more photos

Not much to talk about so again, just communicating through the power of image. These are kind of bokeh-esque. I have mentioned this before but just to re-educate you, 'bokeh' is the Japanese word for blurred/out of focused. These recent digital snaps show the use of macro in taking photographs which result in the out of focus background.

Everyone has a digital camera of some kind and should have a setting on it for close up. Any good digital camera should have a focus that lets you snap sharp pictures of things closer than 20cm. Why not be creative and have a play around and see what you can come up with. It's actually a fun way of seeing things up close and in a new viewpoint. Have a look at this online gallery of similar inspirational photographs.

You're going places!

Today was GCSE results day and this morning I was explaining where my sister could get to with the right attitude and determination. Even though I am still trying to get where I want to be in the art & design world, I offered her suggestions and inspiration as to where she could end up! Two examples of successful female arty names, that came up were:

1. Vivienne Westwood: A Designer who started off in the world of Fashion by selling her own jewellery on Portobello Road who later became British Fashion Designer of the Year in 1990, 1991 and again in 2006. Since then, she has been recognised by the Queen for her services to fashion and is now Dame Westwood.
She first studied silversmithing and I was told by someone who worked with Viv, that she is always very hands on. Well known for her own personal dress & flamboyant style, her outrageous and outlandish designs came from a wide variety of inspiration including Hobo and Buffalo, Pirates and Punk. I am proud to say that I am lucky enough to own a Viv tie, which I have included a photo of!

2. Jamie Nelson: Not so well known as the above, but still successful as a New York based photographer with a well established portfolio. Having mastered photography for beauty & fashion she's also lucky enough to have bridged the gap into advertising photography. Here's a collection from Online Fashion Mag' Trendland. The point I was trying to get across was, if you are talented and have the right motivation, you'll eventually get far. Congratulations to my sister for getting an A* in GCSE Art!

Roof Top Antics

I am all about making an impact to create awareness and a roof top gig is the way to get people talking!
Many well known artists and bands do some crazy shit to raise their profile. Aside from throwing a TV out of a hotel window, Bon Jovi decided to promote their 12-date show in June of this year, by holding a live gig on the rooftop of London’s O2 Arena. This was broadcast on big screens so fans could see what was going on.
Great stuff, I am sure you'll agree - but it's been done! Even the great Harry Houdini in the early 1900's performed straitjacket escapes dangling upside-down from the roof of a building, whilst flyers were handed out below for publicity. There's something about buildings that attracts attention seekers: In 2004, Fathers for Justice protesters scaled the walls of Buckingham Palace dressed as super heroes. This along with similar stunts has resulted in unprecedented press coverage for the group and their ongoing campaign. U2 also played the top of Broadcasting House in 2009, to mark their 12th studio album (article). All this is nothing compared to the original stunt that the Beetles pulled, on a cold Janurary afternoon in 1969. Over 40 years, from the rooftops of Apple Records on Savile Row, the band gave a ‘concert’ that surprised a central London office lunch crowd, with the bands first live gig since they stopped touring in 1965. The Police, who objected to the noise attempted in vain to cut off the power but eventually gained access onto the roof and put an end to the 'disturbance'.













I give credit to the Beetles for their global success, however I feel they were overated. With that said, the swingin' 60's was an era that I wish I'd been alive to experience as a London Ad' Creative - where advertising was 'sexy & simple'. This stunt was original and a great way to end the 60's.

Anyone for Pimm's?

In the last week, like a game of cricket, our glorious Summer sun has been called off due to rain. Yet this doesn't mean we can't all still enjoy a well made glass of Pimm's. This 'classy' and very British drink has seen a sharp growth in the last three years, establishing itself as the second most valuable brand during Summer. Over the last decade, the success of the brand has been supported by the humorous upper-class character Harry Fitzgibbon-Sims seen in the TV adverts, played by actor Alexander Armstrong.

In 2005, to further boost sales outside the summer months, some clever thinker came up with the idea of relaunching Pimm's No 3 as the Pimm's Winter Cup. This is a brandy based drink blended with orange zest and spices. Re-launched, it came with a branded teapot and tea cozy that brought limited success, other than being a novelty.

Pimm's TV ad's over the years have been a triumph and emphasised the link between the beverage, summer and all things British. This ad from the 1980's is an early example of the drink that's long on style showing that chic trends come and go, but Pimm's will never go out of fashion.
The new ad for Summer 2010, created by London agency Mother is an original and clever concept that will be sure to help boost the Pimms brand strength. Filmed in areas of Notting Hill and Clapham, it shows a typical English gent branded with the screen message 'Pimms No. 1'. He struts around the streets, picking up followers that are all labled as a required ingredient for a decent Pimm's. Costumes give each character a sence of importance and taste, carried out by new age Costume Designer and Stylist Mr Gammon. Whilst keeping the well established 'It's Pimm's O'Clock' message, it is a well executed campaign. With all the awful 'go-compare-the-money-super-market-with-the-use-of-a-meerkat.com' that has been all too common this summer, Pimm's 'The Call Up', is an ad that shall be remembered with an excellent creative answer to campaign brief and enjoyed by all. "Now ... Anyone for Pimm's!?"

V&A

The Victoria and Albert Museum is not only the world's largest museum of decorative arts and design, but is always on my to do list when I head to London.
Not that I have counted, but it boasts 145 galleries and with 12.5 acres of museum space attracting tourists who flock to see the massive collections of post-classical sculptures and South Asian art. The good thing about that is they never make it to the harder to find collection of photography. It is always changing and a great source of inspiration.
The fashion and textile gallery is always worth a look. Spent a while sketching a dress designed but the late Alexander McQueen, that took inspiration from a butterfly. They also have a collection on designer menswear, including now vintage suits from Paul Smith, Yves Saint Laurent and an original and eye catching Tommy Nutter! (Now he is one designer I would have liked to meet). Due to the variety of collection, the newly designed garden space, the grand eating space along with the V&A being a great source of inspiration, if you have yet to visit ... GO!!!

a pictures speaks a thousand words

I have not got much to say this evening and as a big believer in how 'a picture speaks a thousand words' I will communicate through these images. No matter where I go, I'm always snapping photos and it's a great way to improve and develop photography skills. I love taking photos and a part of me in longing to study photography and attempt to become a fashion and advertising photographer. Still a part of me just enjoys the simple taking of the picture. Here is a random collection of recent photo's taken around and about on my travels.

Got some moves.

To most people, dancing is just throwing some pretty snazzy shapes on the dance floor, but it can be a powerful way of communication and influence.

In previous blogs, I've ranted on about: how amazing the 'Do the Labrini' campaign was; the pure awesome-ness of how 'Brains peform best when they're hydrated' (Drench); the equally exciting and similar 'lets observe the effect of evian on the body'. These examples of viral campaigns show that dance can be more than just the movement of the body, but is a form of performance, expression and more importanlty to ad agencies, enjoyment and interaction.

The Lynx Pulse advert from the boffins at Bartle Bogle Hegarty of 2003 will always be an earlier example. In all fairness they could have made more of the advert but it was followed up by a good tutorial website. Another successful campaign was last years T-Mobile 'Life is for Sharing' at Liverpool Street Station. This video literally dramatises the advert into 'the making of ...' and gives you an insight into what agency Saatchi & Saatchi put into creating just this short 2 1/2 minute advert. A more recent event promoting a Belgium reality show was recently staged at Antwerp Station, and used the same idea.

All these campaigns carry that feel good factor that does the brand some serious credit. By broadcasting a message by using social media and through viral advertising, was the right move for the respective companies. Talking of moves - I got some! Visit my website or get in touch if you want to find out about my creative talent