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

Since I’ll be heeding Erin’s advice to skip the Pajama Jeans in the previous post I thought this new endeavor from Banana Republic (BR to you in the know) may be more appropriate for day to day agency life. A capsule collection inspired by Mad Men is just what we all need to get the professional polish back.

And from an industry perspective, it’s nice to see a retailer like BR - who has been very low key over the last few years - coming back to the table with a refreshing and relevant partnership to invigorate the brand. Can’t wait to see the promotion unfold - but more importantly what will I buy?

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/22/business/media/22adco.html?_r=1

-Sara

Generational Branding - Saw this photo in Fast Company  and thought it had amazing implications.  It’s something I’ve been thinking about lately.  Most brands have deep roots within a generation - to sustain, that brand has to become relevant to succeeding generations.  Think of Oldsmobile - too little - too  late.  Their “This isn’t your father’s Oldsmobile” campaign did little to sway the minds of Baby Boomers.  Their brand…. it’s dead.  Our twin sons rarely if ever wear Nike, why? Because Under Armour OWNS their generation. Nike’s still cool for shoes and some niche sports like golf - but we find ourselves spending $24 a pair for a pair of Under Armour underwear. (BTW - ever wonder why it’s called a pair of underwear?)  

Apple has done a great job of becoming relevant to a generation but they’ve been BRILLIANT in their ability to expand that relevance to both older and younger demographics.  When my 70 plus year old mother (never reveal a woman’s true age) is thinking about getting an iPhone, something pretty amazing is happening.  Transferring the enthusiasm for a brand across generations takes product innovation based on searingly insightful customer research and brilliant branding.  

Nike is losing a generation.  Who’s next?

- Ken Schaefer

AXE Presents: The Teleporter

Another interactive YouTube “choose your own destiny” type adventure from AXE. Great production values, hilarious plot and dialogue, and best of all, they found a way of promoting axe without hitting people over the head with it. I can’t speak for everyone, but currently as the target demographic they’re hitting with this gold, all I can say is bullseye.

You’ll be faced with three paths, so once you’ve completed one, try out the other two. Trust me, they’re all equally EPIC.

The geniuses behind it all? The dynamic trio Chad, Matt & Rob. You can visit their site here to view other insanely funny work. For more info on the video and cast just visit the featured video on the AXE channel or look at the “more info” on any of the videos.

On a personal level, I’m extremely envious because this would be the kind of thing I would love to write and produce. Here’s hoping the opportunity pops up folks *crossing fingers*
-Alex

Stray observation: Fictional Rob, if you’re coming home to that, I would put a ring on it. Just saying. She might purchase contacts.

(Source: BuzzFeed)

So the Big Ten Conference is really now the Big 12 - but there’s already a Big 12 but let’s not quibble over accuracy.  The new logo, designed by Pentagram, leaves a little to be desired.  Granted - I’ve no clue what the client’s restrictions were, but this is the final design?  It’s interesting that on Pentagram’s own site, the logo they have posted is actually different than the one revealed today.  The design Pentagram shows featuresonly the word BIG - with an embedded “1” as the “i” and the “0” in the negative space of the “G”.  The one the conference revealed also has the word “TEN” written below “BIG”.  Bet you ten bucks, Pentagram lost the fight.  But frankly, both get a a yawn from me…oh and don’t get me started on their decision to call the two divisions Legends and Leaders.   - Ken

Highly regarded as one of the most anticipated course openings of the year (check out all the press), The Old American Golf Club opened this summer.   

Designed by Tripp Davis and 12-time PGA tour winner Justin Leonard, the course was crafted as a classically American course. If you’re a golfer, this is one not to be missed.

Blanchard Schaefer had the privilege of helping to shape the brand of the course, creating the logo, membership collateral and website. Our goal was to capture the pure essence of  American golf and the sustainable setting of the course within the brand strategy and creative execution.

- Lynaia