I talk too much about advertising. I don't like people in advertising who only talk about advertising but my posts have all been advertising, advertising, advertising. I can't even open a post without talking about it. It's what's on my mind but it isn't what this blog was for.
It was for all the things I find creative, inspirational and wonderful on this ride through life. It was to motivate me to go explore and wander until I found things that make my heart excited. It didn't have boundaries. It wasn't for anything. It was just a document of my hunt for beauty and eccentricity.
I got off course and wandered off, much like I do in real life so I'm going to try to somehow find my way back. Write about things that interest me. Advertising interests me but so does design, music, photography, technology, philosophy... pretty much everything.
This is a declaration of intent. To expand my horizons a bit. I am somewhat trapped in London, one of the richest cultural places to be so I am going to try to soak up a bit more and find some inspiration.
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Christmas, Ads and Rock 'N' Roll
Not many people know this but I studied 'Music Placements' on television for my dissertation. The point was to determine if it was an appropriate method of promotion for music artists. However my study only looked at tv shows. It didn't look at adverts. I can't help but notice, a lot of the adverts today (literally- today) have popular music in them so, I thought it might be worth some pondering. I guess that happens when you watch as much tv as me.
Personally I think it works best when an independent, upcoming artist is used because their songs have a degree of flexibility with regard to their perception and understanding. They can be easily manipulated by the cinematography and imagery to depict a particular feeling or story.
This is my favourite at the moment. It's the new (and very early, in my opinion) christmas advert for Matalan. The spot features 'What I Wouldn't Do' by A Fine Frenzy in the background and it works so well. Its warm, it's natural and it's baked full of christmassy goodness. Alison Sudol's voice can only be described as beautiful, which only enhances the feel.
The same goes the BT 'Infinity' advert. The song in this is 'Corner' by Allie Moss. Similar music and feel.
In contrast, the ad for Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood is awful. Not just the music but the whole presentation just lacked that element of finesse that makes an advert shine. Tinie Tempah was a poor choice for it. It's a great game and good song but it doesn't fit and I think part of that is due to having a song that listeners have already heard an interpreted with their own meaning.
I personally would have used something like 'Koyaanisqatsi' by Philip Glass as it creates more of an epic atmosphere that Assassin's Creed deserves.
Personally I think it works best when an independent, upcoming artist is used because their songs have a degree of flexibility with regard to their perception and understanding. They can be easily manipulated by the cinematography and imagery to depict a particular feeling or story.
This is my favourite at the moment. It's the new (and very early, in my opinion) christmas advert for Matalan. The spot features 'What I Wouldn't Do' by A Fine Frenzy in the background and it works so well. Its warm, it's natural and it's baked full of christmassy goodness. Alison Sudol's voice can only be described as beautiful, which only enhances the feel.
The same goes the BT 'Infinity' advert. The song in this is 'Corner' by Allie Moss. Similar music and feel.
In contrast, the ad for Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood is awful. Not just the music but the whole presentation just lacked that element of finesse that makes an advert shine. Tinie Tempah was a poor choice for it. It's a great game and good song but it doesn't fit and I think part of that is due to having a song that listeners have already heard an interpreted with their own meaning.
I personally would have used something like 'Koyaanisqatsi' by Philip Glass as it creates more of an epic atmosphere that Assassin's Creed deserves.
Monday, 15 November 2010
What If Advertising Sucks?
Everyone keeps telling me advertising is great...
"It's fun"
"It's creative"
"It's the best job in the world"
... but what if it's not? What if they are full of shit? What if they are so full of shit that they can't even smell what they are shoveling? I've heard lots of numbers being thrown around, "four years", "six months", "18 months" with regard to how long it takes to get into the industry.
That's a long fucking time.
How can a job in advertising (or any job for that matter) be worth that? I done some thinking and I currently have a theory- It's not. It's not worth it at all. It's possible. If we consider how human beings rationalise their own behaviour, it's very possible. Let's say the chain of events goes as follows: man decides he wants to go into advertising, studies at college/university for a few years, applies around for jobs for several months/years (perhaps working as an intern/on a placement) and finally gets the call they've been waiting for.
Now, that job, be it amazing, average or downright awful will still be perceived to be amazing. Regardless of the experience he will be blind to any drawbacks because his ego is tied to their position and the hard work it represents. God bless repression!
