Mills Chronicles

Future of Financial Services

2011-09-28T12:42:00.003-07:00

Hi Readers. This may seem like an odd one... because it is. Its a link to my trends work for my foresighting class. I needed my QR code to go somewhere.... yes QR code. Who'd of thunk?
http://www.thecurrencyofthefuture.com/The_Currency_Of_The_Future_video.html

http://holykaw.alltop.com/how-brands-reward-loyalty-infographic

http://castroller.com/Podcasts/Spark/2363173

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2010/09/27/cellphone-wireless-mobile-money-transfer-m-pesa.html

http://www.google.com/wallet/

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/rogers-sets-sights-on-banking-business/article2155009/

http://www.microlending.ca/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/e-a-hanks/is-micro-lending-the-futu_b_75700.html
tp://www.microcreditsummit.org/papers/Plenaries/Latifee.pdf

http://www.kurtosys.com/blog/?p=697

http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/john-lichfield/john-lichfield-sarkozys-happiness-index-is-worth-taking-seriously-1790323.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/jul/25/happiness-index-government-policy

Http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gross_national_happiness

http://www.scotiacapital.com/English/bns_econ/forecast.pdf

http://www.morganstanley.com/views/gef/

Celebrate achievement!

2011-08-21T15:42:00.000-07:00

I am no world champion... but I feel as though I have been training for a life time to finish this freakin' independent study and its done.
It will be posted soon.

Celebrate!

Eye Spy - a great observing technique

2011-08-01T15:44:00.000-07:00

wiki link

THE independent study TRUTH

2011-07-31T18:20:00.001-07:00

http://peasisill.tumblr.com/post/3009429504

Korean Grocery - brilliant use of Cross Channel retail

2011-07-06T13:09:00.000-07:00

Do you ever get that feeling of absolute inspiration and then jealousy at the same time? I do. Its not healthy, but admitting that I have a problem is the first step to recovery, right?

This casestudy is freaking awesome and so smart. This grocer set out to become the biggest grocery retailer, but the brief was how to do it without new bricks and mortar locations. The obvious (or not so obvious) is to build the on-line channel. But what is so special about this is that they perfectly combined their need to grow business with a need of the people... to avoid the pain, strain and time of grocery shopping, with an inspired experience. They found the 'white space' in people's day, like waiting for a subway, and made this space engaging, fun and with a meaningful transaction. Its genius.

As part of my study I have been looking at the role of 'staples' in the BXM and online world. When you know what you need and you are just refilling, what's the rolle of the retailer. How can you meet your needs most efficiently without compromising on the positive aspects of the experience.

I love this idea. It has set the bar so high for me that I want to scream. But its exciting... now... how to disruptively innovate this badboy.

The question I have now

My 100 Questions about the future of BXM Retail

2011-07-06T10:22:00.000-07:00

Here they are. My 100 questions about Bricks and Mortar retail - how, where and when we will be buying.

As previously mentioned, it was a grind getting these all done. But honestly, since pumping them out and crossing that first finish line, the questions keep coming. I had a whole new batch of questions about the role of peer to peer relationships and where and how that will impact buying.

What now?

Since posting these 100 questions the exercise has been to identify my top 10 questions. For me, I picked the juiciest ones that integuied me most. Questions that felt like they weren't quite easy to answer, and felt like there would be some depth in their exploration.

I have done that exercise, but more about that in another post.

For now... here are the questions. BTW -I'd love feedback and additional questions.

Retail Infographic - 3 of 3

2011-07-04T08:13:00.000-07:00

Well, here in lies the rub of data. Who's data to believe? Data and info-graphics while gorgeous, beautiful and much easier to digest that decks of powerpoints are to always be digitently questioned.

Here is an infographic, based on Canadian sensus data from 2009 to tell a story in 2011. Compared to the global chart that demarks how many nations are spending, this one breaks down the catagories into more detail, but the total amount of dollars, compared to the GOOD, this one in the Mint.com version are greater. Ah... finally my out of control spending on clothing has finally been noticed by Census Canada!!

I think its a jounty little diagram, it helps to see where the spend takes place. I am not sure how I would use this data yet in my study. But it is interesting to note that the education and the healthcare spends stand out to me as likely the more conservative in relation to our neighbours to the South. I would also be interested to know where the groceries/the booze and the clothes are being bought... its one thing to buy, its another to know where and how they got it.

Retail Infographic - 2 of 3

2011-07-04T07:36:00.000-07:00

This one just makes me feel like a bit of a jerk and that all of my problems are a bit, how do you say...um, 'First World'.

For every dollar spent in Pakistan on 'recreation', I am spending $2,238 (as a Canadian...and we all know that for me, that number is several fold).

This is literally showing me who is working so hard just to put a shirt on their back and shoes on their kids feet. Dare, I say its also telling me who is making and who is buying what's being made?

Just wondering, again, what is the time continuum? Has the spending declined? which categories are on the rise? What will this look like for manufacturing nations in the future, what will the role of brands in the 'have not' nations' look like. How is the amount determined - is it taken based on individual census information, then applied?

Where I think this information is valuable is from a birds eye view. Pakistan, China, Thailand, India are poor and populous nations. The priority is not on life-style its actually surviving life. Paying for clothes, eating and household goods - its about getting by. Even technologies, in which I will wrap in mobile usage, is low and according to alot of articles I've read lately, mobile adoption in these countries is climbing 10x (I will find the source). So for a brand like Nokia, who has may or may not have eyes on these countries for growth and market penetration through Dumb Phones, or a brand like Starbucks or McDonald who is interested in quenching and feeding the local markets, it will be a challenge. While everyone needs to eat, is there even an opportunity to be relevant in these markets, and if you are, to even make money and survive as a company. How will brands need to zig in order to win in these markets? Or, flip the relationship inside out - are there brands in China, or ways of life that the consumer-crazy 1st world can adopt that help curb our enthusiasm for entertainment/clothing etc.? For instance, how are household items shared in these nations? how can we reduce consumerism?

Global brands need global perspectives. And I am a bit fearful that sometimes the perspective is... where there are people, they will buy. This can't always be the case....

Retail Infographic - 1 of 3

2011-07-04T06:21:00.001-07:00

I can across 3 infographics that I think are worth discussing. This one I found on GOOD. Good is a well, great resource for emerging innovations and discussions.

There are 2 graphs here... both tell essentially the same story, just a different way to present the information.

Graphs like this are important because they show what industries are over indexing, which are under and in there lies the potential for uncovering opportunities for innovation to tip the engagement in one direction or another.

I was shocked at how much clothing is being purchased on-line. As such a finicky personalized service I was convinced that it would be lower... this begs the question, who is doing it well. and to dig deeper, which markets are more interested in spending online.

I also slightly obsessed with how under indexed the BILLION dollar industry of pharmaceuticals appears to be. And why. I have big Muaah-haaa-haaa laugh in my head... someone, somewhere is clamping that opportunity down and I want to crack it wide open. More to come on how I would like to do that (that's a whole other independant study).

