Death of the Ad Slogan

Posted on November 3, 2011June 19, 2012 by bwucinski in Advertising, Personal

The 1980s and 90s gave us commercials with slogans that would run in different scenarios for several months. Think of the “Dude, you’re gettin’ a Dell” or “Yo quiero Taco Bell”. These ad slogans were easy to remember and created a pop culture phenomenon and following for the company. It was like a commercial catchphrase that was easy for consumers to engage in an applicable to several different commercial ideas. Was this their tagline for the company? Not necessarily.

These commercials were catchy and funny. People were entertained by the ideas, followed the characters, and produced a long-lasting impression on the pop culture landscape. These commercials spawned merchandise and several commercial spots that strengthened the campaign idea.

But what about today’s commercials? Even the ‘best’ commercials or the most popular commercials don’t have the longevity of the aforementioned spots. You don’t see people quoting the Old Spice’s “The man your man could smell like.”

Is this a change in our society or a change in the advertising climate?

I personally think this may be a change in advertising. Don’t get me wrong, I think the commercials out right now have incredible concepts that can run in different situations, but I don’t think they are as easy to remember. I think they have memorable lines people can still quote and eventually make their way into pop culture, but they don’t always include the company name. By creating these funny commercials which work their way into our hearts, they are inevitably leaving their brand out in the cold, heartless world of the consumerism.

By creating clever lines that combine humor and brand loyalty, advertising can retain their staying power.

The Ads are Changing as Fast as the Leaves

Posted on November 2, 2011June 19, 2012 by bwucinski in Advertising, Graphic Design, Inspiration, Personal

At this point in the semester Texas is starting to venture down into the mid 60s outside and girls are starting to pull on their boots and leggings. College midterms have passed and it seems like a narrow road to finals week. However, football is in full swing and there are plenty of holidays to look forward to this season.

Amidst all of this fall action, advertising is turning up the volume with some splendid spots on television. Fall fashion magazines are filled with print ads that inspire fashion creativity. I’m going to take some time to outline a few of my favorites so far this season.

Televison

This commercial for Canal+ is absolutely hilarious and so well done.

I was lucky enough to hear from Leo Burnett about their strategy behind the Mayhem commercials. The new ‘Blind Spot‘ commercial is my favorite so far.

This spot for EA Games is actually a fantastic spot for video games.

Alcohol is one of the most interesting advertising forums. The commercials can range from witty to hilarious to fun to corny. Luckily this one for Wiserhood is extremely clever.

I just saw this ad for Norwegian Cruises that was really great.

Print

Absolut Vodka: Outrageous

AWARD: Get Your Name On It, Art Director

Citroën Jumper Minibus: Wolf

Bulmers Cider: Walt

After New Orleans, You Are Never The Same.

Posted on October 13, 2011June 19, 2012 by bwucinski in Personal, Travel

It’s been far too long since our last chat. I guess that’s my fault though.

It’s been an overwhelming semester so far. My classes are grueling, I’m working two jobs on campus, and I’m still an officer for my sorority. It’s tough being in college…that’s something they don’t show you in the movies.

I was lucky enough to visit New Orleans, LA this weekend for my fall break. I was able to go with all of my girls and we had a blast. Bourbon Street was insane, crazy, and a little too much fun. I couldn’t have asked for a better getaway in the middle of this crazy hectic semester.

While the nightlife in NOLA is incredible ( I mean Bourbon Street never sleeps!) the culture in New Orleans is such a unique mix of art, French architecture, creole, and African-American culture, and music. The city is a hodge podge of all different and beautiful sights, smells, and sounds. It is literally overwhelming to walk around during the day with the flocks of people gawking at street performers who are juggling knives, painting beautiful landscapes, or just playing a mean saxophone.

What I loved most about the trip was going to Frenchman Street, which is a small unique block that is home to several jazz clubs. Not only is it an overload on artsy and hip people (which we all know that’s my favorite kind of people) but it feels like such a hidden gem amongst the tourist parts of the French Quarter. There were people swing dancing to the jazz music and jiving like I have never seen before! It was a one of a kind experience that I felt many people don’t get a chance to take part in while they are in NOLA.

The trip was one of those times that I won’t forget. It was a time when I was able to celebrate being young and free. I can’t wait for the time when my kids decide they want to go and have the time of their life.

