..."Let all you do, be done in Love"

1 Corinthians 16:4

Friday, May 2, 2008

GG gets Racy



I have to admit that this commercial left me, mourth agape, totally tuned into the screen. Maybe that is because I am mildly obsessed with Gossip Girl, or maybe because the raw hook-ups going on were just too interesting to turn away from. Some people may think its a little risque, or that the F in "OMG" is unnecessary...But I have to bite my tounge, becuase I secretly enjoy when this 30seconds stumbles across my screen. However, I am 20..and the people who dislike this spot are tsk tsking at encouraging teen-sex. They have a point. Well, I kind of want to catch up on GG now..?

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Self-Concious America



On the class website, we were asked to tell how this list from the New York Times Fiction Best-sellers relates to our society. I think it is really sad. Here we are in this free nation with every possibility given to us, and we are reading books on vanity. On addiction, and depression. I think this says that we as Americans need to wake the .... up! There are too many people around the world, or in our own country, that are suffering from real tradgedies or illnesses. I probably sound insensitive, but I just can't understand these self-inflicted "diseases".

The Future



This is a great ad on how everything influences children these days...especially media. I think the tobacco company, and alcohol industry needs to make a concscious effort to avoid targeting young children.

Nike Fanatics Rejoice


This spot by Nike is really cool, is was directed by Michael Mann, who produed The Kingdom for creative agency Weiden + Kennedy. I really like his because it is unique by engaging football fans of specific teams. They incorporate that loyalty into the commercial and then enfuse energy and drive into the spot. I especially like the final clip when he is struggling in mid air to cross the into the end zone.

Protecting Innocence


Calvin Klein came under scrutiny after he launced his new line of underwear for children. After only one day of launching these ads, one in New York Times, Klein pulled them. Why? Because of the hideous repuation of human sexuality, exploitation, use of minors. The ads use children's flesh to grab the attention of the audience, and this is just not morally permissible. There was a concious choice, by the professionals, to choose which photos to use representing the precise appeal. Klein argued that only, "dirty old men", would find something sexual in these ads, but this is just a cover. The most disheartening aspect of this issue is the one on child molestors. According to the FBI, most child offenders collect children underwear ads..". I am glad our society shuns this attempt to sell products, when innocent children are at stake.

Axe: Gone Too Far?


OKay...soo another axe SEX ad. I don't know exactly how I feel about this product image. I mean, they are advertising to young teen-twentysomethings guys so they have the right mind set. But is that ethical? The tag line at the end of this spot says, "spray more, get more". This is A. Very sexual inuendo.. and B. They want these guys to just lather up with axe, so they come buy more product. Personally, I have witnessed one of these overzealous axe guys. Less is more. Seriously.

Muse


I think everyone should have a creative muse. For me it is music. I escape in the easy rhymn, the flowing beat. I wish I could play the piano, because it seems like an out of body experience. It's like the person playing is the music, their fingers dancing along the keys in a choreographed ballet. I like drowning myself in music while I am outside in nature. It's like life is performing in sync with my mood. I hope I always appreciate music the way I do now.

"uNfatHoMabLe SyNoGiZeR"


This is the, "unfathomable synogizer", that my group worked on this past week or so. It was realy engaing to "build", a concept that we studied earlier in the year. Each part was labeled with its specific function, which correlated to the end result. After doing this project, I was amazed to find my idea of "synergy" clear in my mind, each aspect with a responsibilty to the concept as a whole. Ohhh, this is why we were asked to make a machine.

Evolve


This trojan ad is really weird. I didn't like it when I first saw it and I thought that I would post about it. The spot begins with a bunch of attractive females sitting around drinking in a bar filled with gross pigs. One is "hitting" on a young woman, whom is clearly uninterested. Then, the pig goes to a condom vending machine to get a trojan condom. Immediately, the pig turns into a handsome guy who the woman take an interest in. I think this spot is vapid, and pretty dumb. It does sell "safe sex", but at what expense? The tage line, "Evolve", comes at the end tying the pig-thing together. Mmm..not for me.

