by Annie | Apr 9, 2010 | Adchievements
We’ve all been there – large conference with thousands of people, exchanging business cards with anything that moves. Then, shortly thereafter, sorting through and tossing most of said business cards because you can’t remember who the person was, much less why you’d ever need to contact them. Chitchat was nice, but the business card is trash. Well, now imagine that as you sort through your new business card collection, you find one that makes you laugh out loud, one that that you can use as a tool, or one that communicates the card holder’s skills. Behold: creative business cards! I don’t know about you, but if I found one of these in my wallet, there’s a good chance I’d hang on to it and show it to other people. Talk about good...
by Annie | Mar 30, 2010 | Adchievements
I might implode soon. The tune to the Big Red jingle has been stuck in my head for about 3 days now, ever since watching Verizon’s spoof on the classic Big Red gum commercials from the ’80s. The tune is insanely catchy, though it doesn’t make me want to chew Big Red gum or switch to Verizon, so I guess it’s not terribly effective on that front. However, I do hum it all day, from early morning dog walks to midday trips to the water cooler and evening cooking extravaganzas, so I suppose I do inadvertently spread the message to others. Sorry. Here are the lyrics for the Verizon spoof and the original Big Red song. Verizon lyrics: So browse the web much better Update Facebook pages better Get your boring job much better Better with Big Red The 3G coverage lets you do it You’ll watch YouTube on a horse When you use it Email friends and family better Download stupid stuff much better Get the most great 3G coverage With Big Red Original Big Red lyrics: So kiss a little longer Stay close a little longer Hold tight a little longer Longer with Big Red The Big Red freshness lasts right through it Your fresh breath goes on and on While you chew it Say goodbye a little longer Make it last a little longer Give your breath long-lasting freshness With Big...
by Annie | Mar 29, 2010 | Adchievements, Logoland
Check out Target’s Easter ad. Simple, straightforward, and memorable. The subtle but distinct variation on Target’s logo represents the iconic egg used to symbolize rebirth on Easter, and the faint reflection adds dimension to the otherwise flat logo. Great design is in the details, and Target has definitely mastered the...
by Annie | Jan 27, 2010 | Adchievements, Illustration Station
Let’s face it. Silhouettes are different. They make you stop and look because silhouettes are not what we see in daily life. When we see silhouettes in ads or logos, our minds are drawn to the simplicity of the image, the beauty of the form, and the outline of the object. Apple’s iPod ads, one of the most popular silhouette ad campaigns, have caused quite a stir. Featuring silhouetted dancers with white earbuds against brightly colored backgrounds, the ads use stark contrast and carry a simple message, garnering attention on a world stage. Since the iPod ad campaign started in 2001, countless variations on the famous silhouette ads have been created. The most successful, however, are those in which the silhouette is instantly recognizable: Think about people or characters you know. Who would make good iPod silhouettes? Who might make less effective...
by Annie | Jan 20, 2010 | Adchievements
I very clearly remember teaching myself how to blow bubbles. Many hopeful tries, many failed attempts. My mouth seemed too small, the bubble gum too slippery, and my teeth-tongue coordination just not quite mature enough. Evidently, perseverance is a wannabe bubble blower’s best friend. After many attempts, I finally got the hang of it without drooling or spitting my gum out along with the would-be bubble. Bubble Yum, Bazooka, Juicy Fruit, Bubble Tape – any and all types and flavors of bubble gum were good for an afternoon of bubble blowing fun. Bubble gum on your face, on your clothes, in your hair, and in your friend’s hair were all signs of fun times. Here are some fun bubble gum ads if you’re in the mood to reminisce on childhood bubble gum...
by Annie | Jan 6, 2010 | Adchievements, Illustration Station, Typographically Speaking
Frustrated because a dead or misspelled link landed you on a 404 page? Everyone’s been there, and no one likes it. Web designers should account for this mishap, creating fun, memorable, and creative 404 messages to appease grumpy users. If you happen to find a dead link on my site, this is what you’ll see: While working on the design for my 404 page, I came across some inspiring and creative 404 messages. Here are a few of my...
