NatGeo Brings Einstein into Modern Day

With its new drama series, Genius, fast approaching, National Geographic has dedicated a large portion of its marketing efforts toward advertising the show. The campaign began with a Super Bowl commercial in which actor, Geoffrey Rush, can be seen in character as Albert Einstein playing Lady's Gaga's "Bad Romance" on the violin. This was followed by an experiment at the SXSW festival in which visitors were invited to submit selfies via Twitter that would be drawn on a chalkboard by a robotic arm. The selfies were drawn up of Einstein's own words and equations. The experiment was meant to combine Einstein's love of science with his love of art.

More recently, NatGeo has created a Facebook campaign that allows users to connect with "Einstein" via the Facebook Messenger app. The Einstein chat bot responds to messages immediately with witty remarks and quotes. This campaign coincides with this weekend's March for Science in Washington, D.C., where marchers will have access to a special Genius wi-fi network and an electronics charging station along the National Mall.

Genius premiers on National Geographic on April 25th. Would this campaign be enough to convince you to watch it?

Who whipped it better: Starbucks or Burgatory?

Starbucks has released a new, limited time drink, and like all magical things, it has gone viral.

The flavor-changing, caffeine-free Unicorn Frappuccino® tastes sweet at first and begins to turn sour, and change colors, as it is enjoyed. And like all great non-light Frappuccnio®'s it is topped with whip cream. AND fairy dust. 

Everyone is talking about it, ordering, taste-testing, and giving their official beverage and mythical creature critiques from The Washington Post to CNN Money to Cosmopolitan.

But unfortunately for some, the drink is almost literally mythical as some areas have sold out in just 12 hours. Meanwhile in other parts of the country, there is a never ending demand and supply of the blended beverage – so we've been told by one stressed out barista. 

All the hype and constant mention of the drink is good for Starbucks and the brand – and they seemingly didn't have to advertise at all other than in-store signage. They teased the drink on Twitter a few weeks ago but that didn't stir much of a fuss until the drink actually debuted. I think Starbucks knows their demographic well enough to know that they would love the concept and would Instagram the crap out of it once it was in their hands.

I am a bit surprised however. Unicorns have been making a comeback for quite a few years now and I'm surprised it took Starbucks this long to capitalize on the trend. 

But you know who saw this coming a few months back? Rhymes with purgatory. Yes, Pittsburgh's own Burgatory, known for their helluva burgers + heavenly shakes, created a limited time Unicorn Shake over the winter months. They weren't shy about making a comparison on Facebook. 

I didn't read all 266 comments, but I did notice that many yinzers claimed to have tried both mythical beverages and have agreed that Burgatory reigns over Starbucks. Others also demanded and requested that Burgatory bring the shake back soon, and often. I love how a national chain like Starbucks has unknowingly brought brand awareness, loyalty, and future business to a regional chain like Burgatory.

So, who whipped it better: Starbucks or Burgatory?

A Racist Wave in Advertising

Last week 2 big companies pulled their ads after being accused of racism. Pepsi and Nivea had completely different approaches, but both ended up in the same place.

Pepsi had a good intention releasing this Ad during their new campaign: 

The video, starring the top model Kendal Jenner, addresses precisely the human rights issue. Having a photo shooting in the middle of a manifestation, the model decides to give up on the job to march with the people. Pepsi only forgot one important thing: Practice for real the “good deeds” they are trying to propagate. Kendal takes the blond wig and the lipstick off in a very empowered act, but give it to a black woman as if she was there with the only purpose of serving her. It’s very important, when we talk about important subjects like this in the mass media, to pay attention to all the details and think over to see if we are really meaning what we say, because saying, mainly in advertising, is too easy. 

On the other hand, Nivea’s new campaign didn’t even tried to be engaged. Their Ad with the slogan “white is purity” brought up a completely outdated conversation about racism, not because we shouldn’t talk about it anymore, but because it is so primordial that we, as society, should have already solved this problem. White is not purity. And the idea of advertising a black and white product with this slogan shouldn’t even pop up during brainstorming, it’s unbelievable how they got it until finalization. 

After all the discussions, both of the Ads have been pulled out of circulation. Let’s hope the other brands learn with their mistakes and never repeat them again. 

Instagram vs. Snapchat: The Story

Ever since the "story" feature was brought into Snapchat, which is where you can post pictures and videos that will stay visible for 24 hours, versus the 1-10 second time frame for single snaps sent to friends, competitors sought out ways to create this for themselves. Instagram took to the "story" feature as well, adding in filters and different ways to customize the images and videos that were on one's "story". The debate over who is doing it better has been an internet craze over the past months.