Weird Ads


A cost-effective advertisement in Hong-Kong for a Yoga school. The straw shows the ability to bend and strecth with the maliability of the straw. Aparently, a lot of enquiries and interest began after this little advertising stunt.

Where is the line?


This controversial ad by Axe in Dubai by Sandeep Fernandes, shows a mouse-pad covered by a jean skirt. It was very iffy, with a tag line of "a mous-pad that every guy needs". Some people may think this ad is promoting sex ( i mean it is). But in an unusually in-your-face kind of way. And I'm sorry but that skirt looks like my 5 year old cousins. Gross.

What I Didn't Know About My Iphone


Hmm. Oh my iphone. I wouldn't trade it in for anything. I have come to love every nook and cranny of this bad boy. I recently wen to a hard case because he seems to be accident prone. I'm sure if you own one, you will relate to me about what I am about to say. Text messaging. Ahh, the new age email/phonecall/letter. I obsessively text all day long to anyone and everyone. With that said, it is amaizing how my skills have improved. I knew there was a reason behind the placement of those little letters. My dad has an impossible time using it because his fingers are so dang big, and the room for error is not that forgiving. I'm sure the new iphone( I am expecting one soon), will hone in on these issues.

I Love The World


I love this commercial for the Discovery Channel. I think they took a very easy going relaxed approach where they could have used serious material like they've done in the past. The thing is everyone loves the weird kooky stuff that is on this channel, and they embraced it. It may border on corny, but heck the song is catchy and I can't keep from humming it now.

FINALS:Life



Here Again, finals creep up on us every year. I really cannot believe that my Sophmore year has come and gone. Looking back on the year it seems like forever, and a day all at the same time. I am really happy with the classes that I took, especially my advertising classes. I feel like I am where I need to be..goosebumps are a regular occurence as I watch the genius in commercials and ads before me.

Interactive!


Is this dangerous? I feel like if this truck drove up beside me I would have a seizure on the road thinking a 40ft beer was coming crashing down on me. I think its beer?? MAybe its swedish or something. I do like the interactive advertisements that are seen in foreign countries like Japan, Etc.

Homeless, "Lullaby"



This is a very emotionally charged commercial for the Los Angeles Homeless Council. There is woman in the background humming a solemn hymn, while the amateur filming ads a visual effect. It looks as if it is raw footage of the streets in LA. The words flash on the screen..."this is where 80,000 men and woman...sleep every night". There is a rapidly growing issue with homelessness not only in LA, but around the world.

A Distorted Look




I'll start by saying that I am in a sorority. Not that it matters or anything. But sometimes it really gets to me that people think they can stereotype and characterize people based on groups and clubs they join. I mean, let's face it...there is just no way 200 people "pledged" to a certain house can be cookie-cutter "types". I won't say which house I reside in because it is not important to this blog. This blog is about how writers, i.e. for the DailyCampus at SMU have taken it upon themselves to publically criticize the fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and what they call, "fraternity men". My father was an SAE at the University Of South Carolina, he in no way resembles what you would call a frat guy, nor did he. The article I am so erked about showed up on Wednesday afternoon, ironically the last day of our class on campus. Not only was the story slanderous, and erroneous, but it was a grotesque blow to fragile events. They harshly talk about the death of Jake Stiles, a close friend and brother to the boys at SAE. This whole thing made me realize how advertising can influence people the way this article did them. People look at their expensive house plastered at the top of the article and immediately identify them as filthy-rich "cokeheads". I don't know any person in that fraternity, or at SMU, that does this drug. In the future, I will have a closer-eye to what I believe in the media.

RIP Joe Camel


So some people wonder where the infamous Joe Camel, for Camel Cigarettes went. Well, shortly after Old Joe's 75th anniversary, the Medical Association published findings on Joe Camel and his effects on kids. One test found that 91% of children over 6 recognized Joe Camel, similar to the recognition results of those who identified Mickey Mouse. Another report showed shocking statistics that since the induction of Joe Camel into the Tobacco industry, the share of the market under 18 had risen at least 30%. The thing that pissed off mothers, and anti-drug companies, was the fact that Old Joe went from a sophisticated character to a youngster hanging out at pool halls, and bars(even with a backward baseball cap). So, Joe went bye-bye.