This is a great introductory image. It demonstrates opportunities... What would help flesh this out is data for Canada (oui!), a time continuum. I'd like to see how this fairs from 2-3 years ago, and I'd like a geographic overlay. Too much to ask??

100 Questions. Future of BXM retail - How, When and Where we'll buy.

2011-07-04T05:01:00.000-07:00

Good morning. It has been a while since I have written. Between the exciting Stanley Cup run to Vancouver's gruesome loss of its cool, a big TV campaign at work, a weed-loving garden, two trips home to Vancouver, for a wedding and for my Dad's 60th... I have been trying to work on my independant study for my Masters of Design in Strategic Foresight and Innovation, at OCADU.

So... what is my independant study and how do I play on tackling it?

Here it is 'Elevator going up', now pitch!!

I am studying the future of Bricks and Mortar (BXM) retail. How, when and where we'll buy.

This ranges from the relationships between dedicated BXM, on-line, to various distributor models. It also emcompasses the role of the transaction through credit, cash, debit paypal, emerging NFC and mobile-wallet technologies. The landscape is changing... and I am interested in looking at emerging relationships, exploring what hurts and what helps retailers.

How do I start to unravel this big freakin' web of stuff to untangle. Right now I am in a big freaking web of stuff... so to start I have asked 100 questions. (I am not sure how to post them in ... so stay tuned). The purpose of the 100 questions exercise is to essentially brain dump all of the questions/topics/thinking I might have on the subject... and from there start honing. For me the exercise was a breeze until I got to around #35... then I had to push. It took me another 2 hours (of procrastination, emptying the dishwasher, changing the music, making coffee) to really pump out the rest. And since then, I have crafted another 20 or so that I need to document. Once you've untapped it... away it goes :)

Smile - Random Wednesday Pics

2011-04-14T04:14:00.000-07:00

Stereo at the Spy Store

2011-04-13T15:36:00.000-07:00

My brother Trevor took these pics of me and his roomie's prized collection last time I was back in Van.

Good Morning

2011-04-13T04:11:00.000-07:00

Today I am going to hear Howard Schultz talk about his new book Onward ... in Toronto, not New York. But it does feel like it might be a bit of a brilliant start to the day.

Theophilus London - New Music

2011-04-12T03:55:00.000-07:00

Its 6am on Tuesday and I had a rough night...a terrible sleep (2nd night in a row). I don't need any sleepy music right now, I need something that makes me feel awake and alive. So how amazing is Theophilus London ? I hope he's on the Lollapalooza roster...a big thanks to my friend Phouphet who introduced me to him.

Also, for Torontonians, Aloe Blacc is at the Wrong Bar on June 5th. $20 tix. Not to be missed.

Juicy Fruit Serenades

2011-04-07T16:59:00.001-07:00

It's the weekend... get your freak on.

Lovely, isn't it?

2011-04-04T18:35:00.000-07:00

The By & By from Dana Tanamachi on Vimeo.

from The By & By

That kind of Friday.... Chanelling Tina

2011-04-01T06:14:00.000-07:00

What's not to love about her?? Or what's love got to do with it?

There are few real gems like Tina Turner. What a firecracker!!

Like.

2011-03-30T11:16:00.000-07:00

Source

Monday Musings

2011-03-28T08:03:00.000-07:00

Best shots of all time.

2011-02-21T14:58:00.000-08:00

click here for the coolest-youtube-basketball-best of all time kind of thing.

Thanks to Julian for the link.

Nice Quote

2011-02-20T15:26:00.001-08:00

Saw this here

p.s. I always wished my handwriting looked like this....but who cares. I have a life to live.

Happy Saturday.

Dad's 60th Birthday Card

2011-02-12T07:56:00.000-08:00

A few typos that I need to fix and a little tweak here or there, but overall this is a wonderfully designed card (by Kevin Filliter). He is amazing!!
And so is my Dad. Happy Birthday Daddy-O. you are the best.

Family Feud - Puff puff pass

2011-02-11T11:29:00.000-08:00

My dad has lots of quotes... and that "we put the F.U. in disfunctional" is one of his alltime favourites. But while we are not a family who would EVER smoke together. At least not as a full collective... I think we would all find this pretty damn funny.

Happy Friday.

Super Bowl 2011

2011-02-07T05:59:00.000-08:00

This is where I have spent my morning. Super Bowl 2011 commercials.

I went through just about all of them. I decided to stick to a car theme (not typically my style, but there were alot to choose from + plus I am sick of the Darth Vader VW ad - enough already!).

Audi - hilarious.

Chrysler - inspired. Love the made in America spirit.

Mercedes - dumb. I didn't connect at all.

NFL - You knew that eventually this would happen and that it needed 45 years in order to make it perfect.

FORD - thought this was pretty funny. Loved the elevation of the truck to the family pet.

February Bliss Mash-up

2011-02-03T04:52:00.000-08:00

Oh February... you cruel cold month.
Thankfully for you, it's both Black History Month and Valentine's Day.
Could it be anymore perfect?

photo courtesy of Sea of Shoes

Sky Diving with Google-Earth

2011-01-31T08:30:00.000-08:00

This is freakin' awesome... and likely the only way I would ever skydive.

Double Rainbow... but rogue-style

2011-01-30T20:23:00.001-08:00

The Joy of Illegal Rainbows.
By way of Swiss Miss

Like a Boss

2011-01-30T15:44:00.000-08:00

courtsey of Kerri Minns

A Kanye cover for a Happy Freaking Saturday .

2011-01-29T11:09:00.001-08:00

I love classical music in the morning... and how perfect is this cover of Kanye and Rihanna's All of the Lights.Not exactly classical, but inspired.

This is the Portland Cello Project. This music goes straight through my heart and is pumped through to every last helix of my DNA. love it!

Happy weekend Loves!

Worst-Case Scenario Planning

2011-01-26T10:55:00.000-08:00

I just spent the morning at OCAD University's 2020 Media Futures fore-sight workshop today.

Yes, its true. I can now see the future... or at least have a bit of an interesting hypothesis about it. More to come on the final output when its created. But if you are curious you can check out posts on Twitter #2020mediafutures

Alot of what we talked about was... as the title reveals, is what will the future of media be like in 2020 and what are some of the likely environments and what are the potential "black swams" (no body saw it coming but it makes perfect sense in hindsight moments).

Essentially we went through an exploratory exercise to outline the best case scenario, or the worst case scenarios so that we can enter 'the future' with our eyes wide open... so to speak.

A little tid-bit on planning for the worst case scenario (when you know what that scenario is....) It can be a very confident thing. If you know the worst case scenario, you can always plan for it. I don't know about you but I find that so liberating! To know that the worst is manageable and that you have accepted it (not hoped for it or strived for it) is a very inspiring thought. In an ironic twist of fate, its freedom.

If women are from Mars...