It has all the makings of some twisted psychological form of employment Stockholm syndrome. Like a child with an abusive parent that convinces themselves Daddy hits them "for their own good"
I must confess, that I am new to this game and haven't suffered much at all in terms of rejection, but I've done my research. I know what to expect. I can't imagine after 12 months, much short of spectacular would be worth my while yet I still want this career, this chase. There are much easier ways to go with easier success so why go for it? Maybe, I'm just stupid. Most humans are stupid most of the time and I am human most of the time.
My alternative theory is this. I want to take a chance, take a risk. I don't care if I get destroyed! Winning all the time makes it meaningless so winning once means everything. I hate playing it safe, because ultimately, reward is proportional to the risk we take to get it. By this logic, maybe, advertising actually could be worth it. Only one way to find out though.
"It's fun"
"It's creative"
"It's the best job in the world"
... but what if it's not? What if they are full of shit? What if they are so full of shit that they can't even smell what they are shoveling? I've heard lots of numbers being thrown around, "four years", "six months", "18 months" with regard to how long it takes to get into the industry.
That's a long fucking time.
How can a job in advertising (or any job for that matter) be worth that? I done some thinking and I currently have a theory- It's not. It's not worth it at all. It's possible. If we consider how human beings rationalise their own behaviour, it's very possible. Let's say the chain of events goes as follows: man decides he wants to go into advertising, studies at college/university for a few years, applies around for jobs for several months/years (perhaps working as an intern/on a placement) and finally gets the call they've been waiting for.
Now, that job, be it amazing, average or downright awful will still be perceived to be amazing. Regardless of the experience he will be blind to any drawbacks because his ego is tied to their position and the hard work it represents. God bless repression!
It has all the makings of some twisted psychological form of employment Stockholm syndrome. Like a child with an abusive parent that convinces themselves Daddy hits them "for their own good"
I must confess, that I am new to this game and haven't suffered much at all in terms of rejection, but I've done my research. I know what to expect. I can't imagine after 12 months, much short of spectacular would be worth my while yet I still want this career, this chase. There are much easier ways to go with easier success so why go for it? Maybe, I'm just stupid. Most humans are stupid most of the time and I am human most of the time.
My alternative theory is this. I want to take a chance, take a risk. I don't care if I get destroyed! Winning all the time makes it meaningless so winning once means everything. I hate playing it safe, because ultimately, reward is proportional to the risk we take to get it. By this logic, maybe, advertising actually could be worth it. Only one way to find out though.
Thursday, 4 November 2010
London Photo Diary: Numero Uno
I should probably make more an intro for this but I think it mostly speaks for itself. I have a thing for interesting words and images (obviously!) so I've decided to start building myself a little collection, a small sample from the catalogue of life that is London City.
This is an electronic advertisement in Piccadilly Circus from McDonalds. It randomly chooses Rock, Paper and Scissors and people touring London play along with it (after staring at it in confusion for a while).
I really love words so I can't help but appreciate this is clever turn of phrase in the underground.
I went to an underground gym with a LOT of stairs with my housemate Mike. About halfway down there was this cheeky message on the wall.
The best thing ever to happen to a sheep? I'm not so sure...
Cutest, invasion, ever!
I love innocent. They are the most charming brand around at the moment I think. This says 'we love our orange juice because it tastes very, very good. But enough about that, heres a squirrel looking terrified.' How sweet!
I, I can't remember where I buried them
This is an electronic advertisement in Piccadilly Circus from McDonalds. It randomly chooses Rock, Paper and Scissors and people touring London play along with it (after staring at it in confusion for a while).
I really love words so I can't help but appreciate this is clever turn of phrase in the underground.
I went to an underground gym with a LOT of stairs with my housemate Mike. About halfway down there was this cheeky message on the wall.
The best thing ever to happen to a sheep? I'm not so sure...
Cutest, invasion, ever!
I love innocent. They are the most charming brand around at the moment I think. This says 'we love our orange juice because it tastes very, very good. But enough about that, heres a squirrel looking terrified.' How sweet!
I, I can't remember where I buried them
Finding Somewhere
'Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to from here?'
"That depends a great deal on where you want to get to," said the Cat
'I don't care much where-'
'Then it doesn't matter which way you go,' said the Cat
'- so long as I get somewhere,' Alice added as an explanation.
'Oh, you're sure to do that,' said the cat, 'if you can only walk long enough.'
