Shag

Shag Baby!!!

Ok stay with me here…not that kind of shag.

You have to love Shag art. It’s simplicity, adult messages, human behavior interpretations, pure fun with the sexy, cool, wacky, representations that hits the canvas. Bright colors that shine with hip in your face emotion capture a moment that we either can relate to or wish we could relate to…their just shagadelic.

Bottoms Up
The art of Josh Agle express’ the art of consumption…the art of the seemingly sophisticated consumers exploiting life’s vices to the extreme with flare and sensual exuberance.

Yuppies gone wild in a beatnik kind of way. Retro. Hip. Polynesian. Hula. Vespa. Drinks. Party. Tiki. and always Mod…always with a flare of the 60’s…this is Shag. He makes Elvis and the Rat Pack hipper then they already are! Impossible you scream…but true.

Jo sh-ag le
For those of you that may not already know why Josh Agle is called Shag…his name comes from a play of his very own…Jo “shag” le

It’s his love of simplicity and color that grab you…his wit and joy of sharing humor…and his limitless approaches to tearing down cultures walls and letting us all peak into another life. Essentially giving us a material lifestyle that some want and some envy and at the same time poking fun at the wackiness of it all.

Ripe Vice
Sex, alcohol and mass consumption are common themes. Some pushing the movie ratings above PG13…but all in good taste. Adult friendly…adult themed…as one of his titled books so eloquently explains ‘Shag A to Z: A Children’s Book Unsuitable for Children’. Enough said.

Those Wacky Shriners
But let’s make sure we give kudos to our friend…he certainly knows how to support charity and children alike. Shag has teamed up with Shrine El Bekal a Southern California Shrine Temple to create a set of prints depicting a Shriner Parade to benefit the Shriner Hospitals for Children.

Throw in benefit prints like the Ennis House foundation and you can see how this artist gives back.

I found some great photos of Shag’s studio on www.guillontine.com that are worth a look.

Warhol Would Be Proud
If you think about the rise of Shag you certainly must be impressed. In a mere 12 years since his first gallery. Think about that…not bad. Perhaps he has just struck a chord with designers and art lovers alike. I think he is Warhol like…where he has jumped into the pop culutre of art. Like Andy’s recognition of icons…Shag has become a brand of his own. Not the easiest thing to do in this world.

Play Hard
With success comes a strong work ethic…Shag paints seven days a week. In an interview on modculture.com he said “I have a little notepad where I write ideas down. I seldom sketch ideas until I sit down to do a painting. Though family, friends, acquaintances and fans often suggest ideas to me, these ideas tend to be a little askew from my own perspective & I seldom end up painting things that others have suggested.”

So ride the tide Josh…get out your tiki paraphernalia and celebrate. You deserve it and we deserve your splendor. Keep up the incredible work…it brings great joy to many.

Here are a just a few of my favorites…let me know yours.

What’s New From Shag
Shag gone wild is the only way I can describe his latest gallery…Take a peak at the upcoming November Culver City show.

‘Perceived’ Value is now (and always has been) ‘Real’ Value ask a true MadMen

Advertising guru Rory Sutherland from a little shop we all know as Ogilvy & Mather has a few things to say about perceived value being just as important to audiences as real value. In other words sports fans…advertising at its best. Old school in a digital world? You betcha.

Let’s be honest shall we…all to often in life we try to make things greater then they actually are…and by doing so we all want and yearn for things we do not have instead of being satisfied with what we do have. What Sutherland does with wit and character is remind each of us that today’s new technologies are simply playing on subjective and intangible values…which in turn allow us to appreciate what is unfamiliar. Simply brilliant.

I don’t think there is a working day that goes by where I don’t pinch myself…smile…and say it’s only advertising or marketing…so don’t get your shorts in a bunch. We are in the job of changing perceptions and impressions which actually do change realities….whether right or wrong.

Once again thanks TEDGlobal2009 for sharing.

