"Really Permanent"

I saw this advertisement the other day and I thought that it was really clever.



What I was particularly intrigued about, were the cultural elements that really reflect how certain societies view what products can do. I was thinking about the tablet presentations, and how each group created a tablet that was culturally relevant to the country they were assigned. The tablet was presented in a way that made sense to the culture, and interestingly, this marker was presented in the same fashion. What is fascinating, is that the product, a permanent marker, is such a basic product, but the ad really made it stand out by incorporating its purpose in a really interesting way. The marker saved a life, who knew that a marker could do that? The ad is extremely clever and uses a tradition in a brilliant and memorable way. In all, I think the ad was effective in getting across the point of "really, really permanent," even though the product was not even at the center of the ad.

Is Walmart Worthy??

I have seen this advertisement a few times and every time I see it the ad gives me goosebumps, makes me smile, and brings tears to my eyes all at the same time.




Every time I see this ad, I get the same reaction and I really wondered why that happened. I knew this was a good and effective ad because it was real and relate-able and emotional, but I really thought that there had to be something more as well. In order to find out what that 'more' was I decided to rate the ad on its stickiness factor:
Simplicity: Very straightforward and easy to follow
Unexpectedness: The mother showing up at the end, the 'reveal' that the mother was a soldier
Credibility: The U.S. soldier, it was a way to say thank you
Concreteness: Well developed beginning, middle, and end
Emotions: ummmm...YES! Happiness, sadness, hope
Stories: Beautifully told story with a pleasant end. It pulls you in and you need to see the whole thing.
This ad, based on the factor, is remarkably sticky and I can't forget it. I am so moved by this ad, but every time I see it I wonder if Walmart is worthy of it. Walmart is about saving money and living a better life, but I don't know if the power that is found in this ad is equivalent to the feelings I have about Walmart. Personally, I think that Target would be better suited for this ad because Target, to me, links to the same emotions and has the same power. Regardless, this put Walmart in a more favorable light because I am not getting bombarded with Walmart deals, but rather, they spent the money to thank the troops. I respect Walmart for that because the troops need to be supported and I think this ad reminds people of all they sacrifice in both a lite and moving way. I love this ad, but I still wonder: Is Walmart worthy?

As I was perusing the Internet the other day I came across this advertisement...





This advertisement is a good example of some of the creative concepts we were discussing in class. It is interesting because the product being advertised (Doritos) is not the center of the ad. When I watched the ad, however, I really wanted Doritos. I wondered why this happened and I realized that it was because the advertisement was not saying buy Doritos, but was using Doritos to make a point. I thought a lot about reversal and how this ad addressed the question: What do consumer's dislike about traditional advertisements? In general, we dislike ads that are saying BUYBUYBUY and ones that are completely unrelateable. This ad, however is highly relateable because many of us have been in situations where someone looks to us for an answer and we don't always have one. Additionally, the ad reflected on outsourcing, which is a big issue today. Though it seems as if they made light of the issue, they did it in a way that demonstrates the negative effects of outsourcing - it is not always successful or a good idea (the player getting tackled). The issue was also presented in a humorous light because they took something that is 100% American (football) and outsourced it, which adds to the creative aspect. They took a risk, but not one that would bite them back since football will never be outsourced. In all I think that ad is well done because it is relevant and does a good job at presenting both Doritos and current concerns in a humorous light.

Interestingly, this ad reminds me of the Twix ads, especially in the sense that the product is saving a dire situation. An example is presented below.

Creativity Lives!

Today, I went to the craft fair at the World Trade Center in Boston. At first, I did not know what to expect, but I figured it would be fun to try it out and I went with Ivanka so it also allowed for some bonding time. The craft fair was amazing. There were lots of vendors, like the few pictured below.