2011-01-25T15:40:00.000-08:00

There is truth in advertising, right? Men and Women see things differently, right? So naturally a reasonable place to go (when you are done with talking to your sister, your workmates, your friends, yourself...) to gain some perspective on how men's opinions of love and women's opinions of love might just differ is to the archives of susinct 30-60second spots.

Same brief. Different targets.

So to speak.

Target: Men

Target: Women

(even I, as a sporatic romantic, thought this was a bit overkill.)

Target: Men and Women (although I am convinced this skews female. But maybe I find it too perfect to think that both men and women are on the same page at the exact same time)

And just because I know that romance is alive and well in this world (I am one of the luckye ones who has experienced it, fortunately, many lovely times) and that the sweetest words can mean so much (and that handmade gifts are the best).

Happy New Year's Day

2011-01-01T12:46:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year's Eve

2010-12-31T12:32:00.000-08:00

I am on Pasley Island.
Life is forever blissful.
This isn't me... BTW.

Winter Solstice

2010-12-21T12:42:00.000-08:00

It only looks glamorous in photographs.

Panda Cheese commercials - For the Love of Cheesus

2010-12-10T12:19:00.000-08:00

so freakin' funny.

Forbidden and Forboding

2010-12-10T12:11:00.001-08:00

Holiday Party Season just began. Get your pretty on.

2010-12-10T12:04:00.000-08:00

pictures courtesy of: etc.

WTF WWF - PDF

2010-12-10T11:48:00.000-08:00

A way smarter idea (brilliant in fact) compared to this doozy.

Still day dreamning

2010-12-06T17:06:00.000-08:00

I am still writing papers... slowly.
Look what I found on Perez Hilton.

Can you believe it? Without a courageous, albeit crazy mom, and without the internet, Sam would just be saying that last night all he did was go to a concert.

I love when good things happen to good people, and when it shocks the hell out of others.

Daydreaming is much more fun.

2010-12-05T11:30:00.000-08:00

I am supposed to be writing a paper for class. But instead I am distracted by the internet, again. I found this overly romantic website in my adventures. It really brings out the sucker in me. Check out some of these pics. Its the equivalent of a quick chickflick... dreamy :)

( I just had a thought... is how I feel about the amazingness of this site the same way guys might feel about porn? hmmmm)

Pass the ball....and get on with the game.

2010-11-28T17:04:00.000-08:00

I agree with Nash... enough is enough.
I agree with Jordan... excuses, excuses.

Snore... I am done with billionaire ballers with bruised egos and confused confidence.

While we are talking about F#ck...

2010-11-27T16:54:00.001-08:00

I am in NYC this weekend staying with some serious Glee and Gwenyth lovers... for those you who are like minded you will appreciate how amazing this song and video are with about G-squareds' help.

I have seen Gnarls Barkley twice... yep braging a bit... and they brought it big time both times. Watch my fave clip from the first time I saw them in Chicago.
Enjoy here.

F#ck or F#ck ya?

2010-11-27T16:43:00.000-08:00

Take a read at the recent Fast Company article on the demise of the advertising agency. Evolve or die.

LeBron - what? Part Deux

2010-11-27T16:40:00.002-08:00

I love this kind of stuff!! Cleveland has a thing or two to say about his pontifications.

Thanks Julian for sending this along.

Le

2010-11-27T16:40:00.001-08:00

Nerds

2010-11-27T16:27:00.000-08:00

I came across a Nerd Boyfriend website.

Hilarious.

But honestly, who isn't a nerd? Even Eddie?? He is pretty foxy in that red leather outfit in "Delirious".

I tried so hard to not be a nerd in highschool. That backfired. It doesn't matter what I wear or do, or listen to or hang out with now, I will always have that humbling inner nerd, and I love it.

Duh... why did it take us so long?

2010-10-31T11:06:00.000-07:00

Imagine the brilliance? no paper role.
These kind of obvious zingers remind me that the voice between my discovery of the next post-it note, or the zipper is becoming deeper and deeper apart.

However, in the eco-fail department... SunChips pulled its overly crinkly, bags in the US... but not in Canada (yeah us).

Influencers Film

2010-10-27T13:03:00.001-07:00

Of course its a film... Influencers do not make movies. Jeeessh!!

I totally poached this from one of my fave influencers, Kerri.
Check her amazingness out on tumber here.

INFLUENCERS TRAILER from R+I creative on Vimeo.

looks like something we should all see.

LeBron - what?

2010-10-26T19:55:00.000-07:00

Nicole, thank you for always sending me great little tid-bits to comment on.
They always make me stop and think.

Today's gift from Nicole is LeBron's new NIKE commercial.

Yes, LeBron we get it... you think we (or is it Cleveland?) demonizes you for wanting to play your best basketball ever. All I have to say is 'Just do it.'
You earned it, you worked hard. Go out and win big. Just don't forget to give back.

As for Wieden Kennedy, who I think did this ad, I love your work (one link per word). Almost always. But I agree with my dear friend Nicole, perhaps a tad 'Tiger-inspired.. non?'. I think the concept is interesting - trying to humanize a god (okay... we all know that's a stretch). But is this the strongest idea? (you already know how I feel about the execution)...No, I don't think it is. Too soon. I would've liked something less selfish, less LeBron. Less King James. I would've preferred something about the good that comes from change and challenge. Challenges are everywhere, but its what you make out of them that separates the players from the ballers (or something like that).

Anyhoo... LeBron, I wish you well. I am super fan. If I didn't already admire (read love, but that sounds creepy) Steve Nash so much, maybe you would be my #1(3).

Say hi to Bosh...where is his ad? Toronto is still feeling burned.

Truth

2010-10-26T19:49:00.001-07:00

Idle hands do the devils work.

I always loved the honestly of this line (althought admitedly I have not been exposed to the Smiths a whole lot)....and I like the clever imagery that accompanies it in this piece... courtesy of Cup of Jo.

Kanye's Opus

2010-10-25T11:45:00.000-07:00

I watched the whole thing.
Did you?
Click here to watch Kanye's Runaway.

Personally, for me the highlight was seeing Vanessa Beecroft's art direction in action.

Superior Positioning

2010-10-24T15:50:00.000-07:00

Over the past few weeks I have been working on a brand positionig exercise for a client. The brand is one that sees itself as 'superior' to the competitive space in which it occupies. And while perusing Facebook in a moment of procrastination I came across this on a previous colleague's wall.

This photo was reportedly a billboard seen at Yonge & Sheppard, across the office from the Canadian HQ of Procter & Gamble... makers of Old Spice. (Thank you to David Pullara for bringing this to my attention).

My question to you is this. Is this an example of superior positioning, or jealousy? Is this a rentention tactic or an aquisition strategy? I have my thoughts, but before I get to that let's take a journey back through 2010... and them to the early 90s (if we can dare make it that far).

Old Spice struck gold in 2010. A dusty old brand that has been reinvigorated. Hilarious commercials, layered with an extensive social media campaign has resulted in significant market share for this brand. I have heard upwards of 6-8% growth. Those are not light numbers people. That's impressive.

