NC

something about the end

2009-10-15T17:39:00.002+08:00

New project in progress.

something about no limits

2009-09-22T17:23:00.006+08:00

I'm currently working on some stuff for Lindex, in particular monitoring their current media activities for the No Limits-campaign. Fortunately for Lindex, at a first glance, the new collection is generally perceived with astonishment by prospected customers; Lindex brand image among the young, hip and trendy audience, 18-25 something, has over the past years been seriously infected - granny doomed, kind of. This time, however, they seem to have put all peas in the right pod in terms of trying to attract the younger influential audience. "They surprise", or "Lindex with edge" are among many more flattering comments that are thrown at the designers.

However, another obvious "trend" among bloggers who choose to report about the new "edgy" collection is also the choice of music backing-up the new TVC created by We Are Group. Tailormade for this particular campaign The You Know Who are closing-up to 3,000 views in just about 2 weeks on YouTube with their Puttin' on the Ritz-remix of the classic song (carrying the similar title). In the right environment songs can really (emotionally) boost the popularity of a brand - or vice versa. An interesting synergy.

something about retro storytelling

2009-09-21T22:47:00.005+08:00

For Nike Sportswear, starring French footballer, and Manchester United left-defender, Patrice Evra.

something about creativity from scania

2009-09-21T22:21:00.007+08:00

The simplest of executions may not always be the most effective solution when solving a problem, but they sure can be great sometimes. By The Fan Club in Malmö, Sweden - winner of Resumé's newly-founded industry competition Hela Skånes Bästa Reklam (The Best Advertising in Scania).

Skateboarding for beginners.

Ouch, ouch.

2009-09-13T04:42:00.003+08:00

Beutifully crafted. Absolutely beautiful. That's how you prove your new client they've made the right decision - almost 80,000 views, and another 200 comments, in just about two weeks. By Lowe Brindfors

Lyrics by Asha Ali - My Time Is Now. Beautiful, too.

I wish the brand SAAB all the best.

something about sarcasm

2009-09-07T18:25:00.002+08:00

I presume that /hiptobesquare will love this video, otherwise @Furjo will.

By JvM Stockholm.

something about a rethorical question

2009-09-05T00:11:00.002+08:00

Targeted at students, by DDB Stockholm.

something about a social media revolution

2009-09-04T15:49:00.002+08:00

Fascinating data from Socialnomics via Please Copy Me.

something about dempsey

2009-09-04T04:28:00.003+08:00

Up and running - Dempsey.

We are where the audience is. Dempsey creates campaigns that reach loved ones through social media, mobile phones or more traditional channels. Be a dear, lend us two minutes of your time and let us explain how we can make your online presence more effective.

All the best of luck my friends.

something about shifting age segments

2009-09-03T16:10:00.004+08:00

A valuable insight via Mashable. Click the draft.

One of the most actively discussed topics in the Twitter universe over the past couple months has been the idea that teens don’t tweet – at least not as much as older demographics, and certainly not as actively as teens who use other popular social networking sites.

Now, it appears that this story may be shifting. According to new data from comScore , younger users – specifically those in the 12-17 and 18-24 year-old demographics – are Twitter’s fastest growing audience segment.

something about a slideshow

2009-09-02T19:46:00.004+08:00

Creative Planning lecture slides by Leon Phang, planner at Jung v. Matt Stockholm, prepared for students at the Miami Ad School Europe. Retrieved from The Planning Lab or via @theplanninglab.

Creative Planning @ Miami Ad School

View more documents from theplanninglab.

something about loving people

2009-09-02T19:27:00.003+08:00

What are alternative ways for ad agencies to attract new clients? Simply advertise.

Quite egocentic it may seem, but clever according to me - a great way for agencies to demonstrate their ideas and creative know-how.

By We Love People, Denmark.

something about keywords

2009-08-31T21:05:00.002+08:00

Ancient idea, yet a nice illustration.

By DDB London

something about cheating the app store

2009-08-25T01:25:00.003+08:00

An alert was sent out to our work-emails this afternoon, seems our "colleagues" used a tactic rather than a strategy.

Cheating the App Store: PR firm has interns post positive reviews for clients

When it comes to winning in the App Store, one PR firm has discovered a dynamite strategy: throw ethics out the window. Reverb Communications, a PR firm that represents dozens of game publishers and developers, has managed to find astounding success on Apple’s App Store for its clients. Among its various tactics? It hires a team of interns to trawl iTunes and other community forums posing as real users, and has them write positive reviews for their client’s applications.

Click the snippet for the full article.

something about a generation y:er's ego

2009-08-19T18:10:00.005+08:00

In preparation before my first week at Prime PR I extracted an always interesting topic, from the Prime sponsored book(let) Spaningar, about the fastidious Generation Y, in particular those born after 1990, and their belief about why they buy.

We seek sophistication in everything we do. We won’t become work-o-holics as like our parents. We won’t say “it was better back then” like our grandparents. We won’t stress ourselves out to buy. We want to be calmed down. We want to rest in peace. We want aesthetics and mindsoothing marketing that speaks to us via the heart and the brain’s emotive parts. We want advertising that is enough subtle and peeled. Our favourite option, when it comes to guidance about choice of consumption, is through recommendations from friends. No screaming incentives to buy.

Young Sweden is sick and tired of stress and hype. Young Sweden knows what is best for them, individually. They choose sophistication. And independence. They think.

something about [praim] pr

2009-08-16T18:32:00.005+08:00

There is no one-way into the future, fortunately. Because you always have options, you should allow your mind to resonate, weigh pros and cons and ideally figure out the best way to go. Basically, follow your instincts.

Last week I was sure of my next step-stone, a Diploma-degree at Berghs School of Communication. But I started thinking about my options, which I then though were few because of the economic climate affecting the business. Therefore, the first thing that came to mind was to find an internship - unpaid. Offering your services for free might be the best chance you have being a newly graduated advertising, PR and marketing student. So I gathered my business contacts and started distributing my revived CV, hoped for the best and waited.