There were so many creative people that were showcasing their work. From jewelry to clothes to food, the whole place was a creative wonderland. Seeing the hand made items and the thought that went in to each piece made me so happy. It was refreshing seeing creative people embracing their work and sharing it with others. I was lucky enough to be part of their creativity. This experience gives me something to aspire to. I can be like those vendors and part of me wants to be. They are not afraid to fail. They are not afraid that they will be judged for their beer can airplanes (yes those exist). They just want to showcase what they can do and share it with others - the true beauty of creativity. Creativity is not about being the most unique or the coolest, it is about sharing ideas and building relationships through clever designs. This fair was a community of creatives and it was so enjoyable to go there and see some of the craziest things I have ever seen (Jack Daniels wind chime anyone!) Pictured below are two ginger-bread houses that were for sale at the craft fair. They are so cool and really emphasize how creative you can be with graham crackers and candy.

                        Whoville House

                                           Inside the Whoville house (they designed a dining room!!)

Nature is EXTREME

I saw this advertisement the other day and as soon as I saw it I said "I have to blog about this!" - seriously.

The ad is for Timberland and it is really cool because it promotes the product in a really creative way. The shoes are made out of recycled materials and the ad shows how saving nature can be an adrenaline fueled experience.





This ad is really creative, because not only does it weave its call-to-action with the actual progression of the ad, but it really relates to younger populations. It reflects the concerns of the current population, but puts a fun twist on it, which makes the ad more memorable and effective. Often, an environmentally centered ad will evoke feelings of guilt and that is not always effective in changing behavior - people still may not recycle. The way Timberland speaks to consumers, however, is fun and upbeat and offers a challenge. The challenge is the most interesting part because we all know that environmental decline is a growing threat, but the fact that it could be a fun and adventurous challenge to clean it up never occurred to me - I will definitely recycle and if they have those boots in a girl's style I will recycle in those!

Definitely creative minds at work!

It's a Whale!

Initially, I could not really figure out what to write about. In class we have been talking a lot about creativity in terms of a process and, to me, it had seemed as if the creative process was impeding my ability to truly be creative and stopped me from having a Eureka! moment. I am slowly realizing that is not the case. I find myself thinking more than usual and investigating things that I normally would not have looked at.

Take for instance the following advertisement. It is for a Japanese/Korean audience and it reflects the struggle that I feel daily.





What is so powerful about this ad is its ability to convey our inner demons. We all struggle with being different and, as a result, seek uniformity because it is safer. The little boy, however, is just trying to express himself and the world is going crazy around him. That is extremely powerful because it is often not the world that threatens creativity, but rather the individual. This little boy did not fear being individual, even though he is part of a collectivist society, and though everyone else seemed to fear for him, he only felt accomplished. Then, all of a sudden, out of the madness, everyone sees this little boy's genius and they have that ah-ha moment! This ad is very memorable and relate-able because it reflects what millions of people experience internally every day - the fear to be yourself. Thus, I realize the importance of the creative process and the importance of taking risks. What would have happened if Michelangelo never took risks, or George Washington, or Einstein? Honestly, I do not really want to visualize a world like that. Without risks, there would certainly be far less creativity in the world and it would be a more dismal place. There is my Eureka!

"My Week With Marilyn"

On Thursday I went to go see the sneak preview of "My Week with Marilyn," with the ticket that Prof. Vogel emailed all of us. Not only was the movie FANTASTIC, but the director, Simon Curtis, was there to answer our questions.

I took the opportunity to ask Mr. Curtis about his creative process when filming the movie, and his answers were very interesting! He said how he spent a lot of time fact finding about each of the characters by speaking with family members and doing general research - he has wanted to make this movie for 10 years! He also followed the diary that the movie is based on closely to really develop the story. Interestingly, he also brought up how he limited his focus to a particular week, which not only made the movie intriguing, but also left you wanting to know more (or least made you want to rent "The Prince, Showgirl, and Me" from 1995). Mr. Curtis was also able to use the house that Marilyn Monroe actually stayed in when in London, which really added to the reality of the movie.

I took a lot out of this because it helped me realize how important the creative process is in crafting a piece of work. I thought a lot about how without fact finding the movie would have been different and nearly as good. Fact finding is a vital part of the creative process and without it your creative potential cannot be fully reached.