Coke Zero Let Down


I really loveeee Coke Zero. This is a big deal considering my long loyalty to Diet Coke. I started drinking the silver can when my idols (my older sisters) swore by it. So began my addiction to the cold cola. The, it all changed. This year I moved into my apartment with three other girls, each with our own unique styles and tastes. I noticed our communal fridge packed with the black cans, still mysterious to me. I began my descent into complete dependance, as my roomates has previously done. Today I scoff when I go to a fountain drink still lagging behind the curve. Come on people, just try it! However, the ads for it are sub par. I don't like this spot I found for Coke Zero at all. Hopefully, better ads will bring the little black dispersor on the fountain. Until then I'll get my food to go, and sit back with a nice cold CZ.

Caddyshack


This is such a random spot. It uses Tiger Woods (obviously) because they are recreating the well-known comedy caddyshack. I would pay someone a million dollars if they could tell what this commercial was advertising even half-way through the spot. I'm not really that fond of a company using actors and old movies to entice the audience. They had to be pretty desparate or just out of ideas to fall back on this one. Oh and it was advertising Mastercard.

Tasti...or not so tasti


A low-fat, low-sugar, idea of ice cream. Essentially it tastes absolutely nothing like ice-cream, but more like airy...stuff. The only saving grace are the toppings that then defeat the purpose of the treat in the first place. But, tasti-d-lite is hoppin' ever since it moved into Snider Plaza a short walk from SMU and all the sorority girls on their diets. So it's probably not hurting. Oh, did I mention that the small is like $3.50 and is the size of a serving size of 1/2 cup. If your not into measurements, then its tiny, itty bitty. Recently Tasti got its debut in a high profile magazine ad, where its carton is laying on the floor below a semi-naked couple hooking up. Hmm I wonder who eats tatsi?!

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Blood Diamonds


I just watched Blood Diamonds, for like the 20th time, and no matter how many times I see it, one aspect of the film really gets to me. The idea that there are children as young as 7years old being kidnapped; brainwashed, and turned into child soilders. These children see murder, torture, and bloodshed in every walk of life. They are shown evil ways, and taught to kill without hesitation. I think that it is a case worthy of learning about. If we can use advertising to show the truth behind gorgeous "princess" cut diamonds, then maybe things would change. Until then, we will blindly pay for those AK 47 that placed, fully loaded in the hands of an innocent child. Look into this child's face. It is hollow, empty like stone, surely numb to the horror of his everyday life.

Sexy Ralph Lauren


I wouldn't ever think to use the work "sexy" with Ralph Lauren, but in this spot I have to. There is no way around how sexual, and intimate the two models in this commercial are. I really enjoy it, but in a visual context (who wouldn't). It works because perfume can be kind of intimate, when you are close enough to a person to notice it. And, the name of the item is, "romance", which also ads cohesiveness to the love birds on screen. It works because the brand is known for respectfulness, and conservatism. It would be different had this been done by someone like Dolce & Gabanna, but knowing them it would have been two men, or two woman all over one another.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Fallon London


We saw this commercial in class from The Fallon London team. I was intrigued with their unusual use of photography and filming. It is even cooler to me that they actually used real bouncy-balls,(tens of thousands) and the historic streets of San Francisco. The song in the background is called "heartbeats" by Swedish singer, Jose Gonzalez. I know this because I had to download it for my own music library.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Taos: Love



This is my new puppy Taos. I named him after the city in New Mexico that I wrote about earlier. Yesterday was the most amazing day outside, and Taos allowed me to really appreciate it. I think some people should learn to love animals or babies or anything, because they show you how to live fully and love unyeildingly. My roomate is lying on the grass with us, and we both felt more alive and happy after our little romp in the park. Like I have said before, sometimes it just takes a few extra minutes to take a deep breath and absord all the wonderful things this life has to offer. I am so happy that my little Taos has given me a boost in that direction. What a cutie!

