RIP handcrafted look?

You have to give Comcast credit for capturing the times–the flat vocal delivery vaguely reminiscent of Moldy Peaches, Cat Power, etc. and the handcrafted look of the scenery in this “Dream Big” spot say 2009 all over.

But is that reason enough to use them?

This is style masquerading as substance. Sure Comcast gives you a lot of choices, but is this really the best way to show that?

And isn’t the point of the Internet and phone service to connect with everyone–not just to form an insular world with other Comcast users?

I think style is a crutch here. And I think this look and sound, which seem real and garage-y but aren’t, are quickly going the way of the Dodo. (Though I hope the real Cat Power survives–I like her music.)

“Go Humans Go”: not the sequel to “Go Dog Go”

I love this campaign because there’s actual thinking behind it–both from a marketing geek (below the line) perspective and a creative one.

Creatively it’s really fresh–it repositions the old-fashioned Quaker Oats Man as some kind of space alien. Which, since he’s clearly not human, he might as well be. (He’s already been used in commercials in a slightly creepy way–not unlike the Burger King “King.”)

On a marketing level, it’s all about how all oats products give you energy, fight heart disease, and promote health–as opposed to oatmeal specifically, or granola bars, etc.

I love this and can’t wait to see what they do next.

The best logo in the world

I was driving down the street when I noticed a tax shop with the H&R Block logo above it:

It is, for my money, the best logo in the world. Ever.

Here’s why:

- Green says “money”

- A simple square says “easy” (which is saying something when it comes to a complicated field like taxes!)

- The shade of green used says “a light touch, human, not intimidating or foreboding” (again, important for taxes)

- It’s mnemonic – blocks are square – H&R Block, get it?

- Even the typeface used is mnemonic–it’s “block lettering”!

I can’t think of one single way to improve this logo or make it clearer, more readable, or more reflective of both (a) what field the client is in and (b) how they position themselves within that field.

Can you?

“Trust Me” verdict – watchable!

A while ago I promised to watch Trust Me, the show about advertising on TBS, and come back with a verdict, probably negative. I’m chastened to report that this is actually a pretty good show. The characters are real but not dull, Griffin Dunne makes a great grouchy-but-well-intentioned boss (Group Creative Director), and Monica Potter is hilarious as the temperamental Senior Copywriter. The junior creative team are also surprisingly entertaining–they appear to be there for comic relief, but they’re actually fine actors, both of them.

I’d watch this show over Mad Men if I had to choose. It’s a different animal, though–like comparing My Favorite Martian with Star Trek.

EDIT: This show has been cancelled. RIP–it had become a favorite around here.

The great George Lois spouts off

…on where advertising comes from, the virtues of being seemingly outrageous, and why he wouldn’t go into advertising if he were young. Inspiring words for nasty times.

more about “The Great George Lois“, posted with vodpod

Taking a creative brief too literally

I’ve been seeing these outdoor and online ads for Symantec which are absolutely atrocious, so of course I have to mention them here. They read like somebody got a creative brief that says “when people thing ‘X thing’ we want them to think Symantec”–and then just literally translated that into advertising with no art or craftsmanship whatsoever.

Headlines read “Symantec is Security,” “Symantec is Peace of Mind,” etc. Here’s a screenshot of a website using one of these so-called headlines:

This campaign has the emotional kick of a wet sponge, and I’m guessing it’ll last just about as long. Really, people? You call this advertising/branding–and you wonder why we’re having a recession?