Several agencies were approached, mainly advertising agencies, one PR agency - Prime. Long story short, Prime PR offered me a 10-week internship starting from next week, on August 24. So I took the chance, rejected my place at the world's best communicational institution and wish for the best possible outcome. Let us hope that my instincts are well played. Only they know. But right now, I am super-excited. Super-motivated. Prime, here I come.

something about a defeat

2009-08-11T22:02:00.005+08:00

By Ruth for Tekniska Museet (National Museum of Science and Technology), Stockholm.

All little geniuses favorite place.

Apparently they reached the finals in this year's edition of DN Advertising Cup, ironically beating the ad published in the previous post in the semi. Snap.

something about a new chapter

2009-08-06T00:29:00.007+08:00

Nexus will be up running again soon. Ticked off my Bachelor of Communications. Next step is a Diploma-degree in Marketing Communications at Berghs School of Communication in Stockholm. Looking forward to a hell of a year - inspiration wise, and otherwise too. Now is when the magic happens!

Meanwhile, I will share the greatest piece of advertising this summer. Created by The Fan Club, Malmö.

Probably one of the most debated topics at the moment, especially in Sweden due to the summons of The Pirate Bay late this spring. As with the Goodbye Bush print ad previously discussed, the medium is the message.

Unfortunately, the copy only reads well in Swedish.

something about brrr

2009-06-15T18:34:00.002+08:00

Exams and leaving Australia preparations are yet another reasons for slow-stream here @ Nexus. But the semester and Australian venture will end on June 17 and 26 respectively, my ambition then is naturally to revitalise this blogspot accordingly [to plenty of spare-time].

This time's segment of the world of marketing communications is Coca-Cola's Brrr campaign (under the Coke side of life theme) created by Ogilvy South Africa, which just this month began showing on Australian TV. Yet again I believe that Coca-Cola has approved an ad of truly emotive character - and yet again it has relevance, originality and impact. Music (yet again) by Caesar's - Jerk it out.

something about roland garros

2009-06-08T18:33:00.006+08:00

A French aviator during World War I, yet also the name carrier of one of the most prestigious tournaments in tennis. The orange clay and the green and purple support colors are iconic for Paris Open Roland Garros's communication - heritage and consistency is what creates true classics. Becoming a 14-time Grand Slam champion - winning all four slams - is just another way around.

something about booneoakley.com

2009-06-05T09:34:00.002+08:00

An alternative solution for an agency website; interactive through YouTube. Click the links on the YouTube-screen.

Via the author of /hiptobesquare.

something about vintage advertising

2009-06-03T20:18:00.003+08:00

Apologies Tiger, Roger and Thierry, but your sponsor's advertising was greater back then.

Via Flickr: Vintage Advertising

1925 National Geographic Magazine Ad

something about releasing

2009-06-01T11:19:00.004+08:00

I am sure that I think it is giggly only because it reads in Spanish.

Siiiii!

By Ciacomunicacion, Barcelona.

something about a skeleton

2009-05-30T11:01:00.003+08:00

I saw this print ad a long time ago, but just never put it up here. Yet I like it, I like it very much. It is a clever idea. The execution of that idea clearly communicates the product benefits through a great illustration.

By Forsman & Bodenfors.

something about a metaphor

2009-05-30T10:47:00.002+08:00

Why name everything in the basket apples just because they are more than the pears, bananas, oranges and the plums when there is a summarised word for all of these healthy fruits? CEO Björn Rietz on why The Swedish Advertising Association (Svenska Reklamförbundet) changed the name to Sweden's Communication Agencies (Sveriges Kommunikationsbyråer).

I know someone who would love this metaphor.

something about clutter

2009-05-28T19:05:00.007+08:00

Yesterday I wrote that I was proud of myself for maintaining diligence and ambition throughout my Bachelor. Today I was reminded that I yet have a long way to go. I realised that presently, I am literally at the very sewer of advertising (today I created an ad for a Toilet Upgrade), but then also the very hardcore of my career - an eye opener that defines what advertising can be, and in fact usually is. Also referred to as clutter. Thus, what we [advertising students] believe advertising is all about, how it should appear, is only the top of the iceberg. No need to explain that metaphor. The point is, maybe I should not downgrade myself for creating tender ads that are targeted towards level 1 builders, but rather be pleased to have gained that realisation. That advertising is not just about persuading through creativity or influencing through appeals, but to inform. Of course, informative advertising as such can be communicated creatively and through different appeals, yet the purpose is ultimately formal. You get the point. Clutter will always constitute the substantial chunk of advertising, whatever amount of diligence and ambition you may have.

something about a chameleon

2009-05-27T19:18:00.004+08:00

Tick. Had the last seminar of my Bachelor today, yet despite that I have three exams to go, I feel relived. This particular semester, or rather the last three semesters, have required a great amount of input, thus it is not too delicate to say that I am proud of myself. That said, I may now have time to increase frequency here, at the Nexus of my newfound passion.

How about this spot for a pre-graduation present. If in fact it was created for Ray Ban, I am unaware, however if is not, then congratulations - soon to become a million views baby.

Music by Yuksek - Eat My Bear

something about the art of driving

2009-05-23T14:37:00.006+08:00

The Art of Driving campaign for the new BMW Z4 roadster is very interesting - very interesting indeed. I have not been able to track down the current Australia spot (which is extremely well produced!) however the below spot provides the big idea of the concept. I cannot recall simile, and so I believe the concept is very unique; it creates a truly emotive aura moreover it presents the product in very classy manner. Frankly, it is the best ad I have seen in the category for years.

Created by Idea City, Austin Texas, USA.

