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Plumbing company's vehicle wrap crap.

The DC Baltimore Egotist — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:52:49 +0000

Local

Finally a plumber who doesn't give a shit, even if he's taking one. We're fans of brands that don't take themselves too seriously.

Of course, having this parked in front of your house is the plumbing services equivalent of a cashier calling for a price check on tampons over the PA. (photo via Dana Goldstein)

Other shit: DC Lottery reminds us life is shit

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Preakness freakness

The DC Baltimore Egotist — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 19:38:26 +0000

Local

This year's installment of Preakness advertising is starting to crop up. And if it were possible, they're even more bizarre than ever. A billboard (below) has popped up on the corner of North Avenue and Howard Street, pointing befuddled onlookers to a gibberish-infused Facebook page for the Easter Bunny.

Elevation, the DC shop responsible for such Preakness gold as Get Your Preak On and Kegasus has disavowed all knowledge of the ads.

Which is really just a clumsy, fumbly, prom-night-gropey way to say: Yeah, we did them.

We hope they're going somewhere with this because, at the moment, it feels like Andy Kaufman's creative directing this fucking mess.

image via Chris Merriam

Oher Easter Bunny nightmares: Hitlerbunny sells vodka.

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How To Outrun The Inevitable - Robert Campbell

The Dubai Egotist — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 17:12:52 +0000

There are a lot of agencies out there.

In China alone, there’s said to be tens of thousands.

TENS OF THOUSANDS!!!

However amongst all those – not in China, but generally – there’s a few that have a ‘global’ name.

Traditionally, they fall into 2 camps:

Those who are living off their legacy and those creating it.

Yes, that’s harsh – and there’s a whole host of reasons for it – but that’s pretty much how it feels.

Of course, these two states are in a constant state of motion … one good campaign can lift an agency from the past to the present and vice versa … however the agencies that tend to have the greatest momentum are the ones that seemingly are continuously creating their legacy rather than riding on their past.

Now in no way am I suggesting an agency purposefully ‘takes a back seat’ – there are many reasons why that can happen – however the point of this post is that as much as there are many agencies out there who are grabbing a bunch of the headlines right now, there’s 2 that are seemingly always at the forefront of commercial creativity.

BBH and W+K

Now without doubt there are some fundamental differences between the 2 companies – some good, some not so good – however the thing I find fascinating are their commonalities, of which a number of them, I believe, have directly enabled them to succeed while others have fallen.

I should point out that what I’m about to write is my perception.

The fact is I’ve never worked at BBH and while I know many of the guys there very well – I am still basing my views on observation and here-say.

And as for W+K. Well while I have had the pleasure of meeting Dan and his senior management team, we’ve not really talked about this sort of thing … most of the time I’m getting bollocked for something.

But that aside, here are 5 things that have made these agencies so creatively influential for so long.

1. Consistent Management.

The guys who run both these agencies have been at these agencies a long time.

Better yet, they are the people who founded these agencies – so they have a vested interest in maintaining the culture of the place rather than just go after the profit, regardless of the implication.

That said, they are constantly introducing new people into positions of influence and power.

Younger people. Talented people.

People who bring new perspectives and thinking to the table so while the principals of the company will stay the same, the expression of it is at the forefront of the times.

2. Control, Not Controlled.

In short, when you own your company rather than a holding company with masses of shareholders, you can control how your company grows and where your company goes.

Basically, control means you can focus on the longer-term, bigger play rather than purely focusing on hitting the next quarterly target.

It’s probably the best ad for communism you could have, ha.

3. A Willingness To Fail.

Both agencies try stuff.

Better yet, the want to try stuff.

There is a reluctance to rest on their laurels.

This isn’t just because they believe to stick with what you know is the surest way to future failure, but because they are adventurous by nature and they believe great things happen from experimentation, even if on first impressions, the result is not quite what they hoped.

They also put their money where their mouth is.

They don’t expect clients to fund their adventures into the unknown, they’ll pay for it … be it in the activities they do or the people they hire.

For both, failure is NOT trying stuff.

4. Culture, Not Function

When I first joined W+K, people talked about it’s unique culture.

To be honest, I’ve heard this sort of thing before and almost always it’s turned into a crock of shit … because the culture that was there was because of the people in the place rather than the company.

But in W+K and BBH’s case, I believe it’s true.

Sure, the people that work there enhance and develop that culture, but there’s a strong philosophical view that permeates every element of both companies.

It’s not about the press releases or the credentials deck … it’s about their standards … their expectations … their beliefs.

They actively encourage trying new things … exploring new approaches … not going for the lowest-common-denominator or the category convention … standing up for what they believe in …

In short, it’s about filling their company with interesting and creative people who share their beliefs [even if they express it in radically different ways], rather than simply those who can perform a specific job function at the lowest price.