Vespa Mania

One For The Ages
What is it with this strange little mechanical toy-like form of transportation that has affixed many of us throughout the years? Is it nostalgia? Do we all yearn with envy when we see it in ads for some type of longing or emotional void?

D’Ascanio Meets Enrico Piaggio
Some falling outs produce great results. And as D’Ascanio ruffled his feathers and denied Innocenti the honor of changing history Enrico Piaggio stepped to the plate and combined their genious to please us all.

Is it the quirky little retro design? Perhaps it’s all the unique styles and colors they’ve thrown at us…color palettes that one could contend came from Kitchen Aid mixers.

Our Roman Holiday Lives On
Why is it so loved by Hollywood and artists alike? Do we thank Audrey Hepburn or Shag art for it’s infamous portrayal?

Or is it the fact that the Vespa is so damn practical in it’s very nature? Or maybe it’s the fact that this two-wheeled scooter is simply iconic. How cool is it for a brand to reach those emotional and aspirational heights. Pop culture? Absolutely.

Now I’m not suggesting that this is unusual…rather…it is what it is. It’s not everyday that pop culture and form and function collide quite so wonderfully. And for those who have a passion for fun and a love for dorky cool…the Vespa is one for the books.

Apple Meets Vespa
Ok this may be a long shot. But is it me or has anyone else noticed one icon compared to another…two apples…two logos…two icons…hmmmmm. Absolutely. Some things are meant to be the same. Chi Vespa Baby!!

Vespa’s successful marketing campaign to entice the younger crowd to take part in a forbidden fruit…a little bite never hurt Eve. Well…maybe just a little.

250 Years of Guinness. Brilliant!

On September 24th, people around the globe raised a glass to Sir Arthur Guinness in celebration of 250 years of a brand that has truly captured many of us and withstood the test of time. In 1759 Arthur Guiness signed a 9,000 year brewery lease for an annual rent of only 45 pounds.

Since then Guinness has become one of the most recognized brands in the history of advertising. It’s clever use of humor fits the roots of it’s Irish brethren and the passionate following and promise of a drink that has been adored globally for 250 years.

The Art of Guinness
Over the years Guinness commissioned the work of many artists to deliver some of the most unique consumer advertising seen in modern times, artists such as H.M. Bateman and Edward Ardizzone.

Credit the boys at S.H Benson. In 1928 the advertising agency S. H. Benson won the Guinness advertising account. And soon to be famous Artisit John Gilroy had his opportunity to produce some of his most memorable work. Gilroy’s first known Guinness poster was produced in 1930. And with all great ads … don’t forget to give credit to the copywriters … like Ronald Barton and Robert Bevan.

The Genius of John Gilroy
But it’s the true genius of John Gilroy with his famous illustrations of zoo animals that has entertained us all and has become the memorable face for many on his famed Guinness posters.

His use of bright, lively colors blending perfectly with Guinness’ tasty palette (in more ways than one) of browns and tans gave both the everyday man and sophisticated clientelle a clean, consice message and recognition that screamed Guinness.

Clean composition and fun exploding type took you on a virtual warner brothers like experience in each and every poster. Gilroy produced more than 100 press advertisements and nearly 50 poster designs for Guinness over 35 years. His illustrantions, including a lion, toucan, gnu and kangaroo, appeared, with their long-suffering zookeeper and the famous iron worker.

Slainte’
So to you Mr. Gilroy … let us raise our glass …’Thank you Guinness for continually being bold, brave and lively in your campaigns. As they say in Ireland…Slainte

Exhibiting the Brand
If you have an opportunity you should attend the exibit at ‘The Museum of Brands‘ in Notting Hill London, England before October 25th. The very best of Guinness advertising from posters to TV commercials to drink trays and beer mats are being featured.

