Awesome Logo

I'm a big fan of logo design. I'm no graphic designer but I do 'get' logos. I think this one is SO unique and not quite cliche.

It's for NYC's FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL!!! (I wish I had the $50 to go!)

The integration of the subway system and the wine bottle are very clever and simplistically perfect. Notice the colors in the correct places too with just a subtle color difference to make the logo unique to the event.

Ad of the Day: Breast Cancer

Another "Ad of the Day" moment, and it's not for the lottery this time.

My new favorite ad is for the Breast Cancer Awareness magazine Pink Ribbon.

Grey Amsterdam created this PSA campaign for the publication that aims to support breast cancer awareness all year long, not just during breast cancer month. Unlike U.S. ads that are more body conscious and play it safe, these ads dart straight to the point.

The ads are brilliant because:

• They are relatable to women: We all have boobs. It also creates a sense of community and safety knowing that every woman thinks about/deals with this issue.
• They aren't scary, but rather are encouraging. A PSA shouldn't scare the consumer but present them with a convincing call to action.
• They play off nostalgia and the memories we link to our boobs: boys, clothing, growing up, etc.
• Possibly my favorite: Each boob presented has a name, just like how boys have a name for their junk. (Do we really do this though?)
• They don't feel corporate and so are approachable. The unique fonts for each ad supports individuality and creates a sense of calm when dealing with something fearful.

Here are the print ads:

While the ads promote sales of Pink Ribbon magazine, they also serve to promote breast cancer awareness. So even if the ads don't create new consumers for the publication, it may promote their worthy cause they hoped to communicate within their pages anyway.

Here is the effective TV spot that would do wonders in the USA if only we weren't so prude:

What Makes New York New York

Lately I've been trying to describe to people just what New York means to me, how it's changed from a fantasy from movies, to a place that always proved to be a whirlwind short stay to my HOME.

Then, I found this from my friend Nina:

"There are roughly three New Yorks. There is, first, the New York of the man or woman who was born there, who takes the city for granted and accepts its size, its turbulence as natural and inevitable. Second, there is the New York of the commuter - the city that is devoured by locusts each day and spat out each night. Third, there is New York of the person who was born somewhere else and came to New York in quest of something.

Of these trembling cities the greatest is the last - the city of final destination, the city that is a goal. It is this third city that accounts for New York’s high strung disposition, its poetical deportment, its dedication to the arts, and its incomparable achievements. Commuters give the city its tidal restlessness, natives give it solidity and continuity, but the settlers give it passion. And whether it is a farmer arriving from a small town in Mississippi to escape the indignity of being observed by her neighbors, or a boy arriving from the Corn Belt with a manuscript in his suitcase and a pain in his heart, it makes no difference: each embraces New York with the intense excitement of first love, each absorbs New York with the fresh yes of an adventurer, each generates heat and light to dwarf the Consolidated Edison Company."

E.B. White, "Here is New York," 1948

I think that just about sums it up. New York is an expression of passion for me. It's home, and home so quickly, because it is a positive outlet of my dreams. A final destination (sorry Mom). And my adventure.

It may be a corny Tshirt but I HEART NY.

Unconventional

You know you love my commentary but let's pretend this blog's purpose is that of Twitter and just enjoy this link with my prediction that Microsoft's 'LOOKING GLASS' platform may be what makes social media MEASURABLE. Watch out, advertising is still alive and well.

ARTICLE HERE.

Ad of the Day: NYC's Lotto Campaign

As a new NYC subway rider, I am still amused by the constantly changing subway ads inside the cars (better than looking at the smelly weirdoes around you.)

Last week, Ted pointed out this ad - one I had looked over and not paid much attention to for two reasons:

1. It's very plain/basic - I prefer wit.
2. It's for the lottery, something I can't risk the only dollar I have on.

While the ad did nothing for me, his liking for it amused me and I became interested in it. Who is their target? Why 'SWEET MILLION'?

The SWEET MILLION is the name of the lotto game where you have 'the best chance to win a million for just a buck.'

When I saw the commercials, I became more interested. The concept is simplicity. One dollar. Easy commitment. That's sweet.

Here's DDB's commercial correlating with the one-dollar-lotto.

To me, this ad seems to be a 4 in the morning, laughable idea pitched to the NYC Lotto people who happen to be 80 year old grandmas who love their cats and their grandchildren's pet chicks. WHO CAME UP WITH THIS?!

Yes, while gaining a million dollars would be sweet... I hardly associate it with pigs in pajamas. Maybe they are hinting that their commercial is just as realistic as people actually winning anything from their dollar investment... just a thought.