5. Involvement, Not Observation.

Northern wrote a blog post recently where he said he was convinced the reason older, senior people lose their dynamism and originality is because no one challenges them and they don’t get in enough situations to be told something they don’t know.

Very true.

However one thing I really like about W+K is that while the senior guys are ridiculously talented and smart and experienced … they welcome opinion, debate and challenge. From everyone. Literally everyone.

I remember the first time I met Dan and John and had an ‘out of body experience’ where I saw myself telling, arguably 2 of the most respected ad guys in history a bunch of stuff I think we should be doing.

OK, so Dan said, “you’re fired” … but he listened and that’s more than many would do.

The other thing is they are all deeply involved in what’s going on.

Not in the sense of dictating outcomes or decisions, but being part of the chaos – contributing, listening, exploring.

Sure that doesn’t happen on every single piece of business on every single campaign, but you’d be amazed how knowledgable about what’s going on. Seriously, you just need 2 minutes in the company of Dan or John or Dave etc and you know that they are absolutely bursting with dynamism and originality, even though by the protocol adopted by many agencies, they should be put out to pasture by now.

Why are they like this?

Because they still care. I honestly think it’s that simple.

They still want to learn. They still want to do stuff. They still want to push boundaries.

It’s fantastic and I honestly believe that one of the reasons this is the case is because they seek out people they regard as talented and interesting … people who can push them … their colleagues … their clients … and their agency to a different place.

Not being scared of change or youth or provocation shows people who are very confident with who they are … which for all the ego and posturing that goes on in this industry, is very rare indeed.

Of course you might think this is all bollocks … and maybe it is, however I can tell you from my time at W+K and my relationship with BBH that I see all this time and time again.

Sure it’s not always perfect, sure there have been some bad mistakes – but that aside – the fact they have been at the forefront of mass market commercial creativity means they must be doing something right … something few other companies have been able to pull off over 30 odd years which is why I honestly believe these are things we could all benefit from following or learning – whether we work in a company or want to start our own.

Making money is not hard.

Being the creative industry darling for a moment in time, is not out of the reach for all.

However making money while sticking to your principals and being an acknowledged leader in [effective] creativity for 3 decades is, and that’s why W+K and BBH stand out from the crowd.

While both agencies shun propriety processes in favour of being judged by what they do [rather than what they say they do] … the reality is you can’t ignore how their principals, philosophies and approach have directly contributed and impacted to the work that so many of us [general public, not just adland] hold in the highest esteem.

Saying “it’s all about the work”, might make a nice headline that people can gravitate to, but a great creative legacy starts way before the brief lands on the table.

----------

By Robert Campbell, W+K's Asia Regional Head of Planning. Reposted with permission. Read the original blog post here (and don't miss the delicious comments.)

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Howdy, Dallas Egotist

The DC Baltimore Egotist — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:24:21 +0000

National

Another Egotist pardner to give two-bit creative a kick in the britches.

Meet the rest of the Egotist Network here. Tell them the DCB sent you. Unless you're an asshole. In that case, say you're from Atlanta.

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The Evolution of Louis C.K.

The DC Baltimore Egotist — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:06:07 +0000

National

A great compilation tracks the career and comedy of one of the hardest working guys to take the stage. If you don't agree Louis C.K. is the most brilliant comedian working the circuit today, we curse you to an eternity of giving hand jobs to Gallagher.

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Dog the Boohoo Hunter

The DC Baltimore Egotist — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:28:48 +0000

National

Leo Burnett knows the fastest way to your tear ducts is through slow motion doggy shots. And the tagline taps into what every dog owner trulybelieves. Unless their dog's an asshole.

Other tails of doggedness: 99 Problems; may the mutt be with you.

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Irish amputee ad less creepy than Calvin Klein ads that inspired it

The DC Baltimore Egotist — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:24:36 +0000

National

Not sure what McCann Dublin was going for here. Especially if the idea is that those who survive farming accidents are the lucky ones.

Sure it's got the requisite amount of graphic imagery. But does it really deliver on the creative?

Hopefully it wasn't his pint hand.

(via)

Other adventures in not-so lucky luckiness: DC Lottery reminds us life sucks; Winners: Death by texting.

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Unwarranted Conjecture: Where's the Hoopla?

celzinga — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:01:38 +0000

It’s 10 PM. You’re at home on the couch, staring at a brief that’s as inspiring as a sack of dirt clods. You sigh and stare down the white bull that is your blank Word doc. Grasping for a shard of illumination, you pull out Crispin’s retrospective tome, ‘Hoopla’. It reads like a compendium of new millennium advertising. Each page sparkles like a semi-precious gem.