Enjoy the Trailer Below (and when it comes out everyone should go!):

Will you be my champion?

When you examine the history of what a champion is you come up with a lot of things. In Arthurian times a champion was the King's number one solider who fought for him and protected him. Today, a champion can be a person who wins a contest. A person could champion a cause to make a difference. Or, a national champion is a large company that dominates a particular field. In all, the word champion can mean many things, but saying the word elicits a particular feeling - influential.

We were asked to think of three champions in our lives who really supported our creativity. I was able to think of a lot of people who really supported me and encouraged me, but my thoughts kept going back to the same person. My 11th grade English teacher.

From the start, I had always been interested in writing, but I didn't really understand my talent until he began to teach me. He encouraged me, challenged me, and allowed me to make mistakes without judging me. He opened the door to innovative and creative learning and some of my most unusual work is from my 11th grade creative writing class (remember the poem that this blog is based on).

I don't want to talk too much about how this man influenced me, but rather that he DID influence me. People are important resources in your lives and you should hold on to anyone who makes you feel creative. On Sunday, I, as the assignment suggested, wrote a letter to this teacher thanking him. I emailed it to him, hoping that he still taught at the same school. Today, he wrote me back. Just communicating with him made me remember all that I had learned and made me feel better. I felt like I could do/write anything and I have not felt that way in a long time.

Long story short, a person is a large influence in your life and you should seek out people who will support you. Because without them, you can truly lose yourself in society's chasm of forgotten dreams.

Please go to the link below and watch the clip. I can't get it directly on the blog because it is not on YouTube. It really reinforces how people can help you express yourself.

http://www.values.com/inspirational-stories-tv-spots/100-Concert/

"Imagineering" A New World

Often when I think about what I want to accomplish in life I think of two things: I want to improve the world, and I want to work for Disney.

These two things may seem different, but they, as I have learned, are more similar than many think. Disney is the place where dreams come true, and a better world is a dream come true. Playing with semantics is easy, but when you observe what Disney does and how it is run, you realize that it truly is the most magical place on earth.

I often wondered what made Disney so magical...it was part Walt Disney's dream and part imagineering. Walt envisioned a place where families could go and enjoy each other and imagineers made it possible. This website explains what they do.

http://corporate.disney.go.com/careers/who_imagineering.html

When I go to Disney I feel happier. I feel like everything is okay and that I am allowed to be a kid again. What other place makes you feel that way? Now that I am in this creative thinking class, I have thought a lot about creativity and how imagineers use their creative minds to create spectacular things. I want to do the same. I want to bring a smile to a child's face and make people feel like they can do anything without fear of embarassment. Go ahead, get your picture taken with Goofy!

Disney is at the forefront of the creative world and I know that without Disney the world would be a far more dismal place. So, if you think of Disney and smile, or watch Disney movies and laugh, or watch the following video and awe in wonder like a child - then Disney is not only fulfilling its purpose, but has truly made the world a better place. I only hope that I can do the same.

Artist Date

One of our requirements for creative thinking and problem solving is an artist's date. Last week I went for a long walk and, due to the beautiful weather, it refreshed my soul. I really enjoy my artist dates because it allows me to get lost in whatever I do. I get to experience something new and different and that is empowering. The artist dates have also given me a chance to reflect on what I have done in the past. What artist dates could I have ventured on without even knowing it?

I thought for a while and then realized that I am a very lucky person because my life is filled with artist dates. I go to movies and Broadway shows. I read books that allow my mind to wander free and I sit outside for hours staring at the trees. Even some of my past assignments have allowed me to culture myself.

In case you were wondering, that last part is what this blog is about. Technically, it is about Louis Comfort Tiffany (not to confused with his father - the jeweler). Louis Comfort was a brilliant artist and most of his work was in stained glass.