Epic.

something about scribbling

2009-05-12T08:32:00.003+08:00

Sadly, whenever I get some time off studies the most recent trend is I remain static in front of my desktop trying to catch up with the stuff that have gone passed me while researching and writing on assessments. Yet another instance has been playing around with Adobe CS4, unfortunately completely unwitting of what the hell I am doing, however, I think I am starting to get a grip of how to handle that Scribble-tool... for whatever necessary reason anyway. Maybe I should just stop using CS4 and stick to iWork and Office. That, however, is my sphere.

something about not quitting

2009-05-10T15:49:00.008+08:00

I am not a quitter, quite the opposite I am an ambitious young man. The current Nexus frequency is thus not due to lack of ambition, but rather because of it. I am currently writing a Media Plan for fictitious company Luxury Travel Group, to establish their brand primarily in the Perth, Sydney and Melbourne markets, targeting an up-market audience to generate immediate sales, or in time for the northern hemisphere spring 2010. On top of that I am in the starting blocks of writing a Marketing Plan (together with my fellow-marketers) for yet another fictitious purpose: to distribute West Australian Little Creatures' ales and beers within the Netherlands. Fictitious here and fictitious there, they are both challenging assessments based on real facts, and so why not make the most of it. Education must after all be a ROI. However, keep browsing the Nexus blogspot every now and then, otherwise I can let know whenever there is amazing stuff going on here.

However, I thought I may share something but an explanation of why not. This morning when I browsed through the tweets on Twitterific I clicked on @theplanninglab's latest link share and opened a window to a bit of laugh. Maths has never been my pleasure in school, however, this kind of math made me rethink the subject - consumer behavior just turned metric. Below are some of my favorite calculations:

Until next visit, take care.

something about preparing for a job interview

2009-05-06T19:40:00.003+08:00

Since it is on my agenda.

something about being on the hook

2009-05-03T18:45:00.003+08:00

Chrysler's second-largest unsecured creditor is BBDO, Detroit, which is on the hook for $58.1 million, according to the automaker's bankruptcy filing. The news comes as the agency readies an ad campaign that will break on Sunday to explain to the American public that despite the bankruptcy, Chrysler is still in business.

Right.

something about extreme shepherding

2009-05-02T16:56:00.003+08:00

Branded entertainment may be an unscrupulous form of inventing want, but it sure is entertaining. For Samsung LED by The Viral Factory via the editor of coolwhip.

something about directing

2009-04-28T20:01:00.002+08:00

Another buzz generator created for Jungstil. Via copyranter.

something about nice shoes

2009-04-26T16:30:00.007+08:00

Guava NYC, the creators of the million hit Blackberry Bullet project has just merged with digital agency Nice Shoes. The Blackberry project was initially created as a spec project to promote their photorealistic 3D capabilities. The spot is not related to the advertising campaigns of Blackberry, its parent company Research In Motion, or Verizon and was created without their knowledge or prior approval. 27 days after the release date, however, the video was pulled from YouTube due to a copyright issue claimed by Death Songs LLC, the copyright holders of the background tune “Black Grease” by Black Angels. Before that, repeatedly, a prominent million viewers watched the video. Guava's visual effect skills was thus unveiled and as of today they've merged with big brother Nice Shoes. Take a look their promo video on the homepage of the Nice Shoes website - creative power personified. Just click on the Nice Shoes link above.

something about aaron's house o'ribs

2009-04-26T12:33:00.003+08:00

Direct-mail at its best. By Mark Saperstein and Tom Neville, Creative Director and Art Director respectively at Aquent Corporate Marketing for Aquent.

something about ernö rubik

2009-04-24T15:58:00.006+08:00

Invented in 1974 by Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Ernö Rubik, the Rubik's Cube was originally called the Magic Cube. The puzzle was licensed by Rubik to be sold by Ideal Toys in 1980 and won the German Game of the Year special award for Best Puzzle that year. As of January 2009, 350 million cubes have sold worldwide making it the world's top-selling puzzle game. It is widely considered to be the world's best-selling toy.

Below is a low-involvement version of the classic, by JWT Dubai. No comments.

something about the emperor

2009-04-23T07:45:00.001+08:00

The comment I heard most at the conference: “I am so sick of all this social media bullshit…”

But, sadly, people only said it to me in private, and in hushed tones.

The emperor's new medium.

Via The Ad Contrarian.

something about low rise

2009-04-20T15:49:00.006+08:00

My opinion on this one: I prefer the one brand over the other. Even though I ideally prefer simple solutions, I don't think that this is the right solution for this particular task. I'd prefer Heidi, Adriana, Alessandra, Miranda, Marisa, Doutzen, or even Tyra wearing a pair. Nuff said.

something about your turn

2009-04-19T19:11:00.005+08:00

An interesting execution for WWF to encourage people to do something [about extermination], to Take Action! Yet without leaving the reader feeling guilty, a common perception of such context one would assume. JWT says: We create ideas for our clients that people want to spend time with. I see what they mean.

something about discerning fashionistas

2009-04-17T18:18:00.005+08:00

As a true trendsetter in the fashion industry, Le Specs still sets the pace for innovation in fast fashion, enjoying its third year of sustained success. Employed in a myriad of prevalent fashion TV shows, the brands popularity seems to have no bounds. Whether it's a Melbourne catwalk or a Bondi boardwalk, Le Specs is sure to have you eyes covered - the brand is back.

It's true that I just bought a pair of Le Specs low-priced sunnies, yet it's true that I'm still a genuine brand snob. Three years ago I knew nothing about Le Specs; neither about their products not about the brand itself. For a company established over 27 years ago, selling over a million unit in its first year, it may seem strange that brand recognition has been relatively low since. The revival however is anything but strange, but rather quite extraordinary. Today, thousands of stockists worldwide, yet particularly in Australia and Sweden, line up to snatch a piece of the inventory to be able to satisfy the boosting demand.