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Oscars 2008



I don't know about you, but I had a really difficult time watching the Oscars this year. Jon Stewart was at least funny as the host, but I just didn't care about much of the show. It was funny when, Glen Hansard from Once, began his acceptance speech on a rant, and didn't let his female counterpart get a word in edge wise. Stewart, without skipping a beat, gets up and says, "God that guy was so arrogant!"...his side comment allowed her to come back onto the stage to thank everyone, and get her moment in the spotlight. Thank god.

15 what???



I mean, what is Hollywood coming to? I posted earlier about the horrifying and unexpected death of Heath Ledger, and now I feel composed to write about Disney Channel's "It" girl Mylie Cyrus. She is a fifteen year old idol for girls in diapers, to girls hanging out at the mall for the first time without mom. I think she has great pressure to represent this young impressionable audience. Right now she is on a slippery slope with risque photos leaking to the internet, and her sudden transformation from quirky to sultry. The photo above is of a supposedly drunken Mylie leaving Club Social. I know it is a typical teenage outcry for attention, but as one fan said, "we were not paid millions of dollars by Disney to represent there channel to millions of young children." If I were Hannah Montana I would lose the miniskirt and booze before I turned up in a pysche ward next to Britney.

Toyota: Live The Dream



This is a risky and intersting slogan to use along side Toyota... I mean I really was expecting to see a Mercedes or Lexus in this spot. The commercial as a whole is pretty funny, but kind of dumb, I really don't like the voice over in the background. I also think that animals attacking people is just overused and lazy. But anyways, I really don't know how they thought up "Live The Dream, after shooting this commercial with a Toyota and some varmant.

JUNO


Juno was an interesting little flick. I went into it expecting some laughs, but what followed came out of no where. I think that the film had good intentions, as an eye-opener for the tween-to-twenty somethings crowd. The only negative I can think of is that the underlying issue is kind of pushed under the rug. Her quirky style, and fun lingo pretty much negate all the chaos and negative consequences of an unwanted pregnancy. She actually makes being sixteen-years old and, "preggers", look kind of...cute? The boy in the film has hardly anything to do with the whole thing, while the parents take a backseat in any life lesson speeches, or punishments..or anything really. I may just be over analyzing the interpretation I received, but I feel like I was wise at 19 compared with half my fellow movie-goers. Which is just scary.

Caarrier Pigeons



This is really new and innovative way to feature a "new shipping solution" to the public. It has really great animation, and I am glad that none of than animals in this clip do not talk. FedEx always uses fresh and fun ways to highlight there efficiency and power among shipping, and this was a cool commercial that did not force them to compare themselves among other brands, or simply brag about there own superiority.

The Hand Of Life



I don't know why, but I have always been fascinated by hands. I started drawing, and sketching hands holding things, or just held naturally. I think it is because as a little girl, I would always clasp my dad's big strong hand for security. I knew the familiar feel to his worn out golfer's palm. My mother's hands were so different, they were soft and worn, with lines that marked all the love she had poured from them. So it is with this that I began sketching and becoming aware of the little things that made everyones unique and different. I'd always like to imagine a story behind them. One thing I can recall is that my highschool boyfriend had big hands, that were great for baseball, and yet they were probably softer than mine. His thumbnail was flat and so wide. He wore his silver ring on his middle finger. It's funny how much I can remember about them, but come to think of it, I know a lot about my current boyfriend's hands too. His, he says, are magical...that will someday stitch up an open heart, or suture an open wound. His hands are larger than life on his slim frame, and I think they look like boxing mits, or paws. He has a scar, that he often rubs, on his inner wrist. I guess that is something I've never really thought about until now.

The Coke?? Side of Life




I can't say that I am thrilled with the slogan..I feel like we are talking about coke, coke. Like half a gram style...but maybe that's just because I am in college. But nonetheless the commercial enclosed is actually really funny and a fresh idea tha I have not seen before. And the print ads are breathtaking and unexpectantly beauiful.