Bye Bye MySpace? If You Ask Bye Bye Bicycle…Not Quite Yet

I first found out about myspace back in 2004. I was on a flight to LA when a young woman I met thought it may be a cool place I’d like to check out. We were talking about bands and of course every other creative idea you can kick around with someone who enjoys art, design and music. For me MySpace became a location I could find new artists, check out the latest bands and meet new friends (more to come on this in future blogs – one friend I ended up marrying).

In the US perhaps as a social network MySpace has been replaced by Facebook and Twitter…but for bands, promoting your music and allowing you to reach new fans still has its value.

Bye Bye Bicycle
On the 26:th of August Bye Bye Bicycle released their new album “Compass” in Sweden. So how did a guy in Ohio stumble upon them. And how would I have ever seen there videos or checked out there music if it wasn’t for MySpace or YouTube. Unlikely that I wouldn’t have.

Not only is the band worth a listen. And oh yeah they use MySpace as a vehicle to share their sound…but they have pretty good taste for cover art.

1966 Meets 2009 – The Pioneers of Conceptual and Modern Architecture
Bye Bye Bicycle’s debut album “Compass” utilizes the great works of Adolfo Natalin and Gian Piero Frassinelli illustrations from the Italian architecture group Superstudio. These illustrations were made and originally used in 1966 and are “true classics”.

I am the Walrus

The Beatles Rock Band – The Opening Cinematic

WOW. Are you kidding me…some things just live on…lucky for all of us. You’ve got to love the creative design and of course the music goes without question.

What a fantastic ride…the opening feature produced by Pete Candeland of Passion Pictures and animator Robert Valley, as well as, background visuals from Alberto Mielgo take you on a cinematic journey of the bands rise to fame and journey as the beloved Brits enter into the US rock scene. The illustrative style combined with 3D animation truly is fun, clever and creative. You may know of Candeland’s work; he produced the opening cinematics for both the original Rock Band and Rock Band 2.

Be prepared to experience a mysical and metaphorical experience through various albumns. The animations were prepared by graphic design studio MK12, who worked on the opening cinematics for the movies Stranger than Fiction and Quantum of Solace.

It’s worth a visit to thebeatlesrockband.com … but if you care to watch the video be sure to look at it in HQ.

One web year = One dog year

FACE REALITY
So you are embarking on a site relaunch. Your investing a year of resources and big dollars to elevate your business communications and marketing efforts. If you think about it no matter what you do or how good you are at anticipating designing and relaunching a website you will never be ahead of the game. The moment you launch your site you will be behind. Face reality.

THE SCENERIO
You are a multi-billion dollar corporation. You have just made an large investment to re-design your website. We’re talking about thousands of pages of content and thousands of hours to get it right. So you have taken the plunge and are ready to hold on for a great ride.

WEB CYCLE
When you are heavy into the discovery and strategy phase of the project you are typically going to burn about three to four months of your engagement. Let’s assume your project build cylce is twelve months and each phase consumes approx. a third of the process (discovery/strategize, architect/build, release/evolve.).

So in reality once you do your strategy and your discovery (the heavy business strategy and goals of the project) it will be another eight to nine months before you see it implemented and live for John Q Public.

WEB YEAR = DOG YEAR
If it takes a year to build from concept to completion the moment the site launches it will be out of date. All of your strategy and discovery took place eight months earlier. And believe me when I say that one web year is like one dog year. So most likely you are behind in technology, ideas and new best practices. Something else has replaced YouTube, facebook or Twitter as the next best thing. SEO will be different, rich media will be differnet, social media, mobile all different. UGH.

So what now. Do you scrap your investment? Do you pray that you were wise enough to build in scalability and content that stood the test of time? Or do you simply run home crying and praying you won’t lose your job for all the effort you made an entire organization endear for a whole year!

Before you order tickets to the border and plan your escape…relax. It’s not about the technology remember. It’s about the content. So since you are a man of wisdom …a women to be reckoned with…you already factored this in. RIght? You did…didn’t you?