The style of Le Specs products are naturally inspired by French haute couture fashion and the 08/09 range offers models for wide, squeesed, high, low, round, angular, pretty and ugly faces. Except for PR, wearers are the main carriers of the message. An inexpensive price strategy allow anyone to own a pair and any store to stock some pairs. Hence, consumers are the exhibitionists and if their pretty faces promote the sunnies well a Le Specs stockist may be just around the corner.

Undoubtedly, the strategy has been effective. Le Specs have become a mature brand in the domestic [Australian] market, particularly among Gen Y; moreover, an exceedingly broad audience of that particular population. Innovation is naturally essential to keep up with current fashions, because trends are, of course, only trends. However, product extension is another objective that could nudge the brand into additional markets.

Using an analogy, Le Specs are like global outfitters American Apparel, only niched to sunnies. And plus they go very well together. Despite I being a snob, American Apparel are my purveyors in terms of garments. Even though their cloths and accessories are ridiculously inexpensive, they radiate an iconic image that many young people want to be recognised with. Exactly that does Le Specs, so let's hope they can continue to evolve. Viva Le Specs!

something about being naive

2009-04-16T11:31:00.004+08:00

Good use of media, yet timing is everything.

"Advancement through Technology" became "The Ultimate Driving Machine"

something about going bananas

2009-04-15T11:59:00.004+08:00

I know that I'm going bananas at copyranter, yet own-sourced content will be found in my next post. Yet before, this outdoor ad for John West tuna created by Grey Melbourne may not be appetising, but it sure is pretty interesting. Via BestAdsOnTv.

something about advice for the next-generation planner

2009-04-15T10:34:00.005+08:00

Thank you Leon at The Planning Lab for the Advice for the Next-Generation Planner.

A compiled PDF of these advice can be downloaded here.

something about deceiving

2009-04-14T22:36:00.002+08:00

Seriously, WTF!? Again, retrieved from copyranter.

something about t&a

2009-04-14T22:06:00.007+08:00

In the spirit of good taste, view this TVC. Well, not for the superiority of it, but because it was, just then, a catchy line. You'll see. The first time I saw it was last week when I went to the movies - The Boat That Rocked - in Melbourne, and sure I admit I had a bit of a titter back then. The second time around I browsed passed it was only today at copyranter and so I thought, why not.

Cheesy, generic, but a little bit funny too.

something about direct translations

2009-04-14T17:15:00.005+08:00

Translating english sayings directly into swedish can often end up pretty diffuse, and sometimes completely wrong. By Volontaire, an affiliate of Publicis Stockholm.

something about a heist

2009-04-13T21:30:00.002+08:00

Well crafted by Wieden+Kennedy.

something about youtube's new analytical tool

2009-04-13T19:40:00.003+08:00

Awesome stuff retrieved from the YouTube Australia blogspot: "Finally, we have some answers. Today we're releasing YouTube Insight, a free tool that enables anyone with a YouTube account to view detailed statistics about the videos that they upload to the site..."

something about moët & scarlett

2009-04-13T17:58:00.003+08:00

Belonging to the male race and being a big fan of the very origins of champagne, I truly appreciate this new ensemble that 250 year-old champagne makers Moët & Chandon have encouraged: "In itself, it indicates a level of pride and dedication to the product; being 250 years-old and still being very contemporary". Well spoken Scarlett.

something about metropolitan hunting

2009-04-12T17:42:00.007+08:00

A week of hell at Uni followed by an epic week in Melbourne during Easter is the declaration for low-stream @ NC. Anyway, somehow back on track now, yet what a comeback...

... Great print ads by Jung v. Matt Stockholm for Hunt Stockholm. Finalist, later runner-ups in this year's edition of Guldägget. More to come soon.

something about a summary

2009-04-04T19:07:00.004+08:00

"It's about connecting with the receiver on the receiver's conditions." Stig Lundstedt, CEO Goss

A summary of the Guldäggsgala 2009 @ Stockholm Concert Hall. Retrieved from Guldäggsbloggen. Congratulations to all the winners, and all other competitors. This video is Swedish only.

something about a silver egg

2009-04-04T18:50:00.003+08:00

Congratulations åkeatam.holst - absolute winner, or should it read runner-up.

something about daring promises

2009-03-31T12:16:00.004+08:00

Conceited promises from AT&T back in 1993; 16 years later, did they fulfil those?
I wonder where that executive went.

Yet, I do like the retro devices utilised in the TVCs.

something about multi-platform advertising

2009-03-30T14:58:00.003+08:00

Shots cutting-edge advertising and creativity worldwide recently (read 27 March 2009) published this article about a new technique of utilising interactivity in cinemas through motion sensors placed around cinema auditoria to allow film fans to play an interactive game. Traditional media have become new media. Now, just how fascinating is this business?

An example of how the technique works can be viewed here.

something about insight, or should it read thoughtfulness?

2009-03-27T11:28:00.011+09:00

Tediously, I must admit that Honda's ongoing campaign for the new hybrid 'Insight' actually is pretty neat; a prominent interpretation of how the means to and end applies effectively as a communications model. The means to this post, however, was inspired by @cjmalmsten on Twitter, who posted the Honda Insight TVC on his Twitter site. The TVC is part of the global campaign and is created by Honda's Amsterdam partner Weiden+Kennedy. The TVC is well executed and truly evokes the emotive sentiment of environmentally efficient cars, however, completely ignores other important benefits that the vehicle offers. Yet let's assume it's the reason for why the print medium is part of the integrated campaign; these clean, uncluttered executions tell us a more specific story incentivised by punchy headlines. A personal favorite being, "theoretically. it seats 6.75 billion". Hence, a pretty extensive target audience too. The credentials for these particular ads goes to Honda's USA based full-service agency RPA (Rubin Postear and Associates).

This time the verdict being, conventional yet insightful, or should I say thoughtful.

something about 69

2009-03-22T11:34:00.004+09:00

Controversial yet cute viral for durex.

Photographer: Arian Camillieri

His portfolio can be viewed here (flickr), below, or downloaded here (the shutterblind website). Enjoy.