A garter-clad chicken-man subserviently awaits your every whim (minus dick stuff). A dwarfish British motorcar challenges your preconceptions with iconoclastic urgency and hipster idealism. A mute king sidles up beside you with the gift of flame broil and vague threat.

This is the stuff, you think. This is the kind of irreverent, post-post-modern advertising that transcends the usual Carl’s Jr.-y dreck. Why regurgitate pop culture when you can create it?

Suddenly, you’re inspired. You’re in the zone. You’re conceiving new worlds: A Tourettic fan boat captain. A country-clutter cutter. A webisode called “Ginger Beard House.”

Next level stuff.

Just then the TV seizures and chirps with cheap synths and fluorescent flashing, snapping you out of your revelry. It’s a spot for Old Navy – a Crispin campaign you’re vaguely aware of, but now regard with laser pen precision. A Kim Kardashian clone vapidly sings about her “Super C-U-T-E” jeans while prancing from one choreographed scene to another, instantly darkening your mood.

Is there a wink to it? Is it meant to be ironic? No. It’s simply the worst of pop culture distilled down to 30 seconds of bubbly saccharine sludge. Ever a glutton for punishment, you turn to Youtube to dredge up some more Old Navy bile. Bad move.

This time a group of gal pals are at bowling alley singing “Only in My Jeans” to the tune of Debbie Gibson’s “Only In My Dreams.” Your eyes twitch.

In the next one, another group of girls sing “I’m Wearing a New Blouse” to the tune of Tiffany’s “I Think We’re Alone Now.” Your serotonin ebbs.

Next, Bootsy Collins churns out boots in a Funnovations factory, because – as the people of Crispin are fully aware – puns are the pinnacle of comedy.

And, finally, with the onset of “Don’t Jiggle It When You Wiggle It,” you close your laptop in soul-crushing defeat.

Contemptuous and a little dumber, you wonder what machinations are responsible for such an abomination? Surely, there must be an explanation. So you hit the bottle and devise a few theories.

Theory 1: Metal Machine Music

In 1975, Lou Reed released “Metal Machine Music,” arguably the most unlistenable album since the advent of the phonograph. Devoid of melody and rhythm, it’s comprised entirely of over-modulated guitar feedback – like an autistic Yngwie Malmsteen playing a chainsaw. The justification for the album remains a mystery, but you speculate that it was as a calculated backlash to the sycophantic reverence that was thrust upon the Velvet Underground during the 60s. Such rarified air can contaminate. Whether it’s delusions of grandeur or self-sabotaging hubris, Lou’s story was not unlike Crispin’s – that of a meteoric rise and tragic fall (an arc favored by films featuring blow and/or Marky Mark dong).

Theory 2: The Mentos Method

Mentos ads were an ugly anomaly. The weirdly foreign, hobo-cheap ads featured an absurd array of life-altering candy consumption that made us collectively shudder. But like depression-era circus pinheads, a freakish spectacle attracts a crowd. Consider Rick Astley’s ghastly resurgence, or those two girls and that cup, or Carrot Top’s physique (which, incidentally, can be attributed to his Napoleon Complex that was brought on by his roundly ridiculed androgynous-prop-comedy-ginger-clowning).

But you digress.

You have a hard time believing that Crispin has succumbed to the Chinese model of churning out cheap plastic crap, but the Schadenfreude side of you kind of hopes so.

Theory 3: Bogusky’s Exodus

With a creative vision not seen since Lee Clow (and bangs that could shame Kevin Sorbo), Alex Bogusky wasn’t just Crispin’s creative leader, he was the Adonis of Hawking Wares. The Swayze of karate-guy bouncers (and/or ghost pottery).

And, lo, like Icarus (another ego-drunk demigod), Alex flew too close to the sun. In a desperate effort to rediscover his life’s purpose, he abandoned his agency and retreated to a cabin in the woods, like a handsome Thoreau or a tenor Bon Iver.

Resigned to grumpy old men status, Sam Crispin and Chuck Porter fell victim to stereotype. Their fleeting attention spans were focused more on the Floridian shuffleboard/smorgasbord circuit than irreverent computer-y advertising. Sadly, their heir apparent, Andrew Keller, dropped the baton in favor of his crimper. And thus the soul of the Crispin machine was vanquished. Not even Ted McGinley could save this sinking ship.

Whatever the reason for the agency’s creative demise (or hiccup), one thing is clear: If ‘Hoopla’ is the Gospel According to Crispin, then the latest chapter is the ‘Book of Mormon’ – a preposterous sequel in which Jesus Bootsy appears in America to pander to ignorant savages tweens.

