Notes From The Napkin

Inspiring Animal Conservation Through Photography

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:14:05 -0600

Inspiring Animal Conservation Through Photography:

Joel Sartore is a freelance photographer for National Geographic. His most recent project is called the Biodiversity Project, and the idea behind it is to promote animal conservation. Joel has has gathered nearly 1,800 photographs of animals species over the past five years, with many more planned in the coming months.

Joel’s quest for photos led him to the Fort Worth Zoo. You can see video footage and photographs of the shoot here. The photography features animals on a solid white or black background. The idea behind this is to give all animals equal weight…from the ladybug to the lion. The photography is beautiful, and the video is captivating and inspirational.

-Erin Naterman

Daily Inspiration Through Art Design and trading cards I was...

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:51:20 -0600

Daily Inspiration Through Art

Design and trading cards

I was totally a card collecting mad man when I was a kid. The most intriguing thing for me about the cards, other than the players, was the design. I was amazed how so many things could be done with such a small space. Looking back it’s no surprise, I was destined to be a designer.

I bring this up with the arrival of RG3 in the NFL. I will again have a chance to collect and perhaps become inspired all over again. Above is a sneak peak at an upcoming RG3 rookie card and I am stupid-excited to try and collect a few!

Stay Inspired

-Colt (Did I mention I went to Baylor?)

BACK IN THE SADDLE Fantastic new Campaign by Sonic that brings...

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:02:24 -0600

BACK IN THE SADDLE Fantastic new Campaign by Sonic that brings back “those two guys” - they were funny then and funny now! Strategically a unique way to target with a not so obvious but still empathetic nod to the unemployment issue faced by many in America.

Commercials start airing Monday. Also check out the FB page https://www.facebook.com/those2guys

-Sara

An Interest in Pinterest

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:50:36 -0600

I know, I know…it’s a love /hate relationship with this social site. Personally, I HATE the FB posts that someone just pinned the latest Kate Spade cupcake foil to their board but LOVE the inspiration that can be reaped from a well-edited collection. No matter what your opinion, this has been the week of Pinterest from a news coverage standpoint, every time I turned around I was blasted with some new article or blog post on Pinterest – its growth, its viability, its brand building/product selling benefits, even its legal standing.

The folks at Pinterest (a rather small team of 12-15 people depending on your source) either turned on the PR fire hose or this is a great example of Malcom Gladwell’s The Tipping Point because there are seemingly a whole lot more eyes on this company this week than there were last month. Here are a few of the most recent news pieces:

Even The Army Has A Pinterest - MediaJobsDaily <http://www.mediabistro.com/mediajobsdaily/even-the-army-has-a-pinterest_b10006>
‎
Pinterest, One Of The Fastest-Growing Startups In History, Might Be Enabling Massive Copyright Theft

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/pinterest-illegal-faq-2012-2#ixzz1mflKW6Bv


Pinterest dos and don’ts for brands
http://www.nbr.co.nz/node/110244

Learning how to use Pinterest for business? Watch these 6 companies

http://www.bizjournals.com/boston/blog/startups/2012/02/6-businesses-to-learn-pinterest-from.html

-Sara

Daily Inspiration Through Art A Heart for Liqaa This year I felt...

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:04:01 -0600

Daily Inspiration Through Art

A Heart for Liqaa

This year I felt inspired by a group called Preemptive Love Coalition. Their mission is to provide life-saving heart surgeries to Iraqi children and hands-on training to Iraqi doctors and nurses. Learn more about their story here.

As a designer, I volunteered my services to help with a logo and header for one of their fundraising websites. If you have the means, any donation would help a ton. Happy Valentines Day!!!

Stay Inspired.

-Colt

It’s not fun unless it’s a challenge.

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:32:39 -0600

Three and a half years ago when I enrolled at TCU I “thought” I knew exactly what I wanted in life: to find my passion, graduate in four years, start my own business, become a top professional in my field, retire early and enjoy my time vacationing with family and friends.

Sounds like the dream life, right? Well, that’s exactly what it was…a dream.