Download PDF here.

something about crown-jewels

2009-03-21T10:45:00.003+09:00

Big fan of virals as well as soccer; unfortunately, not a big fan of unthorough executions, Michael Ballack, or bad acting. Neither to say that I think virals shouldn't be of in the moment quality nor that Ballack has a weak right foot, but what's he aiming for intentionally? The bench stall, one of the bushes, the gap between the bushes, his team mates? The training settings are fine and definitely a slice of reality yet a proper goal in the background would be more believable. You may think differently, or maybe I would watch the 'ad' differently if someone else but an unsympathetic Ballack was part of the execution.

something about a pessimistic twitterer

2009-03-20T10:20:00.008+09:00

Retrieved from åkestam.holst. The dialog reminds me of Apple's and TBWA's "Get A Mac" campaign. Two likable characters however one's more sophisticated than the other - not technically speaking though.

Keep twittering, but don't forget about other [face-to-face] ways to communicate and interact with friends.

something about humble beliefs

2009-03-19T21:52:00.004+09:00

Chunked up with university assessments as well as work. Meanwhile, I'll let someone else do the magic; some words of wisdom from the people at Volontaire. Also available in Swedish.

Awesomely humble indeed.

something about western australians and sex

2009-03-14T16:13:00.008+09:00

A couple of early day-endings this week has given me time to have a good read through the latest issue of AdNews; fortunately, an issue with many interesting stories included. Yet except for the often engaging digital- and planning section, executive creative director John Mescall of SMART [not SMART. as per previous post] always delivers insightful briefings in his 'SMARTARSE' paragraph. This week's 'SMARTARSE' topic was on homogeneity, and how it doesn't count for all Australians; particularly not for West Australians. In a shortened version of his article, he argues:
"Australia is a pretty big country. No, let me take that back. Australia is a freakingly huge country.
So it always gives me a bit of a wry smile when folk like us sit in our Sydney and Melbourne offices and blithely proclaim to "understand" what makes Australian tick. Or when we get a brief that demands we create a campaign aimed at all Aussies of a particular demo/psychographic. I'm not really sure we can do that. The more I learn, the more I realise just how many different Australias there are out there.We like to think that there's enough homogeneity between markets, to make our jobs at least do-able. But consider this: At the height of the Victorian bushfire crisis, I took a peak at Fairfax's "most read" online articles. Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane readers were almost universally interested in the fires. But our friends in WA had something else on their mind that day.
The top five stories in WA were: 1. Kerr sleepy after raunchy night our with Orlando; 2. Jessica Alba's weight loss secret; 3. Bargain-buy Aussies out of favour in IPL; 4. Inside his head; 5. Lunar eclipse tonight over WA skies. And as I write this, a quick check of the top five travel topics across most of Australia. But over in WA, their top five looks a little something like this: 1. Sex sells as at half price as Bankok hit by crisis; 2. Swinger's club; 3. Nude New Year's "sex party" a con, warn Malaysian authorities; 4. Paradise found; 5. Top 10 places to nude up. So, West Australians are different from the rest of us, and if you want your ad to work over there, it's probably best that your brief contains the word "nude", "sexy", "sex", "sexual", "party" and "celebrity".
This is why it's good for us to travel. Most Sydney advertising people live and work in a hermetically sealed bubble known as Surrey Hills. You might venture to the beach, but have you ever taken a drive to Sydney's outer west?...

... In many ways, this is the real Australia, the Australia we get paid to persuade. And it's the [including WA] Australia you're probably the least familiar with. We're a ridiculously large country, and every region has its own peculiarities... I know where I'll be taking my next holiday"

And I know that's the reason why my holidays in WA will end immediately after this semester.

something about no *s

2009-03-12T18:28:00.007+09:00

Djuice metro-billboard(s) by SMART.

Super simple solution to a super common issue; how often do you see the * displayed right up in the far corner after you've been incentivised by a great deal? Well, pretty much in every case when deals seems to good to be true. Except for the simple execution - intensified copy against an uncluttered background in the color of Djuice - and the great choice of media, I like that they [SMART.] allocate five consecutive metro-billboards to communicate that there is no * to this deal. Instead, the * is basically the big idea of the campaign. Smart. Yet you sure hope they can deliver that promise - thus that there are no *s.

something about mad man minifigs

2009-03-07T12:50:00.004+09:00

Set in 1960s New York, the sexy, stylized and provocative drama Mad Men follows the lives of the ruthlessly competitive men and women of Madison Avenue advertising, an ego-driven world where key players make an art of the sell

If you haven't watched the show yet this piece of art may not be of your interest; however, this super-cool poster retrieved from /hiptobesquare via Dyna Moe @ Nobody's Sweetheart is definitely in the running of becoming part of my next apartment's - which btw is completely unknown - decoration.

something about little creatures going global

2009-03-06T17:56:00.004+09:00

It's been my favorite restaurant in Perth now for nearly two-and-a-half years now; it delivers the best quality beers and ales - yet solely Coopers Original Pale Ale being an exception - of the whole of Australia's supply and yet they haven't come far - until now. The next step is hence to enter the beer-loving, football-passionate and lucrative market of the Netherlands. Well, at least fictionally. The reason being is that this task constitute one of my major assessments [International Marketing] during the following months at University; i.e. introducing West Australian beer specialist's Little Creatures to the mid-European market. However, along with my fellow group members we seek to make the experience as non-fictional as possible, aiming to deliver the most realistic, relevant and accurate assessment we've ever submitted. Go team!

something about recapping

2009-03-02T16:22:00.007+09:00

Isn't it great to sometimes recap on things you've already been taught? Of course, you may think that recapping only is repetitive hence unnecessary, yet I share opinion with my current lecture in Marketing Strategy - KY Lee - that recapping on things you've learnt should rather be seen as a reinforcement hence necessary. The reason for bringing this to the discussion-board is because I had a moment of effective reinforcement only yesterday when I superficially browsed through the first chapter of my Foundations of Advertising-book. The 'aha'-moment was evoked when I, by reaction, read advertising-legend David Ogilvy's name somewhere in between a clutter of letters; he explained his view of advertising as conversation:

I always pretend that I'm sitting beside a woman at a dinner party, and she asks me for advice about which product she should buy. So then I write down what I would say to her. I give her fact, facts, facts. I try to make it interesting, fascinating, if possible, and personal - I don't write to the crowd. I try to write from one human being to another... And I try not to bore the poor woman to death, and I try to make it as real and personal as possible. /D. Ogilvy

Quite simple yet insightful even of today.

