Graphic design and advertising
Graphic design is truly a misunderstood profession. Many people are aware of what we create – logos, advertising, packaging, websites. But few comprehend the analysis, strategic thinking and decision making that empowers communication beyond decoration. Kudos and thanks to the Design Council UK for this brief primer on “What is graphic design”.
This is Volkswagen’s Superbowl XLV ad entitled The Force. As I’m writing this, the video has been viewed almost 13 million times on YouTube. Crazy right! But what’s really crazy is that right now, the game is still a few hours away. That’s right! The commercial hasn’t even officially aired on television yet.
It’s a good commercial but not a great one in my opinion. And I’m partial to the brand. I’ve owned four VWs. So how has this video gone so wildly viral? Two reasons. One is because it includes a Star Wars reference. If you watch Big Bang Theory you probably know anything Star Wars has tremendous geek/nerd appeal. What group could be better for sharing your video on the internet. This cohort is likely the origin of the piece trending in social media. But this is where viral luck kicks in.
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Four years ago today, I traveled to Verona, Italy in the Veneto region for the first time. I was there for Vinitaly, a massive international wine industry trade event. Several of my clients are Italian wine producers and the show provided the opportunity to meet with many of them in one place. One winery, Cantina di Negrar is just outside Verona.
The Veneto region is famous for Valpolicella and Amarone. It has also been the inspiration for a great deal of my work.
I wasn’t there for long but in a matter of days, I fell in love with Verona. Not surprising perhaps given the most renowned love story of all time, Romeo and Juliet is said to be based on a true story of feuding Veronese families. The “Juliet Balcony” (above) extends from the home of the Capuletti family, said to be the historical, real life family of Juliet. But this tourist attraction is to me, the least of Verona’s charms.
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VIV Mag Interactive Feature Spread – iPad Demo from Alexx Henry on Vimeo.
The iPad lands in two days. I thought this would be a good time to share one of the most creative demo offerings I’ve seen. It’s hot, sexy and beyond expectations. If you find yourself asking, “How did they do that?”, you must see the making of video below. Equally astounding.
When Steve Jobs introduced the iPad, few were surprised by its function as an e-reader. It was a poorly kept secret that Apple had engaged the publishing industry to envision their content on its “advanced technology in a magical and revolutionary device”. I’m sure most of us imagined our favourite magazines on the tablet with the kind of interactivity we already get on web sites – a great improvement in user experience. Some publications may not see much beyond their existing offering translated to a digital format. The leaders will produce game-changing experiences.
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Here’s a tidbit for wine lovers to share at a Superbowl party. Just for kicks.
Have you ever noticed the concave indentation on the bottom of some wine and champagne bottles. The one a savvy waiter puts her thumb in when gracefully pouring a glass of your chosen libation. It’s called the punt. But it has nothing to do with a fourth and long yardage play. There is no consensus explanation for its purpose. The more commonly cited explanations include:
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