I’ve realized that I have an intense desire to travel (obviously, I mean I have several blog posts about it). I think that my love for cultures and willingness to experience anything when traveling makes me a good traveler. Throughout the trip I realized how crucial it is to have a positive attitude no matter what. I hope that I focus on that in Florence and remember how important it is to appreciate where I am each day. I am still having trouble deciding where to go outside of Italy, but I have decided to stay a lot more in Italy and Florence. I want to be able to truly experience Florence and all that it has to offer. I guess I just want to make a second home for myself. While traveling in Europe is exciting and enticing, I understand that I may not have the funds or the ability to leave all the time.

Internships Unzipped

Posted on September 26, 2011June 19, 2012 by bwucinski in Advertising, Personal

Since school has started, I’ve barely had time to process my new busy schedule, let alone get used to it. I’m finally taking some time to talk about my summer and the experiences I was able to have. I’ve always been interested in advertising. When my family first invested in TiVo, I was actually disappointed that I would miss the ads..well the good ads anyway. So during my busy summer at The Loomis Agency I’ve really had a chance to see the kind of chops it takes to make it in the industry. I wanted to discuss some things I’ve learned from the past 12 weeks.

1. Details Matter

I’ve been told this time and time again from my teachers in the Schieffer School of Journalism at TCU, but I’ll admit I never took them seriously about it. Tiny typos and spelling mistakes look glaring against a professional backdrop. It’s something I’ve been working on this semester in my new classes, but I’ll admit I have a bit of trouble with grammar (as some of my readers may have noticed).

2. Work Quickly, but Maintain Quality

Although there are hundreds of deadlines and meetings to factor into a busy schedule, you can’t rush good work. A creative briefs still needs to be tight, a change order for the creative department needs to be descriptive, and an email still needs to outline all the major details.

3. Communication is the Key to Success

This is something that I’m starting to learn more about each day. As advertisers, it’s our job to communicate effectively to our consumers. So it would make sense that we would need to communicate with our account service team, with the creative department, and with the client. An email is common currency, but phone calls will be incoming and outgoing all day long. Don’t let technology take over though, a friendly facial reminder that you need that updated POP sign can get it faster in the long run.

Overall, I spent my summer running errands like buying 10 different fast food burgers, writing work orders and change orders to help facilitate work within the agency, and learning how an agency runs on a daily basis. Although I did work in the account service department, I’ve realized that the creative side is where I want to be. I’m currently in Creative Communications and Ad Copywriting and both courses help me to focus on the creative aspect of advertising, which was my initial love for advertising. Creative ads are sometimes more entertaining and purposeful than an amazing episode of How I Met Your Mother.

My favorite ad of the day:

I Can’t Wait For: Berlin

Posted on May 26, 2011July 17, 2012 by bwucinski in I Can't Wait For, Travel

It’s a city that has a rich history and an awesome nightlife. Lonely Planet likens it to New York City in the 80’s with all of the grungy artistic culture that overwhelms the city. After talking to a few friends about their study abroad adventures in Berlin, I think this actually might be a great choice for my sister and I while we are traveling. There is a ton of cultural history to explore during the day but at the same time there is a vast amount of clubs and bars to entertain us during the evening.

Day Activities

Moviemento is rated as one of the top things to do in Berlin and I have to agree that the oldest cinema in Berlin sounds pretty cool. The 3-screen theater holds only a 100 people and shows foreign films throughout the day If my sister was visiting in February, I would totally head to Berlin for their German independent film festival, Berlinale. But unfortunately, we would be traveling there in March.

I think I’ll book a few tours for us, especially the Berlinagenten tour, which takes you to see unique stores and restaurants in Berlin. Maybe they’ll take us by Colours, a local thrift store that won’t break the bank.

I also CANNOT wait to see the ultimate graffiti expression the Kunsthaus Tacheles.This space was inspired by post-revolution artists who displayed their emotions via spray cans. I love contemporary art and would consider this to be art.

Nightlife

I think for our first night there, I might book a New Berlin Tour, which is a pub crawl around Berlin’s best bars and hangouts. Then after we are familiarized with the city, we can venture out on our own the next few nights. There are so many clubs and bars I want to see that it may be hard to fit in everything! First I think we could start out a night at the Floating Lounge, which is a good spot to meet local Germans who are friendly. My friends have told me that I absolutely MUST visit Berghain/Panoramabar, also known as the best club in the world. No seriously, that’s its reputation. Then we could head over to the river to Bar 25, if it’s not too cold. I want to check out Künstliche Beatmung, which is an ultra-retro club which could be an awesome night of dancing if we go on Friday or Saturday.