He made a variety of pieces, from bowls to church windows. His life was incredible, but I won't get into that here since I covered it in my thesis in high school. My thesis allowed me to explore the life of a brilliant, and misunderstood, artist. His creativity was astounding and I wonder how people can have such creativity. Today, his stained glass can sell for easily over 20,000 dollars - and that is for a lamp. This assignment cultured me and made me think differently about true creativity.

Louis Comfort Tiffany's story ended in tragedy because the warehouse that stored most of his art was destroyed. Luckily some pieces were salvaged and his creativity lives on in those alone. I often think about what would have happened if everything had been destroyed. Perhaps creativity would have been discovered through other means. Perhaps creative people are not defined by what they create, but by how they use their gift to influence a person. Louis Comfort Tiffany's artwork influenced me and I use it as a guide to live my life more creatively and as a lesson to never give up, even when every thing seems to be against you.

The following video demonstrates some of Tiffany's work. It shows the whole range of his creative genius.

What's in your 'Soul'?

This blog post will probably be shorter than my previous posts because I have decided to focus on one advertisement that makes no sense to me at all.
Most people will recognize the Kia 'Soul' commercials with the dancing hamsters dressed in hip clothing.



My biggest problem with this ad is that I don't know anything about the car. Actually, when I first saw the ad I thought that it was for a video game until I actually saw the hamsters. I don't know how safe the 'Soul' is, what the storage capacity is like and how many miles to the gallon I get (all things I want to know when buying a car). I will say that it is an interesting ad because it employs creative measures in ways that other companies have not, but that does not change the fact that the advertisement conveys a certain message to me. In truth, the ad tells me the following:
1) The car is really small because the ad displays hamsters driving it
2) The car is youthful and a device for fun so it is probably not practical
3) The car is a Kia
4) The car is clearly liked by robots and frighteningly large hamsters (how does this help humans?)

Since I don't have any real information about the car, watching the ad is the closest I will ever get to a 'Soul.' The company's campaign for the 'Soul' is "A new way to roll," meaning it is a car that is new, fun, and different than anything else on the road.  The problem that remains, however, is that I don't know why the car is different. I think the advertisements could have kept the fun nature, but they should have done more to really emphasize what this car is doing for me.

So for now, I will keep my Scion.

Remember Who You Are

If there are any other Disney fanatics out there you will instantly understand where this saying comes from. For those of you who never spent your day daydreaming about what Disney character you would be when you finally got your fantasy dream job, it is from the Lion King. I often find that a lot of the ideas that I hold true come from Disney movies. I feel that the films carry a sense of truth and provide real solutions to problems (as naive as that may be). For instance, 'remember who you are rings true to every thing I do in life:' working on papers, traveling, and even future job applications: I will remember, and never sacrifice my true self. I try to hold on to my past so that I never forget where I came from as I tread on into the future.




Along with this idea, I saw graffiti today that really made me think about remembering who we are as people.

This graffiti seemed interesting to me because it is true, most people don't know anything about other people. Take advertising companies for example. A lot of times they try to reach out to an audience and completely miss because they misunderstand who we are. If they remember that, then there would be a lot less friction. Some ads that stick out in my mind are the Geico caveman commercials. When I see them I couldn't care less about Geico. The company fails to address the issues that some people may face as consumers, such as what benefits can I really get by switching to Geico (other than saving 15%). Sure, the ad is funny and I could easily recall that caveman = Geico, but that is not an association that I personally want to make. I think companies need to focus more on remembering who they are and what they do so that consumers can do the same in return. 

A few hours after posting this blog I saw a commercial that compelled me to add to the blog. It really hit on the whole idea of remember who you are. It is so powerful because it is human. Ads should strive to be more 'human' and really reflect the most important parts of life.



If we all remember our place in "the great circle of life" I think that we would all be better off.

Pilot

I will admit right from the start that this is my first 'true' blogging experience. I have written for blogs before, but I have never had one that I could call my own.