Fortunately for me, I can at least check off the first two. This May, I will officially be a graduate from Texas Christian University with a B.S in Strategic Communication (a fancy way of saying advertising and public relations). After that, your guess is just as good as mine.

Although I am confident in my career choice, I have no idea what path will lead me there. And I’m okay with that because just like social media trends, life is expected to change. For now, I am happily interning in Account Services at Schaefer Advertising Co.

In the past, I believed that as long as I had a plan and executed it with hardwork I would be okay in life, but with every day in the office I’m discovering it’s an empty achievement if there is no passion behind it.

I absolutely love the amount of passion Schaefer Advertising shows among fellow employees, passion for clients and passion for producing quality work. In less than four weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to actively participate in projects, observe client meetings and help meet deadlines.

Most importantly, I appreciate the hands-on approach the staff has taken to mentor me.

I’m sure, in time the next step of my path will reveal itself, but until then I’m spending it having fun and loving what I do best.

To keep the conversation going, connect with me, Olivia Stribling, on LinkedIn and follow my professional blog A Woman Who Thinks She Can.

Sharing some neighborly love

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:20:07 -0600

With Valentine’s day approaching, we thought it was the prime opportunity to reach out to our Magnolia neighbors.

After a little prep work on Friday, our team worked to build a window display to spread the message of love and give a shout out to the “residents” of Fort Worth’s South Side.

On the back wall you will see the message “Love thy neighbor,” and our surrounding neighbors placed on hanging ribbon.

Be sure to come down to Fort Worth’s South Side, pay a visit to us and/or one of our neighbors and check out the window display!

Daily Inspiration Through Art Hallmark Campaign: Tell me Great...

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:15:00 -0600

Daily Inspiration Through Art

Hallmark Campaign: Tell me

Great example of a simple and excellent copy behind a great concept. Sometimes all we need is for someone tell us words of encouragement or to remind us that we are loved. Enjoy.

-Colt

Ad Bowl Faceoff: Top 5

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:25:38 -0600

The Giants aren’t the only one’s that are celebrating a win. There were a few winning campaigns as well, and once again our creative and strategy guys agreed.

The top ad for Super Bowl 46, hands down goes to Chrysler. Earning 90 points from creative and 85 from strategy, these top scores are a result of brilliant copy writing, perfect impact/placement airing once at halftime, and Chrysler capturing the essence of America.

Todd’s Ad Bowl Faceoff score card (great to good):

Chevy Trucks - total score: 85 points. Strategically it was was smart playing off of a big 2012 story, the Mayan Apocalypse. Also smart directly calling out Ford and their tagline, Ford Tough. Creative execution was flawless down to the co-branding with Twinkies. http://youtu.be/XxFYYP8040A

Volkswagen - total score: 75 points. Good strategy by playing it up with the pre-super bowl buzz with the singing dogs on Youtube. The spot was compelling with the dog getting fit, and the Star Wars ending tied back to the buzz. A weird combination, but there was something in it for everyone. http://youtu.be/0-9EYFJ4Clo

Chevy Sonic - total score: 75 points. Strategy was perfect pushing your new compact on the Xgames/Redbull generation. In the age of CGI graphics, the REAL stunts were too cool. To see a real car do a real kick-flip over a giant skateboard was nostalgic for an old guy like me, and over-the-top for the young hipster. The push to letsdothis.com for behind the scenes was a great extension. http://youtu.be/iuvoSw1TiJ8

Teleflora - total score: 70 points. I know, I’m a guy and sex sells - but this was a smart spot. Days before Valentines day you just reminded dumb guys to call or go online and order flowers for our girlfriends or wives (or both). And all we have to do is give and we receive? They just did the whole florist industry a solid. http://youtu.be/uWrJgFjxlS0

Ken’s Ad Bowl Faceoff score card (great to good):

Chevy Trucks - total score: 80 points. How do you show the end of the world as we know it, while poking fun at your biggest competitor? Look to Chevy – they did it perfectly. In an epic spot, Chevrolet used humor and great production value to show that Ford Tough, isn’t so tough after all. Was it effective? Ford thought it would be, they formally requested that NBC pull the commercial before it aired. Plus the Twinkie reference….greatness. http://youtu.be/XxFYYP8040A