I am once again delving into Wonderland but once again for a valid reason. You see, for all my research and education in marketing, advertising and communications in general I'm still not sure where I'm going. That is why I have kicked up my roots and shot down to London Town. My thinking being a lot easier to judge a landscape if you can see it. Makes sense right?
I have to say it feels good to be here. I'm filled with equal parts excitement and gut wrenching fear (Ok, maybe 40-60) but that's the healthy thing to aim for. I couldn't take sitting on the sidelines of Norfolk, watching everyone try and not give it a go myself. I went out for a few drinks last night to celebrate my new housemate's birthday (and on a sub-level, my arrival) and there was a bit of awkwardness when people asked me what I do:
Well I do advertising... well, not yet... but I want to do some... not like Mike (who does facebook ads etc)... but creative ideas and writing... and stuff... well kind of... so what do you do?
It, is, awful. I suppose the good thing from my point of view is that my overthinking mind already compared having a job I don't like but pays and being unemployed for a while until I get what I want and I stand by it's decision. Still, I have to say it will be made painful by the fact that my current social circle consists of almost exclusively economists and bankers. Still I think it will work in the long run... I think.
So from here on out, it will just be me, my boots and this road without any signposts. As I don't know where I'm going I have the luxury of being unable to take the wrong path - as long as I get somewhere.
"That depends a great deal on where you want to get to," said the Cat
'I don't care much where-'
'Then it doesn't matter which way you go,' said the Cat
'- so long as I get somewhere,' Alice added as an explanation.
'Oh, you're sure to do that,' said the cat, 'if you can only walk long enough.'
I am once again delving into Wonderland but once again for a valid reason. You see, for all my research and education in marketing, advertising and communications in general I'm still not sure where I'm going. That is why I have kicked up my roots and shot down to London Town. My thinking being a lot easier to judge a landscape if you can see it. Makes sense right?
I have to say it feels good to be here. I'm filled with equal parts excitement and gut wrenching fear (Ok, maybe 40-60) but that's the healthy thing to aim for. I couldn't take sitting on the sidelines of Norfolk, watching everyone try and not give it a go myself. I went out for a few drinks last night to celebrate my new housemate's birthday (and on a sub-level, my arrival) and there was a bit of awkwardness when people asked me what I do:
Well I do advertising... well, not yet... but I want to do some... not like Mike (who does facebook ads etc)... but creative ideas and writing... and stuff... well kind of... so what do you do?
It, is, awful. I suppose the good thing from my point of view is that my overthinking mind already compared having a job I don't like but pays and being unemployed for a while until I get what I want and I stand by it's decision. Still, I have to say it will be made painful by the fact that my current social circle consists of almost exclusively economists and bankers. Still I think it will work in the long run... I think.
So from here on out, it will just be me, my boots and this road without any signposts. As I don't know where I'm going I have the luxury of being unable to take the wrong path - as long as I get somewhere.
Tuesday, 26 October 2010
Hope
I'm big fan of storytelling, most of all, the way heroes and villains are so frequently portrayed so obviously. The good guy, usually dressed in white defeats the black evil doer and world peace follows.
Right. That's great. Good for them.
Sometimes, however, stories manipulate the truth and bad guys can be portrayed as good. I would like to expose one of these sheeps for the wolf that it is. My target is a little thing most of you have heard of called hope.
Hope is not good. It is not your friend. Hope is a wolf, and it will betray you when it starts to get hungry.
Let's use an example. Lets use Max, the cab driver from the movie 'Collateral'. For those of you of who haven't seen it, Max is a cab driver who dreams of owning his own limo company (there's a part where an assassin by the name of Tom Cruise gets in his back seat but that is irrelevant for this point). He has plans and ideas formulating in his head, talks the talk and walks... oh wait, he doesn't 'walk'.
Do you know why? I'll tell you.
Hope.
He hopes it will happen. He hopes one day his dream will come. With a pinch of irony, the hope we have for something often paralyses us against making it happen. Hope leads to fear that our dreams won't come true, or be as good. Most of the time people would rather hang on to the hope they have for something than actually try because trying means the image they have in their heads will have to be destroyed.
It's such a shame because hope is meaningless. Actions count! I understand the comfort hope can bring but unless you try to achieve what you want hope gathers more value than it deserves and becomes a hinderance.
I'm not saying this to be cruel. I'm saying it to give you the motivation to actually chase your dreams and desires. Hopefully at least (I couldn't resist!)
