Ontario's newest series of subway ads appear to be ineffective to me. This ad in particular tells us that Ontario produces 75 variety of cheese. Aside from the poorly chosen typeface (difficult to read, and so close to the trim), The way the ad functions is poor as well. Reading the headline first is not a logical solution. If the image was on the left it would clearly be a more effective ad, because I am reading the poster from left to right. The functionality seems limited and could have been rendered a lot better. Other than that, the issue is a very important to address (not the variety of cheese) but to encourage the Ontario consumer to purchase groceries closer to home.
Local Cheese?
ATI madness
For people who don't know the company it has become one of the most monumental achievements is that the company has managed to produced mid-range components and seemingly dropped out of the high-end enthusiast market.
What I believe happened with the company is that within the past year the company was purchased by AMD, an American company, and the whole company started revamping the identity of the company. ATI has been well known to be affiliated with the color red and having to incorporate the color green, AMD's color, has probably produced the most confusion amongst consumers. Confused consumers = lesser business.
Changing the identity was one thing, but the company moved from a Canadian based technology company to a fully owned and now American operated company. Right now with the merger, a lot of the company has to change and the identity itself is somewhat of an integration of both companies right now. Confusion is what I personally experience with this company and have no idea what's what and I believe confusion causes a brand to become weaker.
BMW's Signature Grill
BMW is the german luxury vehicle manufacturer we all know and love. The brand is strong, and its cars all consist of the similar double grill. When you see a bimmer, you know it's a beamer even if it doesn't have a logo. This makes all of the BMW's have soul, and consistent design recognizable to all.The 1 Minute Burger HOLY @#%!
Alright so I'm driving with my dad and I read in the branding book that McDonald's started out in 1962. So I just so happen to ask my dad what was it that made McDonald's so great back in the day. So he explains that the 1 minute burger was a huge thing. that you could stand in line and get a burger within less then a minute instead of the causal dinner where you would find yourself sitting down for 20 minutes waiting for your burger to be cooked up. I was kinda suppressed that convince has become so apart of our lives that we don't care how it's done as long as we get what we want and as quick as possible. As designers I find its our responsibility that sometime we might want to stand back and really think if convince is more important product quality.
Mcdonald's Dead.
I know McDonald's gets alot of flack but I just can't stand their packaging. It's not even a matter of having active healthy people on their packaging that kills me--cause you know they're not eating one bit of that gunk--it's the fact that the colours are depressing. The rendering of the bodies are also (in most cases) stripes and not dots. The feeling I get from this package design is that McDonald's is alive, full of energy and this "athlete" is dying. Even their expression is deceitful, it might be because they sold their soul to the red guy with yellow horns. I'm not saying I don't get McDonald's cravings--I seem to have suppressed them quite well--but ultimately I'm saying that when I see that package with a few grease marks, I lose my appetite.
Ethos Water
I came across this website recently for a brand of bottled water called Ethos Water. The company's schtick is that for every bottle of water purchased the company will a few pennies to invest helping children get drinking water as well as raise awareness of the water crises. I usually wonder the true motives for gimmicks like these. Sure, the company may help out in time, but it's just another marketing gimmick. And the name, Ethos Water, well, I feel guilty already.
Seems like I'm not the only one questioning the value of such a company. These guys have something of a little brand-hack happening over on this site. While I like this idea, I wonder why the entire website isn't a brand hack (just the first page is, every other link will send you back to the real Ethos water site).
The web needs more brand-hacks.
cool ad.
This ad came out of an agency called JWT in Cairo Egypt from 2006. It's a Lipton Green Tea advertisement showing the string from a tea bag coming out of a bush shaped like a mug. This could work as an installation where it might appear in outdoor parks or as a 2D ad in a magazine or as a poster. It's such a simple idea that makes you stop and think. Yet the idea comes across clearly, especially once you read the tag that says greentea. It's a fresh and unique way of looking at advertising- using the objects we already have around us to rely concise messages.