THINK BIG
Keeping up with technology has always been near impossible. Anticipating marketing trends and business plans is what you our others on your team get the big bucks for…so sports fans…do me a favor and don’t forget when you are in the critical stage of discovery and strategy. Think Big. Think about the content and the tends of your industry one year from now. Don’t allow your limited view of marketing today effect your view of tomorrow. What is important now may not be twelve months from now and you have to have the guts to admit that.

The tendency in building a website is to only see the now…to only face your organizations current problems and not predict or anticipate the future trends and insights.

I urge you to be bold. To be a rogue. To let your mind get above the now and think…think…innovate.

It took me approximately two dog minutes to write this blog. Wow…I’m slow.

Global Vision

So you want to make a difference. You want to change the way people look at the world. Ahhh … you’re a man of social justice … a woman of global change! But the problem you have is you can’t seem to get your peers to see the light … to actually make a difference in this world. How do you help people see the opportunities? I hear you … and I too feel your pain. Sometimes by opening our eyes and trying to see something different we create something that changes the world. A little research and a lot of passion = innovation

And maybe just maybe when this happens … you can change the way we all see the world. Literally. I thank you Mr. Silver.

Josh Silver delivers his brilliantly simple solution for correcting vision at the lowest cost possible — adjustable, liquid-filled lenses. At TEDGlobal 2009, he demos his affordable eyeglasses and reveals his global plan to distribute them to a billion people in need by 2020. (I thank TEDGlobal for this information and credit them with the video content).

Healthier outcomes for the world … global health initiatives .. it has a nice ring to it.

Just thinking out loud. Peace.

Pass Me a Napkin

Thanks AdAge.com
Advertising Age pointed out a unique blog that many creatives may enjoy visiting in their recent posting of ‘Creativity Top 5′.
Visit – adage.com/tvspots/article?article_id=136856

My College Prof Said Steal It
What my Gene Poor was trying to tell us is that all ideas stem from other things in life. So take something…build on it…and create. If you are anything like me you make it a standard to doodle up ideas on the nearest napkin while consuming an adult beverage or your not so fine dining experience. There’s still something still wonderful about the pen and paper. I prefer your standard cocktail napkin to do my dirty work. If it has a drink or coffee stain on it…even better. What most of my clients may not know…but many may suspect is that for nearly 25 years I’ve been producing ideas on some of America’s most unique napkins. Many a Art Director that has crossed my path has had a napkin sketch of mine taped to their monitors sharing my ideas with them on the project at hand.

stealourideas
Kudos to Art Director Jon Kubik and Copywriter Adam Noel for taking it a step further and sharing their new blog for all to see…hand-draw ad ideas to steal.

Visit – http://stealourideas.tumblr.com/

Image courtesy of Advertising Age and Stealourideas

How to Win that Big Website Account. To the Victor Belongs the Spoils.

Ok here’s the deal…you’ve been advised that you have made the selection cut. It is down to three companies trying to win the account. We heard your first pitch and that of your competition…now you are being told it is yours to win or lose. It is a head to head competition…gut check time. Seize the opportunity.

What’s next…here’s some ammunition to help you win the biz.

Advice from Both Sides of the Fence
I’ve spent 11 years of my career working on the client side and 14 years of my career on the vendor side. Most recently I have returned as the client…and we have just awarded a large website project to a firm who did everything right in earning the business. And they did it with class, patience and the willingness to invest in the relationship.

How Do You Win that Six to Seven Figure Website Account
Well pull up a chair…I’m about to tell you exactly how to do it. From a guy who has been on the winning side of earning this type of account more then a few times and from a guy who has had the pleasure of awarding this type of an account; I thought I’d throw you a bone or two. I’ve got a little advice for those of you who are out there each and every day trying to close that big deal for your company.

The Best Want the Best
Most companies don’t have this kind of money to spend on an endeavor like this very often even if they are a great organization. This kind of opportunity doesn’t come often for the client or for you. First things first, remember they want you or you never would have got the call to present and bid. When an organization elects a team to go out and seek the right partners these individuals are putting their jobs on the line. They have a job to spend the organizations money wisely. So trust me when I say they are seeking you. They know who you are and have researched your organization. So the best brands want to work with the best digital brands.

