Make Face Time.

This is totally a "duh" statement, but I'm going to say it anyway. We live in an unbelievably technological and digital world (go ahead, get your "duhs" out now). As consumers, we indulge in the coolest gadgets and the latest technologies. The Blackberry was nick-named a Crackberry and kids are getting on the news for breaking records for numbers of text messages sent and received each month (I believe the most was something ridiculous like 35,000... In one month).

Last semester, in my MCOM63 "New Media" course we were exposed to something called "Second Life," an online game that, many users, don't find to be a game at all. I go into it more in my other blog, but basically I end saying this:

"I think advances in technology are great and important in our society today, but it’s also important to stop hiding behind your computer screen, get out of your house, and experience real people, real places, real trees, and real life."

Needless to say, I absolutely adore this concept for Dentyne. It was done by the creative team at McCann Erickson and first debuted last fall. I've seen the commercials on TV and I've seen the web advertisements all over my Pandora site. The campaign plays on our ever-evolving digital age with "friend request accepted" and "the original instant message," but it also brings us back into reality and reminds us that sometimes, we need to take a break from our HD TVs, Crackberries, Facebooks, and blogs. Get out, experience real love, real life, and of course, fresh breath.

Impact.

Wow... It's been WAY too long since my last post.

My excuse: I'm taking 18 units this semester. But with the classes I'm taking, I'll hopefully come out with some great stuff for my portfolio when I finally dig my way through this mountain of school work.

Ok... bringin' it back into focus...

Recently, in my consumer advertising class, we had to draw up a story board for one of our favorite TV commercials (meaning we had to figure out what some of our favorites were).

The one I chose was the "Like" Volkswagen ad done by Crispin Porter + Bogusky in 2006.

Not only was I emotionally AND physically impacted by the ending of the ad (which still scares the shit out of me), but it also triggered my memories. I was in a pretty bad accident a couple of years ago and I fractured my back and neck in four different places. It was pretty rough for a few months, but I'm okay now. I remember looking at Jetta's when I began my search for a new, safe car. I still want a Jetta! Unfortunately, I can't afford one right now.

Anywho... This isn't a personal blog and the point I'm trying to get to...

The impact of advertising. Besides the fact that I'm an advertising major, and I already feel like I eat and sleep advertising... Now I'm dreaming of it. Yes. I had a dream about this ad.

Sure, I've learned about the impact and influence of advertising, and I'm still learning. But for some crazy reason, this dream made me really realize the strong influence of advertising, on the conscious and unconscious mind.

Somebody's Watching Me...

This is Kash. He's the money you could be saving with Geico. He's peering deep into your soul as if he knows you want to save money.

Those are just a few lines from the new Geico commercials that I was able to pick off the top of my head. So it seems that the gecko got the boot and was replaced with this... a simple stack of money with plastic eyeballs. I love how the simplest of ideas can be such a hit. Ogilvy said it best, "K.I.S.S.... Keep it simple, stupid."

The first time I saw Kash, I started cracking up! I loved it. I have a bit of an attachment to that cute little gecko, and I hope he's not gone for good (I really wanted to see him in that little suit one of the executives tried to give him in one of his last commercials [that I've seen]), but it's nice to see some new ideas from The Martin Agency.

The character represents the average national savings consumers get from using Geico, about $500, said Mike Lear, associate creative director at The Martin Agency, an IPG shop in Richmond, Va. "Geico loves to talk about savings, that's their recurring theme," he said. "We just dumbed it down to the most basic thing in the world, 'I want more money.'"

The Intern Race

I'm in the process of applying for an internship this summer. It's more tedious and draining than I thought it would be.

I made a list of about 50 different agencies and I've typed up cover letters specific to each one of them.

As of today, I've "applied" to 25 different agencies. *crosses fingers* I'm no where near done, however. After I'm done sending out my cover letter and resume, comes the seemingly never ending list of follow-up calls to be made. I'm excited though! It's going to take persistence and patience, but as long as I get an internship somewhere (which I don't doubt that I will), it will be well worth the effort.