I think my main objective in Berlin is to have some great nights going out, while still trying to drag myself out of bed in the mornings to see all the historical sites they have to offer. I know my sister is definitely wanting to go to some places where she can get a little crazy so I think Berlin may definitely be the place to go. I hope I get to dress as cute as some of the native Berliners on Chictopia do.

How Do You Say “Ready!” in Italian?

Posted on May 22, 2011 by bwucinski in Personal, Shopping, Travel

“Pronto!”

This word accurately reflects the excitement and readiness for my upcoming trip to Italy!

After my lovely friend Monica arrived back from her study abroad semester in Florence we got to talking about everything and anything Italian and European related. Let me tell you, two days isn’t even enough to talk about every thing I need/want to know.

The biggest thing she helped me realize was that I needed to narrow down my list of places I want to travel. So for my international trips I’ve decided to go to Paris (of course), Amsterdam, Istanbul (for spring break), and Berlin (which will be my next blog post after this). All of these places have different cultural backgrounds and I think will give me a good vibe of Europe. In addition to these trips, I’ll also do a trip when my parents visit me and when my younger sister visits me. For her, I think Croatia or Prague (or Greece) would be really great places to take her out since she loves young nightlife. I’ll also be doing future blog posts this summer on those locations to compare between them.

Monica also helped me to come up a good list of places to travel within Italy. I mean, although I’m there to experience Europe, I am in Italy and I want to be able to take away a little bit of Italy when I leave. So for Italy I’m going to travel to Cinque Terre, Venice for Carnivale, Bologne, Milan, and the Amalfi Coast, which will all be further explored virtually from my laptop this summer. Of course if I have the money or time I’ll go to some other locations as well but those are the ones that sound the most interesting so far. Also, TCU provides a trip to Rome and Sienna so those are also places that I’ll get to see as well.

I just can’t wait for the next 6 months to fly by so that I am able to finally see all these places I’ve been researching for the past few months. I love my friends and I am quite comfortable in my American bedroom, in my American suburban home, deep in the heart of Texas, but I’m ready to explore a new world and new side of myself. Monica explained study abroad as, “Challenging yourself every day, even in the littlest things.” and that’s something I am looking forward to doing while I’m there. When we were talking at lunch she said, “It’s weird coming back and seeing that nothing has changed here, but knowing that I’ve changed and seen so much.” That thought was a reality check that I may come back with so many experiences and memories that I will be a changed person when I come back. However, that’s something I’m excited about.

Now, she also explained what to pack for Italy. Her main advice is pack what you love and what represents you. So here’s my beginning list of what to bring:

-A cute winter coat. So my printed blush pink coat from Anthropologie will definitely be accompanying me.

-Some basic black pieces for layering.

-Jeans, at least 2 pairs.

-Leggings. I will be bringing every single pair I own.

-Flat boots. I’m thinking of investing in a custom leather pair when I get there to wear for the majority of the trip.

-Not too many accessories because you can always buy lots of scarves and jewelry there.

So far that’s the list for packing, which is a good start. I think the best thing I’m going to back is a smile and a good attitude, because I’m going to look like an American regardless, so why not be a polite and nice American. Hopefully going from blonde to brunette before I leave will help me to fit in a little better.

The 70s Trend: To Boogie or Not?

Posted on April 28, 2011July 17, 2012 by bwucinski in Shopping

I once read a coffee table book about vintage fashion that had a section entitled, “The 70s: The Decade that Taste Forgot.” I’m still inclined to agree somewhat with this affirmation even 40 years later when trends are resurfacing. However, I’m in a love/hate relationship with these trends. There are some I can’t wait to rock this summer, but there are some that I just don’t understand. I’m going to highlight a few that pieces that I like and that…I well, don’t like.

Love

The Maxi dress is definitely a love item. I have about four in my wardrobe right now and they are honestly the easiest thing to throw on and look fashionable. Not to mention they are the most comfortable clothing item that was very created. I love the pattern on this BCBG dress and think it’s a great print for summer.

The peasant top is such an effortlessly cool look for the summer. Throwing it on with shorts and some cute wedges will be my go-to staple for dinner with friends. Forever 21 always has a wide range of on-trend styles and this one fits the bill. A word of caution: make sure that it billows in the right places, otherwise you could end up looking like its going to swallow you.

