11:Eleven

Ad Muse Nation is now continuing as 11:Eleven

Follow this link for the new posts:
http://laura11eleven.blogspot.com/

I look forward to sharing and connecting with you!

Cheers!
Laura

Ad Muse Nation Re-brand

It's been quiet.


Ad Muse Nation started as my project for a class. It surprised me when it quickly gained views from all over the world. As you may have noticed, I have not shared many posts these last couple of months.

Well, now I've graduated college with my dual bachelors degree in marketing and journalism mass communication. I am ready to be the next version of myself. In that same fashion, I believe Ad Muse Nation is ready for the same.

In light of all the changes and my new era as a young professional I've decided to revive Ad Muse Nation. I will be re-branding it within the next couple of weeks, just in time for my road trip down south for job interviews (fingers crossed-- looking to land something in Austin, TX). This re-branding will include coming up with a new name, a logo and blog strategy.

The new blog, like Ad Muse Nation, will share ads and marketing strategies from all over the world. Along with the reverance for brands, this new blog will focus on my love of culture, traveling, and the outdoors. It will be more of a lifestyle blog than Ad Muse Nation, partially because I will be more than a student. I will be able to share more of my first-hand experiences.

I am quite excited to be blogging again and plan to share often!

Cheers!
Laura

Doing the I'm Possible

I'm going to be honest I haven't really felt like I can take on everything I am trying to lately. I am worried I am being too serious about my future to really enjoy the right now.

The right now: it's 9am and I still haven't slept. What a pointless all-nighter. Maybe I can pass on the blame to the double-shot of espresso I slipped into my vanilla cappacino last night. Maybe, and more likely, it's because of the anxiety I need to get over-- it's been getting worse even though people keep telling me it'll all work out in the end.

Recent Developments

Well I have been very bad about posting lately. Want to know why?

I am in my last semester in college. Graduation is too close. Turns out there is a lot I've got to do before I start the next part of my life. I have not slept. I have worried. I know that if I keep working I will power through it all. Between internship hours, working part-time, going to class and an increasing number of commission gigs, I am holding onto every grain of sand in my ever running out hourglass. 

I've had some pretty cool commission opportunities lately. I am continuing to design some wine labels for Pour Life Choices, my cousins fiance's friends label. I have also modeled for that label so that other artists can use me for up and coming designs. That was fun. Turns out, not surprisingly, I have a defiance disorder. I just want to do the opposite of what people tell me to do (interesting mix with modeling). I am pretty excited that I have been offered to do artwork for a new wine bar that is opening up soon. It will be a lot of work but it is a great opportunity to leave my mark on this town before I leave it. I will definitely be posting some artwork to show you what I've been working on.

I am so in need of Spring Break, it's not even funny. Even though I was going to, I will not be going on some fancy vacation getaway. I want to take advantage of some "free time" to actually get going on my job search (along with the million and one projects I must attend to). Right now I feel so behind. Is this how everyone my age feels? Completely unprepared and overwhelmed?

 I will return to posting at a higher frequency once I take care of my work. Blogging is not easy when time management is next to impossible!

Any requests for posts?
 Cheers!
Laura

The New Beauty Ideal: Barbies for the Future

This past weekend Mattel announced that it is updating its notorious Barbie doll to be more diverse with additions of body types that include curvy, petite and tall forms, according to TIME.The new Barbie dolls also will have a variety of skin tones and hairstyles. This should increase Barbie’s market, allowing a greater variety of young girls to have dolls they can personally identify with; the dolls look more like them rather than a standardized ideal. 

Taking risks

Batman vs. Superman: How will Star Wars affect movie franchise marketing?

How will new movie releases be effected by the record-breaking success of Star Wars: The Force Awakens?

I have recently been watching the new TV spots for Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice. I think it has potential to be a major success for DC. Can DC accomplish what Marvel has in the past with their very successful franchise The Avengers?

Creativity & Technology: You Don’t Need a Super Bowl Budget To Make A Quality Advertisement

Last semester I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the Advertising Women of New York (AWNY) student career conference in New York City, courtesy of the Journalism Mass Communcation department at St. Bonaventure University. I was able to get direct insights from leading professionals in the advertising field.

One question I asked every during every panel session during workshops: How can an agency create quality advertisements for a brand with a low budget?

I thought this was a great question, especially in comparison to how much big brands spend on television spots like the record-shattering $5 million 30-second spots for Super Bowl L.

Pretty in Print: Shanghai

For this week's feature of Pretty in Print, I will be sharing stunning ads from Shanghai, China. They show some aesthetics that are distinct to eastern cultures, making their ads quite refreshing, especially in the realm of art direction. I think these ads are effective, showing a universal message that a global consumer market can appreciate. A good ad translates. It not only appeals to its specific geographical market, but it draws in all.

Shanghai is China's largest commercial and financial center with a population of over 23 million people. The city is a beautiful blend of modern and traditional Chinese culture.  With a culture that focuses on the pursuit excellence and innovation, Shanghai undoubtedly presents many creative pieces of advertising to reach out to its many consumers.

Here's a few of my favorite ads:

1.     Hitachi Brand: "World of Wind"
        Y&R Shanghai

Operation Boomerang: Is this Australia Day Ad Offensive?

Lee Lin Chin is the face of lamb in MLA's 2016 Australia Day commercial

In 1788 European settlers first landed in Port Jackson, now a part of modern-day Sydney.

Australia Day is celebrated annually on January 26th with picnics, beach parties, sporting events, fireworks and award ceremonies to commemorate Australian achievement and culture.

This year's Australian-Day themed commercial by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has recently gone under fire for being too violent towards vegetarians and vegans.

The ad launched on Sunday and by Monday morning the Advertising Standards Board (ASB) said it had received more than 50 complaints, claims Daily Mail.

Does the commercial's message represent the spirit of the holiday or has the message been tainted by marginalizing groups of people? Is this ad culturally sensitive?

The Most Interesting Man In The World

His words carry weight that would break a less interesting man's jaw.

Do you know who I am talking about? Jonathon Goldsmith, of course.

After seeing Forbes' article about people who have made fortunes acting in commercials I went to find more about one of my favorites: The Most Interesting Man In The World, commonly known as Jonathan Goldsmith.

It's a new year!

 Hi everyone! Sorry I haven't posted for a while (I know a whole week- wow!) I thought it was important to take a little break from academics after a paticularly challenging semester-- and it's the holidays, gotta spend time partying with family and friends. The party isn't over.

I know it is cheesy to say but I'm feeling really good about this new year. I am a bit of an optimist, if you haven't noticed. I am ready to own this year!