idea blog

Marketing commentary for better. Or worse.

PS_WholeFoods_Advertising_06
23 Oct '14

The Weird, Icky Gender Messaging of Whole Foods’ New Ad Campaign

Earlier today we linked to a great summary of some of the shortcoming’s of Whole Foods’ aesthetically gorgeous new marketing campaign — namely that it still makes them look expensive and pretentious, two things they should probably at this point be trying to avoid. Well, we missed something: the stunningly off gender messaging of some of…

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99 pack
27 Aug '14

Adventures in Packaging Design: “The 99 Pack”

We’ve made our fair share of forays into the world of craft brewing — including collaborations with Surly and current main squeeze Berkshire Brewing (stay tuned for an upcoming rebrand) — but this one even blew us away a little bit. Introducing the 99-pack, from Texas-based brewer Austin Beerworks. 99 beers, 99 bucks. One very long…

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Makers Mark
20 May '14

Tagline Review: “It Is What It Isn’t” (Maker’s Mark)

As far as taglines go, there’s a deserved premium on clever. The best taglines express the ethos of their company sideways — sparking that flicker of recognition that comes in the gap between perception and understanding. But what about when a tagline goes too clever? We think this campaign by Maker’s Mark may be guilty of…

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got-photo-2
15 Apr '14

6 Ways Marketers Are Jumping on the Game of Thrones Brandwagon.

1. Jumping on the Game of Thrones #Brandwagon.  Here’s a look at how brands have been leveraging Game of Thrones in conjunction with this weekend’s Season 4 opener. 2. “Game of Social Thrones.” As fans of the show, we thought this mapping by social media dashboard service HootSuite was just too good. 3. Houses Imagined as Brands. I think the LogicTrail team…

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13 Mar '14

Viral Watch: President Obama Goes Between Two Ferns (Or, Did We Just See the Pinnacle of Branded Entertainment?)

President Barack Obama has finally hit the big time. No, just kidding. He was already pretty big. But — if you’re not familiar with Between Two Ferns — the mock talk-show hosted by comedian Zach Galifianakis — go watch a few episodes. (Now.) Then get ready to have your mind blown by who shows up…

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13 Feb '14

Do Dads Raise Olympic Athletes?

So, there’s lots to like in Proctor & Gamble’s two-minute “Thank You Mom” Winter Olympics spot – we’re psyched that moms are getting all that love, and they most definitely deserve it. (Yay mom! Love you.) But there’s one big element missing. We’ll let you watch and see if you can spot it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57e4t-fhXDs#t=21 Where’s the…

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