Today was a crazy rush of work. Quaker, Pepsi, Drypers (diapers). I barely survived. I must say that I am grateful that my design skills are getting honed over and over again. This is what I wanted (albeit subconsciously) so I've learned a lot this term.
I am wearing my new sandals. They are really comfy, except they squeak when I walk on really smooth floors. I feel like I'm a kid again with those shoes that squeak when you walk. Supposedly ultra cute but in reality ultra annoying over prolonged periods.
To go along with the theme of today, check out this Pampers ad. I think it's great...very non traditional. My only problem was the last message. Felt a bit anticlimactic. Maybe it needs better copy.
Currently listening to: Dreams - Deep Dish ft. Stevie Nicks
Today I went back to full work mode. Brainstorming, comping, layout. Everything. Half the creative team is off at an agency competition and I'm one of the art directors left.
My partner showed me this site where you can watch cheese age. I'm not kidding. There is a webcam on a chunk of cheese 24/7 for the entire year. Check it out here, although it's pretty much like the image below. I also got flip flops from my partner. So exciting!
She clued me in on an Orange ad that I had missed, starring Mena Suvari (American Beauty).
Currently listening to: the original Numa Numa (tried to find the SMAP dancing version but sadly no luck)
Sorry about no post for yesterday. I had the day off, which also (ironically) meant no chance to blog.
This weekend I visited one of the biggest malls in Asia, very appropriately called Mall of Asia. It's the third largest in the world and definitely gives Mall of America a run for its money. During my time there I barely made a dent in the floor plan. The shops weren't the dinky no name boutique-y shops that you find on 3rd floor MoA either. I was impressed. There were so many people. Palm trees, ferry rides, outdoor stalls, skating rink, and a judo contest taking place. Will post pictures soon.
Do you think that (the generic Disney) Prince Charming has a regulated height? I would assume he can't loom over the Princesses, who must be about 5'6" or so (minus the hair). If you have not heard about the seed vault in Norway yet, read this and be in the know. It's the new talk of the town.
Check out these great papercuts by Wee San Francisco. Due to copyright I can't post any work, but check out their site or Etsy to see them in better detail. I really like Lotta Bruhn's clean and simple designs as well. Too cute.
Currently listening to: Fix You (cover) - UNC Clef Notes (I'm still reveling in my college a cappella kick!)
I broke down and bought college a cappella tracks. They are SO good.
You all should have already seen this, but I wanted to post it anyways. I never get tired of watching it! My favorite is the grasshopper (?). It always interests me that the guy only swerves after he looks over at his screaming wife. You wonder if he would have hit the squirrel if he was alone. There have certainly been others who have (no names mentioned). By accident, of course.
I watched Factory Girl last night (starring Sienna Miller). It's about Edie Sedgwick and largely about her interaction with Andy Warhol. One of those indie films but not entirely artsy. I wouldn't really recommend it, although I don't feel like I wasted 2 hours watching it either. A friend from school really enjoyed it; watching it confirmed my inkling that we have very different tastes in movies. Have a fabulous weekend everyone. Stay safe. I miss you all.
Currently listening to: Yellow (Coldplay cover) - University of Oregon's On the Rocks
It turns out that I spoke too soon. Today was filled with more Quaker revisions. It was a good day though. Have been polishing off my portfolio again.
I am hitting another college a cappella phase again. I'm considering buying Best of College A Cappella (BOCA)'s CD from last year. There is some amazing talent on there.
I've gotten quite comfortable here (besides the intense feelings of nostalgia, as I mentioned yesterday). It will be hard to leave. I'm not meant to stay though, which I know full well. It will be difficult to leave my partner though. I think we work decently together.
Stay healthy everyone. Seems like a bug is going around.
The Quaker stuff is done and it looks decent. I hope client likes it as well.
Many of you know about the group that I was part of last term. We got together on our own time and worked on award briefs. I miss those times dearly but thankfully the eight of us have kept in touch well. We just put an entry up on Wikipedia but the site took it down. I was so excited to show you guys but oh well.
As odd as it sounds coming from me, I have discovered my new design fix - "modern" nurseries. Who said the baby room has to be boring? I was so impressed by the amazing interior design of these nurseries. I want one of my own! Without the baby, of course (did I even need to include that addendum?). Nursery by (engineers) Paul and Pam Costa. Bedding and designs by Amenity found on Design Public (which carries a lot of non-baby stuff as well, including some sustainable pieces). Chocolate room by Nurseryworks (my favorite, check out that crib!) Safari room by Design Conquer Flying saucer light and chic diaper bag from Coochicoos. On a totally different note, cool massaging lip balm from Lancome.
