The Barbican has just launched an exhibition about the most influential art school of the twentieth century, the largest to take place in the capital in the last 40 years. That art school is of course Bauhaus – think tubular steel furniture, primary coloured triangles and the fundamental modernist desire to change the world.
Archive for the ‘Iconic’ Category
Spraycan copywriting
Friday, May 4th, 2012
Here’s a true story. Back in the late 70’s, right smack in the middle of punk rock, I studied graphic design at Hounslow. Unlike some of the more respectable educational establishments, Hounslow was a bit rough and ‘edgy’. The area around the college was run down and there was a serious amount of racism kicking around – you just had to look at all the NF graffiti about the place to sense the underlying atmosphere of hatred.
Ma’amite. A love or hate tribute to Her Majesty
Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012
Marmite, that Great British institution which we either love or hate – or love to hate, in some cases – has been given a temporary makeover by makers Unilever. And if I ever meet the person who rebranded it Ma’amite in honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee this year, then I will go all Wayne’s World on him and start shouting, “We’re not worthy! We’re not worthy!” while doing the arm-wavy thing at their feet. For that, ladies and gentlemen of the creative world, is a stroke of genius.
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Snap decision – why Facebook bought Instagram
Thursday, April 12th, 2012
Last Sunday Facebook surprised the world. Without waiting for their market flotation later this week – and like a big shot investment banker casually ordering the 1900 Cristal Brut – the social network laid down $1b in cash and stock to acquire Instagram.
The yolk’s on us – the Creme Egg story.
Thursday, April 5th, 2012
Easter’s a bit confusing, isn’t it? I’ve managed to get my head around the crucifixion being on ‘Good’ Friday and Easter weekend falling on different dates every year – but now I find myself befuddled by the whole egg thing. Try as I might, I simply can’t find a reference to breakfasty ovoids in the Easter bit of The Bible. As it turns out, I’ve been looking at the wrong book and the wrong religion. The eggy stuff comes from the pagan tradition, representing new life and the emerging Spring.
Google’s top ten April fools.
Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012
I suppose when you create the most useful invention since the Corby Trouser Press, you have the right to outsmart your audience. And the good people at Google certainly like to take advantage of their elevated position on the first day of the fourth month.
Friends, for your inspection and enjoyment, we bring you the top ten Google April Fool gags.
One more thing. Only nine of these are real Google April Fools. One is an invention of the great minds at Creativepool. But which one?
RIP COI – the end of an era as the Central Office of Information closes its doors.
Thursday, March 29th, 2012
My late stepfather, Michael Paul, was a floor manager on Coronation Street and latterly a film producer with Sheffield University. But he began his career at the Central Office of Information (COI).
While Coronation Street continues to thrive, the COI is no more.
Roald Dahl. More than mere talent
Friday, March 23rd, 2012
I’ve always been interested in creative people. Why they do what they do. Where their ideas come from. What makes them tick. Today, for no other reason than I want to, I thought I’d write something about a true legend and a prince among men: Roald Dahl.
Great British Design
Wednesday, March 21st, 2012
As the Olympics and the Jubilee draw closer there is an ever increasing sense of patriotism and British pride emulating from all around. The V&A are marking the event in their own intriguing way by staging a major exhibition entitled ‘British Design 1948 – 2012 – Innovation In The Modern Age’ which will open it’s doors at the end of the month. In a nation which now imports more than it exports, it’s good to look back at some amazing moments in British design which have shaped the way we all live our lives.
Heads up. The best advertising headlines in the world?
Friday, May 11th, 2012For Sainsbury’s: “We say ‘hello’ to good buyers”.
A recruitment ad for security guards: “Who says you can’t have a successful career after the police? Look at Sting.”
These are some of my favourite headlines. But they never ran. It happens. An unappreciative client or account manager, a change of brief – not every great headline makes it to the target audience. Happily, many of them do. So below, allow me to present a few of the very best.
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Tags: Advertising, blog, cancer aid charity, copywriter, Copywriting, David Ogilvy, headlines, Magnus Shaw, Peperami, Ronseal, Volkswagen
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