Don’t Teach me Web 2.0
Never underestimate the knowledge of your audience. If I tell you that you will be presenting to a sophisticated audience for your presentation don’t try to show me that you know more than the audience. Tell me you are equipped to do it…tell me how you are going to do it. Don’t teach me something out of a Web 2.0 book. We already get that. What we need to know is that you took the time to figure out where you can make us better.

Put Some Skin in the Game
It’s not easy to earn money…you need to work for it. You’re not vying for a 100k job. Don’t show me the same thing you would show an account one fifth or one tenth the scale and size. In this case sports fans…you need to spend money to make the money. Is it a risk? Of course it is. But it’s a risk for me to hire you as well. This is business. So…you need to put some skin in the game. Be prepared to go above and beyond. Be prepared to put it all out there and do the research, analyze my current site, tell me what you can do over the other guy. Because believe me they are doing it.

It’s an Investment for You and I
My career is on the line hiring you. And your career is on the line earning my business. I have to go back to my board of directors or executive leadership and answer to them. I have to tell them that this project is right for the company, right for our audiences, and right to spend the money. I want you to want to showcase this project to all of your future clients.

The Yankees and the Red Sox
The best are going to go up against the best. So how bad do you want to win? Imagine you are on national television you are being seen by millions of viewers…so your reputation is on the line. Keep it real …play hard…play fair…play like there is no tomorrow. I’ve got to know you want it. If you play this game like you do a Tuesday night game in June it won’t sell with me. This is the stretch run you’re in the playoffs…one game away from the big show.

We’re Not Playing Poker…Show Your Cards.
Don’t sell me. I’ve already walked onto the car lot to buy. I want you. So wow me with new ideas that apply to me and my audience. I know you can do it and that you have done it for others. But I don’t know how you will do it for my organization. I don’t expect you to give me all of your ideas nor do I expect you to know exactly how you are going to do it. But I do need to see how learnings will apply to me. What I mean by this is I don’t know how your team communicates…I don’t know the detail on the type of process you use or the type of project management tools you use. I need to see them my team is going to have to work with your tools to make us all successful. And I need to see you have the thinking to elevate my audiences web experience vs. my competition in the marketplace.

Humility vs. Arrogance
Humble not slick. Passionate not cocky. Confident not arrogant. If you’re not asking me a lot of questions from each key member of your team (SEO, Analytics, Development, UX, IA, Creative) then I figure you think you know all there is to know about me. You know it all…you’re arrogance has won. If I keep asking you… are there any more questions you have for me or members of my team…I’m telling you you aren’t asking the right questions. And I am feeling like you don’t care enough to want it. And perhaps you don’t need to know me or build the relationship. The wise man asks questions. You are building my house for my family and friends. I know you know how to build a house. But how on earth do you know the experience I want for those visiting my home?

It’s an Investment
I want you to grow your business with our relationship. I want to be your case study. I don’t care about awards. I want you to be proud of me and share our experience to help others. I want to be best in class. I want to exceed anything proceeding us in my industry. Period. And I want you to carry my flag high and proud for other to see. And I want to do the same for you. I want to recommend you to other. I want them to know that quite frankly YOU ROCK.

A New BMW or a Brand New Ford
Ok you’re off buying a new car so what’s the difference between purchasing a new BMW or a new Ford…they are both new cars. You can buy both models for the same price. But one manufacturer is selling a car and the other is selling an experience. I know BMW has great engineers and state of the art technologies to offer me and so does Ford. I expect this. But what separates the men from the boys is the driving experience. This BMW has mastered. There’s a difference in being a leader and a follower.

