Take a look around...

Now, I don't intend for this to be a daily posting of visual musings, but they seem to be popping everywhere at the minute. Notable mention to Ben Edwards for this one. Definitely warrants a redesign Mr. Maplin.

...And my visiting my Mum's house this weekend I noticed her uncannily emotive washing machine.

Visual Musings...

Another visual musing of mine... there seems to be a theme of late. Everyone has had to fill in the 2011 Concensus, but there's something not quite right....

17. This question is intentionally left blank. Go to 18.

What is the point in that? I'm thinking it must be something to do with the layout thing... No frickin' idea if that's not the reason.

I can't believe it's not butter...

That's right, there isn't. So stop digging!
(Handwriting courtesy of moi).

Ketchup & Fries...

Yes, they are real.
No, it isn't Photoshop.
'Zero grams of trans fat'. Whatever that means.
They didn't really taste like fries. Or ketchup. Not sure what I was expecting really... maybe I should have warmed them up.

Chip Shop Awards...

I've entered for the last two years on the trot.

Fortunately, I've been lucky & landed a chip in my first year for an iPhone App design for FHM & runner up in my category last year to the drink brand 'Responsibly', which I believe went on to win overall, so I was satisfied with a second place as I think that was my favourite entry of the whole competition... and still is.

As it stands Rapier (the agency behind Responsibly) teamed up with Brew Dog (the guys who made taxidermy beer bottle holders) and produced a limited batch, I'm lucky enough to have one sitting on my mantlepiece at home.

Anyway so I've entered again this year, with an idea that a friend, Nick & I created just before the end of last year. It's a couple of mins, which is a bit long ideally but be good to hear what you think.


Zoo York - Unclaimed Space from Mike Cuthell on Vimeo.


I have a real beef with the competition though, it's a personal one rather than a whole blown out issue to be honest. I generally think there are some standout ideas, I've included my favourite below. Genuinely interesting and clever creative. Forgive me though, there's a lot of cr*p on the site. I couldn't give a rats ass about the Politically Incorrect, Bad Taste & Shocking Copy categories. It's fun, and does push the boundaries of what's acceptable, but with an entry cost of £60 for students & £100+ for industry bods - It really does seem like a waste of money to enter anything other than something you're proud of. Each to their own I suppose.

I've included what I think is good, some are a little tongue-in-cheek & it's totally subjective, of course.
And for what it's worth, I think the first one doesn't need the top of the numbers... should have been cropped closer.

Notable mention to Mister Castro for his Saatchi entry... it's pretty clever in the grand scheme of things. Hats off, this is what the competition should be about.

Walkie Talkie Creative Network...

Some time ago I joked about on Twitter with @lendmeyoureyes

I'd like to see if there was any interest in this... It could prove to be more of a distraction that a benefit.
But in the pursuit of something slightly analogue and due to the fact that most agencies in London are so close together, I wondered if you'd like the chance to join an exclusive network of Walkie Talkie Creatives? You can pick them up off Ebay for next to nothing too! Hell, make your own, although I don't think tins & string are going to cut it.

Failing global domination of the ad world with a series of interconnected agencies via Walkie Talkie, perhaps you may want to think about distributing them amongst your creative department. It's a fun, productive way of sharing ideas and opening the dialogue...

So what d'ya reckon?
I'm deadly serious about this for anyone in the Soho area... just so you know.

Singlecreatives.com...

Singlecreatives.com seems to be really picking up at the moment, not only are we managing to get a steady flow of single creatives in a search of a creative counterpart, we've been passing out advice to a number of people who want to get into advertising but haven't got a clue where to start.

Along with the Young Creative Council we're hoping to build a resource base that can help assist young creatives break into the industry, after all we all know how competitive it can be.

One thing I've noticed though is the scarcity of Junior writers... Is it that Junior writers are happy searching on their own for that special creative partner? Is it easier for Juniors to get jobs if they are a writer? Or is there genuinely a shortage or surplus demand of Art Directors? Whatever the reason may be, if you know someone who is solo and is seeking that perfect creative partner... send them over to singlecreatives.com and hopefully we can get them teamed up!

Collaborations...

BangBang Briefs //

This week myself and the rest of the crew over at the Young Creative Council teamed up with Do the Green thing over at Pentagram, to arrange a live brief for juniors & grad creatives. Not your average agency brief ...but one of world-changing, global proportions.

The event was a total success... with over 75 participants turning up to take part and have a crack at do their piece to save the world. Sponsors included the likes of Asahi Beer, Absolut Vodka and numerous other organisations who offered support & took part in the event.

Special thanks to Naresh & Zoe (Pentagram & Do the Green thing) for helping us to making the night a reality.
Dan & Ray (W+K) & Matt (Friday) for taking the time out of their busy schedules to judge the work.
The rest of the Young Creative Council Monkeys who chipped in to make it a great night.