"Encourage innovation. Change is our lifeblood, stagnation our death knell." - David Ogilvy

Ogilvy's Leadership Principles

I just finished chapter 4 of Ogilvy's book, Ogilvy on Advertising, covering his tips on how to run an agency. I came across a few principles and quotes about leadership and what makes a good leader. I thought it would be a nice addition to this blog.

Great leaders...
almost always exude self-confidence (p. 51)
are always fanatically committed to their jobs
are decisive
are curiously complicated

The most effective leader is one who satisfies the psychological needs of his followers (p. 52).

The best leaders are apt to be found among those executives who have a strong component of unorthodoxy in their characters. Instead of resisting innovation, they symbolize it (p. 51).

And last but not least:
"The man who said the wisest things about leadership was Field Marshal Montgomery:

'The leader must have infectious optimism, and the determination to persevere in the face of difficulties. He must also radiate confidence, even when he himself is not too certain of the outcome.'" (p. 53)

Disneyland... Made in Part by a U.S. Corporation Near You!

Yesterday I spent the day at Disneyland with my sister and I don't think we argued at all... It really is the happiest place on earth.

Every time I get to experience the magic of Disney, I find myself in a world only attainable by a trip to the Magic Kingdom. No matter how many times I've seen the spectacular fireworks over the Disney castle, I'm still overcome by amazement and awe everytime.

I love Disneyland.

Now, seeing how this is a blog about advertising, you're probably wondering what the heck my trip had to do with it. Well...

I'm starting to think that studying advertising is a conspiracy created by the AAAA (American Association of Advertising Agencies) to attract more college students to various products across the nation.

Kidding.

But in all honesty, it really amazes me how much more attention I pay to advertising things these days. Even on a day when I'm taken by the magic surrounding me, I can't help but notice that the Tiki room is brought to us by Dole and that even the fireworks spectacular, Believe, is brought to us by Honda (these being only two of the many I noticed).

My question for Disney is...
You've been around for over 50 years and you've created an amazing brand for yourself. Disney is a HUGE company - selling t-shirts, hats, dolls, DVDs, and salt-and-pepper shakers. Disney has it's own cable channel and is still creating box office hits. I can't even begin to imagine how much money their theme parks take in across the globe - Tokyo, France, California, Florida... billions, I'm sure.

So why the need for corporate sponsorship?

Maybe it's not a need at all. I have a feeling it's more like... a favor Disney gives to these people (or maybe even a trade off). Perhaps it's similar to Oprah's book club (strange comparison, I know). But think about it... She has these unheard of authors on her show, and BAM! they're a Los Angeles Times Best Seller. Sure, Dole and Honda aren't exactly unheard of (and obviously, their exposure at Disneyland is FAR from free of charge), but with Disney backing them, I'm sure it's a big push in their sales. Especially when you're waiting in line or standing around for hours... You can't help but be bombarded by all the advertisements that surround you.

Just a thought.

"Journey"

"Photography is a journey. How will you remember the trip?"
Photography is not only about making memories, but it's also an art form. I think this ad conveys that perfectly.

This is an ad done by GREYnyc, directed by Andrew Douglas.
"Inspired by Canon."

I was sitting at a sports bar, and this ad came on during a football game [not to my surprise, the majority of the ad entails a football]. My conversation with my friends came to a pause as my attention was immediately caught by this ad. It's beautiful! The music is inspiring, and the snapshots creating the moving picture is genius. I instantly knew it was an ad for either a camera or a printer of some sort and I couldn't wait to see what product the commercial was advertising. After the ad was over, I said to my friends, "Wow. That was really awesome!" They looked at me like I was some kind of freak.

It's amazing how much MORE attention I pay now to different commericals and advertisements. Funny what being an ad major does to you.