Some are dedicated to the original Snapchat story, so much that they will post their snapchat username on their Instagram story to lure people back to Snapchat. Others, who already use Instagram more so than Snapchat, utilize Instagram stories since it is conveniently placed in an app they are already using. 

According to and article on AdAge, Instagram is taking the lead in popularity, by garnering 200 million daily users of the story feature. This is based on Snapchat's 158 million daily users, which is not far behind, but acknowledging that it was the original "story" feature application. 

Instagram also moves ahead with the incorporation of "Instagram Live", which is where users can stream a live video on their Instagram and people can watch and comment. Snapchat has not utilized a "live" feature yet, but it doesn't go without notice that Instagram may have copped the "live" idea from Facebook.

All of our favorite social media applications are trying to outsmart one another by adding the same features but trying to make them better than the original. Do you think this is a fair play by Instagram? Or should they try to find their own niche feature that steers away from the rest?

Non-Profits War with Advertising

Let's face it. Advertising is expensive. In 2008, the average for a 30 second national commercial costed $342,000. That's pretty intense. That might not be too bad for a multi-million or billion dollar corporation to pay for a commercial. Now think about being a non-profit organization. Personally I work for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I'm an intern with them until I graduate, in which I will then turn into a full time, salaried employee. $342,000 is about a third of what the Western PA & West Virginia Chapter accrues in a fiscal year. To spend that much on a commercial would be ridiculous. Many non-profits refuse to pay for any advertising because A) how expensive it is and B) their profits need to go towards their efforts, whether it be curing cancer, social issues or other worldly problems. For example, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society donates 95% of their donations and earnings towards funding blood cancer research. The other 5% goes towards office supplies and mailings as well as expenses towards holding events to fundraise. LLS would not dream of spending a third of their yearly donations towards making one thirty second commercial. Not only would it cut a large dent into their yearly funds, but it would also be terrible PR because people would not see the need to spend that much on an advertisement. The cons outweigh the pros in that situation. Non-profits should stick to free advertising. Word of mouth has and can work wonders, but social media is certainly the best way for non-profits to advertise. Not only does it offer them a way to advertise their causes and efforts and events for free, but it also gives them a chance to directly and intimately interact with their target market and those that may have questions or concerns. What do you think? Should non-profits consider spending more on advertising or should they keep utilizing all sorts of free methods to spread the word? Below is one of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's videos that has been shared on different social media platforms hundreds of thousands of times within the last 4 years.

Emirates Airlines Goes After United

Competing airline Emirates has no qualms about kicking United Airlines while they are down, as the President of the company goes on the offensive.

Emirates Airlines President Sir Tim Clark told CNNMoney editor John Defterios, "Let me say that it's a disgrace. It shamed the airline industry as a whole."

United Airlines has been under an intense amount of fire after a video leaked of a passenger being physically dragged off the plane after an error by the company resulted in overbooking. The passenger tried fighting back, but he was restrained and kicked off.

Several passengers were disgusted by the treatment of the man, with several getting off and others blasting the airline. Emirates has been rated "best airline" several years in a row by it's customers, and they are not afraid to publicly shame the currently disgraced United Airlines.

Some people are wondering if it's fair of Emirates to so publicly attack United, but I say kudos to them. While other companies remain silent toward the controversy, Emirates pulls no punches. United is currently losing money at a record setting pace, but they got themselves into this scenario.

Emirates prides themselves on being a great experience for their customers, so when something this horrific happens to a passenger, Emirates almost has to say something in order to protect their own brand.

SOURCE: Business Insider

Earth Day, Where Advertisers Blossom

With Earth Day approaching, landing on Saturday, April 22nd, there is much to say about the day of planting trees and reaching out to the world to be thankful for all it has provided. Organizations and companies take Earth Day as a prime opportunity to show their stance on the day as well as plugging their own products within advertisements. Some, more creative than the others, are deemed to be the most popular Earth Day advertisements.

Let's take a look at this first one from Jeep: Having a green background instantly reveals to the reader that there is something to do with the earth or nature within the advertisement. There is a lot of white space in the advertisement as well. After reading the copy of the ad, which in summary, says to take care of the earth or there will be no where left to drive. This is where the symbolic representation of the jeep driving off the "earth" comes in, since there would be no more earth if it is not taken care of.

The next ad, from 2013, makes a pun out of the holiday. It shows the earth as something "consumable". This expresses how as humans, we are using the earths resources and in turn "consuming" it. Having the fork and knife in the advertisement, making it look more like the earth is going to be the readers next meal, sends the message that the earth is not something we should consume, but something we should value and appreciate.