I have been watching the Old Spice evolutino for a while (check out this previous post from 2008)The advertising is cheeky, seductive humour attracts the primary household purchasers... women...And if women buy the product, love it, and ideally sleep with their men more often because they now 'smell like a man', men too will learn to love the new Old Spice.

The hallmark Old Spice ad of this most current campaign is this one:

The last line "I am on a horse" has become part of everyday lingo this year. I love when brand language makes it manstream. (Remember Wazzzzup?). Sure a nice Cannes Lion always helps, but a forever nod to authenticity on the streets is bankable.

For the record, while I find Axe's billboard f'n hilarious. It is feeling sorry for itelf. I might not have direct ROI, but what it does say is 'watch it P&G, we don't like what you did to our share... game on suits!'. More than anything I would love to see what Axe comes up with next, but I have no appetite for them to do it on the backs of Old Spice's horse. Fight back for your share, but make it clean fun (pun intended).

Now, way back in the days before Nirvana and Soundgarden, perhaps even in the U2 loving 80s there was another kind of turf war. The Japanese motorcycles were establishing themselves in the US market. Honda had come out with their 'Follow the Leader' campaign. It was essentially billboard with a bike and this headline along long stretches of desert highway. As the story goes, someone from Yamaha's ad agency was a press-check for another client when they say the Honda billboards coming off the presses. Within days the Yamaha team had identified where all the Honda billboards where posted and then paid premium for the board right after the Honda board that read 'Follow no one'.

For some reason the Honda/Yamaha story for me is competitive and superiority claiming poetry. For some reason the Axe/Old Spice one for me feels like petty childhood antics. Are they the same and I am blind to it, or is there in fact a strength of strategy in one that that other lacks?

The difference a month makes

2010-10-03T18:12:00.000-07:00

September kicked my ass.
I worked every weekend, including labour day. I became both a night owl and an early bird... honestly, there should only be the option to be one. I was part of a team that won a significant piece of business for the agency... despite being asked if I have ever taken a marketing class (it f'n sucks when wit trails behind me by about 10 minutes....ooh the responses I have crafted ever since) And I started school.

I am a proud student of OCAD University's Masters of Design program in Strategic Foresight and Innovation. And I LOOOOOOOVE IT!

My Dad has asked me to describe the program in 50 words or less, as he is tired of trying to explain to people what I am doing, and that no, in fact I will not be designing kitchens when I am done.

Well Dad, here is the ABSTRACT:
At the heart of the program is problem solving. Its not the traditional analog problem solving like there are two villages separated by a big river, now build a bridge. It is human-centric problem solving for more complex (wicked) problems. Global warming, aging and public transport, access to water in rural communities. It looks at problem solving by spending time where it counts by framing the problem, identifying stakeholders, before jumping into protyping and specific solutions.

Here are my 50 words:
I am studying how to deconstruct human/user/community centered issues with a focus on providing solutions to these complex societal problems. At the end, I will have some seriously amazing tools in my tool box to handle, identify, and ultimately find solutions for complex problems by using design principles.

And in the meantime, I get to hang around with a bunch of smarty pants, experiment and watch great videos like this that celebrate creativity and innovation.

Making Future Magic: iPad light painting from Dentsu London on Vimeo.

The impossible sell jobs - Kia Soul car advertising

2010-09-03T13:17:00.000-07:00

my boss showed this to me... I still have tears from gut-wrenching laughter on my cheeks.

Much like how coke's eyeball/brain ad was hard to sell... this one would've been a doozy. But the payback is in spades - 2.8viewers and counting.

Monday Morning Musing

2010-08-30T13:26:00.000-07:00

Ever feel like these little guys?

Happy Friday

2010-08-27T13:17:00.000-07:00

I am off to a cabin this weekend. Yeah WEEKEND!

And a special treat for you all...I love these posts at Cup of Jo

Cyber-rific

2010-08-25T13:10:00.000-07:00

I once came across this photo of a girl who went as Lo-Res for halloween.
And then I came across this video (thanks Ang). I am thrilled I could reunite them both here in cyber-space.

Bigger than life

2010-08-24T12:25:00.000-07:00

I saw these lovely gems - rather branded art installations - on Cool Hunter. Oh, Cool Hunter... how I miss thee! I had forgotten to renew my weekly newsletter when I moved jobs.

I think these brand/corporately bought, but amazingly entertaining installations were fantastic and whimsical eye candy. And I kind of want to run into the middle of the big yellow ball installation, cause chaos, then watching them flutter back into place.

Delightful delight.

Modern Love

2010-08-23T15:23:00.000-07:00

I was in New York twice this summer. The last trip happened to be the same weekend as the world cup final, and that Sunday afternoon I left my friends at a pub and headed uptown to the Museum of Modern Art. I needed my own version of culture, and while I like football, I don't like it enough.

I started my MOMA journey on the top floor and worked my way down. The work is always gorgeous and always inspiring. And I am finding myself much more familiar with the work and able to more fluently speak to the pieces and to the artists. But something struck me... it was a twinge of boredom. That sounds so terrible to say when I am amongst such beauty. But I guess because I was more familiar the 'wow' factor was somewhat lacking. I was craving sculpture, more interative, more dynamic, more experiential, more 3-D. Jackson Pollock and Lichenstein are no doubts inspiring pioneers, but their work was 2-D hanging on a wall. I was starting to wonder where the new modern was.

As I got to the lower levels the work really started to come alive. The creativity was being applied across all mediums..... and then I entered into this room and experienced this first hand.

It is a sonar sculpture. The experience put a smile on my face. To the visual eye it was nothing but white screens placed 6ft apart. But to the ear and a walking human being it was a cacophony of sound. Each screen was the voice of one person say the days of the week... and not necessarily in order. You would hear something like "Monday, Monday, Sunday, Friday, Monday". When you stood close to it you could hear the distinctive voice, whether it be a man, woman or child, but as you moved away you would hear the entire choir of different voices saying different names of the week. The total sound all together sounded like low-level buzzy noise at a cocktail party.

It was inspiring. I loved its similicity. I love that you have to experience it first hand to know its beauty. I love that the artist took full advantage of the space to share something one could only genuinely be present to understand.

This experience reminds me of an installation I saw at the Saatchi Gallery in London last June. There was a series of motorized wheelchairs with a variety of eldery dressed up military of various ethnicities/cultures all wheeling around and not crashing into each other thanks to motion sensors.

This is all just to say that I am getting really excited about how installations are pushing the boundaries of how one engages with art. I know this sounds like platitudes.... but I am genuinely excited about it. I feel alive when I see something inspiring, and don't get me wrong, I love the classics of modern art. I really do. But I am excited about this new experimental direction that sculpture is taking and I can't wait to see what else is out there.

arrogant and ignorant

2010-08-13T11:54:00.000-07:00

"I actually don't know a rapper before me that liked white people more than me. I don't know a rapper that wore tighter jeans. I don't know a rapper that collaborated with more white people than me."