PC vs MAC
When you are seen with a laptop it says something about who you are. PCs are usually associated with business people and stuffy office jobs. Whereas MACs are assoicated with young and trendy consumers and designers. This separation between the two brands is used by Apple in their successful and funny ad campaign. MACs are shown as a better quality computer that look nice and you can have more fun with and the PC is for making 'charts and graphs'. I think its really funny how a piece of technology that basically everyone uses daily can say so much about you. So my question is what does your computer say about you?
Fly to Skype
Now a days people often travel all over the world and use the internet almost everyday. Most of them have cell phones and want to keep in touch with others.
Skype ,which is an internet telecommunity company, has become a world-renowned brand.
The logo looks like it's covered by a cloud so that the cloud as well as the name will bring your voice to your family or friends.
It's a friendly rounded font and the colour of blue attracts attention, is easily recognizable and memorable.
The fact that more younger generations are using computers than elders, Skype is targeting youth.
The Brand of News
The branding of newspaper is actually quite interesting, when you think of your choice newspaper to read, there are many different messages, views, and therefore brand identities that each have. Compare for a moment The Sun with the Globe and Mail. Different views, different morals and values, very different layout and of course there are different people who read these papers. Each newspaper has attracts their customers based not only on their views about also based on the different layouts. I read the Toronto Star, what does that say about me?
Gene Simmons = $$$
If any of you have watched the show "Gene Simmons' Family Jewels" on A&E you are well aware that Gene Simmons (member of the band, KISS) is always interested in a new business venture and, well, money. The KISS logo has been stamped on pretty much anything imagineable and he has lent his name to all sorts of programs and products- including "Genetopia", the name of his "paradise on Earth" property (read: ISLAND) in Turks & Caicos. It does not come as a surprise then that he has officially made the "moneybag" logo HIS OWN. And now, partnered with a Canadian designer and his longtime girlfriend Shannon Tweed (also Canadian!), the Gene Simmons MONEYBAGS line of tees, bags, etc., etc. will be on our very own downtown TO streets!
He is a master in branding himself and makes it no secret what he is ultimately after... moneymoneymoneyMONEY!
Either way, he is still HILARIOUS and his show rocks, IMHO.
Batboy Superman has Run out of Ideas!
This summer presented a rather interesting challenge to me. I had successfully managed to help one of my friends brand themselves, and dabbled into various corporate branding as well. I had finally decided it was time to do my website! Having the name mpiredesign.net parked for about 2 years now with nothing on it was starting to feel a tad shameful.
So, there I was, with a pad of paper and a pencil. I was ready to start jotting down my ideas. Little by little, that excitement diminished. After about 2 hours of near idleness, all I could salvage was a gigantic doodle of a teenage mutant ninja turtle attacking a horrendous mess of scribbles.
This eventually led to my question: How does someone who establishes identities create their own? It’s like the person creating batman’s vinyl costume. When they are done, do they create a similar one for themselves? Do they need to have a super secret identity that transcends that of even batman? Or do you just pick up the scraps of your superhero costumes and create a Frankenstein’s monster of a black caped blue leotard wearing mess of a costume? To this day, I still stare blankly at that dumb ninja turtle, for I know that it’s the closest I will get to creating my own identity any time soon.
