario that Gaza faces. But is it an advert or is there a poster Banksy out there?. The only copy are the words "Gaza Strip". Has anyone else seen anything like this around town within the last week? If so let me know.

Tomek Baginski

My friend from the course introduced me to the works of Tomek Baginski, a Polish artist and animator, best known for his Oscar-nominated short movie, "The Cathedral" (2002). For his newest short, "Fallen Art" (2004), he received aBAFTA Award for Best Short Animation and Grand Prix for Digital Shorts at Golden Horse Film Festival. Enjoy.

Need Inspiration? Just Go For A Walk.

So when i get mind block, i like to go for a walk in central London. There is so much to see and its all free!
Michael Wolf's Display at Libertys and the VA China Design show (you have to pay at the VA)

Wokmedia "Made In China" Display. Was cute and dark at the same time

Gajin Fujita's work is a mix of old style Japanese portraits, mixed with Western Graffiti.
Walk around London enough and you will see things you never really noticed.

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

Prada or Pans Labyrinth?

A beautifully animated piece here from Prada. Starts off well then takes on a surreal tone, almost as if Del Toro had directed it himself. Unfortunately it is spoilt with a logo placement before the end of the piece. Nevertheless something that would standout should it run. Watch here.

May 10th 2008

This is a great idea that conquers language barriers and brings people closer together through film. A missed opportunity for the wannabe directors out there, but nevertheless still worth having a look come May 10th 2008. Check out the site here www.pangeaday.org .

There's A New Hero In Town

So the agency Mother is releasing a graphic novel ("Four Feet From A Rat", available in Time Out Magazine). I can't deny i'm somewhat jealous, but also dismayed. My flat mate and I were also going to release a graphic novel...well, actually a comic book. Just a one off for a laugh really. We have got the character down and the 1st page. Its just about finding the time to get it finished. Let us know what you think. And we'll keep ya posted with our developments.

Illustrations by Matt Fitch.

Can One Man Really Make A Difference?

So i told you about the book in a week. Should be a breeze i said. Well my art director wants to split up. So looks like I'm going "Han Solo" on this one. There are plenty of creatives who have made it on their own. But in saying that, I'm planning to be single for only a little while. So if anyone needs a copywriter let me know.

The Universe Was Created In Seven Days

So our tutor has arranged for us to do a book (7 campaigns fully executed) in a week and hand it into Saatchi for a possible work placement. God made the universe in 6 days and rested on the 7th. Surely this will be a breeze? We get the briefs this Friday, wish me luck.

A Poster Made From Paper, How 20th Century!

One word that's on the lips of every client today is "Digital". Now as I'm still at Watford, i need to know where this is headed. Will every agency above and below the line expect digital in my book?

The constant headlines in Campaign, notifying us of another agency bringing in a Creative Director with digital background to run the ship, would indicate yes.

But i have a problem with this. The course has visited at least 5 digital agencies, all very good, all producing very good work. But most of the class hadn't even seen their work. And we look for this kind of stuff everyday. So how will the public come across this work, when most of the time they're signing up to another "Bring Back Wispa" campaign, via facebook?

Word of mouth is vital in this medium to get your work seen. But lets face it, when's the last time you visited a microsite because your mate told you to?

Agency Crits

The Watford course is a must for anyone who wants to get into the advertising world as a creative. Not to say that it cannot be done otherwise, but it's a great foundation to build up your book and networks. Not to mention finding a partner and making new friends, who one day you could be working for.

Agency Crits are another advantage. We have met so many teams from so many agencies in such a short time. Wieden + Kennedy London was amongst the courses favourites. The above photo was taken by Darren + Lucy (who are an excellent team, see them if you get the chance).

Skittles is back

TBWA, USA, has released another addition to to the American Skittles campaign "Taste The Rainbow". Pinata follows closely to "Beard" and "Touch", where a character has been developed to portray the skittles message (not actual sure there is a message, but damn funny). This new character could easily have his own show like Frasier (see the resemblance) .

Executive Creative Director- Gerry Graf

Group Creative Director- Ian Reichenthal
Group Creative Director- Scott Vitrone
Art Director- Craig Allen
Copy Writer- Eric Kallman
Senior Producer- Nathy Aviram
Assistant Producer – Laura Rosenshine

The Wait Is Over

No matter if you were born in a stable or on a ship carrying human cargo. Everyone has played Street Fighter. Check out the animation and art work for the new Street Fighter 4 Game. Watch the trailer here.

A Virgin No More.

This is my first posting, so it seems appropriate to talk about "Mad Men" on tonight's BBC4. I have already had the pleasure of seeing the first episode thanks to the Internet. And I must say I wasn't disappointed. The opening credits are reminiscent to the same animation used in Casino Royale, and Don Draper is just as charismatic as Bond himself.

Set in the 1960s, the show represents the heyday of American advertising of a halcyon era. There's not a Mac in sight and if you asked for Photoshop you would probably be sent to the Kodak store down the road.

It really does look like Ad Men of that period lived the high life, with their fancy cars, high salaries, incestuous work relationships and boozing till the early hours of the morning. Has the industry really changed that much?