This tan satchel is the perfect earthy tone to compliment a summer tan. It’s big enough for all the necessary things like your wallet, phone, and sunglasses.

And last some funky sandals are the easiest way to add some hippie-flair to an outfit. These Jeffrey Campbell ones are great and versatile and can add some fun to any plain dress.

Hate

On the topic of Jeffrey Campbell, they are really digging this 70s trend. The majority of the shoes coming out are platforms. I’m not a huge fan of the platform look because I just think it’s too much of a throwback to the era.

While I do love a maxi dress, I do not like the maxi skirt. For any girls with hips, that style will be very unflattering. Which brings me to the mid-calf length skirt. This length also cuts ladies’ legs down to stubby tree trunks and ends up looking dated and old-fashioned.

And another look that is flooding websites are wide leg jeans. Unless you are a size 2 and they fit perfectly, these jeans will look oversized and unkept.

Overall though, I do like a lot of the trends that the 70s revival is bringing back. feather details in jewelry are really fun when done in moderation and avaitors are my new favorite shape for sunglasses. However, some styles are meant for the history books. But some style icons, like Brigitte Bardot, will never go out of style.

I Can’t Wait: To be an American in Paris

Posted on April 7, 2011April 7, 2011 by bwucinski in I Can't Wait For, Shopping, Travel

“So just love, make mistakes, and have wonderful times, but never second guess who you are, where you have been, and most importantly, where it is you are going.” -Carrie Bradshaw

My eternal icon, Carrie Bradshaw, traveled to Paris (aka her Mecca) in the final two episodes of Sex and the City. The fashion, the plot, and the breath-taking scenery could easily make these some of my favorite episodes. Did I mention the clothes they feature in these episodes? Some of the most memorable outfits are featured in these episodes, rightfully so because Paris deserved awe-inspiring fashion.

Like I said, amazing.

So, the whole point being, I absolutely cannot wait to go to Paris. It’s the city of love and I do love love.

Notre Dame, Effifel Tower, La Siene River and the Lourve are all the things you must do while in Paris. Which of course, I will do. However, I’m wanting to know some of the other activities and places that draw people in to Paris.

Well what else is there to do? Well shopping would be a top contender.

Shopping

I will certainly be pinching pennies this summer if I want to afford anything in Paris. The first stores I will be checking out are the vintage stores which can have a range of Parisian secondhand fashion. Aspasie & Mathieu is a vintage store that is known for great accessories. Le Dépôt-Vente de Buci is another vintage store that has great fashion, supposedly marked down 20-30% more than other stores. As I’m stated before, I love a good flea market (or any type of market, really) and Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen is a flea market with tons of stalls dedicated to vintage fashion. But the number one place to go shopping in Paris is the Galeries Lafayette which touts over 75,000 brand name items. There is even a fashion show every Friday! Can you said Oui!

Entertainment

Moulin Rouge, another great draw for Paris, is going to be first stop for a night of cabaret. If it’s anything like the movie I may just do ahead and start freaking out now. I’m definitely going to see a French play, preferably by Moliere and Comédie Française has three stages and each one usually features a French playwright for the evening. Cannibale Café is a hip bar/restaurant with decently prices meals and a cool atmosphere to enjoy a few drinks with friends. The Frog & British Library is a popular cafe with students so I’m sure if we hung out here for a bit we could possibly make some international friends-if they don’t absolutely hate Americans already. Maybe I’m start out by saying I’m from Texas…and use a heavy accent.

While I always use Lonely Planet to find some good reference material for traveling, I recently found Fodor’s Travel Intelligence which has a good category called “Places to Explore” which lists the neighborhoods to check out in a city.

Overall, Paris is something that I want to ask people about. It’s a place that you can’t plan for and has a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ that you can’t really experience until you are there. I guess this is one trip I’m just going to have to make an impromptu adventure.

Travel tip from my friend abroad right now: The Jewish ghetto of Florence has some really cool stores and is a great area to explore.

I Can’t Wait For: Istanbul, Turkey

Posted on March 22, 2011March 22, 2011 by bwucinski in I Can't Wait For, Travel

After a lot of consideration (and checking flight deals) Istanbul seems like a great candidate for my spring break while studying abroad next spring.