----------

Chris Elzinga is a freelance copywriter in San Francisco. He is also the founding father of Prudism and Gimpressionism.

Originally published at >a href="http://thesfegotist.com">The San Francisco Egotist

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Your father's social media.

The DC Baltimore Egotist — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:01:23 +0000

Local

Amusing spot for Social Media Week (February 13-17), created by agency Entrinsic and production company Sons and Daughters.

For more on DC's shindig, go here. We'll be there. Or will we? We're like a fucking ninja, man. Or the wind. Or a wind ninja.

h/t Toledo Egotist

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Orioles give Leffler the ax.

The DC Baltimore Egotist — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:50:15 +0000

Local

The team that's been waterproofing the basement of the American League East for over a decade has finally decided to designate its longtime agency for assignment. According the the BBJ, Baltimore's Leffler Agency is out.

The team'll be taking all communications efforts in-house.

We have no doubt they'll handle their marketing with the same style, grace, and success that's been a hallmark of their baseball efforts.

If their Camden Yards 20th Anniversary website is any indicator, the O's will probably be moving to Indianapolis within the decade.

Other baseballish news: Cal Meat

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Heavy weight loss ad from Medifast

The DC Baltimore Egotist — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:51:30 +0000

Local

A brilliant, subtle, and restrained spot for Owings Mills based Medifast. Perfectly captures the moment everyone who's lost weight...waits for.

Related: Heavy people litter.

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Me hate you long time.

The DC Baltimore Egotist — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:33:35 +0000

Local

We've tried to avoid posting anything related to politics - even though it's in our own backyard. Hell, it's in our front yard, too. It's just too easy to shit all over because of its universal awfulness.

But we can't help but succumb to this one. Like acknowledging a fart during a long elevator ride.

Other bad political moves: Gov. Bob Ehrlich FAILS at imagination; ain't no party like my nation's tea party.

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Time Out

ttownsend — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:08:26 +0000

Every day we see on the news how our economy, our country, and our species, globally, is slipping.

We think globally and act locally. We adopt charities in Africa. We occupy Wall Street. We lift up the common man, worry for the middle and lower classes. And above all, we love resenting, and hating, the rich.

Then we rush together for the Super Bowl to celebrate the most ostentatious display of wealth, insensitivity and celebrity idolatry imaginable.

To me, the most glaring contradiction is nothing new to sports and media, just more obnoxious in these times -- having a major car manufacturer give a brand new sports car to the multimillionaire who was just crowned a bigger multi-millionaire. While Detroit is running commercials during the same game that acknowledges, in words and pictures, the Super Real World of joblessness, foreclosures and suffering families in fallen cities, they follow up by giving a brand new sports car to the least needy person in the world. And we scream and cheer. (What?) Even Eli didn't care. Did you hear in the audio track, "Oh Eli, wait! You might want the keys!" Guess how many families could use the car Eli already forgot he had?

But this year's crowning irony were the two words at the end of Madonna's millenia-spanning spend-a-thon of enormous casts of dancers, soldiers, and cheerleaders jumping across moving sets of chariots, grandstands and marching Roman armies, navigating multiple stage transformations and the additional counter-celebrity who joined her. At the end, they present the phrase, "World Peace." (WHAT?)

If the Super Bowl was just the yearly ritual of rabid football fans who were loyal, captivated students of the games, I would have no problem with deserving football junkies spending whatever they want to express a love of the game, their passion, the moment.

But it's not a football event, it's a yearly American reaffirmation that no matter what we say in our self-righteous blogs, our political discussions, and twitter feeds to CNN, we really do love our celebrities, we do love that they are rich, we love mega-productions of epic scale, and we all secretly feel that if we raise a beer to the screen and scream that one day a year, even if we don't know a touchdown from a home run, we count too; I am a part of this bombastic show too; I am in the midstream of what matters most today; I'm part of what my world is obsessing about right now. I can always return to my more-aware, more sophisticated, more critical self tomorrow, and remember that I hate suffering, and therefore the evil money empires that enable it.

But first, I want to find out how they got those monkeys into those suits! That was awesome!

---
Tom Townsend is co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Rodgers Townsend, a DDB Company located in St. Louis. Previously, he was Senior Vice President/Group Creative Director at DMB&B.

Originally published at The St. Louis Egotist.

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Recap the Super Bowl ads at Ketchum tonight.

The DC Baltimore Egotist — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:01:20 +0000

Local

If the Egotist Network's recap wasn't enough for you, suckle the last drops from that Super Bowl ad teat with the good people at Ketchum and the DC Ad Club.

