New album out October 27.
Refreshingly, here's someone not trying to sell the idea that they have figured out time management. Instead, Oliver Burkeman suggests that 'efficiency is a trap'. There's a lot here to think about and that's what makes this book enjoyable, or maybe because the author gives us a pass on being masters of our own time, "Your life isn't leading toward some moment of truth that hasn't yet arrived. Our obsession with extracting the greatest future value out of our time blinds us to the reality that in fact, the moment of truth is always now. That life is nothing but a succession of present moments culminating in death. Throw yourself into life now." I know I feel better, don't you? I'm not writing a book review here, you can read a real one by John Williams of the New York Times here. I will say that, I have enjoyed this book and would recommend it to a friend.
Wingstop commercial: Leo Burnett or 72andSunny, not sure, the account went to 72 and Sunny just months before the spot above.
Viral video credit: @drewwonthekit
Wingstop was founded in Texas in 1994, and after nearly 30 years in business it has over 2000 locations internationally, showing no signs of slowing down. It makes one wonder just how much of that success is based on business decisions, marketing and brand, a difference in the wing recipe, what? Are wings so popular among working adults and students, that anyone could just open a wings restaurant and succeed? If you ask Wingstop, the answer is simple, "Our proprietary recipes, outstanding food and superior customer service created a demand that could only be satisfied by more locations." That's a little hard to believe, but ok, a lot of restaurants make similar statements. Wings are the go to party food... the gameday staple, but those events aren't enough to sustain a business growing at this pace, you need everyday customers. Whatever the reason may be, this post was not meant to answer, you can read dozens of articles like this one to understand that question.
This post is about what happens when your brand is so successful it naturally comes out in popular culture. A tale of two commercials, one made by the marketing and advertising team of Wingstop, the other, a viral video, made by one half of it's target audience. The television commercial was creatively crafted to sell a litany of, ok, five flavored chicken sandwiches. The other? A rant that was recognized as funny and developed into a hilarious impromptu spot in the commercial underworld (social media).
Guess which one makes me want to visit Wingstop?
Every so often, you'll hear a song from another part of the world that reminds you of how much beauty and culture you've yet to experience. Those are wonderful finds because they expand the quality of life, and add value to all that we feel and think. Another reminder that every street corner is someone else's reality.
Absolutely! These 'Jiaozi' dumplings, manufactured by Twin Marquis, barely represent the name, but this beautifully designed package stands out in a crowd on local supermarket shelves, looking so good you want to try them. Kudos to Twin Marquis for going for the emotional tie as opposed to stuffing their company culture down our throats. Now, if only pasta manufacturers would drop the history of semolina wheat from their boxes and simply bring a larger, bolder cooking time to the forefront. Visit their website.
Private Revolution client Mirvie, a biotech firm based in South San Francisco, has been selected by Norrsken to be on their 2023 Impact/100 list. It’s a list of the world’s most promising impact startups, as chosen by Norrsken and its partners. Read the full article here.
In the beginning, brand was probably the only thing that could sell these comparatively unattractive shoes. They had to build brand buzz, and part of that buzz was product sustainability. It hasn't been enough.
"The company lost focus, unsure if it was selling to sneakerheads or soccer moms, said the people, who are familiar with Allbirds’ product development and marketing. A key business assumption, that consumers’ concerns about the environment would drive them to buy sustainable products, has been a tough sell." Read the Wall Street Journal Article here.
Here’s a YouTube video that could/should be on a TV on the wall in one of those little dark side rooms of a modern art museum. Why not? This is a fine piece of art. A musical collage presented in an ultra-creative way. Little Simz is a true artist and praise to everyone involved in this music and video.
Troy Hawke, internet personality, comedian, all-around charmer, and professional complementor, teams up with Oatly to turn a product giveaway into a three-minute and thirty second spot.
Right now, there's a burgeoning of internet talent ready to make the jump from internet personality to online influencer. You've likely seen it happen to a favorite of yours. One day you're watching Nonna Pia cook the same pasta she always cooks and in walks a representative of Parmigiano Reggiano to gift her an entire wheel of cheese and a branded apron. That didn't seem like advertising, did it? You don't care... it's Nonna Pia! The sweet italian grandma who's well into her 80's and still enjoys everything about the kitchen. It would be interesting to know the change in the number of followers when an established internet personality introduces a product into their content. One thing's for sure, the right balance must be struck, because once the product overtakes the natural content it will become less interesting to many followers.
“I set out to write a book about what to do to make a great work of art. Instead, it revealed itself to be a book on how to be.” — Rick Rubin
Rick Rubin has done the work and that makes all the difference. With his experience in overlapping his long practice of meditation and creation, Rubin presents a litany of ways to not get in your own way as a creator. Possibilities, not steps or rules. Not all the ideas presented are new, but Rubin brings these ideas and new thoughts together. Interestingly enough, listening to Rubin tonelessly narrate his own work highlights repetitiveness, making it feel a lot longer than it needs to be. Still, it’s worthwhile, but maybe better digested in print format.
Chat GPT, write a book review of "The Creative Act: A Way of Being" by Rick Rubin. '"The Creative Act: A Way of Being" by Rick Rubin is a profound exploration of the artistic process that transcends the boundaries of traditional self-help and creative guides. Rubin, a legendary music producer and cultural icon, offers readers a unique glimpse into his own creative journey, filled with insightful anecdotes and invaluable wisdom. With a refreshing emphasis on mindfulness, authenticity, and the power of vulnerability, this book serves as a beacon for those seeking to unlock their creative potential. Through Rubin's candid reflections and practical advice, readers are encouraged to embrace their artistic instincts, confront their fears, and cultivate a way of being that fosters boundless creativity. "The Creative Act" is not just a book; it's a transformative experience that will inspire anyone, artist or not, to live a more authentic and creatively fulfilling life.'
By now, you’ve been to websites that use the latest gimmicks in web development. Gimmicks that animate images, headlines, or even paragraphs… paragraphs. The worst offenders animate every element as you scroll content into the viewport. Do you really want to experience this every time you visit that website? Motion is powerful, motion has definitions and meaning. It’s brilliant in storytelling, it’s filmic, and shouldn’t be wasted on bouncing typography unless that typography has a great reason to bounce. Everything in your communication should have a purpose, and that purpose should be to communicate a message succinctly. If motion tells part of your story or adds emotions without having to add words or time, then it’s probably a good idea. If not, motion without a conceptual reason is just motion for motion’s sake. It should be avoided because it really can become a distraction and a turn-off.