Currently listening to: Soon Love Soon - Vienna Teng
Oh my goodness, there's so much stuff I want to post about but I'm too pooped right now. Been working on Quaker Oats all day. My design skills (or lack thereof?) have gotten quite the workout these past few weeks. It's good though. I'm learning what I'm capable of and also pushing myself in areas that I'm weak.
I got called a 'prude' today at work. Hmmm...I definitely take that as a compliment. It surprises me that people notice those little things. Not swearing, not getting completely wasted at parties. So, wise reader, I want to spur you on to continue with your dedication to be an example and not conform.
One downside of traveling to different places for me is that you leave behind so many things that you know you will never experience or see again. And that realization will hit me, right out of the blue. That intense longing, nostalgia of times past. Wanting to be in two places at once. I miss being at C~.
Currently listening to: How Great Thou Art - Carrie Underwood (gorgeous country version)
Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend! Mine was productive and uneventful at the same time. Caught up on sleep (it never hits me how tired I am throughout the week until I nap nonstop Saturday and Sunday) and also worked on advertising competitions. It's a bit hard to brainstorm when your partner is oceans away, but the process is going along decently.
I have found a fantastic church. I keep leaving service feeling fed, which hasn't happened in a long while. As most of the churches in the area are Catholic, I'm thankful that a colleague pointed me towards this one. We are going through Ephesians at the moment. The pastor reminds me of how I think T.K. would teach if he ever preached.
Also got a chance to watch Enchanted over the weekend. I was bothered by the ending (spoiler: the protagonist steals another woman's boyfriend (or rather the guy leaves his girlfriend for another)...and Disney essentially makes it okay) but it was better than I expected. Check out this great guerrilla marketing by Swiss.com to promote cheap flights. They covered one or two cars with snow around the city (this was done last fall in Germany). [Source: Guerrilla Marketing defined] I am posting this a bit late, but a Korean phone service is now able to measure the amount of "passion" in a caller's voice. Perfect for Valentine's day. Creepy or not? Check out the article from Reuters.
I got a kick out of this photo from the Onion. Foot long being used as a ruler. Finally, fantastic ad. I don't want to ruin it, so watch it yourself.
Currently listening to: You're a God - Vertical Horizons
Didn't get a chance to post yesterday. Had another mad rush for award competitions. Now (hopefully) I hit a bit of a lull and I leave it to my partners to take care of their end.
There was a rally right downstairs from work last night. It was actually quite cool to be able to witness it (and from a safe distance). Estimated 5,000 people were there, although it really didn't look like that many. There was music, street vendors selling food, singing. Totally peaceful, albeit loud.
Currently listening to: Goodbye Alice in Wonderland - Jewel (for some reason, I always listen to this song at this time of the year! Whoa...and I just realized, it's even a bit creepy. EXACTLY a year ago. Seepost.)
HappyValentine'sDay! Hope yours is filled with love.
I was completely unaware that February 5th was Pancake (Tues)Day. I'm so bummed I missed it. I would've totally celebrated.
Check out these new ads for Yahoo!7Mail. Great acting for the first one.
Vodafone's Mayfly
Last, but not least, Human Tetris from a Japanese TV show. The clip is a bit long but it is entertaining nonetheless. There are rumors that the US will remake it.
Currently listening to: Whatever It Takes - Leona Lewis
Today my partner and I were slow to get work done. Just one of those days. Finished our pitch for the jewelry company, and now we've moved on to Quaker Oats. I'm looking forward to working on something new.
Spent part of the day looking up facts on pregnancy weight. No babies in the near future (no surprise there, thankfully). Working on a brief (from school) for breastfeeding. Same as the one I tackled in the past but this time we're down to the ad execution. If you know of any terms to describe pregnancy "fat" I'd love them.
Check out these great banana guards. By the time mine get to work they're always bruised and squished. [Source: Dis Dot Dat] A friend's blog clued me onto this crazy Basement Jaxx music video.
Currently listening to: Quest for Love - Jewel (going through a Jewel kick)
Sorry for the lack of posting yesterday. Was way too swamped with work. Today we had a bit of a (much needed) lull and I was able to catch up with some good friends. Yay!