Ford Escape
I was watching a movie on TV this week, when I actually paid attention to a car commercial. This is rare for me seeing as I don’t drive, I don’t need a car and I really don’t have much interest in cars as a hobby. However, Ford has come up with some really decent ads in the past; the inspiration commercial, the hybrid. The new commercial for the Ford Escape really is unique. Not only does the commercial tell about the car, but the illustration and execution is amazing. It speaks about the car having a sixth sense, therefore giving the customer a sixth sense. I love the art direction and think it’s a great way of showing the qualities of the car in a new way.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WlsSBBHgvQ
Mastercard: Masters They Are Not
It took Mastercard a while to follow suit after Visa's re-brand over a year ago, but they have just come out with their newest incarnation, their last re-brand being in 1996, and has come to us with a new name: Mastercard Worldwide. It sounds grand but I think perhaps they over-thought this thing. Their new name, I imagine, is supposed to inform the masses what we already knew, that Mastercard is a worldwide brand, accepted and known almost everywhere. It dosnt have the greatest ring to it but we can forgive that for now. Really what baffles me is this new logo. I can spot that Mastercard venn diagram from a half mile away, I knew what the mastercard logo was before I knew what money was for christ sake, the brand was that strong. They hadnt really strayed from their image since '79, but this? The pseydo lens flaire obsctucts the clear shape of the 2 circles (the Mastercard venn diagram as I lovingly call it) which allows one to spot it in a shop window at 100 paces, and it's pretty ugly, to boot. I can't help but wonder if this will ruin Mastercard's bond with it's cardholders and with the general public.
Helio
First of all, for those who don't know Helio is a mobile communication company like solo mobile and many more.
Now with that been said, let's analyze the brand logo together. Does this logo say "communication" to anybody? anyone at all? Not me. But let's not bash this logo just yet. Its a visually pleasing logo and as good as it looks it serves other purposes that it shouldn't. Meaning that even though its a mobile company logo, it acts like a logo that could be used for Toronto Hydro or Energy. This is because the second I look at the logo I am drawn to that blue flame and that right away reminds me of chemistry class where you learn about different chemicals and gasses that produce different color flames when torched. Thats how I see it. How do you see it?
Handsome beauty?
This is a new commercial from Shiseido for their new series of lipstick “Maqillage”, which is a liquid base shinny lipstick. I found that their tag line “handsome beauty” happens to be the catchiest element in the commercial (not the girl unfortunately), at least for me. I forget when did this trend start, which when a girl dress up or act boyishly is considered to be cool. Obvious, this commercial want to take this idea and market this “Maqillage” lipstick as a must have item for having a cool look. The ironic thing is this shinny lipstick is going the opposite way of the idea of being handsome. In this commercial, the word “Handsome” seems like it means nothing but just another way to say “icy”. Anyway, I think this is clever enough to catch audiences’ attention. I think Shiseido did a pretty good job.
Ubuntu on Dells
Dell recently released a new series of computers running pre-installed versions of the Ubuntu open-source operating system. Aimed at advanced users and tech enthusiasts it is surprising to see such a large company like Dell embracing an open-source OS. Open-source refers to the fact that Ubuntu is free to download, and it's source-code (what it's made up of) is provided for also free for developers to create their own applications (think the recent surge of Facebook apps). While I don't think I understand open-source completely it will be interesting to see how the PC's sell.
cool logo for hospital
This logo is owned by Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital, which is located in Burlington, Ontario. At first, it appealed to me because it seemed very similar to the logo of The Bay, which exaggerates the “B” in a calligraphy style as this logo does. So, I looked at it closely and found the image of a bird inside of the letter “B”. The bird that is a traditional symbol of hope is nicely done with the beautiful shape and its figure that is flowing naturally. It is very impressive. The colour, sky blue, is an excellent choice. It is appealing for two reasons; it represents the sky, which adds effects of endless possibilities, to dream or wish and the calmness and peacefulness of the blue colour. It is a very powerful symbol of the hospital itself rather than using the conventional symbol, “+”. The overall identity of the hospital is very well recognized with the peaceful theme, however, I just wonder if people might realize this as a hospital symbol. My hope is that the patients of the hospital identify the symbol with the excellent care they have received from the hospital.
Brand Powah!
By now I'm sure everyone knows that the Spice Girls are coming to Toronto in February. The tickets sold out in something like 3 minutes, which goes to show that these girls still carry a lot of power with their old audience who has grown with them since the 90's. I remember when they were at the height of their popularity; Spice fever was leeching into every corner of consumer culture. Lunch pails, candy, dolls, posters, clothes, books, movies...The Spice Girl brand was the hottest thing going.
