A video that will not take you too long to figure out the importance of having the right support for you as well as your children’s dreams. This is probably not the first time we have seen such a script, but stories like this tend to warm the heart and deliver the message effectively. It resonates with many and gives you that tint of light, enough to drive you forward and accomplish that one wish you had. Simple, inspiring and lovely.
The future the way we want it
I have my fair share of appreciation for such videos which portray technology and its benefits. As much as I like how Fisher Price is embracing this full fledge, there is a chasm we need to bridge when we show ‘the future’ to ‘the present’. Before we embark on this fantasy ride, there are several factors we need to work out. The logic is simple: how then could technology helped us to improve our lives? heck, even to help us complete our parenting roles? This video illustrates engaging graphics coming to life and interacting with both parents and child. We also see how the alarm clock snoozing came into effect with just a simple hand gesture. While working out some concepts for my clients before, I remembered a particular case where I had to provide directions for a rather futuristic video. I cringed at the fact that people are dashing into this whole technology craze. But as I soon realised, there is an emerging need for brands to be seen as forward thinking. Innovative. Rather, LOOKING innovative. It well positions them as leaders in their field, giving them an added edge against their competitors. Branding and marketing has become significantly crucial as we progress into a tech-civilisation. I still appreciate what Fisher-Price had done here. Its just that sometimes its all about the goal rather than the objective isn’t it?
Wearing art
Well, Im a fan of good design but i am also a huge fan of hilarious design! Personally, i find the works of Melbourne crochet designer Phil Ferguson to be very intriguing. In fact, it is loud, cool and very attention seeking. Also known as Chili Philly, he created large crochet with inspiration from all kinds of food. We see pizzas, tacos and a lot more. What is interesting from his work is the way he envisions his designs – they were very much not meticulously planned but rather a moment of creativity. I really liked how he brought art to life. Speaking of wearable art, i do think the definition of wearability can be defined individually.
Über to pull out of Hamburg, Germany
This is actually bad news for me. In Singapore, many commuters find it daunting to flag a cab during peak hours, rainy days as well as being in obscure locations where cabs simply do not wish to come. Then came a solution. Über, a transport service provider who had the idea of letting the public choose the driver of their choice, by marrying a willing driver to a happy passenger. A win win situation where people can now commute easily and efficiently without being frustrated by cab rejections or boorish driver attitudes. This change has naturally brought good commuting experience for the general public but is definitely bound to receive extreme resistance from the licensed cab drivers.
Cab drivers view this new transport service, which also features a private driver option for anyone to join its programme as a part time driver, to be a threat for their livelihood. Maybe from a rather more individualistic perspective, I do see Über as a ‘check’ for arrogant and complacent drivers to reflect why they would have lost. I am not generalising the entire cab population here, but more often than not, have I heard cases of exasperated passengers complain about cabbies for their behaviours and attitudes. Hence, Über provided a solution for most of the people.
Now, it is apparent that the company is facing a pullout in Hamburg, Germany, because of the tedious process to obtain registration for an independent rental car enterprise. However, Über is still receiving major support in areas like Berlin and Munich but is likely to pull out from Düsseldorf and Frankfurt. Über provided the ideal solution for the public, be it a passenger or an average joe looking to moonlight as a part time driver. It provided a service through the use of technology at our fingertips. Anyone can easily get a cab at any hour, without much waiting time, through the use of the Über mobile app. I do not wish to see the end of such brilliant service end here in Singapore. The amount of resistance from licensed cab companies here have also place immersive amount of strain on the company’s operations. But I believe those who truly stood for this service should hold their stand and let the company continue its operations.
Modern vintage
Working as a digital illustrator and designer during my early days gave me opportunities to work with very talented creatives who were very craft driven, especially in the area of art and digital graphics. It helps especially for someone with the keen eye for details and the everlasting thirst for beautiful things. I had the pleasure to work with cool kids from all over the world and those who gave me the best memories were the few designers from Japan. Their sensitive touch and appreciation in graphic arts is unrivalled. Take a look at Japanese artist, Segawa thirty-seven. With the use of just Photoshop and After Effects, the artist is able to create these really alluring images. We see how sci-fi is infused with modern culture and ancient art. This mix extrudes an altered universe, yet so compelling to look and admire. The animated gifs depict realism and fun in all its entirety. View more of Segawa thirty-seven’s print works on his Twitter.
Design Pepsi
I find art by Piet Mondrain to be extremely fascinating. To see it being applied on our everyday life can be rather interesting. Designer, Andrea Salamino created an almost new Pepsi can that is clad in traditional Modrian print style. I love how he craft style into the iconic Pepsi can, converting the predominant blue into a new unique identity. Design is integral to our lives and at times we can bring forward a difference by stimulating the way we see and feel things around us. Especially things that we consumed frequently, a well conceived execution brings forward a strong statement. More of his work can be viewed here.
Smash Smash Smash
People are way too stressed these days. The undisputed pleasure derived from deliberate smashing and trashing might just be the solution for them. The successful inauguration of the Break Club in Buenos Aires, Argentina, back in 2013 have got people going in a room where they destroy items like shattering bottles, punching and breaking the environment. Now in Toronto, a new concept- the Rage Room, offers a similar concept with a basic package of five ceramic plates and a weapon of your choice. Expect to fray off all your anger and anxiety with this awesome setup!
Botanica clock
Having moved to my new place, I figured you need effort to get the right stuffs for home. obviously clocks are an essence item for home and I spotted this really beautiful clock by designer Svetlana Mikhailova. Her Botanica clock not only displays time, but also very detailed imagery of nature, crafted in delicate layers of wood. Check this timepiece out!
Talk the walk
Couldn’t agree anymore that this is one fxxking brilliant execution! Good work here by Graubünden tourism. I mentioned before a number of times the importance of having an engaging platform to communicate your message and this is clearly another example of how unique stunts can be effectively pulled off. Imagine a talking billboard that corresponds with you LIVE and actually invites you on a trip! Through the use of an interactive screen, Graubünden tourism was able to capture the attention of the public. By having a man in the mountains, they load up a real time camera and had him interact with the public. He invites them to a challenge and the person with the best yodel gets a free ticket to the mountains. Truly amazing.
Jack Sparrow
Things are starting to wind up a bit since my last post on Arnold Schwarzenegger with him meeting fans on the streets. Here, we have a similar stunt but one with a heartwarming agenda. Johnny Depp dresses up as Captain Jack Sparrow visiting the sick children in Brisbane hospital. How much more awesome can it get? If Johnny visits us here in Singapore, it would stir up a storm I guarantee that! He brought smiles and joy to the beautiful children with his very existence and his quirky humour. Aside from the outlandish dressing as Sparrow, his accent and personality as a pirate brought so much imagination to the kids. What a fantastic opportunity for the children and a magnificent act of benevolence.
Zack Chia 