Taos: A Cultured Study




One of my roommates just informed me that she will be spending the May Term in Taos, New Mexico. It made me reminisce on the great experiences and opportunities I had while I spent my time there. Last summer I participated in the August term, and it was one of the most amazing trips I have yet to have taken in College. As a homebody, I came to SMU from good ole' HP high only a mile or two from my home. This opened my eyes to a real awakening, in which, I was more independent than I have ever been in my life. I hiked the tallest peak of NM, I rafted down the Rio Grande, and I learned in a way that engaged me fully, and completely. This is an amazing endeavor that any one with a taste for nature and serenity should take. The above photo to the left is one that I took at an "Earthship", a real-life home made of completely recycled materials including tires, bottles, and adobe. The second photo is one that I really admire, because it is at the peak of Wheeler Mountain with my good friend, and sister.

Life's A....



So this is the new bumper sticker that I have seen on a few cars. Actually, now that I think about it, probably far too many in such a short time. I guess it is because we are in such a conservative, right-winged neighborhood. And the SMU population definetly adds to it. I don't by any means like Hilary Clinton, nor do I think she should in any situation, be the President of the United States. However, I think this type of slogan, transmits a sordid and trashy message. Anyone that has the audacity, or low-class, to put something like that on their car probably knows little or none of the topics, or debates of the ongoing election. If they do not support Hilary Clinton, I would hope they could point out a few points on which they disagree, without degrading the arguement to the mere fact that she is a woman, or as they say a "bitch".

...LOST



I have mixed emotions about the cult following TV program Lost. I used to be a fenatic, along with most of my friends. It took a little encouragement to get into the plot during the first season, and by the second I was hooked. But now I'm not so sure how much I like it. While I used to be glued to the TV every Thurday, these days it slips my mind. The plot just became so unrealistic and far-fetched that it lost a lot of its appeal. Maybe they will make a fighting comeback, but as ghosts, and boogeyman's fill the screen, I think I'll just watch MTV.

YoYoBrain



My roommate came home the other day excited to tell me about this new site, yoyobrain.com. She was at the Starbuck's on Hillcrest, when a young man introduced the site as his own upcoming project targeting SMU students. The site was surprisingly sophisticated, and helpful too! All you do is sign up with your name and your university, then add your specific classes from a list they provide. I only had one class listed, but more are apparently added everyday. All I know is that many classes I took last year contained literally 300 or more flashcards premade for each exam. I suggest anyone at SMU take a look, it could save the day, or at least save you some time studying.

Starbucks Shutdown



So the infamous Starbucks shutdown happened yesterday, where employees were to be trained to make the best coffee in
the nation's most famous coffee shop. One employee reveals that, "...We basically got paid to come in and do nothing for a few hours which was fine..." So, I don't understand the huge hype that followed this public event? Why was it such a huge production, and media extravaganza if it doesn't even affect that many people.

Medicated


I think this is a pretty realistic idea for anti drug commercials. These spots usually try to use real life scenarios to persuade and inform young people about the scary and unwanted effects of drugs and alcohol. This commercial is interesting to me because it is targeting the parents. The campaign made a good decision to warn mom's and dad's about the reality of teens and prescription pills. Many young people have easy access to the medicine cabinet, and without proper guidelines, would probably abuse them. The Partnership for a Drugfree America shows that the third consecutive year, 1 and 5 teens have tried some painkillers like Oxycotin, or Vicodin, which translates to almost 4.5 million kids. Many were asked about their thoughts of drugs, and as many as 40% thought that prescription pills were "much safer" than illegal drugs.

Too Sexy?


I think that sex in advertising is becoming more and more risque. It seems that the shock and awe technique has replaced many other forms of creativity in commercials, and in magazines as well. It is a dangerous theme that we are introducing to young viewers, and i think there will be consequences. During my Rhetoric class, we discussed sexual inuendos and themes in media, and the cause effect relationships it creates, and why we do it.