- Kanye West told viewers during a live Ustream chat with fans

Kanye,

When did rapper become a synonym for black?

Peace and Love,
Eminem

music not to miss.... Phoenix

2010-08-13T10:36:00.000-07:00

Saw these guys last week.
It was absolutely dreamy.

Right on Target

2010-08-12T12:59:00.000-07:00

So true.
These little greeting cards are perfection.
Target sucks all my money out of my bank account.
Thankfully.. or not..there isn't one in Canada... yet.

www.fomato.com

Did you know?

2010-08-12T12:49:00.000-07:00

that Anne Bancroft was 35 when she did that scene (posted below) in The Graduate?
My dad told me that that nice random Cliff Claven fact the other day.

She looks like she is 45. She looks hot... but at least 45.

I am 33. Ick! Am I delusional in that I don't think I look even close to her age? Am I so desperate for validation that I am fishing for it on the internet? Yes... I am.

Anyway, age is but a number. Right??

Speaking of age... here is me likely not being my proper age at all at Lollapalooza this past weekend in Chicago.

wink

2010-08-04T12:46:00.000-07:00

When two people hate each other.

2010-07-07T05:29:00.000-07:00

My parents got married 36 years ago and got divorced 18 years later.

Knowing them now, they are not two people I would ever pair together. They are like two siamese fighting fish, gorgeous to look at on their own, but will fight to the bloody end if in the same small bowl together. I often think of my parents union as twist of fate: a jock and a model who fell in love with each other's looks. They were in their early twenties and that's just what happens. You get married.

However, somewhere there must have been love. Between the dry roast beef and the un-mended backyard fence, they had four kids. Now, arguably my mother declares that we are an incredibly fertile bunch. This is a great scare tactic for a hormonally charged teenager... 'wait, my mom says I will most certainly get pregnant. Put your pants back on!!'. So likely their sex life pettered out the more children they had, the louder they shouted at each other the more violently they'd slam the doors. But none the less they created a life long family, even if their marriage was more parting than death do us part.

It wasn't a pretty experience. In fact they could both be best-selling co-authors of the New York Times best seller 'how to really fuck it up with your divorce', followed by the sequel 'Four children... and oddly none of them are married'. But who am I kidding, they couldn't co-anything their way out of a paper bag. Having four children to play pig in the middle with makes avoiding a real parental conversation pretty easy - for them.

Now I don't pour my heart out very often about my family, at least not in this kind of forum. For the most part I speak about them in glowing terms. But today is a big day. See, there is a crisis in our family. One of the Lohan persuasion... and it is bringing my parents together, for one hour only in a small office where they have to try to be parents, together.

The last time I remember my parents coming to something together, and I don't mean just the happenstance of a graduation ceremony, was for a sorority event I had in University. I wasn't even that thrilled about being in a sorority at that moment in time, but them, showing up, together, a united and civil front, was enough for me to actually just join the bronze, pink and blue. It doesn't matter how old you are, your parents have this way of influencing you in ways you thought you had outgrown years ago.

I really hope that today, the two beautiful people that are my parents can put aside the ugliness that is their relationship, the distain that they have for each other and figure out what to do, together.

Raging against the Machine

2010-07-06T12:00:00.000-07:00

I need a jet plane out of this day.... desks and sunshine, summer and work... they just don't go together like Gin and Tonic do... or me and Pasley Island.

Here are some songs (and their videos) that make me wanna rage.

New Starbucks Frappuccino ad - the media mix.

2010-06-13T10:21:00.000-07:00

I often get asked about my thoughts on anything new at Starbucks. I take it as a compliment. It's probably the brand I feel I know most intimately, and now that I am no longer in the inner workings, I get to think harder and smarter about it now in my attempt to piece together the 'why' behind a new initiative.

Recently Starbucks introduced their new customizable Frappuccinos... and in a typically non-Starbucks way, they advertized it, in high frequency and rotation television in Canada.

At first, I have to be honest. I didn't love the ad. Ultra product focused, less experience focused. But afterall it is a new product they want to push, so blenders and clean ingredient makes sense... but not always good creative.

I am also not a big TV advertising advocate. Starbucks does a great job with their social media programs that you'd think that TV would be pushed out of the mix altogether. I can't believe I am saying this.... but TV wasn't such a bad idea for the Frappuccino product.

Much like annoying songs on the radio that play on high rotation until they trick you into like it, I now enjoy the ad. I know it, back and forth, inside and out...I have been beaten into complacency.
Now,in my pure cynicism way, I am not attributing this to the creative work, but the media work.

Starbucks was smart. One spot, all the time = one consistant message.

There are alot of advertisers out there who are concerned about their branding and message break through. And concerned with message burn out. You only have to look to Rogers Cable or any of the big banks to see it. These brands have about 2-3 different messages in market, at relatively high GRP rates. And with all of their cues and'brand badging' (I don't love these conversations with client...I think it's beyond ridiculous sometimes)there is no message breakthrough.

My advice to them, taking a page out of the Starbucks media mix for this summer.
One message, One Product. Make it somewhat entertaining.

Be a purist.... it can work.

Happy Birthday Spencie - and Happy Weekend

2010-06-11T18:55:00.000-07:00

turn that frown upside down Darth, it's Spencie's birthday and he deserves a good time.

You can buy the picture here.

Apples new Facetime ad

2010-06-09T14:53:00.000-07:00

I am very impressed.

Apple hasn't done an emotionally based spot in a long time.

Think Different was probably the last, and it was still rooted in the inspiration and innovation.

Apple's advertising, in my opinion, fits into 3 typical categories: competitive differentiation (PC vs MAC), Innovation (iPhone, iPad demonstration type ads) and experiential (which as of late has been demonstrated in the TV and billboard executions for iTunes and iPod).

This is a wonderful example of how Apple has evolved beyond these three pillars. Beyond innovation. And I would arguably say beyond experience.

This spot is about the truth of technology. It's a marriage of the genuine meaning innovation, and this technology, brings to your life.

It isn't about the iPhone, its about the software in it. Much like how iTunes were the emotional catalysts for iPod.

It's a beautifully poetic spot. It broke my heart and inspired me about 10 times in just one viewing.

Thanks so much for sending it to me Nicole V.

Feeling the Love

2010-06-09T10:45:00.000-07:00

Sometimes my romantic, mushy love side takes over.

Wouldn't it be so amazing if you came home and your loved one spent the time and energy (read: love and thoughtfulness) putting this together to put above your little nest of a bed?

I certain think so.

click here for more from this designer.

click here and here for more love.

Happy BASKETBALL weekend

2010-06-04T13:26:00.001-07:00

Andre 3000 + basketball + Nike = HEAVEN (click here in case video doesn't work)

What cute little ditty... diddy?
NBA finals are upon us and the Lakers are up 1-0 against the Celtics.
Bryant is a Giant but come on Celts - beat 'em bust 'em. If the Suns can't get it, you should.

