I’ve never been much of a cook. If you ask my friends, they will tell you that the microwave is my best friend. In fact, one of my best buddies was shocked when he learned that I actually use the stove on occasion. Well, when I first was out on my own I did not … Read more Artisan Economy
I just received this cute little bit of direct marking in the mail this week: As you can see, it’s addressed to “Our Neighbor”. How nice! But the return address is in San Antonio, Texas. Hmm…a quick Google maps search shows that San Antonio is about 1200 miles from Dayton. Wow, that’s some neighborhood! I … Read more Mail Fail…Local is Relative
What’s a Mail Fail? When a direct mail mail fails to: target the proper audience and/or other fun errors such as typos. The other day I literally received three Mail Fails in one day! I was thrilled and entertained by these off-the-mark and mailers: 1) Toyota Wants Your Car! I received this official looking letter … Read more Mail Fail x3
As a designer, I do my best to make sure that the solutions I develop for my clients are appropriate and meaningful to their target audience in order to help them sell their wares or services. For the most part, I believe that it’s not evil, however when even a 3 year old makes judgements … Read more Even A 3 Year Old Knows Branding
Here’s the story: my dad served in the Navy in WWII. Over the years, he lost his 2 medals. Luckily, there are online stores that sell veterans replacement medals. I ordered the ones my dad had and thought nothing more of it. Until I realized that the company I bought from sold my name all … Read more Disturbed by Direct Mail
I spied this nice ad for the new Ford Taurus in National Geo recently. I was truly impressed with the new body style, so I decided to read the ad. Well, that was my bad. Should’ve just left well enough alone… 😛 The text at the top of the ad extols how the new Taurus … Read more Another Ad Gone Bad
A buddy at work received a mailer from Time Warner Cable’s business service. I couldn’t help but notice their main image: Uh, say what? Using your EYEBALL logo as a bullseye? What genius came up with this one?! What are they trying to say here: using TWC will making you want to poke your eyes … Read more When Ads Go Bad
The people at Cheez-It crack me up. They have a nice Trek related t-shirt reward on their recent packaging. It’s a pretty cool lookin’ shirt: This is the part that cracks me up: Now, I know that the new Star Trek has a broader appeal; however, I’m fairly confident that most “regular” folks won’t be … Read more Cheezy Trek T-Shirt Offer
Whenever I travel, I enjoy looking through the guide books at the hotel to see what sites they recommend. On a recent trip to Buffalo, I was perusing the local guide book and came across this priceless ad: Looks like an interesting place for adults right? Well, that little brown round circle at the bottom … Read more Friday Fun: Chocolate Bar
Or at least that’s what I’m led to believe by the program they handed out earlier this season: Let’s take a closer look: Yep, his feet are clearly at the wrong end of a bad Photoshop job! I guess we should just be glad that they didn’t add a lens flare somewhere…
Not all brand extensions are a good idea, Fast Company takes a look at both the good and the bad.
Over the holidays, I saw my fair share of ads and great deals. I’m very interested in getting an LCD TV this year, one, because I love shiny new gizmos and two, the displays are just gorgeous. So I kept my eyes on all the specials this past holiday season. I saw some great buys … Read more Ad Goofs
I’ve seen the following ad twice over two issues in National Geographic without giving it much thought. After all, I’ve trained myself to overlook ads, and this advertorial didn’t spark my interest…until I gave it a second look: Let’s take a closer look: WTH? I’ve seen some bad Photoshop jobs before, but what on Earth … Read more Friday Fun: Amish Ad
I’ve been on Facebook for several months now. Generally I ignore any ads on it. However, it finally started to dawn on me that all the ads were singles ads. I assumed this was because my status of “single” in my profile. So I turned off my relationship status and looking for, yet I continue to … Read more Strange Singles Ad
From my friends over at HOW comes this NY Times (free registration required) article talking about upscale brands feeling the pinch of the financial “crisis”. And they seem to be utilizing some low-end tactics to keep the customers coming: coupons and steep discounts. Is this a new trend until the financial storm blows over? For designers: … Read more Not-As-Upscale
So I was browsing Amazon the other day, looking at Weed Whackers (or edgers). And I’m sure you are familiar with Amazon’s “People Who Bought This Item Also Bought” feature. Well, I gotta admit, I never thought of buying an edger and TP in the same purchase. Is it to wipe the edger when you’re … Read more Suggestive Selling Gone Awry