Monday, February 25, 2008

The Lost & Found



I was stumbling on the class blog, and I came across the idea to "Tell a Story about a found item". Then ironicaly, as I left the Fondren library I found a cross necklace. A girl was walking into the library and the reason why she lost her neckalce was because it fell off. She was flustered about school work, test, and boyfriends. So when she was in the library she never noticed. When she wasn't in the library, she felt happiness, and this is where she thought she belonged. But it wasn't until she walked out of the library that she realized where she was supposed to be, where her faith, and religion remained. The library is synonomous to the superficial aspects of college. Like greek organizations. But it was actually, outside of all of those things that was right, and good.

Celebrating Life, Saving Lives



Relay For Life is an amazing organization with the American Cancer Society that is here on our own campus! Each year, this group raises thousands of dollars in the ongoing fight to cure cancer. It is also a chance to celebrate, remeber, and help in all the lives that this disease has touched. With both my grandmother, and grandfather victims of cancer, I take this chance to really get involved. Last year, SMU set a record in our donations, and it is my hope that this coming April we take it another step farther.

Madrid: To Go or Not To Go



I find myself in the difficult decision to go abroad next year as a Junior. I am minoring in Spanish, and hope that my fluency will further me in the advertising business world. I can imagine the benefits of studying in the beautiful city of Madrid, but I can't help but hesitate. Now that I have established my little comfort zone in Dallas, it scares me to push myself to a foreign place without the security of my friends, my family. The video enclosed in this post illuminates the wonders of Spain, and although I knew this before, gave me encouragement in the idea. I feel like I will become more cultured, and that it will expand my creative realm of thought. I have never written about this before, and it is actually more therapuetic than I would imagine.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Lost In Translation





Today is a profound day. My mom called me earlier elated that she and my father had just upgraded to use the Text function on their cell phones. You see, my parents are so far behind on the technological curve, that this is an unforseen advancement. It made me realize how much people rely on text messages these days, and if not that, then a quick unpersonal email on their Blackberry or Iphone. Young people especially are becoming more and more unemotional in their communication. The thought of a hand-written note is unimaginable! So, then I realized my own reliance on quick fufillment. I just texted a friend about our next class...why did I not take the extra 10seconds to call her? Everything in our lives is revolved around speed and efficiency to get it done, without wasting time. As I left the confines of my afternoon class, I was consumed in Dallas' spring sun taunting my bare shoulders, and in that moment, I wanted to waste time. That is why I think we all need to slow down to take a second glimpse at the beauty in everyday life. And sometimes, just sometimes we need to take the long way home.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

The Power of Music



****"I always tell the girls never take it seriously. If you never take it seriously then you never get hurt. If you never get hurt then you always have fun, and if you ever get lonely you can just go to the record store and visit your friends."******

I wanted to post about the power of music in advertising, and in life in general. I find myself escaping to music in many facets of my life. Music has the ability to transmit emotion, and provoke a reaction, whether it be fear, suspense, or joy. So in the aspect of commericials it plays an important role. Another reason music in advertising is crucial is the aspect of memorability. There are countless slogans that use this methodology in their campaigns to ensure viewers will remember their brand.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

a look from inside


I thought that it would be nice to see where I do all my work. Most people probably like a quiet, sterile environment to work in but, as you can see that is not the case for me. Above my desk I tac photos, clippings, my drawings, everything that pleases me aesthetically. I have everything from horses, to black & white photography. I guess it's the area that I dedicate my creative energy to. As it fills up I notice how random everything is, and yet in a way it comes together perfectly. Anyways, I wanted to give you a glimpse into my world, right from the drawing board.

Nike Warriors


As I first witnessed the "Nike Warrior's" commercial during our class, I was awe struck by the captivating imagery and visual effects. Although some of the monster-like faces bordered on scary, they were perfect. Even as a girl, athletic at one point, but a girl nonetheless I felt enthused and adrenaline in the two minutes I watched the men before me. I think it is essential to use new and unforseen ways to advertise. Nike Warriors inspires us to be agressive, and to be competitive. Just as this spot was in the advertising realm.