Chevy Camaro – total score: 75 points. I really didn’t want to like another car commercial, but this spot captures the exuberance in pride of ownership. Not just of any car but the car of your dreams. OK , maybe not your dreams, but certainly of most men between 18-24. http://youtu.be/Ae52ourE3Pw

Teleflora – total score: 75 points. My wife and my mom are going to kill me. But let’s be honest: As guys we are typically clueless about what to get the woman in our lives for Valentines Day, let alone even remembering that Valentines Day is an epically important holiday to half the population. Lest I be labeled a mysoginist - let the record show I’ve already ordered flowers. Really. I have. Right after I saw the spot. http://youtu.be/uWrJgFjxlS0

Volkswagen – total score: 70 points. The Volkswagen Beetle had a great brand relaunch a number of years ago, and since that time the Mini Cooper killed them. The Beetle needed a redesign to be a sleeker more contemporary design. The ad told a great story with a nice nod to one of the best Super Bowl commercials ever, last year’s Darth Vader Kid spot. http://youtu.be/0-9EYFJ4Clo

Do these match up with your top five? Let us know!

Ad Bowl Faceoff: Bottom 5

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:18:05 -0600

There were some definite losers in yesterday’s festivities - and we’re not just talking about the Patriots.

Ad Bowl Faceoff scores are in, and Ken and Todd did agree on one thing: the worst ad of super bowl 46.

This ~~crown~~ ring goes to the “old gimmick” from GO-daddy. Scoring a meek 5 points from strategy and 0 from creative, the general sentiment was that it’s time for Go-Daddy to go-on to a new campaign.

Check it out for yourself:

Here are how Ken and Todd scored other commercials from bad to worse.

Todd’s Ad Bowl Faceoff score card (bad to worse):

E*trade - total score: 11 points. Need to find a fresh way to creatively show the simplicity of E*trade, there’s nothing more for the smart-ass babies to say. http://youtu.be/Hh8hS8uSoJs

MetLife - total score: 10 points. Great idea for more iconic cartoons to follow their long-time “Snoopy” mascot, but they did nothing with those characters or possibilities. http://youtu.be/zKRVM06MfHc

Bud Light Platinum - total score: 8 points. Tired of CGI, high tech assembly lines building things. Really? http://youtu.be/Eo1BHwPtQcc

Cars.com - total score: 6 points. Too creepy! Dialogue was lost because I was too busy turning away from the growth out of his back? Sometimes odd is good, but that was just creepy. http://youtu.be/PMxSZQZuBYc

Ken’s Ad Bowl Faceoff score card (bad to worse):
Century 21 - total score: 20 points. I get what you were trying to do, but it came off looking like my old Uncle Albert trying to be cool at my birthday party. Uncle Albert was never cool. Ever. Century 21 – you would’ve gotten along great with Uncle Al. http://youtu.be/TwXycwCe6_s

Samsung–Galaxy - total score: 15 points. As one member of our team said, “a phone with a pen – what are the bringing back the palm pilot.” IF you are going to take a shot at the most pervasive technology brand, you better have more ammo than that. http://youtu.be/V40oo4kkzHg

MetLife – total score: 10 points. Strategy? What strategy. Let’s get every great baby boomer and gen x cartoon character and wedge them all into a nonsensical commercial. Met Life - You need a new agency. http://youtu.be/zKRVM06MfHc

Bud Light Platinum - total score: 10 points. Who produced this ad? A committee of robotic engineers? Actually, that’s offensive to engineers. In the age of “hand crafted” small batch beers, could Bud Light have made their product look more impersonal? All wrong. http://youtu.be/Eo1BHwPtQcc

Do you think Ken and Todd got it right naming Go-Daddy as the worst Super Bowl ad? We’re always up for some good banter, and want to hear what you think!

It's Time...

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:01:05 -0600

Welcome to Ad Bowl Faceoff I: Let the Commercials Begin!

Join the conversation here, on Facebook or @SchaeferAdCo #faceoff.

Daily Inspiration Through Art Trip to Dallas to see Shepard...