Don’t Over Charge…Take Charge
The NY Yankees built a new stadium and tried to get fans to pay a ridiculous price per seat. So what happened when they overcharged for their greed. People stayed home. Seats still remain empty. The owners will have to take charge…and access a fair price to regain their following. You best do the same when earning that business. Take charge…blend rates and make adjustments. Win the business. I’m not responsible for paying for your overhead. Keep it fair and over time this relationship will be fruitful. Keep your rates transparent and I will be loyal to you. Be fair. Be sharp. No hidden fees.

Booty for Booty
These opportunities don’t come a knockin everyday. You’re going to have to go streaking across the stadium. If you are not willing to let me know that you will expose all for the account then why should i trust you with all that coin?

It’s My Brand as Well as Your Brand
It’s my brand. This is my biggest touchpoint to the world. Respect this…stay within my brand guidelines. Be my brand advocate and steward. My brand is a promise to my audiences…you now are carrying this flag…don’t drop it. I am passionate about it and so should you be. Once you join me your brand is on the line as well.

As Natalie Merchant liked to sing…Give Them What They Want.
It’s always important to give the client exactly what they ask for…regardless of how small it may seem to you or your team. If I ask you for something I am testing to see if you are listening. If you can’t give me what I want when you are trying to win the account…do you think I will have faith you will give me something when you don’t need to earn it? In a bidding process you’re running a mile so you need to know when to pull away from the rest of the pack. Ask the client where you are in the process. Don’t be afraid to ask for more. To offer up more. To ask for additional one on ones with key players. For instance if you feel you aren’t getting your point across on certain advantages you hold. Provide it or ask if you can submit more information to solidify your case. Follow the rule of engagement. But there’s nothing that says you can’t ask for more. If you don’t ask you won’t advance.

Sell me What I Need
It’s my house. I don’t need the swimming pool just because you figured out how to build one. Offer up ideas. Do what you do best. Offer the services you are confident to support. But don’t sell me something I don’t need or that doesn’t apply to my audience just because it’s cool.

Bring your “A” Team
I want to know who I’m going to be working with day to day. I want to know that you are not one swine flu bug away from stalling my efforts or project timeline. I need to know you have a deep bench. I also need to know if a personality or two isn’t working out on the account that we can transition the person without any animosity. Let me know the percentage of time that I will be engaged with key players on your team. I’m reasonable…I understand that you have rock stars and that they bill differently. But that’s your issue to resolve…all I want to know is when and how long I have them as a resource. Relationships are key. Personality is key. Remember for the most part this is a professional service offering. Whatever you do…do not bate and switch. That will be the kiss of death.

Social Conscience is Real
It’s no longer a tree hugging concept. Work this into the play. Whether it is a green initiative or a global health initiative … it’s worth it for all of us. The worlds best brands are starting to figure out that the world is bigger then they are…so they are waking up and smelling the coffee. Be prepared to respond to global issues for your client. Be prepared to offer up new ways of thinking…even if they are not ready for them…they will appreciate your foresight.

Speak my Language
Understand my industry. If you don’t understand it … do not act like you do. Be open and honest of your level of understanding; I will see right through you if you don’t. If your selling to a Quaker you better act like a Quaker. Understand my culture. Speak to me as though you are a part of this culture. If I talk like I’m Amish keep the four letter words at the golf course. CPG, Healthcare, Pharma, Retail are not the same. I want you to bring in learning’s from other industries even better…I’ll listen to them…but make sure you don’t ignore my industry.

Finally…for those of you who feel this type of diligence or advice isn’t necessary to win that big account. You probably weren’t selected for that very reason.

Remember the key differentiators…collaboration is real this is a partnership, listen to what I am asking, pay attention to detail, transparency is truth, know and understand my business, I know you know what you’re doing or I wouldn’t be wasting my time listening to you, we want you to win the account or you wouldn’t be in the final three, ask questions and more questions and more questions.

As Senator Marcy was quoted as saying, back in 1832… “to the victor belong the spoils”

Coming soon at a blog near you…
“So I followed all of your advice why did I still lose the business?”