And now, fast forward 10 or so years, and people still want to spice up their lives. If that isn't branding at it's finest, I don't know what is.
PS: Posh spice rules all.
fuel whatever...
Saw an advertisement for mountain dew's newer drink in the subway today, apparently AMP is an energy drink produced and distributed by PepsiCo under the Mountain Dew soft drink brand. It was launched to compete with Red Bull. The beverage is available in 8.4 fl.oz., 16 fl.oz. tallboy. It is still based on the original flavor of mountain dew however it's "enhanced" with a variety of ingredients typically found in energy drinks (taurine, ginseng, guarana, etc.) I believe that the design of this can matches well with their marketing approach with the high intensity action sports. It seems to have a cleaner design yet maintaining the consistency of their other brands labels that can be found on their website: http://www.mountaindew.com/ Personally I think it's a interesting design but I wouldn't drink it or any other energy drink, not my cup of tea.
Adidas by Stella McCartney
The new 07-08 collection for Adidas by Stella McCartney is very nice line. Is it really what their female consumers want to wear? YES! I have noticed a trend over the last several years, companies collaborating with well known designers to create a new version of their apparel and footwear to target fashion conscious people, mass market and athletics.The fashion industry is rapidly growing and venture capital companies realizing the tremendous benefit $$$ by paying attention to trendsetters.
But is Adidas targeting the consumers that works out on a weekly basis, or has the need to wear designer gear to workout better. The collection price points start from $ 80 to 300.00 CD, its a bit pricey. I am sure that some of the buyers will over look that part and still buy the line.
The Stella and Adidas relationship started in 2004 and other companies have been a part of the high-end market, translating it into the mass market. Such examples are Karl Lagerfeld, Madonna, Viktor & Rolf for H&M; Alexander McQueen for PUMA and Issac Mirzah for Fair weathers and Target. Most of the time the merchandise sells out within a few hours. I have read a bunch of reviews from different fashion sites about the Stella collection they have all been positive. The viewers commend the quality,design and cutting edge footwear and it is a must-have accessory. I guess that's where your money is going the design, the brand and the name, its a combination.
Leoburnett the Brand
As Im sure most advertising students have seen, the Leo Burnett website is incredibly interactive and innovative. The Advertising agency began in the 1930's and is still going strong. Some of their current clients are Kellogs, Wringleys and McDonald's. In this case it is not their great advertising that has intrigued me. Instead it is their website and in tern the branding of their company. The website is unlike any other I have seen and it immediately reveals the creativity and talent behind the agency. I highly recommend that everyone check this site out. There are so many different things to look at and explore on the site. It gives the company an immediate brand and leaves the viewer with an unforgettable experience. This is something I feel every website should strive to achieve.
Mc Donalds vs Starbucks. It's on like Donkey Kong.
McDonalds wants a piece of the $60billionUS coffee business.
They are going after Starbucks by introducing a new line of specialty coffees with a swankier look, including iced drinks, smoothies and fancy mochachocalattafrappacinos. These drinks are similar to those featured at Starbucks but are offered at a lower price point. McDonalds is hoping to become not only a fast food destination but beverage destination as well.
There is something about the combination of fluorescent lights, screaming childre, and uncomfortable metal seating that is not entirely appealing when wanting to grab a relaxing coffee with friends.
Starbucks has a loyal brand following (myself not included) and I think many would agree in that their groupies would not want to 'degrade' themselves to a low grade version of their fancy coffee original.
That said, McDonalds is never going to be Starbucks and I don't think they want to be. This is an interesting move on making these types of beverages accessible to those who do not want to or can not afford the pricey Starbucks versions.
As well, it offers something new to those who bring their kids to MickeyD's offering a more enjoyable experience.
eBay Is A Dog Race?