Right. That's great. Good for them.
Sometimes, however, stories manipulate the truth and bad guys can be portrayed as good. I would like to expose one of these sheeps for the wolf that it is. My target is a little thing most of you have heard of called hope.
Hope is not good. It is not your friend. Hope is a wolf, and it will betray you when it starts to get hungry.
Let's use an example. Lets use Max, the cab driver from the movie 'Collateral'. For those of you of who haven't seen it, Max is a cab driver who dreams of owning his own limo company (there's a part where an assassin by the name of Tom Cruise gets in his back seat but that is irrelevant for this point). He has plans and ideas formulating in his head, talks the talk and walks... oh wait, he doesn't 'walk'.
Do you know why? I'll tell you.
Hope.
He hopes it will happen. He hopes one day his dream will come. With a pinch of irony, the hope we have for something often paralyses us against making it happen. Hope leads to fear that our dreams won't come true, or be as good. Most of the time people would rather hang on to the hope they have for something than actually try because trying means the image they have in their heads will have to be destroyed.
It's such a shame because hope is meaningless. Actions count! I understand the comfort hope can bring but unless you try to achieve what you want hope gathers more value than it deserves and becomes a hinderance.
I'm not saying this to be cruel. I'm saying it to give you the motivation to actually chase your dreams and desires. Hopefully at least (I couldn't resist!)
Saturday, 16 October 2010
Heaven on Earth
Heaven and hell suppose two distinct species of men, the good and the bad.
But the greatest part of mankind float betwixt vice and virtue.
David Hume
The new trailer for Devil May Cry 5 is reigniting my love for the series. The mythology and story are so rich that it's easy to delve completely into it's world. One my favourite ideas is the outside-in view of mankind portrayed. To me, it feels like seeing the backstage area of the world.
I think that it's our downfalls and weaknesses are what make us special so, once the veil of romanticism is lifted off of mankind it's true beauty can show through.
But the greatest part of mankind float betwixt vice and virtue.
David Hume
The new trailer for Devil May Cry 5 is reigniting my love for the series. The mythology and story are so rich that it's easy to delve completely into it's world. One my favourite ideas is the outside-in view of mankind portrayed. To me, it feels like seeing the backstage area of the world.
I think that it's our downfalls and weaknesses are what make us special so, once the veil of romanticism is lifted off of mankind it's true beauty can show through.
Tuesday, 12 October 2010
Thoughts on 'The Hood'
I recently reread 'Little Red Riding Hood' and I have some thoughts.
Firstly the protagonist, Red Riding Hood. How disappointing she is and certainly not the brightest light bulb in the house if she can't tell the difference between her grandmother and a four-legged, carnivorous canine. Maybe she should be going to school instead of having picnics in the wood?
As for the wolf. Well foremost, he's a WOLF! People always seems surprised or disappointed when he tries to eat people. Why? That what wolves do. Would people be surprised to get stung by a bee or wet from the sea? No! Let's give him some kudos for taking a more sophisticated, strategy all be it not in the most flattering manner.
I do however feel sorry for Grandma, the poor, neglected old lady. I would like to point out though that the wolf getting into her house was the result of negligence on her part, be it, from leaving a window open or answering the door to a wolf so we get an idea of where Little Red gets her wits from.
I want to rectify the Lumberjack myth as well. He's not a hero. He's a murderer of the smartest wolf on record and (depending on which version of Riding Hood you subscribe to) possibly a pedophile.
Firstly the protagonist, Red Riding Hood. How disappointing she is and certainly not the brightest light bulb in the house if she can't tell the difference between her grandmother and a four-legged, carnivorous canine. Maybe she should be going to school instead of having picnics in the wood?
As for the wolf. Well foremost, he's a WOLF! People always seems surprised or disappointed when he tries to eat people. Why? That what wolves do. Would people be surprised to get stung by a bee or wet from the sea? No! Let's give him some kudos for taking a more sophisticated, strategy all be it not in the most flattering manner.
I do however feel sorry for Grandma, the poor, neglected old lady. I would like to point out though that the wolf getting into her house was the result of negligence on her part, be it, from leaving a window open or answering the door to a wolf so we get an idea of where Little Red gets her wits from.
I want to rectify the Lumberjack myth as well. He's not a hero. He's a murderer of the smartest wolf on record and (depending on which version of Riding Hood you subscribe to) possibly a pedophile.