Happy Weekend!

Paul Rand - get familiar with this man's work

2010-05-31T14:45:00.000-07:00

Banksy was here... in Toronto that is.

2010-05-11T07:46:00.000-07:00

I go away to Vancouver for a week and Toronto gets taken over by a cultural who-dunnit of the most amazing kind.
Banksy and his trusted cans of paint are stirring up is it or is it not art controversy all over the street.

Come on over Banksy.... spray paint my front door... do whatever it takes. A Banksy installation are nothing sort of stinging social commentary. Love it or hate it - he sprays truth. And I would welcome it, and the increased culture cred any day.

Torontoist has the best collection of posts on Banksy's Toronto invasion.

Click here to read it.

Click here for my 2008 post about Banksy and his New Orleans installations. Now this is a commentary.

vik muniz - waste land

2010-05-06T10:55:00.001-07:00

Its HotDocs time again and I have seen 4 films.
But this one was the best.

Find it, watch it, be open to finding creative solutions to connect and bring confidence.

A beautiful piece.

He is famous for creating images out of interesting/unusual elements... like a peanut butter and jam Mona Lisa or photo of a a sky written cloud.
Watch the Waste Land trailer below.

Never underestimate the young at heart.

2010-04-23T06:12:00.000-07:00

This got me a bit emotional. I felt like this woman was given back a bit of her life with the iPad.

Lately I have been wondering how I can bridge what I do to enable and empower the elderly to live more independant healthy lives. This inspires me.
Read more about it here.

And... while I liked the classical music that played in the background. I would've liked this song more.

Design Currency - Icograda Vancouver

2010-04-13T13:06:00.000-07:00

I got into grad school a few weeks back. Or rather, I was honoured with a letter of acceptance to the Ontario College of Art and Design to pursue a masters degree in design. I am very excited.

And then even more excited when I saw this promo video for a designer's conferencein Vancouver.Very smart and sharp.

Car Ad - Chevrolet Malibu

2010-04-13T12:13:00.000-07:00

Usually car advertising for me falls on blind eyes, deaf ears....
But I saw a version of this Maliby the other day, while bike riding, and I liked it.
Very smart.

But that being said... I did really love this Cadillac commercial a few years back. I actually felt like it was an ad written for smart, successful women who didn't feel the need for a family van.

Likey The Like for Zac Posen's Target line

2010-04-12T10:39:00.000-07:00

Zac Posen is about to releae his new Target inspired/designed line up of afford chic-frocks just in time for American prom season.

Snappy little video directed by Gia Coppola (yes.. that family). It's a nice fun spot, and embodies the energy of the Zac Posen line in a way that Target might not have been able to do on its own. Interestingly absent is the branding for both ZPs line or the retail outlet itself. The more branding, the less likely for it to go viral perhaps? This spot reminds me of the one Holt Renfrew did for their fall launch.

Read the LA Times article here

Happy Weekend

2010-04-09T07:45:00.000-07:00

This just makes me smile.

Its a family photo of two of my favourite men, their dogs and their silver rocket.

click here for photographer info.

Tiger Woods - love it or hate it

2010-04-08T12:47:00.000-07:00

Yes, he 'sexted' a bunch of ladies, cheated on his wife, humiliated his family, his friends, his sponsors. He's a dog. But if nothing else, America loves a comeback story. Look at Britney and Martha. And if Jesus Saves, well, then all the better story in the money-loving, God-fearing man's world that Tiger golfs in.

I have alot to say about Tiger. A supremely gifted golfer, but dumb as a post. His 'people' were complete baffoons and his emotionally revealing press conference a few weeks ago was just part of an overly scripted timeline to get him to this day... the day the 2010 masters begin.

To commemorate the eve of Tiger's return, Nike aired a 30:second black and white ad. A single camera locked on Tiger's face while a narration of his deceased father played in the background. How did WK ever find the dad's script in the first place is a miracle. This Nike's ad is perfect. Not because its an amazing execution, I'd say its a little heavy on the pouting face. And while I do feel emotion, its mixed. However, to me what makes the ad great is the timing and the assumptions it makes. It assumes you know Tiger's story. It assumes you know its the day before the masters, the day before the big comeback (in fact it assumes a comeback). It assumes you know about the importance of his father in his life.

Way to go Nike. I liked how you protected your brand, and delivered a provoking piece of creative. You aren't being direct in your approval or disapproval, in fact you detach your own opinion of the situation. Yet somehow you were able to tell a story and start a conversation at the same time.

Love it or hate it, this ad is the best timed, beautifully orchestrated bit of messaging that has come out since, well, since Tina Fey looked amazingly like Sarah Palin and brought down the republican party.

Tiger is lucky to have Nike. And Nike is lucky to have Tiger. Milk drinkers won't get the job done on this day. Apparently, golfers who have a penchant for pole dancers and who wear Nikes just might though. If Nike did a boring ad of golfing greats, I would've gone unnoticed. So would the story of an old duster cheating on his wife. Tiger has been given a mulligan, and people want to see what he'll do with it.

click here for more perspective from Canadian marketers.

What font are you?

2010-01-12T15:25:00.000-08:00

I am Dot-Matrix.

And know that because I took my Font Personality test here

Pretty rad.

And if you are feeling part font-ophilic, check out Helvetica, a documentary about the love affair people have with this one perfect font.

Republic of Bacon Unites

2010-01-11T14:39:00.000-08:00

Every once in a while a campaign comes along that screams Peter Edmonds.

Or in perhaps your case, just fill in the blank with whomever it is in your life that loves and adores the briliance of a certain product. And in my case its Peter, and the product is bacon.

Peter is one of my best friends in the whole wide world. And he loves bacon. And I love them both, almost equally.

The Republic of Bacon is fantasy world created and built for people like Peter.

This campaign is amazing. It takes you to a whole new world (not a maple leaf food world with listeria ). Although the website looks almost exactly like Kanye West's website... it comes to life because it surrounds you with rituals, themes, anthems... kind of like the Valley of the Jolly Green Giant, it is a special place just for bacon lovers.

I love when brand creates a whole special universe for themselves. I think it's brilliant, and its particularly brilliant when they go all the way to bright on it. Most brands don't have the guts or the budget to fully realize an entire campaign this deeply. They did not hold back. And as a result they got a living breathing personality/city to work with now and into the future. They took the notion of the love of bacon and put a whole code of conduct behind it... there is an anthem, there is ritual, and even a touch of pork porn. They are creating a cult, and isn't that what great branding does?

The Republic of Bacon Porn for First Timers.

Bacon Love TV spot... what I want to share is the Aromatherapy one.... but I can't find it. ( I suspect they are saving on talent costs with no internet posting.boo!!)

click here for Homer Simpson quotes about bacon. (hmm, royal society of bacon posted it... interesting and yet, somehow suspicious).