The man behind the metaphor - David Ogilvy.

something about pure hard-sell

2009-03-01T17:16:00.001+09:00

Apparently an effective tactic. No more comments.

something about postponing

2009-03-01T11:17:00.006+09:00

Purchased a new book only a couple of weeks ago, naturally with the aim to stimulate my thinking and boost my knowledge about the oh so importance of consumer behavior. However, just as much as I want to read this book just as much do I need to study actual University stuff over the next couple of months. I.e. I may as well put this book - Buyology by Brand Futurist Martin Lindström back on the shelves for a while. Pity.

something about a sixtieth birthday

2009-02-25T19:50:00.003+09:00

A superb retro-ad for the 60 year old VW Van. Strongly copy-driven - headline and body - supporting the very abstract but imaginative art direction; have a thorough read of the ad, and enjoy the artifacts of the Type 2 later.

Advertising Agency: DDB, Paris, France
Creative Directors: Alexandre Hervé, Sylvain Thirache
Copywriter: Patrice Dumas
Art Director: Aurélie Scalabre

something about being on the radar

2009-02-24T11:03:00.005+09:00

The blogger of The Planning Lab has now revealed his shy and jealous audience through the use of Google Analytics, and thus apparently us Swedes in Western Australia can no longer hide our geographical coordinates from ending up in his logbook. Once again, Google have underpinned its power; superiority and versatility that leave us other completely exposed, but rather amazed and somehow thankful. Busted, but not quitter.

Post-note: Imagine if (or may I write when) Google develops a tool that can measure the impact and effectiveness of all kinds of integrated marketing campaigns; I wouldn't mind being a part of that revolution.

something about a never ending story

2009-02-22T08:47:00.007+09:00

When you're far, far away from a home of brilliant communications, there are certain stories that you miss out on as a result; however, if it has enough impact you can at least enjoy it and appreciate it after the others. Yet, even though great advertising is timeless it should be mentioned that this ad has been around for at least a couple of months now, and for no sane reason I've been a complete jerk not to have posted it before. Anyway, toilet paper-ads often belong in the category of conventional solutions; it's all about softness (naturally one would assume) and cute storytelling. SCA Edet, however, along with their creative agency Valentin & Byhr have executed a campaign that quite brutally, but still charmingly breaks these conventions into something new and definitely more entertaining. Literally, they tell us a never ending story with their pants off. For me it's a brand switching I-will-not-wipe-my-butt-with-anything-but-Edet ad. The song, a mix of Limahl's 'Never Ending Story', is performed by Gothenburg's Cookie Sweetheart and is now, because of the campaign's success, available as single in iTunes.

something about spoilt dogs

2009-02-18T21:03:00.003+09:00

First, I just want to apologies for my previous post's unprofessionalism; terrible grammar and lazy input. The lazy input level remains unmotivated in regards to that particular post; however, some grammar errors have been mildly edited. Today's post includes a viral for Alpo dog-food, which is not too much of fun but demonstrates an example of how branded entertainment continues to evolve. Retrieved from Fallon Planning's blogspot. Not much else to write but to instead redirect you to the Fallon blogspot where the creators themselves explain the idea more in-depth.

something about ho-ah

2009-02-17T20:26:00.009+09:00

The most appalling (in proper British accent) ongoing ads on Australian television is without doubt Domino's "Ho-ah"-campaign. Fortunately, but with very limited research, I haven't been able to find any example of these disgusting pieces of production that Domino's along with their creative partner The Campaign Palace and media partner Mitchell's have created and executed. The idea is basically idealess and is therefore quite hard to describe. But I'll try. A quirky, pretty unhealthy looking guy or gal (or both together) moving around, screaming for something, is suddenly struck by a ridiculous amount of pizza-filling. This obscure scene is then followed by the Domino's logo appearing along with "Order online"-option and the annoying new slogan, verbally shouting "Ho-ah". Something like that. Unfortunately though, the campaign will most definitely continue to disgust, but now also including unconventional pasta sauces being thrown at their actors.

Shame on you fans on Facebook.

Ps. One example is available on the website.

something about swopping

2009-02-16T18:51:00.002+09:00

Stefan the Swopper (Retrieved from Not another planning blog via Åkestam.Holst).

Stefan the Swopper from Stefan the Swopper on Vimeo.

something about targeting the right people in the right place at the right time

2009-02-14T11:29:00.006+09:00

For all of you who've been following Glocalnet's campaigns since 2004, the positioning of this brand is pretty clear and simple - telecommunications at the lowest price. Glocalnet, along with their head agency and long-term partner Garbergs (nominated Sweden's third best agency 2008) have, since 2004, launched a good 30 integrated campaigns to get this straightforward promise across. But with no further depth into these always-entertaining, always-effective campaigns, Garbergs latest initiative to target the youth market is perhaps not the greatest example of an opp-to-see campaign, but indeed a great example of creativity and proactivity that generates engagement with the personified target audience. Unfortunately though, for all other nationalities but Swedes - and in particular Swedish students - this guerilla-light campaign will make no sense at all. Therefore, I dedicate this this post to all of you that have a fair chance to unveil the genius idea behind this approach.