I was watching tv the other day and I spotted this ad. If you don't care to watch it, it shows about 5 - 8 people running in a dog race. They're viciously running, there's a cheering crowd and after a little bit you realize they're chasing a vintage radio. At the end one man wins, and the words, "It's better when you win it." appear on screen. The commercial ends with the man that won siting in his house appreciating his new vintage radio and a loud, enthusiastic voice says, "eBay! Shop Victoriously!"
I love the eBay as a dog race metaphor. It's terribly clever. As an ad / metaphor it highlights the best qualities within the auction-based online shopping brand: the winning.
Armor All grows up
I just saw an Armor All commercial on TV and it reminded me how far the brand has come since I first saw it when I was kid. With each version of the logo, it seems that the image becomes more matured and streamlined. I think this appropriately shows the progress and evolution of the company since it started out simply as a maker of a formula that protected surfaces, to becoming a manufacturer of products that clean, shine, and protect dashboards, steering wheels, and tires.
The new look of the Armor All brand really projects strength and is achieved through the complete redrawn Viking character which is much more masculine and aggressive-looking, with bulging muscles and confident stance. Originally the brand featured a more cartoon-looking Viking, shielding himself from the force of a lightning bolt. Besides looking like clip art, the original character looked surprisingly weak for a “protector”. He is on his knees from the force of the blow, and looks as if cowering and unable to fight back. On the other hand, the visual metaphor of a warrior using a shield is highly effective at conveying the protective nature of the Armor All product. It is the defining characteristic of the logo and brand, that was expressed on each logo redesign.
Overall I think the new redesign of the logo is very successful, seeing as it is part of the automotive industry, it now has a more grownup and sleeker look that will surely appeal to its audience. Now the logo looks like it could actually appear as a sponsor-decal on a racecar.
Jimmy Choo
There are so many people that salivate over a designer pair of shoes.
Both men and women are included in this conclusion. I was first intrigued with
a brand of shoes called Jimmy Choo’s about 4 years ago. Such an unusual name for a high-end designer pair of shoes, but these days anything goes. I never quite understood how someone could spend thousands of dollars on a pair of shoes, particularly ones called Jimmy Choo’s. To me, they were just typical, sexy pairs of shoes that people could buy the nock-offs from Winners for less than 100 dollars. It was not until a great documentary that my sister forced me to watch (a shoe-aholic at her best) that I gained a greater appreciation of authentic things. Allow me to explain. Women more often than not complain about how much heels hurt after a day of wearing them. Blisters, cuts, corns, back pain and a whole other list of symptoms arise from wearing heels day in and day out. However, these shoes are not of an authentic brand name. Designers have doctors; scientists etc… look at the designs of their brand named shoes in order not to conflict pain with style. Women complain because nock-offs are not built with the same science as brand name shoes. They attempt to mimic the style and ignore the anatomical benefits that the expensive, authentic shoes possess. So if any of you were curious, that’s where your money is going for brand named designer shoes, aside from the gorgeous prints, metallic, suede’s and leathers of course.
A cool visa ad
This is a really cool ad places outside eaton centre by visa. "An average family etas 3000 chips a year". And in the ad box is really containing 3000 chips! Although this is not a blog for advertisting studtent, but i realize a good brand has to keep it up by good advertisting for people to remember. In the picture you can see visa has a specific theme and logo for this ad too! A good ad has to be supported by a good theme and logo as well as a good idea!
School as a brand
With this 2 years, most of the colleges in Toronto becoming to have thrie ads. I don't know why mayb it's because they want to say their school is successful or they want to earn more students to get money from their school. George Brown, Cenntrial college, Reyerson....are having ads on the subway, bus and everywhere on the street. I think if this is a really good school, its no need to promote as a brand, students would come to you such the school is famous and successful. Like U of T and OCAD, have you seen thoes school promote as a brand? I think it would be and it will never be!