Panelists:
Chuck Husak, Principle, Creative Director, August, Lang & Husak
Anthony Pappas, President, Pappas Group
Matt Smith, Chief Executive Officer, SmithGifford

Address:
2000 L Street NW # 300
Washington, DC 20036
United States
Phone: (202) 835-8800

Metro: Farragut North (Red), Farragut West (Blue/Orange), Dupont (Red)

Cost: Ad 2 DC & Student Members: $20 // DC Ad Club Members: $25 // Non-Members: $35

Details: hors d'oeuvres, cash bar.

More here.

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New Job: Web Developer/Designer

The DC Baltimore Egotist — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:54:00 +0000

National

Be a hero.

Note: This is a new job post. Right now, it's only viewable by DCB Egotist members. Not a member? Open your FREE account here to get a sneak preview of and APPLY for new jobs and internships three days before everyone else.

It's free. It takes less than a minute. And you'll hate yourself if you don't.

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Camera Phone Love

The Orlando Egotist — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Local

Do you like taking and sharing photos using apps from your camera phone?

That's what the Orlando camera phone show Depixtions is asking camera phone enthusiasts. Participants can use whatever apps on their phones they want, as long as the photo was originally taken with a cell phone.

All of the approved submissions will be printed and displayed at the gallery show to be held on March 10, 2012 at the Orange Studio. Each print will be for sale and with all proceeds going to New Hope for Kids.

Submission deadline is February 17th.

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The Egotist Network's Super Bowl Roundup (starring us).

The DC Baltimore Egotist — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:44:51 +0000

Local

With a nail-biter fourth quarter, a Madonna half time show and the occasional close up of Giselle's skybox, this year's Super Bowl was tolerable. The ads, on the other hand, were a whole different story. Of the 62 spots that ran – only a few offered glimmers of hope. More than a few were terribly painful. And most of them were just plain boring.

With color commentary compiled from across the Egotist Network, here's what we had to say about last night's spots worth talking about:

BELVITA BREAKFAST - BREAKFAST POLICE

DES MOINES: Reminds us of "Hot Fuzz." Like the Camry ad this took a boring product and made it interesting. Proper Super Bowl advertising even if it aired before the game.

DCB: Two quirky cops chasing rabbits and turning the radar gun on little leaguers. Like “Reno 911!” meets Barney Fife. Almost takes our mind off the fact that the biscuits probably taste like Don Knotts.

CARS.COM - CONFIDENT YOU

DCB: A soulful second head tipping off a car buyer’s secret swagger. We love this one for the sheer what-the-fuckedness. And because Don Cornelius would have wanted it that way.

FIAT 500 ABARTH - SEDUCTION

DENVER: Surprised no one's ever used a beautiful woman as a metaphor for a beautiful car before. Only letdown on this one for us, was that the car isn't beautiful.

MINNEAPOLIS: Hot. They could have been more subtle with the tattoo, but the reveal made it all worth it. One question: What was she actually saying?

SF: One of our favorites. It had a great premise that kept you watching (not to mention a hot woman) and a great twist at the end. Bravo.

TORONTO: We highlighted this one back in November. So to the ad exec who listened to us, you can get that cheque ready.

MINNEAPOLIS: Cheque.

DAVID BECKHAM for H&M

DES MOINES: While we rolled our eyes the ladies in the room swooned. This spot took balls to make because it instantly alienated half the audience. It's not like we wouldn't wear 'em if someone sl ipped these in our drawers.

SF: No concept. Not interesting. Nothing even remotely original. And yet every woman at our party stopped what they were doing to watch and they all talked through the next 2 spots about it. So… success?

MINNEAPOLIS: Complete and total waste of 30 Super seconds.

PRICELINE - THE NEGOTIATOR'S LAST DEAL

DCB: Shatner in a role he was meant to play: his death. Perfect comedic timing and a fitting end to a character who has been wonderfully horrible.

CHEVY SILVERADO APOCALYPSE

DCB: The end of the world, brought to you by Chevy (which coincidentally, co-sponsored the near-end of the world as far as American business is concerned). Gorgeously shot and acted; it’s dry and epic, like having a martini with Ben Hur.

SF: Now THIS is a Super Bowl spot. Big budget. Big idea. Funny. And full of a ton of great little touches that make you want to go back to YouTube and watch it again.

TORONTO: A truck ad that shoots an arrow throught the truck-man’s heart.

BEST BUY

MINNEAPOLIS: At least this year was Bieberless.

AUDI VAMPIRE PARTY

SF: Well conceived. Funny. Great use of the vampire pop culture fanaticism that’s happening right now. We loved this one.