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:21:12 -0600

Daily Inspiration Through Art

Trip to Dallas to see Shepard Fairey

So I posted a few pics a couple days ago over Shepard’s new murals in Dallas area and wanted to share about my trip to see one of the Obey murals outside of the Dallas Contemporary. The Dallas Contemporary is responsible for bringing the Mural project to Dallas and Thursday night they hosted a “chit chat” where Shepard got to discuss his work, his history, and what his passions are.

One of the greatest things I took away from it was his message to “the artist”. His message was to go out and make things happen for yourself, you cannot sit back and wait for opportunities to open, you go out and create the opportunity. This guy definitely made the most of every opportunity that came his way and has continued to create great work. I never really had a “hero” or anything along those lines, but if I had to pick someone he would definitely be up there. He is a designer and artist, I hope I can accomplish a fraction of what this guy has with his talents.

-Colt

Are you ready for some … AD BOWL FACEOFF! We are adding a...

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:29:19 -0600

Are you ready for some …

AD BOWL FACEOFF!

We are adding a new twist to watching the Super Bowl commercials: Two of our top ad execs, our creative director and president, will faceoff and comment on the commercials as they air.

We want you to join the conversation! This Sunday be sure to check our Facebook and Twitter pages and agree, disagree or anything in between. Twitter world can use #Faceoff to follow the conversation.

After the big game we’ll reveal the Ad Bowl Faceoff’s Top Five List.

You might have seen this floating around the social sphere, but...

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:15:05 -0600

You might have seen this floating around the social sphere, but I thought I’d take a quick second to pass it along to those who haven’t watched the video.

It’s a great example of how people of all ages associate their own emotions and experiences with brandmarks, and how the most simple and intuitive designs can resonate with anyone. Take a look and see how this 5-year-old interprets some of the best known brands.

-Bailey

Daily Inspiration Through Art “Obey” Shepard Fairey...

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:41:00 -0600

Daily Inspiration Through Art

“Obey” Shepard Fairey in Dallas,

Political ties aside, you cannot deny that Shepard is one talented guy. If you don’t recognize the iconic Obama Hope poster than you must have seriously been living under a rock for quite some time.

His work is easily the most recognizable and considered by many the greatest graphic artist of his time.

This week Shepard Fairey is in Dallas, our Fort Worth companion, strategically painting his murals on the sides of many buildings around the city. He will also be hosting a neon themed dance party Saturday night with the Dallas Contemporary Museum.

I hope to make it out sometime to check out his work around the city, I’ll report back with images of the murals.

-Colt

I have the best greatest Dad ever. Really I do. Below is an...

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:38:54 -0600

I have the ~~best~~ greatest Dad ever. Really I do.

Below is an email exchange my dad had with J.C. Penney’s regarding their new ad campaign. It’s a little long - but I promise, worth the read.

Here’s an 83 year old guy that still goes to bat for me every day he wakes up. Love you Pops - more than I could ever tell you.

Original Message Follows: ————————————

Form Message

Subject: General Inquiries

First Name: Lou Last Name: Schaefer

Topic: advertising

Comments: Your current screaming ads are in very poor taste, very annoying and not what I would expect from J.C. Penney’s

——- Original Message ——-

From: JCPenney Contact Us

To: Lou Schaefer

Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2012 8:34 PM

Subject: Re: General Inquiries

We’re very sorry that you are unhappy with our new commercials.

As one of America’s first stores, we thought it was time we re-imagined every part of our business to make it easier and more exciting for you to shop.

Many of the changes launch on February 1. It’s all about making shopping easy and exciting for you. Fair and Square Pricing, Happy Returns and a great new shopping environment.

We’ll have three ways we price our merchandise, nothing more. What used to be our “sale” price is now our Everyday Price, because it’s a great value everyday! We’ve also got Month-Long Values—these are items that are marked down even further for the important events that month. For instance, February is all about Valentines Day, so you’ll find great Month-Long Values for that special someone in your life. Finally, twice a month we’ll offer additional merchandise at our Best Price—these are the best prices you’ll ever see on an item. Mark your calendar—

Carri Cater

Marketing Sr. Project Specialist

Corporate Customer Services

jcp.com

We make it affordable, you make it yours!