something about consumers running the show

2009-01-31T18:09:00.004+09:00

This SlideShare-app is completely useful and versatile. Too much great to say about these 67 slides created by Vincent Schmidlin and Michael Zorn from the strategy department of Scholz & Friends, Germany (Retrieved from The Planning Lab). To engage you, I'll re-quote a quote from the slideshow: The whole industry is obsessed with the idea of a simple message, endlessly repeated, but it's not about one big, simple hook... What people actually want is stuff with some complexity, some meat, some richness... Not stuff that's distilled on a simple essence or refined to a single compelling truth. No-one ever came out of a movie and said "I really liked that, it was really clear". Clarity is important to our research methodologies, not to our consumers. Russel Davis, darth strategist Wieden & Kennedy

brands and communication in the era of media democracy

View more presentations from Scholz & friends Strategy group. (tags: conversation communication)

Topic-centric communication it is.

something about advertising in a recession

2009-01-30T17:15:00.000+09:00

Retrieved from Fallon Planning.

Ads on Edge

View more presentations or upload your own. (tags: branding recession)

something about the history of marketing

2009-01-30T17:04:00.002+09:00

An interesting video demonstrating why consumers are becoming more and more brand skeptic - brought to you by Scholz & Friends, Germany. Retrieved from Fallon Planning's blogspot.

something about adgrabber

2009-01-29T19:06:00.002+09:00

I'm now a proud member of AdGrabber - a social network for the ad industry.

The incentive to join was: Join AdGabber and stop bothering your friends with your obsessive compulsive advertising disorder. On AdGabber, you can gab about industry issues, upload and share your favorite ads, peruse member profiles for your industry friends and those you want to friend, join or create a topic-specific group, keep up to date on industry events, read member's blog posts, find a job, post a job, post your portfolio and, yes, even see pictures of this idiot.

something about eyebrows

2009-01-27T14:21:00.001+09:00

The new Cadbury TVC by Fallon London.

something about dissolving problems

2009-01-25T14:59:00.005+09:00

Why solve your problems when you can dissolve them with products from Alka-Seltzer? Great illustrations; the overall executions, yet in particular the logo composition. The ads offer a psychological outcome and a physical resolution. By Clems BBDO, Paris.

something about a former loan lender

2009-01-23T09:53:00.004+09:00

Ameriquest Mortgage Company was one of the United States's leading wholesale lenders; yet before they capitulated, or sold their loan servicing unit to Citigroup they did invite to a bit of laugh. Some five TVC executions of slice-of-life moments to convey the message "Don't judge too quickly. We don't." will remain forever in advertising history.

something about a farewell

2009-01-21T17:31:00.004+09:00

In today's The Daily Telegraph the headlines and the content was, not unexpectedly mostly about Obama's Presidentship; however, an unexpected advertiser won the center of attention for creativity in terms of media placement. Veet has obviously been waiting for this moment to occur for as long as the majority of the American people have. Great consumer research too.

My apologies ladies.

something about thinking you can dance

2009-01-19T19:19:00.002+09:00

Selling a TV show in today's cluttered media environment is an art; however, it seems here as if art itself has an edge when it comes to breaking through that clutter. The below TVC is a promo video for Australia's second season of So You Think You Can Dance - let's confess that it delivers some emotion.

something about being a man

2009-01-18T10:01:00.003+09:00

Doh, I'm not entirely sure whether I'm a genuinely bred man or not.

something about being back

2009-01-12T16:47:00.003+09:00

Isolated from the Internet for a month or so have left this space completely out of service; however, it's good to be back - back in 2009. Supposedly, a very tough year ahead for, not just marketers or advertisers, but for the whole economic system to enter. Most recently I flicked through an ad that read, "Why Advertise in 2009? 2010." - you see, it's that simple! Kind of. Anyway, I've had many, and again many impressions during my Eastcoast Australia-trip, among them impressions I've been exposed the most accurate outdoor campaign I've ever consumed - stay tune for whatever it is. Further on, 2009 was, however, a great start to me - advertsing-wise - the reason being is revealed below. Haven't been able to track down the creator/creators of this hilarious viral for Heineken, yet please advice me if you know more about this "Walk In Fridge"-execution. Until soon, be optimistic - love 2009!

something about being in the background

2008-12-16T11:52:00.008+09:00

Since August 2006, advertising has constituted a significant part of my everyday life and critical thinking. Since then, obviously, I've become more receptive or susceptible to - and subsequently more aware of - the everyday clutter that we get exposed to wherever we go, whenever we go, or in fact, even if we choose not to go anywhere - advertising is everywhere, anywhere, all the time. Yet, being young and naive doesn't make you realise the actual impact of the business; advertising is not just about brand building or promotional campaigns - integrated strategies, media buying and planning, and creative executions. A couple of days a go, during my every now and then flicking through the Adnews website I clicked my way through to the Ad Agencies link and from there I scrolled my way down to get a grasp of the actual numbers of available for service agencies (only in Australia) out there. I stopped counting after about two-hundred; the capacity and diversification of the business is immense with every agency offering their unique formula and niche to service clients with specific needs (or at least that's what they say). With the ongoing, or unfortunately incoming recession I doubt that every agency in that list will remain posted, however, if the two-hundred agencies that were counted will face bankruptcy within the next 12 months there will still be hundreds and hundreds left to compete for the thousands of clients out there. Further on, about advertising being long-term strategic or cleverly tactical, meanwhile other agencies holds mammoth accounts without showing off any creative power what so ever - the below ads have been put together be myself at Adcorp for the Government of Western Australia. Sexy - No. Lucrative - Yes!

something about a dove

2008-12-12T19:49:00.002+09:00

Hilarious by Forsman & Bodenfors

something about aap!