Russia 2014 Winter Olympics Logo

2010-01-05T13:08:00.000-08:00

Does this look like engenius identity development to you?

This is new logo for the next winter Olympics. Their tagline is "The Gateway to the Future". The work was described as a 'unique digital emblem' by Interbrand, their agency. Really Russia? This isn't 1984, this is 2010 and you are supposed to be branding yourself for 2014. Putting a .com/.ca/.ru/.net is not fresh thinking.

I have strong feelings about websites on the end of logos, or as part of logos. Unless online is your core compentency, then maybe.... but it certainly isn't branding genius.

Why am I fussing? Nothing bugs me more than when marketers (like myself) are so full of complimentary, justifying marketing BS terms that you just want cash in your chips and never create again (read the Intebrand article here). When something like this is considered breakthrough, where do we have to go now? Is it good riddance Twitter and Hello gramophone?

Now don't get me wrong. I think its stylistically quite gorgeous. And much like the Vancouver/Whistler work I love the scenic play, and I love that they used original photography and mixed it with key iconography.... but to say that a website in a logo is - One: unique, Two: Makes it an emblem, and Three: Digital is a stretch.

Its hard to manage clients. Especially fiercely cautious and protective clients. But being the first to finely balance not only the city, but the country and a website all into an Olympic identity seems natural, but not revolutionary. I know 'simple' is not so simple. And I am sure people are wondering 'Jessica, go ahead and do better yourself then!' But what this says to me is that the client was hard to work with if this is what is considered progressive. I bet alot of fresh thinking was left on the table before acquiesing to this. Interbrand is a talented group.... and the billable hours it took to do this across 12 international offices screams meet in the middle to me.

The concept work, much like the Olympics needs to live up to its own creed of "faster, higher, stronger." This just tells me I can check my email in Russia.... good know, but not enough for me to care.

Nice looking? sure.

Brillianty inspiring? not really.

click here and here for other articles on the Olympics.

Monday Morning Musing

2009-12-21T02:24:00.000-08:00

I saw this on 20x200. It's a great little website with lots photographs for sale.

It reminded me of this WK video... I posted it a while back.

Failing, falling, f'ing up sucks.

But learning and feeling smarter because of it is perfect beauty.

GAP - Baby it's Cold Outside.

2009-12-18T07:11:00.000-08:00

I have been a bit obsessed with the song 'Baby it's Cold outside' lately. Especially the Dean Martin version. It's a cross between charm and 'taking advantage of the situation', so to speak... Oh Dean, you and that Rat Pack certainly had alot of charm.

There are a few brands that do 'christmas' well.
For those who read this on the regular... you can imagine that I believe the green-circled coffee proveyor does a bang up job.

But the other mass-brand that does a great job is the GAP.
Delightful multi-page magazine pull out ads, quirky celebrity musicals featuring their oh-so fun stripey, bold sweaters.

I really like that GAP has stayed pretty true to its original advertising roots... there has been lots of opportunities over the last decade when they weren't the darling of khakis to switch it up and forge a new path. There has been alot of criticims about their advertising being more about style than substance. But the work they do does deliver an experience and it actually makes me feel something positive about their brand, and the season. They make no apologies for going big in a fun way.

One other non-Christmas spot from the GAP that I loved is this Audrey Hepburn+AC/DC spot form a few years back. click here to watch.

And on a GAP side note - read about their SPRIZE loyalty program here. Pretty amazing way to encourage incremental spend, frequency and loyalty. click here to read.

Phat Branding Poster.... aka Christmas Pressie??

2009-12-17T12:46:00.000-08:00

Using no ink whatsoever, these 18"x24" posters are foil stamped and embossed to create an alphabet composed of letters from many of the more famous (and some infamous) logos of all time. Printed in two different colorways, you have the choice of silver foil on black paper or gold foil on cream, both stocks are 100 lb. French Pop-Tone and include the artist's signature on back.

Numbers are limited to 500 prints of each color

Order here from THE BEST PART

How You Tube can make money.

2009-12-15T14:11:00.001-08:00

a very expensive, but uber cool digital media buy.

Click Here

Product Placement Mad Men style... now pour me a scotch

2009-12-15T11:42:00.000-08:00

"Believe me, somewhere in the business, this has happened before"

- Roger Sterling, Mad Men season 3

I just read a nice little article about product placement on Mad Men, the AMC series hit about the origianl Madison Avenue ad execs of the 60s. (read article here) One might think that their product placement was limited to just smokes and booze. I don't know if it's a matter of ethics or a matter of time, but neither of these devious vices are ever called by name brand... but there are certainly others who get the spotlight on the hour long program. Hilton, Gillette and John Deere to name a few.

It got me to thinking about product placement. Starbucks never paid for it.... maybe that has changed, but that was the case when I was on watch. I am Sam, Shrek, Sex in the City.... they all had Starbucks product placement. Anywhere from the cup to the actual cafe, and Starbucks didn't pay a dime. Why? Well, it was authentic to the pop-culture landscape and to the story itself. No other 'Central Perk' would do, it had to be Starbucks or the story didn't feel right. Recently however, they have paid for positioning on a morning show called none other than Morning Joe on MSNBC.

Starbucks is in a unique position because its a daily lifestyle brand, meaning it can more easily fit into a story authentically. Other products like Clearasil, Dr. Pepper etc. need to work a little harder, and pay a little more to even be considered for placement. In the era of TiVO, Hulu and the like, where traditional 30second advertising is getting tossed by the way-side its critical for brands to get creative about sharing their story. Brands message either evolves or dies (so says Darwin and the girl who stepped back into advertising).

A few stats to chew on from the Canadian Business article:

2006-2007 product placement in mass media grew 33.7%
2007 -2008 product placement in mass media grew 39%
In 2008, $3.6billion was spent onproduct placement.
The last season of American Idol featured 4,636 instaces of product placement.

My Two Cents:

I think the only value American Idol has provided in its last 7 or 8 seasons is its incredibly creative product placement. They have provided Coke and Ford some great out-TiVoing opportunities).

For the Record....John Deere was never consulted on this product placement:

Lululemon usurps Vanoc

2009-12-15T10:42:00.000-08:00

Lululemon TXS: LLL just introduced a line up of athletic gear thematically marketed around the Vancouver/Whistler 2010 Olympics. They are not official sponsors, but they delicately hugged the global event by calling their line up:

"Cool Sporting Event That Takes Place in British Columbia Between 2009 & 2011 Edition" (read CBC article here)

Brilliant move. Until this announcement, they were pushed into a corner by other offical and un-official partners. Bucking the Vanoc trend is certainly in fashion, and not just with clothing retailers. Unoffical banks, thrwarted tel-cos and the like have been try to get in on the Olympic movement.

I have been trying, without much luck, to get our ad agency to do a "you've been Van-oc'd spoof". The regulations around branding and badging have been so tight that its making it hard for marketers to play with the games in any capacity. The Hudson's Bay Company has the exclusive rights. And some how Aritzia got their fingers in the pie too... Chip must have been pissed about that. No Namaste for the wicked (I have heard rumours of gentleman's quarrel between Brian Hill and Chip Wilson for years).