——- Original Message ——-

From: Lou and Gerrie Schaefer

To: JCPenney Contact Us

Sent: Monday, January 30, 2012 4:29 PM

Subject: Re: General Inquiries

Thanks for the reply, but I would suggest you change advertising agencies. That commercial would not attract me to Penney’s, in fact it has just the opposite affect. Let me suggest a company that would do a much better job for you - Schaefer Advertising Co. @ schaeferadvertising.com. I might be a little prejudiced, but my son Ken could do a much better job for you.

Lou Schaefer

From: Lou and Gerri Schaefer

Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:33:02 -0500

To: Ken Schaefer

Ken:

If you should hear from JC Pennys, this is the reason why.

Dad

Why Schaefer? I 'll tell you why….

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:34:54 -0600

When I began my search for an internship with an advertising/PR firm Schaefer stood out for many reasons. Yes Schaefer does amazing work for companies such as The Fort Worth Zoo, but what really sealed the deal for me was the endless supply of sonic ice and full espresso bar!

For those who know me on a more personal level, it is well known that coffee and sonic ice are two of my weaknesses. Seeing as I have probably helped myself to more coffee than the entire office in two weeks, I decided today would be a good day for me to contribute something- muffins and cookies (Colton-sorry the muffins had bananas in them).

I hope this small gesture can make up for the fact I may have been the one who depleted the coffee machine last week…..

Since I began interning at Schaefer, I have come to the realization that this is exactly the type of work environment I want for the future. During the interview process Ken asked me if I was a music fan, I instantly answered yes because music is one of my main passions.

As it turns out, The Schaefer iPod that plays music throughout the building essentially consists of my entire music collection. Listening to Coldplay, Kings of Leon, Dave Mathews Band, and Mumford and Sons while simultaneously drinking my freshly brewed coffee and munching on sonic ice isn’t too bad of a deal if you ask me.

Overall my first two weeks as a Schaefer intern have been better than I could have anticipated. I have been included in various meetings with different AS teams and my thoughts and ideas are actually acknowledged and appreciated!

I am very thankful for everyone here at Schaefer who has welcomed me with open arms and helped me with all of my random questions. I will continue to thank everyone here in the form of baked goods.

- Hannah Mering (The Intern)

Crumbling Crabcakes are no more

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:27:23 -0600

Intimidated by the idea of preparing crabcakes? I’m about to give you a new lease on your crabcake cooking life!

Chef Jon Bonnell gives a quick demonstration for keeping your crab cakes from crumbling:

It's a little Bitter and Sweet

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:43:00 -0600

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner!

There are typically two reactions to this holiday - bountiful joy for a special day to express the copious amount of love in your heart, or general disdain for those that express copious amounts of love.

No need to worry, the Fort Worth Zoo has something for everyone!

There are many elements to the Zoo’s Valentine’s campaign - adoption packages, a Penguin Party, a Bitter Dinner and an opportunity to adopt a cockroach.

The bitter campaign is a unique approach to to this “holiday” because it allows the anti-Valentine’s population to have fun and participate. Bitter Dinner is an event where Valentine’s Day skeptics can gather and celebrate, while not wasting money on overpriced greeting cards and chocolates.

Additionally, Bitter Valentines can have an e-card sent to that special (or not so special) someone letting them know they had a cockroach adopted in their honor. What better way to say ” I don’t love you?”

-Erin Naterman

Would you go dancing at FACEBOOK?

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:22:24 -0600

Would you go dancing at FACEBOOK?:

No, that is not meant to be a trick question. There really is a nighclub opening called FACEBOOK, but you’ll have to travel to the Brazilian Amazon if you want to check it out. I’m not sure sure how Facebook translates to social networking, but a a 30-year-old Brazilian entrepreneur seems to think the name alone will result in big success. Brazil was recently named as the country with the fourth highest number of Facebook users, with some 35 million profiles, so maybe it will be a hit.

One thing is for sure, Facebook has found its way into nearly every facet of our lives. I guess you have to ask the question: why not nightclubs?

-Erin Naterman