Anyways, the campaign DID make me look it up. Maybe just because advertising intrigues me, or maybe many people are looking further into this Sweet Million. If that's the case, then I think this is a brilliant campaign. Their site, while it carries on the absurd cutesy pet thing, is modern/ delivers a clear message and has 'legs.'

The mini-site features:

• The logo on the top left.
• The tagline next to kittens sitting atop a dreamlike cloud.
• The motto of the campaign under in green.
• Link to the NY Lotto mainpage in the balloon on the right.
• Info about it with the bunnies. Last week's numbers with the chicks. And an option to become a fan on facebook or share on a number of other Social Media sites with the pup.

The ABOUT section is dreamlike and possibly appeals to off their rocker people or drugged lunatics. I'll admit, it is amusing.

Please notice the rainbow, flying dolphins holding the banner, the plethora of domesticated farm animals and the kitty who glides across the screen for each option you choose on the bottom bar.

I don't understand HOW on earth the creative team got from A. One dollar lotto with million dollar prize and B. "Sweet million is sweeter than sweet. Which is sweet." to Crazy animal themes campaign and print ads with floating, almost border-less dollars BUT they did.

And they are doing it well - with the integration of a strong tagline, a microsite and social media.

(I apologize for the multiple lotto posts, however, it is interesting to note how mainstream the ads are becoming - how commercial. Now that we are in an economic recession, the lottery is appealing to more than just the middle of the country farmer bumpkins... it's for the urban subway riders and indebted Americans. So go buy your lotto tickets if you're into the whole Sweet Pet thing.)

Ho Ho Ho, No Holiday Cheer

Don't worry, the title of this post may be a little more grim than is necessary, for us consumers anyway. For retailers on the other hand, it may not express their distress enough.

That's right, according to this trend-following article by AdWeek.com, holiday spending is estimated to raise exactly 0% from last year's numbers, the lowest recorded Holiday year since 1967 - down 2.4%.

So, I'm predicting no Tickle-Me-Elmo-like crazes or Jingle All the Way Turbo Man dramas. It's sad but true. Hopefully this means that noone will be stampeded down like the unfortunate event at Walmart a few years ago. And maybe mall parking won't resemble that of a border crossing jam. (Truthfully, this sounds like a cheerier version of Christmas to me...)

The sad truth of the matter, though, is not that we are becoming less materialistic or more humane, we are just poorer. With negative contributors to the situation like unemployment, foreclosures and unavailable credit, shoppers will have to find other ways to show their affection this season and keep putting the money towards bills and debts.

Maybe, the meaning of Christmas will resurface? Maybe more people will take the time to have a snowball fight, make decorations or appreciate their old ones rather than redo Holiday appearances for this year. Who knows.

However, advertisers are still hopeful. (Afterall, we have jobs to look after too.) Knowing about this TREND makes advertisers able to brace the coming consumer disaster and attack it from a knowledgeable stance.

The article suggests that marketers should hone in on online advertising this season - marketing to internet savvy consumers. Why? Internet savvy shoppers may have jobs and therefore be online more often to be exposed to media - AND have more means to spend. Social media butterflies are often, in this moment, younger and have an indispensable income (if that still exists). AND, the bonus of online shopping - less of a mental commitment is made when shoppers simply click and realize the money spent later on with the physical credit card bill, after the decision is already made.

My advice?

• SHOPPERS: Be aware on online marketing this season (Nov.-Jan.). They are coming after you in full force and will take advantage of quick-online decisions. Think about everything from a budgeted view point. If you have the money, buy it. Spread that Christmas cheers and boost our economy.
• MARKETERS: Embrace the knowledge and watch expenses. Save advertising for online clientele and limit in-store holiday staffing. Don't seem desperate, seem holiday-cheer filled and help consumers to forget their holiday stress.

Recession Holiday Season #2. Brace yourselves.

Love this AD!

Adfreak exposed me to this elegant Lottery ad.  Yes, I said it: elegant Lotto.  

I feel like most Lotto commercials are unoriginal and tell you that DUH, you can win money, and lots of it.  But, this one is different... it sells a feeling, a life, a dream even.  As I've said before an ad should connect with an innate human truth... this one does: it shows how childhood dreams come true - while also plugging the Lottery.

Check it out:

How can you not love an ad that has story-telling abilities and makes you say, AWE.  Also, it's in no way cheap or unoriginal.  It's frankly adorable.  I'm a fan.