Greatest Headlines List

Does anyone know of a list of the real greatest headlines ever wrtitten? It's got to exist somewhere right? Whether individual agencies have them, or they've been published in ad books. Any links would be highly appreciated.

Designer's Portfolio Review and insights

Post ADC portfolio review and some beers, I think it's time for my rundown with my experience. Walking into the exhibition, and getting a glimpse of some of the other student works that were on display, I had to admit, I was feeling a little intimidated, and sort of outclassed, as there were a lot of schools with art and art focused programs, as well as actual portfolios. Once the show started, it was time to really sell my work. But enough of about my experience, here's what I discovered with my observations that are about what companies are looking for at the conference:

1. Interactive: People who had websites or other interactive pieces either on their laptop or in their portfolio had top priority in the eyes of the professionals in the New England area. As much as designers enjoy sifting through stocks of various paper stock, the internet is the great equalizer in design, though we can safely say that 99% of the web has design that really honestly sucks. So if you are creating a brand or developing an identity, be sure to consider how the brand will translate over the web.

2. Selling your work: Some of the designers were kind of griping that they were bored despite all of the people and the buzz that was surrounding. But those who were drawing people back to their work were also the ones who were personable, assertive, and confident in their work. Despite that being told that "your designs should sell themselves," but you have the story, the background and the idea behind it, and though to some degree your work should be able to sell it, you gotta stand behind it and sell it like no tomorrow.

3. Book Covers and Complete Books: There were folks that were seeking those who had some really unique editorial and layout skills, especially those who are from major publications (Conde Nast was one of the participating agencies).

4. Product line exploration: Agencies and Design studios were also looking to see brand exploration as well as product line expansion, so those who have a series of products within a range will usually get some face time.

5. Actual portfolios: Yeah, still being in school, I only brought my pieces on mounted blackboard, thinking that would be sufficient, but seeing people with various approaches on how their works really showed the amount of drive and desire that they would do for a career in the world of design, and made me feel like I used my pieces like place mats and ate fried chicken without a plate or napkin.

6. The extra mile: Collateral was also a big draw for some pros. Varying from mini portfolios and books, to flip books, buttons, stickers and any other form of swag will make these people happy. I had my business cards which was fine, as did everyone else, but one man had buttons, a few had mini books, one lady had clear bags with jelly beans and a pamphlet of a sampling of her work. The extra incentive to become more memorable will prove to be a valiant though pricey effort.

Out of the 50+ professionals attended the exhibition, I had about 28 people come to my table, greeted, handed my business card and show my work with a big smile on my face, and it was kinda cheesy, it was effective because I talked to others and made an effort to make a connection and know that I'm appreciative for them to come and look at my work.

Those are my observations from how people were behaving.

Portfolio execution and presentation realization.

Yesterday I went to seek out the Art Director's Club in NYC so that heading out there for Monday would be alot easier than to panic and be late about it. I walked in, and accidentally walked into the portfolio review of the School of visual arts. These are seniors, and I had to tell you, looking at their portfolios, I felt really like I got slapped in the face.

Each individual had their own style, and showed an amazing level of conceptualization and polish to their work. One Girl had a really nice black plexi-glass portfolio box that was custom made, as well as mini booklets in 3 differing styles. Another guy made his book to look like a mini light table, and his works were on overhead sheets and dressed up to look like large slides. It was like this for all of the students that were there, and I now know that I really have to push the envelope in terms of my concepts, my executions, and my mode of presentation. It's a little nerve-wracking going into this conference / critique with the body of work that I have, and though I know that I have some good work, bringing my work on mounted presentation board is not going to cut it. I have to go creatively insane. This is just more of an observation than it is anything else.

Strategy Work

Here's an example of some work done by Rose Quasarano a recent graduate from the Creative Circus. To me it's an example of a student taking a good risk in strategy, and making a real nice campaign out of it. No logo needed. Nice headlines, maybe the art-direction could use a little diversification, but this is the kind of smart stuff I digg. Thoughts?

Critique: Baby Einstein

The above three comps, are for Baby Einstein baby toys. Very simple, visual solutions showing babies doing some un-baby things. Thoughts? Comments? If the picture doesn't load, I apologize. The tag is: Smart, baby toys. And the hands shouldn't be blue if they look it.

Critique Week: Bonfire Gloves

At Brainco, we've just finished up critique for the trimester. Some fellow classmates agreed to showing some from a campaign they worked on for Bonfire Snowboarding Gloves. I'm sure they would appreciate any feedback their fellow peers across the country could give them.

On a larger note, I would personally like to encourage anyone and everyone to feel free to post their work on Portfolio Party--whether its marker comps, headlines, or full-blown computer stuff. If you're interested in becoming an author to the site--please let me know and I can send you an invite. It can be as confidential as you would like it to be. Thanks.

Most people are fat.

So, Reebok has come up with a new angle for their advertising. Running is fun and easy, as opposed to the commonly seen "I'm a warrior and will swallow my own barf while running" approach.

I must admit, I like the direction of the campaign even though I don't like using that mindset in my own life. Not everyone is hardcore about exercising or running. In fact, I think the majority of people are more of the casual runner. This approach definitely seperates themselves from a category filled with "Just Do Its", "Impossible is Nothings," and an overall swagger of the hip hop culture.

I'm surprised it took someone this long to market directly to the fat, lazy Americans rather than the few go-getters. When was the last time you saw an athletic apparel company promote the message of "It's ok buddy, don't overexert yourself, you're great just as you are"? As much as that mentality makes me nauseous, I think it'll work.

BUT, I think the executions that I've seen to this point could be better. The ad above doesn't make sense to me. As a copywriter I value clarity. Maybe I'm an idiot, but I don't understand the headline. "What are you just doing?" I don't know what the hell that means. How about "What are you doing?" To me, that makes more sense with the image. Maybe it was a typo. Ha!

The TV campaign is going to use the message "Run at the speed of chat." I like the idea a lot. But I don't like that line. Maybe it's because I can see myself getting reamed for bringing a line like that into class. I can already hear the "write that 50 more times," "I don't think that lines quite there yet," and "eh, it's ok."

The billboards and posters will read "Why are you hitting the wall? It hurts." and "Run + Puke + Run = Crazy."

So what do you all think? Does a campaign like this work for you? Is doing a 180 on the current state of athletic gear the way to go?