Although India would be extremely interesting to see, especially the tree where Buddha supposedly reached enlightenment under, I feel like it might be just a little unsafe for me traveling alone. Indonesia is still my number one pick for spring break, however, tickets to Bali cost over $1,000 and that is definitely pricey for my budget. I really do want to see them both someday, but those might have to be saved for when I’m actually working for a salary, instead of my minimum hourly wage.

So Istanbul it is! The cultural history of Turkey is something that I feel will impact my study abroad experience. With all the Western countries I’m going to see, it might be nice to travel just a little bit to the East.

Shopping

From what I’ve begun researching, shopping in Istanbul is going to be excellent, and definitely something I will be looking forward to. The Istanbul Spice Bazaar will by the first thing I check out. I don’t think there will be tons of clothes, but just seeing it will be fantastic. Sali Pazari is another market that boasts the cheapest clothes around. It’s a bit of trek to get there but I feel like it might be worth it. A La Turca is great for antique shopping and highly recommended to see. Mor Taki is a great source for Turkish jewelry (something the women there love is bling) while Yargici is a great shopping destination for almost anything, also with an amazing and affordable selection of jewelry. According to Travel Muse, Yargici is comparable to my beloved Gap, which means it’s going to be a hit with me.

Excursions

I’ve looked at a few travel packages and several of them sound quite amazing and pretty cheap for several hours of touring.

Imperial Istanbul Half-day Tour

Discover Imperial Istanbul on this half-day sightseeing tour. Visit Hagia Sophia, which is today one of the most magnificent museums in the world, the Blue Mosque Hippodrome with its Egyptian Obelisk, a remarkable pink granite monument built 3,500 years ago by an Egyptian pharoah. Last but not least experience the Grand Bazar of Istanbul. Well recovered for over 1,500 years, Hagia Sophia is named as one of the most remarkable museums in the world. Two stories of ancient history confronts everyone in this well preserved structure. The next stop will be at the Blue Mosque Hippodrome just in the middle of the Sultan Ahmed area including the impressive ancient Egyptian Obelisk. After leaving the Blue Mosque Hippodrome, you will finally have the opportunity to do some haggling at the Grand Bazaar, with it’s 4400 shops!

Going Out

The more I research Istanbul, the more set I become on going. It’s a huge metropolitan city with tons of different options. My favorite bar I’ve looked up so far has been Ada, which is half book/music store and half bar/cafe. I guess there are even hipsters in Istanbul. If I want a relaxing or quiet evening, I’m definitely going to hit up Anemon Galata Bar where you can sip drinks and watch the sun set over Istanbul. Angelique seems like the type of place to just have a good time with dinner, drinks, and some dancing. For a crazy night out you’ll be able to find me at Araf, dancing the night away to fist-pumping Turkish techno.

Istanbul seems like it could be a dream come true. Culture clashes with modern ideas, with lots of shopping and entertainment spread throughout the city. It also seems somewhat affordable with $200 plane tickets, $50 trip fees, and a range of prices for shopping and bars this could be the perfect destination for my spring break.

POM Wonderful?

Posted on March 1, 2011July 17, 2012 by bwucinski in Advertising

Pomegrante juice. Something that I never would have associated with sex, has decided to link itself to the concept that sex sells. But does it really?

I have to admit that staring an an Adonis-type warrior for 30 seconds did make me want me want him. But did it make me want POM Wonderful? Not exactly. The more commercials I saw for this drink, the more obnoxious they seemed. No super fruit is going to completely alter you into a god or goddess.

And apparently the Federal Trade Commission or FTC also agreed. But not about it touting the effects of sexual desire, but about it’s false claims that POM Wonderful can, “prevent, reduce the risk of, and treat heart disease, including by decreasing arterial plaque, lowering blood pressure, and improving blood flow to the heart” which is supposedly backed by research.

Their websites claims:

POM is the Antioxidant Superpower

I mean I can see how the FTC is a little concerned about them. They go on to list the studies and the “superpowers” their antioxidants possess.

I really think their campaign is little off with their brand image. The latest commercial I just saw is their new commercial inspired by the classic story of Adam and Eve.

While I will admit the concept behind this ad is actually pretty good, but I think that the connection between sex and pomegranates is a little far-fetched. But if you think about, they are just one more healthy, natural, fruit juice trapped in an overgrown market of organic drinks. It’s a toss-up for me, are the antioxidants going to their heads or do they have super human advertising gold?

LA Times estimates that their sales could be around 100 million.

Well damn. Maybe they do have it right.

For me, I’ll stick to my yoga and unfiltered water.