TORONTO: Do headlights sell cars? Do vampires have any cool factor post-Stephanie Meyer? Could this ad not have ended after the first poof? Will anyone ever tweet #NoMoreVampires? This ad suuuucks.

DENVER: Bright headlights is an odd feature to push to try and get people to buy an expensive car, but the car looked good and the spot tapped into a pop culture phenomenon that needs to go away now. Win.

MINNEAPOLIS: Can this be the vampire's last stand? Please? Over it.

HONDA + BRODERICK

DCB: We grew up during the 80s. And we’re not ashamed that this spot – clearly pandering to Gen-Xers – was an instant hit with our staff. Chockfull of gags from the movie, it does a swell job capturing the film’s spirit without exorcising it. Sure, the product itself is vanilla extract in SUV form, but the ad has us wanting one anyway.

ALBERTA: True Ferris Bueller fans will get all the similarities to the movie. It will be water cooler talk tomorrow for the nostalgic 40 somethings.

SF: For a spot that was so anticipated and so covered in the press, this spot was so soulless. You could almost see the giant check reflecting in Matthew Broderick’s glassed-over eyes during his mail-it-in performance.

TORONTO: Maybe next year Honda could have dogs barking the ‘Oh Yeah’ song. Meh.

MINNEAPOLIS: This one pulled all right nostalgia levers for us. He's old as shit, but it worked. Nice spot.

ACURA + SEINFELD

DCB: Seinfeld goes to great pains to nab a sports car. Even if it means resuscitating the cultural relevance of the Soup Nazi to do it. Entertaining… even if no one remembers which car they’re advertising.

ALBERTA: Probably the best performance of Seinfeld since, well Seinfeld.

SF: We’re not big Seinfeld fans, but this was funny(ish) and well done. It certainly made us drool over the car. Bonus points for making Leno look like a dick.

MINNEAPOLIS: The Seinfeldian humor was captured well. The car looked amazing. And one more thing – wouldn't it be nice if that Geiko screaming pig zip line spot looked even half as real as the zip line scene in this spot?

BUDWEISER PROHIBITION

DCB: Dear, Budweiser. You’re welcome. Love, Boardwalk Empire.

KIA SANDMAN

DCB: Love the tone of this one. It would’ve been so easy to play this spot gently. The idea that an Optima is what someone dream’s about whilst overdosing on Mr. Sandman’s Magic Dust is ripe. And well aligned with the brand we imagine they’re trying to project.

SF: Another true Super Bowl spot – where the creatives had the budget to do anything they wanted, and they used it to the full effect.

TOYOTA "CAMRY REINVENTED"

DES MOINES: The only ad of the night that got real laughter. Toyota (and Saatchi) did a great job of taking a not so interesting fact and making it interesting. Did exactly what a Super Bowl ad is supposed to do: entertain and inform.

DCB: If you’re going to pluck the much-played “reinvented/redefined” cord, your spot better have a baby time machine and a DMV that hands out soft-serve ice cream. Nicely done.

TORONTO: This is the Super Bowl, and this is a great Super Bowl Ad. Every second of it. We’ll be YouTubing this one.

ALBERTA: Saatchi & Saatchi LA took a basic run of the mill car and made it super fun.

SF: Eh. Not bad. Not great. This is one of those that will score high in the post-Super Bowl consumer surveys but won't actually do anything to sell Camrys because it wastes :50 of a :60 before it decides to actually sell something.

TOYOTA "CAMRY CONNECTIONS"

MINNEAPOLIS: One of the few spots that struck a softer, more sentimental chord with our party. The room went from laughing and talking to somber and thoughtful, then ended with a small, "that was nice" from the back. We agree. It's nice. But does it make us want to run to the dealership for a 2013 mom car? Nope.

CHRYSLER + CLINT EASTWOOD

MINNEAPOLIS: We're big fans of the Chrysler campaign and this spot didn't disappoint. Eastwood? Come on. Pretty bad ass. Interesting though, the car with which he's most associated is probably the FORD Gran Torino...

HYUNDAI GENESIS

DENVER: Simple demo of how fast the Hyundai can accelerate and stop. Common theme for us this year: ads that show a clear benefit of the product, not just entertain.

SF: And when Hyundai isn’t making borrowed interest spots or being completely cheesy, they’re doing inane, boring crap based on trite, clichés.

MINNEAPOLIS: We admit. It held our attention – even though we know what was coming, we wanted to see him jolt back to life. (Or, heimlich his Hubba Bubba through the windshield.)

DORITOS SLING BABY

SF: As is usually the case, the general public will LOVE these. People will be laughing about them by the water cooler as you read this. But every single one of these spots is an abomination. That’s not our opinion. It’s a fact.

MINNEAPOLIS: Terrible.