I wrote a little bit about the event in an article over on the YCC website, you can read more here

Creatives Less than 3 years in...

It's that time of year again kiddo's The Newspaper Society's 'Wanted Ads: Young Team of the Year awards' are here! ...This year it is in association with Campaign! (I'm not sure what difference that makes but it's good publicity for the event all the same).

Now in its 9th year, the event helps get young creatives into the Industry, well at least it gets you a bit of PR if you're any good... If you perform on the day you can go on to represent the UK in Europe's 'Best Yet' competition.

Friends of mine, Emily & Cate won the London edition last year and Julia & Gav came runners up, both teams went on to represent the UK, and later Julia & Gav won the Best Yet competition. Best Yet will be held in Croatia this year... How cool is that? Not only that but you get an expenses paid trip to Cannes... Boom.

So, us Brits have got to defend the title... Have you applied yet?

Click the link up the top... or here It's on the 8th of April, so not too far away, I suggest you get yourselves on the list email here for a place - that's all you've got to do! Effortless.

Revisit to Tokyo...

Just so you don't think I'm a complete a*se, I did this the day before the Tsunami hit Japan. I'm not a completely insensitive pillock. :-)


England has the Lion (or British Bulldog).
Australia has the Kangaroo.
Canada has the Beaver.
France has the Rooster.
India has the Bengal Tiger.
Kenya has the Cheetah.
New Zealand has the Kiwi.
America has the Bald Eagle.
Russia has the Bear.
South Africa has the Springbok
Mexico has the Xoloitzcuintli (No, I didn't make that one up).

Japan has the Godzillasaurus

I've doctored one of my photos from Tokyo.

Wish I'd have thought of this project whilst I was there.

Future flickr group? Maybe.

Who really knows all? Clash of the Almighty Cleverness...

iGOD - VERSUS - CLEVERBOT 

Clash of the Almighty Cleverness.

They don't know each other yet.

...But who really knows all?

Have you got the tech expertise?

Or knowledge of coding/api to put these 

Two knowledgeable Behemoths together for a head-to-head?

 

DVD Stories...

Remember my DVD Stories Project? Well, I've taken the initial two stories and figured I'd create a Flickr group, where people can contribute their own versions. I'd like this to be a collaborative project, so if you have a few spare minutes and a reasonable collection of DVDs, then get writing.

You can find said Flickr group here

Sex for your Eyes...

A selection of mind blowing images that seem to have quietly nestled on my desktop.

Before you ask, I have no idea where I found them.

(Apologies to the creators/designers/etc).

The future is Social Media...

Allegedly.

In relation to my last story, there have been some developments. Turns out complaining on Twitter is the fastest and most effective way of expressing your dissatisfaction.




I issued a complaint to TFL in December (Sub-standard service) and It took over 2 months to get a response. I then replied, but no-one got back to me. Regarding my last post, on how PRET-A-MANGER have turned things around in under an hour... I thought I'd make a point by highlighting my recent post to TFL - and perhaps promote awareness of how they should treat their customers.

@TFL OFFICIAL ON TWITTER:


THE OUTCOME:

I took satisfaction in thinking I had made my point, but didn't expect anything to materialise... Low & behold look what popped up in my Inbox a couple of hours later.

'Dear Mr Cuthell.

"Thank you for your email to the London Underground Customer Services. I have just been asked to look at your case from an Oyster Card perspective in relation to the charges that were debited from your Oyster Card".

...The e-mail went on to explain...

[Name Removed for Privacy Reasons] 

Oyster Customer Services.'

So, a little word of advice... if you think the service you have received has been sub-standard... Drop the pen and paper, forget the emails & countless hours spent on hold to an automated voice machine... Get yourself on Twitter.

Social Media Relations on the Individual Consumer...

Aka Complaints via Twitter.

This isn't a big philosophical thesis on how Social media impacts the individual consumer, but it is a good example of how brands are continuing their brand philosophy through social media avenues.

Before now, I'd have either had to go back in store and complain about the poor service at the risk of making a scene, god forbid. Or write a letter, and as much as I love writing letters  it can take a while to have any impact. (There are plenty of good examples: take Oli Beale's letter to Virgin for example - he officially reviews hotel & tech gadgets alongside his ad career).

A recent incident with TFL saw me waiting over 2 months for a reply from their complaints department, and a month on, I still haven't heard from them since I replied to said message. I'll make sure they get a copy of this post.

Nowadays, brands seems to approach people more directly, take my lunch scenario from yesterday. One good word can go along way... Thanks Pret. You know how to treat a customer.

MY DILEMA ON TWITTER:

 A FEW OF THE RESPONSES (Split Decisions):

THE OUTCOME:

Now if only TFL had the same approach towards their customer's I'd be on a winning streak.