2008-12-12T19:48:00.001+09:00

Aap! - sourced from Johan Ståhle.

something about a rockstar

2008-12-08T18:18:00.002+09:00

Pretty cool concept - Rockstar.

something about the summer frequency

2008-12-07T15:38:00.005+09:00

Admittedly, pretty slow tempo at the Nexus blogspot, but the weather is to blame for that - it's wonderful! So do expect a slower pace at this URL for a bit ahead. Further on, an Eastcoast trip between 17 December and 10 January may not increase the frequency yet can bring alot of inspiration for further blogging at this very ad-portal. Meanwhile, I'll be glad to remind you of some hilarious TVCs

John West Salmon

Tele2 - What are your parents up to while you're abroad? The Snowracer (Retrieved from /hiptobesquare)

Tele2 - (contin.) The Scooter

Tele2 - (contin.) The Golfer

something about digital all over

2008-12-02T17:05:00.004+09:00

Rebounding the last chapter for a dose of serious competition from Great Works. Check out their client portfolio and this Absolut Machines campaign - that's being hooked up yet relying on a convincing competitive edge.

It's no secret that the world's becoming more digital by the day. More and more people connect to the Internet, changing their habits and behaviour.
We also find that the Internet is becoming more and more like television and television is becoming more like the Internet. IP-telephony, Triple-play, TV in your mobile. It's all coming together. This (and a whole bunch of other stuff), we thought, demanded a new type of agency and guess what? We ARE that agency!
We believe in interaction and that advertising will keep moving into interactive and digital channels. Not everything we do is - or will be - digital, but we will always have one foot made of ones and zeros.

something about digital creativity

2008-11-30T10:29:00.003+09:00

Digital is the future of marketing communications - without a doubt. Recently, Pefect Fools were brought to the Nexus stage, however, the Fools are not alone in the future spotlight. The competitors are influential and they are currently involved in a prestigious battle with other Swedish digital agencies - North Kingdom and Your Majesty - to win over the lucrative Pepsi account from American and Worldwide giants BBDO. Besides the Swedish American-located digital geniuses Perfect Fools, North Kingdom and Your Majesty, American R/GA will participate in the settlement. BBDO, who've earned and served the Pepsi account since the 60's, obviously have little know-how about digital executions hence Pepsi is currently seeking to sign the source to what they believe will serve future rampage for Coca-Cola's constant anxiety.

The below execution is an example, to demonstrate competence, from the North Kingdom portfolio and the Get the Glass-campaign for Carling Glass.

something about artwork

2008-11-26T22:12:00.008+09:00

An alternative set of ads by åkestam.holst for SBAB. Well - yes, they've been published on the website for a bit now, however, since I too often revisit their particular URL, I thought I'd might post them onto Nexus. They are, in fact, pretty lovely.

something about a 'high' level

2008-11-25T20:14:00.003+09:00

B2B-advertising at a 'high' level - by Le Bureau.

something about 100w

2008-11-25T18:27:00.006+09:00

Awesome billboard/banderole by Storåkers McCann - in fact, 100W's of awesomeness with a single criteria: Creativity that generates effect.

Copy (direct translation): Now we make it easier for you to separate the firms' money from your private.

something about chemicals

2008-11-23T17:01:00.002+09:00

Epica Creative Awards 2008
Country: Germany
Client: Marie Curie Actions
Award: Gold (Film - Public Interest)
Execution: "Chemical Party"

something about stories

2008-11-22T12:02:00.007+09:00

A good idea doesn't care who had it. (303: Culture, 2008)

A very true statement, which reminds me of an episode of Mad Men where the fawn on Junior Account Executive, Peter Campbell, who aspires to become head of Account Services at Stirling & Cooper, frantically is trying to overrun CD Don Draper's plan to enter former Y&R London Senior Account Herman "Duck" Phillips into the agency. In Mr Stirling's absence, due to his bad health, young Campbell, who 'by complete accident' has collected valid information on Draper's childhood and early maturity stage, threatens to reveal Draper's fuzzy past if he doesn't crown him, Campbell, head of Account Services. Draper, himself, is moderately impressed by Campbell's attitude and behavior, however, unwitting and quite concerned on how much Campbell knows about his previous life. Fast-forwardly, they both end up barefoot in Mr Cooper's office; Draper first tell Mr Cooper his decision on the new agency structure yet only the minute later Campbell pulls of the story about Draper. Mr Cooper remains silent yet confused for a bit. Then he says:
- Mr Campbell, who cares!? A man is whatever room he's in, right now Donald Draper is in this room. I assure you, there is more profit in forgetting this. I put your energy into bringing in accounts.

I think you all get the point.

Speaking of ideas and life stories, the below art direction- and copy ensemble is brought to you by Fallon - absolutely astonishing.

The copy reads, Every face tells a story.

something about leo burnett

2008-11-20T18:18:00.006+09:00

My daily ad-cruise was both inspiring and rewarding. During my in-front-of-computer lunch break at Adcorp I decided to revisit an old friend of our business, Leo Burnett. Leo himself died in 1971, however, his philosophy is still preached and his business generates ideas - campaigns - like never before. Founded in Chicago, 1935, the Leo Burnett agency network have of today established 96 full-service agencies worldwide and its success heritage from a people-focused approach to advertising. From building brands on ideas that drew from real human insights.

Yet despite the agency network's 70+ history, the 2008 version of the website can't be beaten - the style is exquisite and the interaction is genius. Have a good browse through the galleries and enjoy your forwarding. My shopping bag for the day being, ended with this set of ads for Luxor marking pens:

The last ad very much reminds me of the below ad - the copy reads 'Smoking Kills More'. The ad space in the above ad, however, is a shame.

something about guldägget

2008-11-19T19:55:00.001+09:00

Hopefully, a lovely blog @ http://www.guldaggsbloggen.se/. Swedish, seulement.

something about another truth

2008-11-19T19:28:00.003+09:00

The Need is The Mother of Invention. / Swedish Advertising Awards, Guldägget's Head of Jury, Pelle Sjönell. In other words, when recession is evident, the need for creativity is crucial - relevant to any business.