VOLKSWAGEN - THE DOG STRIKES BACK

SF: The dog spot by itself is cute and if that was all VW had decided to run for their Super Bowl it would have been a crowd favorite. But then they mucked it up with a ridiculous and unnecessary nod to last year's "Little Vader" spot that 95% of the public won't really remember and won't make the connection. Horrible.

TORONTO: Wait, so we hate Lucas for destroying Star Wars, but we tolerate—nay, celebrate this? Shame.

CHEVY - HAPPY GRAD

DENVER: Humor was in short supply this year for some reason. And this is one of the only spots that made us chuckle out loud. It was user generated by a 26-year-old, if you can believe it.

DCB: This one’s our guilty pleasure spot. The casting’s genius, featuring a grad who could very well be the love child of Chris Farley and David Spade. Interestingly, insert a Bud Light truck in place of the Camaro, and the spot would play about the same.

ALBERTA: Awesome performance, super funny writing. Status update!

SF: For a consumer generated spot, this is actually pretty good. A little over-acted, but it made people at our party laugh.

TORONTO: A predictable premise, but an execution that is just clever enough to make every one of our Super Bowl Party attendees laugh out-loud. That’s a win.

eTRADE BABY

SF: When the creative team brought this idea to the creative director, he should have fired them on the spot. Or maybe lit them on fire on the spot.

GO DADDY .CO

DCB: Perennially the worst. We were reluctant to even mention it, for fear it might further encourage them. Like laughing at the slow kid in the back of the class who farts during tests: it’s exactly what they want us to do.

YouTube user "NordicDiamond": What the fuck is this shit.

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A visit from the Hitlerbunny.

The DC Baltimore Egotist — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:14:37 +0000

National

If vodka doesn't destroy your kids' childhood, show them vodka ads. That oughta finish the job.

We're always fascinated by international - particularly European - agencies' love of including brutal dictators in ads - much the way we're fascinated by girls who make grotesque duck faces in their Facebook profiles.

(via)

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Stardate 2012: Give my regards to Broadway.

The DC Baltimore Egotist — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:01:13 +0000

National

Consider it B-Shatz's absurd and public love letter to a career full of loving himself.

More bullshat: A pizza cutter for virgins.

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Under Armour to Interns: Fight for our love.

The DC Baltimore Egotist — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:47:43 +0000

Local

Much like the gladiators of Roman-times, Under Armour intern wannabes will be invited to lay their professional lives on the line for a chance to grab at the lowest rung on the corporate ladder. And a $5,000 scholarship - paid directly to the candidate's school. You'll have to do jump the through the requisite social media hoops, posting a 140-character cover letter, starting a tumblr, and possibly giving Mark Zuckerburg a hand job. But it's Under Armour, so get to it - especially if you're really talented in graphic design, social marketing, copywriting - or really bad at math:

Last year's intern program received 5,000 applicants. This year, expect stiffer competition. For five spots.

(via)

Previously: UA's shirt smarter than your honor student ; plans for world domination on schedule .

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One way to beat a meme to death: make an "ad agency version"

The DC Baltimore Egotist — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:03:04 +0000

National

It was only a matter of time.

More FE-said, CES-said: DC; les petites; and every "shit said" video ever made.

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Getting the Most Out of Your Internship

Eammon — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:29:33 +0000

Giving students a jump-start to their career, college programs provide many aspiring creatives an opportunity to get some real-life experience through an ad agency internship. This is when young creatives learn fast that working in the biz is nothing like the textbook or bubble test said. It's actually much more interesting and fun. But knowing what it takes to make the leap from unpaid (or poorly paid) volunteer to a junior level employee who earns a paycheck starts by knowing what to soak up during that two-three month adventure.

Here are the seven things I think are most important for interns learn:

1. If You Don't Ask, No One Will Help You.
Not the last thing a creative will do, but low on the list is checking on an intern. Many professional creatives are wrapped up in their own world of "make the logo bigger" crises. Don't be afraid to bug someone or ask them to get coffee, lunch or an after-work beer just to talk shop. They'll probably welcome the break. The result is that creative pro will label you as a driven individual. Should a higher-up ask about you, he/she will now have something positive to say. During your chat, put your ideas on the chopping block, ask "why" and milk his or her mind for all it's worth.

2. Go To Meetings That Have Nothing To Do With You.
Meetings ... boring, yes. Valuable for an intern, definitely. You'll pick up lingo and understand the DNA of the agency. You'll also discover why certain people are stressed and why so many agency workers drink moderate to heavily. There will be presentation documents, creative briefs, short brainstorms and client feedback. These are all things you'll never see in a classroom setting.

