In a Waverly World...

Well, if I had my way I would live in a Waverly World. This campaign has been around for a while but each new ad always makes me chuckle. Every inch of the world should be so beautiful. Thanks, Waverly, for the inspiration.

What inspires you?

What inspires me? Re-branding, typography and pattern design all in one ad is kind of hard for me to resist. This ad in Fast Company actually splits the magazine in half, turning the orientation upside down in either direction. (Well, you have to see it to know what I mean, but it is a cool media buy if you like that kind of stuff, which I do!) The advertiser: Lincoln Motor Company. (Hmm, sounds familiar, do I know them?)

Refreshing, irreverent & playful Jonathan Adler

Me having fun

close up of shower curtains

 

 

One of the high points of my family visit to NYC was stumbling upon the Jonathan Adler store in SOHO. While the rest of the gang loitered out on the street, I wandered through the den of original design, chic decor, and pure playfulness that is Jonathan Adler. This guy does not take it all too seriously, which is what attracts me to his design. Even the sales help has a little fun. Chas let me set up a photo shoot on his wrapping table. And he even surprised me by gift wrapping one of the mugs I purchased even though he knew it was "from me to me". 

Always loved Jonathan's design, and after getting the full treatment of his brand ID, love him even more. It isn't brain surgery, so why not have some fun? My favorite line is "your 24-hour pot dealer".

Power to the She

Athleta has a new campaign that I love. They put their mission statement right out there in the ad. I love it. And the tagline: Power to the She.

Transmoflection. Vancouver 2010 Graphic Identity.

Transmoflection. Transformation, fusion, motion, reflection, connection....these are the words used to describe the essence of the Vancouver 2010 Graphic Identity. I have been enjoying the backdrops at the events, the green, blue shapes, swirls and textures that are the core graphics and a visual part of each event. The process they used to get there seems intuitive, yet smart. I love the end result. Very unified. Strong identity, which of course is the point, but not something that has stood out to me in past Olympics.
Watch the design team talk about how they got there.

Kleenex: Making the world a more beautiful place, one tissue box at a time.

Folks, I know it's just a box of tissues, but is there any reason why it can't be attractive, as well? I applaud Kleenex® Brand Tissues for raising the industry standard, with new shapes, surface pattern designs, eye-catching merchandising. Being a leader in any category means finding or creating the opportunities to stand out. I am glad to see Kleenex step up.

As a consumer, choosing between faded pink roses and the above design is no contest. I would love to see this green pattern design used in a fabric, maybe a throw-pillow, or a purse? I will settle for seeing it on my desktop.


(BTW, not sure, but I think most of these designs are exclusive to Target. Stopped by Walmart and saw nothing like these)

Going to the dentist can be fun.

Ok, well, maybe not in every instance. I just completed a corporate ID and website for a dental practice, that believes in a more holistic approach to dentistry. Their offering includes a combination of advanced technology and a caring environment.
Developing a brand image, new name, logo and tagline was a challenge I enjoyed. I have learned that you just never know which projects are going to end up being the ones you love until you dig into them.

To see the final corporate ID/website (or to find a great dentist) you can visit www.aernidental.com

Letter to Target:

Dear Target Stores:

Please don't abandon me, not at a time like this, when I need you most. Yes, I am watching my spending, like the rest of America. I also still need to make certain purchases. And one of the guilt-free pleasures I get is from "expecting more" while I "pay less". Don't take that away from me.

I see from your ads that you feel the need to push price, and I understand. Just don't forget why I love you. Maybe some folks will choose another mass merchant retailer for supposedly lower prices, but your core customer still wants to feel current, on-trend, and inspired while they buy their shampoo.

How else can I say this without being blunt, "Please don't turn into Walmart." If you do, I might not be able to see a difference between the two of you, and I might start doing my shopping there, and once that happens, who knows if I'll come back.

So don't abandon me, and I won't abandon you. We need to stick together in these tough times. I have faith you will do the right thing.

Sincerely,
A true "Expect More, Pay Less" believer

http://www.target.com