Since today is no longer Monday, this somehow doesn't seem quite as relevant, but I am posting it anyways.
Currently listening to: Strong Woman - Jewel (new song!)
I finally got the chance to see 27 Dresses tonight. It was what I expected it to be. Cute and colorful. It was nice to see James Marsden win for once (I don't consider that a spoiler because you all saw it coming, regardless if you've watched it yet). My favorite part was the very last scene and the credits were cleverly done. (Plus, the official website plays You Can't Hurry Love (The Supremes)!) Facebook is coming out with a Spanish version. French and German editions to follow. Read the story here.
My partner clued me in on the BRAT diet - recommended foods if you have an upset stomach or diarrhea (sorry, I didn't mean to continue this topic two days in a row). The acronym is for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, which are low in fiber and therefore easy on the tummy. Maybe I was the only one who hadn't picked up on this yet, but it sounds cool. Definitely file away for future reference.
Forgot to post this earlier, but check out this New York Times ad that showcases the great thoughts and ideas that came out of 2007.
I will most likely not see the new movie Taken, but it stars Liam Neeson, Famke Janssen, and Maggie Grace (Shannon from LOST), all actors I admire, so I felt compelled to at least post the teaser trailer. Enjoy the weekend everyone!
Currently listening to: From Yesterday - 30 Seconds To Mars
Today I got to do test shots of Brazilian models for a Pepsi ad. We also did a shoot for my partner, which involved watches and a pet rat. Pretty productive day at work. I got to try the local version of lian goh (glutinous rice cake). It was good, but I like the Chinese kind better. Probably because my mommy makes the best one. Yum.
Sorry to jump from food to a slightly less sanitary topic, but I've been meaning to post this pic for a month and a half now. I took this en route in a Japanese restroom. The button for sound effects is fantastic. I read an article pertaining to this so I thought it was very fitting and a great solution to a problem.
Currently listening to: Happy Together - The Turtles
Okay, I know this is so last Friday's post, but I'd like to reiterate how much I love 30 Seconds to Mars' Beautiful Lie music video. I cannot believe how beautiful the scenery is and how well shot and edited it is.
Speaking of last week's news, if you haven't checked out Frozen in Grand Central, here it is. I didn't realize that it was done by Improv Everywhere otherwise I would've posted it earlier. One of my partners last term first told me about them. They do all kinds of crazy "pranks," including having a No Pants day (riding the subway in your underwear) or having about fifty shirtless guys walk into an Abercrombie and Fitch store (known for its shirtless ads and models).
Was anyone else aware that C~'s website has been changed? I wandered onto it today and whoa! Nothing drastic, but it is definitely different. I think I prefer the old one better but I'm not sure if that's because it really is better or because I don't like change.
I haven't been able to find a lot of the SuperBowl ads on YouTube, so check out Ads of the World to see all of the commercials yourself. Here is the (Diet) Pepsi Max (the brand I was doing designs for two weeks back) ad. I just find it entertaining. The Bridgestone Squirrel still gets my vote for the best ad.
Today started off to a bad start. I found ants stealing my apple cranberry muesli! I had sealed it up but I guess they found the one tiny hole in the plastic bag. I am so bummed.
Check out Kameraflage, a technology where messages only appear on a digital image (and not to the human eye) because cameras can pick up a greater range of light. [Source: Zlog]
I hope everyone had a great weekend full of rest and relaxation. I've been busy pounding out and reworking old stuff for my portfolio. Evaluations are coming again, so fingers crossed!
One of my best friends just got engaged!!!!!!!!! I am bouncing off the walls in celebration!
I completely missed the fact that the Super Bowl was Sunday. Let me know what you thought of the ads. I checked out the few that were available online (none that were particularly intriguing). A bit disappointing, although I did like the Bridgestone"Critters" one.
Happy Friday! I am actually quite exhausted even though today was nowhere near as crazy as last Friday. Looking forward to chilling this weekend.
Check out 30 Seconds to Mars' new video shot in Greenland. They are also the first American band to shoot a music video in the PRC for their song From Yesterday (also kickbutt). The scenes in this video, Beautiful Lie, are so amazingly beautiful.
So many of you may have seen this video already, but check it out. Amazing creations and a true blending of art and engineering.
Currently listening to: Take On Me - Aha (yes, getting in touch with the 80's)
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