3. Your A+ Thesis Paper Has Nothing To Do With Creative Copywriting.
My first creative director told me: "Clients don't pay you to write or for me to design. They pay us for our minds." It's true. Think about it this way: everyone thinks they can write and/or design (until they actually have to). But thinking creatively on a highly strategic level is a skill few possess. It's what separates us from our clients and their brand team - we are their brand's thought leaders. It's not about writing a clever headline with a pretty photo, rather it's about writing a clever headline and designing an ad that meets six brand objectives while still clearly communicating to a human being. Forget writing essays and designing your cousin's band poster, the creative side of the biz is based on intelligently communicating with people in creative ways. Learn that or at least show a spark, and you'll be valuable.

4. Jump In On A Pitch.
Many ad students get to participate in the AAF competition through "Campaigns" class. They have four months to come up with a large creative presentation for a national client, where they'll compete against other college student teams. In the agency world, that same process happens in about 10-14 days (sometimes less) instead of 120 days. You're guaranteed to hear the word "RFP" (request for proposal) while interning. When you do, do what you can to get involved. Even if it's just gathering photos, proofing or binding. Pay attention to how the team brainstorms. Study how the copywriter writes up the ideas to be sold. How the art directors design comps to communicate the idea. Figure out why the creative director and account director wanted it in certain order. It may not be a flawless process and final product. But this is your chance to finally see how the sausage is made. "Just Do It" wasn't sold as just a clever line - the agency went through a pitch process, creating a strategic deck book that made the idea of that famous line shine.

5. Keep Building Your Book, Even If It's Not "Real" Work.
In some situations, it can be difficult as an intern to truly own a project. If you have that chance, save every PDF and file, and make it the showpiece of your book. Unfortunately for many, you'll dabble here and there, but may feel uncomfortable claiming a finished piece as your own. Don't let that stop you -- now that you understand a brand better than ever, go ahead and design your own campaign. Show what you can do with total creative control. Have a reason for everything you do and say in the campaign. In your upcoming interviews, creative directors are going to be looking to see that you can think and execute creatively and strategically. The ad doesn't have to be printed in Time Magazine. Good creative is good creative.

6. Be Digital Or Be Left Behind.
You know the vehicles: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn. Now get active and learn everything you can about them. Pay attention to what brands and marketers are doing with them. Connect with others in the industry through it. Know how to talk about social media in simple terms. Need practice? Try explaining Twitter to your grandparents or crazy uncle. While interning, ask if you can participate in speaking for the agency through their social media channels. Contribute to the agency blog. Be seen, be heard and know what you're talking about.

7. Be A Writer Or Designer. Never Both.
If you say you can do it all, no one will believe you. If you really can excel at both writing and designing, more power to you. But for most, it's crucial to pick one path and become as great as you can be at it. Creative directors and agency heads want to know that you're "our writer guy" or "our design gal." Don't get me wrong, having cross-over skills is great -- just don't sell yourself as such. At least until you reach the level of Creative Director.

With the ultimate goal is landing that first job shortly after the internship, remember the process is all about luck, timing, skills, your book, drive, resiliency and intangibles... plus a bunch of other things.

Good luck and let me know what you think. Like the Dude says, everything in this post is just, like my opinion, man.

This editorial originally appeared in the St. Louis Egotist

---

Eammon is a copywriter who's worked over eleven years in the ad agency business. He's won a few ADDYs, judged a few shows and worked on a variety of national clients. Find out all about him on his LinkedIn profile and feel free to follow him on Twitter.

Linkedin link:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/eammonazizi

Twitter link:
www.twitter.com/eammon

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CPA firm butchers Christmas carol for tax season.

The DC Baltimore Egotist — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:21:08 +0000

Local

This is why people use TurboTax:

But before you judge them too harshly, you've got to concede: they take chances. Their tax season campaign last year featured some of the funniest Xtranomal videos we've ever seen. For this one alone, we're giving them a pass:

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Call for submissions: AIGA Ink / Pixels 2012

The DC Baltimore Egotist — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:02:06 +0000

Local

You're a student. You create posters and shit. These guys want you to make one for them.

Deadline's February 20th. So don't pull any of that artist/student/Millennial crap and ask for an extension the day after it's due.

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5-year old offers best brand analysis ever.

The DC Baltimore Egotist — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:43:43 +0000

National

Designer Adam Ladd asked his daughter to give her impressions of popular logos.

Includes razor sharp insights such as "It's a parade costume" (for the GOP logo) and "A turkey that's very colorful" (for NBC's peacock).

She makes more sense than 99% of the briefs we've ever seen. (We called out with vodka hangovers for the other 1%.)

Childlike: 7-year old offers best criticism of gendertyping in advertising.

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