Good for Lulu for coming out with a tongue and cheek approach. Roots did a similar one with their alignment with Right to Play and Mastercard a few weeks back. Root had the rights to the Olympics up until Beijing and then lost it for Canada, kept if for the US Olympic team and just lost the US business to Ralph Lauren.

This certainly won't be the last of the Vanoc bucking trend. But I must say, I do love a little competition.... but question to be answered is whether this is fair play or poor sportsman ship?

Clicker here for their Flickr pics of the merchandise

Starbucks (RED) and a good viral story.

2009-12-07T18:23:00.000-08:00

What does a whole bunch of strangers singing the Beatle "Love" have to do with coffee?
Nothing!! that's why I love it.
I love when a brand focuses so acutely on emotion and experience....
and when one does, and does it well, this is what you get.
StarbucksLoveProject.com

BTW - it does have something to do with coffee. 10-15% of Starbucks coffee comes from Africa. AIDs in Africa is a rampant disease. By helping to provide relief for victims of AIDs, they help make a healthier community, and a healthier community makes from a vibrant country, and a country that is vibrant, contributes positively to their continent, the globe and more important back to the healthy people that live within its boarders. Its kind of a good news viral story.

perfect integration - LG's Give it a Ponder

2009-12-07T04:31:00.000-08:00

Seriously, this is brilliant.
I have been holding back on posting lately because I have been rethinking how I want to leverage this blog... more to come on that late.
But this www.giveitaponder.com from LG is pure brilliance because:

It found a fun insight, owned it and exploited it for all of its humour. Similar to a drinking and driving awareness campaign, this LG found something they could stand for, something that felt cellphone company agnostic and by advertising for the category this way - they actually expand their universe of influence and relevance become the text message experts.
Seamless integration of social media
Its target relevant. They knew their target and went for it. Target was probably 18years old... not 18-35....I can't say it enough. Know your Target people and be laser focused on them.

watch one of the many videos/commercials here and below:

Fashionble PR pop-up stunt by Holt Renfrew

2009-12-04T13:43:00.000-08:00

This week in the westend strip of King West, which is home to Toronto's ad agency alley and oyster shucking hipsters with too much money, Holt Renfrew, Canada's leading luxury retailer set up a temporary boutique shop in the sales center of Fashion House condominiums.

What it is.... its an aesthetically-pleasing, well-curated sampling of gorgeous HR merchandise. It felt like a Barney's Co-Op and Anthropology experience. Expensive high-end merchandise was on display, open and touchable. It was a wonderful sampling experience and great way to show case affordable luxuries in real life situations - and bring them to the masses. The lunch hour lurk was in full force. I fell in love with raspberry headphones and Philip Lim sunglasses.

Pop-Ups are not new thing. They are fantastic way to build up a brands experience by giving it more liscense to curate and target in a more dramatic fashion.... and it gets a heck of alot of PR. In 2009, Ikea created one in the furniture district to launch their new catalog. My favourite is when Target had taken over a few neighbourhood bodegas in New York to display their limited edition designer series. Read more about that here.

Its the PR aspect that intreges me. I love how the untraditional is what gets this thing off the ground. I received an email about the event (because I am on their email list), there are wild posting posters all around the neighbourhood, plus the pop-up is street level, on a very pedestrian busy downtown street.... a street with no banker or brokers, so there is a bit more license to have time to browse.

And read more about Holt Renfrew's pop-up here: Fashion Magazine's article. (photos courtesy of this same article)

She-Wolf by Chester French

2009-12-03T06:34:00.000-08:00

I wrote about Chester French a while back... and most recently I have developed a bit of an obsession with Shakira's She-Wolf song.
And while googling the video on YouTube, look what I found - a Chester French cover of it.
Pretty funny.

BMW crushes two cars in the world's worst parking job.

2009-11-01T11:44:00.000-08:00

A week ago 1.5 million people saw a bmw crush two other cars. One of the guys in my office noticed one of the cars was a Hyundai. Hyundai is our client. They suggested they act quickly and test what could happen if they reacted positively, and quickly to the situation.
Watch for yourself. What do you think?

Carry On - 2010 Calendar design idea

2009-10-23T10:51:00.001-07:00

Keep Calm and Carry On has been the design blogosphere poster darling for 2008, 2009 and it looks like 2010 will be no different.

These adorable poster/calendars are designed by little brown pen.

Like this poster? Buy the PDF from Etsy by clicking here. Added bonus... you can print, and reprint to your heart's delight.

Idea Paint - Brainstorm every inch of a room

2009-10-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Admittedly I am one of those home decor people who painted a bedroom door with black chalkboard paint. A bit passe now that I see this bit of a brilliance.

Idea Paint is downright genius. Right up there with giant post-it notes.

Imagine a whole room, wall, hallway, painted with this stuff to create a writeable, wipe-able white board. Its is genuinely a high-performance product.

Read the Fast Company article here.
Check out Idea Paints very cool website here.

Face Detective - Dopplegangers beware

2009-10-21T13:33:00.000-07:00

A very funny, talented writer friend of mine has a keen eye for finding the familiar in the unexpected.

She is none other than the FACE DETECTIVE. ( http://facedetective.blogspot.com/ )
Although I didn't post them here, she also has an obsession with mouse-faces....

Enjoy sleuthing... its amazing.

Pretty as a Polaroid Picture

2009-10-21T11:58:00.000-07:00

Designer Jung Hwa Jin has created the Polaroid Flower Vase, a small planter that recalls the nostalgic form of polaroid, with the plant becoming the focus of the "picture." The planter is suspended with a clothespin on the end of a cord, with a small embedded lamp illuminating its subject.

source: here

Crispin Porter Bogusky

2009-10-21T11:51:00.000-07:00

It is likely because I think Alex Bogusky and I might make a sweet match that I really like their new agency website.

Smart. Interactive. Engaging.
Non-traditional use of what is now a Traditional medium.
(Yes that's right TRADITIONAL!!! its not new lug-heads).

Good stuff CPB.

Try it out here.

Pantone 2010 - what are the season's hottest colors?

2009-10-21T11:45:00.001-07:00

I would like this job. I'd be quite good at going to the ends of the earth to sus out colors, and assinging themes to them.

That's exactly what the Pantone folks do as part of their annual Pantone Color Insitute.

This season's new colors:
Aurora Coming on the heels of Pantone's 2009 color of the year "mimosa yellow," Aurora is a yellow tinted with green that gives off a burst of energy.

Tomato purée This season's classic red can be paired with turquoise, another Pantone hot hue, for a retro look.

Eucalyptus For the ever-practical, Pantone says this hue is cool and classic. To pump it up a bit, throw on some bright shoes and grab a vibrant handbag.

Read Fortune Mag's article.

Read here to learn more about what Pantone is and how it came to be.