In this third ad, created by the World Wildlife Foundation, they use one of the world's most famous villains to tie in a pun for their cause. Darth Vader, from Star Wars is shown in the advertisement holding a baby sheep and surrounded by various other wildlife, including butterflies. This "alter-ego" of the famous villain ties in with the copy of the text, which suggests that the "Dark Side" saves the planet. This pun is expressing the importance of switching off lights in homes and other power sucking sources so that energy can be conserved.  

Which Earth Day ad was your favorite? Check out this website to see other cool Earth Day ads that show different companies' creativity in supporting our planet! Also, check out the official Earth Day website to find out ways you can help the planet as well.

Chance the Rapper is Changing the Music Industry

Chance the Rapper, the 24 year old rising musician, has been named one of TIME Magazine's most influential people in the world.

That is the perfect word to describe Chance the Rapper: influential. He refuses to sign with a label, stating that he doesn't want the industry to change him. He releases his music on streaming sites, and only makes money from his touring. He is one of the first musicians to make their music completely free, refusing to sell his "art." To say that Chance is unique in this industry is an understatement to say the least.

Chance also did something else groundbreaking: he forced the Grammy's to change their rules. Throughout the entire history of the "Grammy's", streaming-only music was not eligible to be considered for awards. When Chance released "Coloring Book", is was so widely praised that the Grammy's had to change their rules in order to avoid a possible protest. Chance was nominated and won for "Best New Artist".

Chance has drawn praise from some of the biggest rappers in the world, such as Kanye West, who he made five songs with, and Common, who spotted Chance at a very young age and pushed him to follow his dreams.

Chance the Rapper continues to talk about how he refuses to go towards record labels, and claims that they taint all music. As long as he continues this protest, he will continue to completely change the music industry.

With Bill O'Reilly gone, Advertisers flock back to Fox News

After the firing of controversial news anchor Bill O'Reilly, advertisers have begun to make amends with Fox News.

On April 1st, it was reported by the New York Times that O'Reilly and Fox News have paid at least 13 million dollars in settlements to people accusing the former of sexual harassment. When this came out, over 60 advertisers boycotted Fox News, resulting in huge losses for the news organization. After weeks of protests, and while O'Reilly was on a "planned vacation", Fox News announced his termination.

The first major advertiser to publicly applaud Fox News was Mercedes-Benz. The automobile company had pulled their advertisements after the allegations leaked regarding O'Reilly, however they said they will consider returning if the termination truly is permanent.

It's a huge risk by Fox News, as O'Reilly is by far their most popular anchor. His show, "The O'Reilly Factor", was the highest rated show on the network for several years. "Tucker Carlson Tonight" will replace the "Factor" in the 8 P.M. time slot, however experts are saying that at the very best, he may get 75% of the viewership that O'Reilly had.

This move is solely based on protecting the brand's image. With Fox News being known as a very conservative favored station, President Donald Trump has caused plenty of controversy for the network. They cannot have more of these allegations hitting them, and had no choice but to terminate the relationship. It's a bold move, but a commendable one.

Greenery: Pantone's Pick for 2017

Every year since 2000, Pantone announces a color to symbolize and reflect current cultural trends. This year the color is Greenery, a "fresh and zesty" yellow-green shade. Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute defends Greenery as a shade that will "provide us with the reassurance we yearn for amid a tumultuous social and political environment. Satisfying our growing desire to rejuvenate and revitalize, Greenery symbolizes the reconnection we seek with nature, one another, and a larger purpose."

https://www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year-2017

Pantone promotes Greenery with:

• Available mugs and USB thumb drives (items you would see on a "top 10 gifts for any design geek" list).
• A 45 second video showing Greenery as an encompassing lifestyle with food, products, clothing, and landscaping – all reflecting hues of the shade. (I think the spot has a very Target or Gap vibe.)
• Numerous downloadable .ase color palettes (this is HUGE if you're a graphic/web/digital/visual designer as you can be sure that these are color palettes that are on trend and selected by color experts. It is super easy to upload .ase files to Indesign or Illustrator, do a simple google search or give me a shout out if you have any Qs.)

As leaders in the color industry, Pantone's color pick of the year influences the runway, home decor, and advertising. I don't think we'll see monochromatic ads heavily featuring Greenery much like their video, but I do expect to see it pop up subtly in color palettes set forth by Pantone across the web.

Visit pantone.com to see Greenery in action or to view past colors of the year and let me know what you think of this years pick or any of the ones before it.