From the start, readers may be wondering why the blog is called the biggest fish and the truth is that I cannot give a direct answer. Realistically speaking, I am a creative person and I love to write and express myself through words. I write a lot of poetry, and though I am not world famous I think that the act of writing tells a lot about a person. With this in mind, I can say now that I wrote a poem that was titled "the biggest fish" and I have to say that it is probably my favorite piece. A lot of other people may not agree, but I am entitled to my own opinions, as subjective as they may be. I have a few reasons as to why that poem was my favorite. First, it was a turning point in my life and it reflects elements of who I am that I cannot necessarily verbalize. Second, the poem pertains to mystery and acceptance and I hope to embrace those two ideas in life. Third, I just think it sounds pretty good.

So you, if you are still with me, are probably asking, "what could this blog possibly be about?" I have an answer for that question, I do not really know. This blog will start out as an assignment for my creative thinking and problem solving class, but I think as I learn more and embrace that mystery it will turn into much more. I hope to explore creativity through different means: writing, advertisements, slogans, and much more in order to determine why people come up with the ideas they do and how that may benefit the greater population. I am using this as a vessel to learn more and not limit that learning to one section of marketing or one series of problems that are present in today's society.

I will begin with something I saw while waiting for the train today. As I was looking out onto the tracks waiting for my train I noticed a series of advertisements along the wall separating inbound trains from outbound trains. As I stood there I thought about information overload and the attempt to push a lot of information into a person's brain in a small amount of time. I realized that, as a consumer, I did not like being bombarded by seven advertisements at once (only three of which I could recognize). That realization made me think what I would do as a marketer or advertiser. Would it really be effective to put ads in train stations because other methods of advertising are being crushed by modern technology. The television used to be sufficient, but now that we can fast-forward through commercials, T.V. ads are difficult. I thought, what would be the creative solution? How could we change this? At first I came up with nothing. However, as I thought more I remembered some of the ads that stuck best in my mind. Ones on the radio where I could visualize the person speaking and ones in magazines where the story was told for me. The ads in the train were just super-sized posters and did not mean anything to me as a person or as a consumer. I know now that the best advertisement may be one that reflects simplicity and reaches out to consumers on a personal basis. The 'Coca Cola' commercial with the polar bears, the 'Domino's' commercials that unveil their problems, and the 'Disney' commericals that make you wish you were going.  The Disney ads actually bring tears to my eyes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql-iGGxyGuo (Polar Bears)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5Q2Y2ZQ-4Y (Domino's)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMU1OKFluQQ&feature=related (Disney)

These are some of the advertisements that I am recalling without any information in front of me because they spoke to me as a consumer. The best campaigns, global or domestic, need to address consumers. These are the issues I hope to address in this blog and so much more.


So that you know more about me my poem is listed below.

"The Biggest Fish *"

"I went fishing once
Long ago before fish knew
About the hooks and buoys and people

Casting irons thrust into smooth waters
Making them choppy and ill
Dangling worms freely throughout the kind ripples

Telling old stories of singing nightingales and bare kings
Laughing hysterically and forgetting whatever troubles we created
That same nightingale dancing for me

Singing songs and chanting séances to secure our superstitions
Of the biggest fish
Swimming in the pacific sea

Fake lines stretching to nowhere to catch a myth
Nibbles by passing Lilly pads who hunger to be loved
Screaming silently I’m crazy for you fisherman

Bottles of tap and fresh peaches flooding the boat
Our own mouths are our lifesavers
Dusting away on the open sea

And here it was at the end
Sleepless in the night when the witching hour was cast
Like our rods

He appeared amid the darkness
The biggest fish I ever saw
Dancing for me while the others were enchanted into sleep

Un-catchable and free singing sweetly
Tide pools of scales and fins
Drowning the sea with salty delight

He enchanted my childhood my stories
And when the hour passed so did the fish
Away into darkness again until another lone fisherman called for his blessing as I had

Gone as a ghost, never real they said
A dream, a figment they said
But I knew he was the biggest fish because I was the smallest and I never went fishing again"

*Entire poem property of Alyse Dunn

So go ahead and find your own biggest fish