Thursday, 7 October 2010
Here At Reading
Frankly, the lateness of this post is an outrage but I was struck by 'Reading Flu' for the week and a bit after the festival so it got put on the shelf.
This is just some clever ideas I noticed during the festival that I thought were worth sharing.
This is for 'bollocks to poverty' campaign to raise awareness. They were giving out temporary tattoos and had a photobooth, a tent with ping pong and foosball table. I like it that the charity adapted it's approach for the festival and got people interested using fun. I will believe in the power of fun over guilt when it comes to charity.
How trendy are these? They not only look cool but you can attach it to your ipod and play music out of the speakers. I'm a guy so I can't wear it but I still think that's amazingly clever.
This looks good too but that's not why it's here. Have you read it? It's quite possibly the best I have ever heard a bacon bap sound. Seeing this 'the morning after' was irresistable. Unfortunately, afterwards you realize it's still just a bacon bap.
This is just something that caught my eye. I have only seen the atticus bird upside down. I think it's some form of artistic side emerging, noticing how different things can look when you look at them from a new perspective.
Finally, how about a moment of sympathy for the poor chump who had to film from the top of this enormous crane. Poor little guy!
This is just some clever ideas I noticed during the festival that I thought were worth sharing.
This is for 'bollocks to poverty' campaign to raise awareness. They were giving out temporary tattoos and had a photobooth, a tent with ping pong and foosball table. I like it that the charity adapted it's approach for the festival and got people interested using fun. I will believe in the power of fun over guilt when it comes to charity.
How trendy are these? They not only look cool but you can attach it to your ipod and play music out of the speakers. I'm a guy so I can't wear it but I still think that's amazingly clever.
This looks good too but that's not why it's here. Have you read it? It's quite possibly the best I have ever heard a bacon bap sound. Seeing this 'the morning after' was irresistable. Unfortunately, afterwards you realize it's still just a bacon bap.
This is just something that caught my eye. I have only seen the atticus bird upside down. I think it's some form of artistic side emerging, noticing how different things can look when you look at them from a new perspective.
Finally, how about a moment of sympathy for the poor chump who had to film from the top of this enormous crane. Poor little guy!
Tuesday, 5 October 2010
Why Being A Billionaire Would Suck
Travie McCoy wants to be a billionaire (so frickin' bad) and I like to play devil's advocate. What better motivation to write a new post?
This isn't just a passing thought. This has been on my mind for a while. It's one of those random things you discuss that everyone seems to have the same opinion on- Yes I would like to be rich. Why?
My first thought is that we associate more with better, so more money means a better life. Not being a fan of groundless rationalities I would like to present some reasons why being a billionaire would suck.
1. Value
All the way down to our subconscious mind we create values for products based on what they cost. That's why when you eat food from the mini bar it tastes 'better' just because we are paying more. Continuing this line of thought, if you were a billionaire even the most expensive meal would be nothing but pocket change meaning, it would taste like a dog's back on a hot day.
2. Snobs
No-one likes them but the transformation into 'snobdom' is unavoidable like sunlight, the aging process or people putting mayonnaise in your sandwich.
3. Work
The simple truth is no billionaire works 9-5. They are either CEO of multinational corporations, in which case they work all, the, time, or, they're playboys who never really work (they may call themselves socialites). This means either
a) you never see your friends
b) you sit around all day like an old maid, staring to the horizon, waiting for your friends to finish work.
Lame.
4. Trust
Everyone has trust issues. Imagine what would happen if you had a billion reasons for someone to betray you. How would that feel? You wouldn't trust anyone. Boo Hoo. Much worse than your insecurities is the very real possibility that you are not being paranoid at all. You better believe if there was the possibility of gaining a few million dollars commission, assassins will be lining up left, right and centre to unleash their AK47 at your Armani covered ass.
5. No Restrictions
Not completely unrelated to the first point I suppose but from the other side. We love chocolate because we can't have it. Cigarettes are desirable (to some (other) people) because they are wrong. We love things that are stupid and ultimately lead to our demise. BIllionaires have no such area. Want to raft down a waterfall of Mediterranean budgies? Easy. Want a playstation 3 that cooks your breakfast with lasers? It is made. There are no limits and with that comes a world with no desire.
So there you have it. A few select reasonings why you are better the way you are. So please, next time you drool over the thought of super wealth, remember how lucky you are to be a broke loser nobody wants to be.
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