The Urban Forest Project

Creating Awareness for the environment is something that I am particularly tuned into, as a self proclaimed hippie I have a keen eye for dynamic eco friendly projects.

I found the Baltimore Urban Forest Project searching for poster competitions to enter. Some of the work is really great, clever and unique posters like Yeohyun Ahn's poster targeted to the large community of computer scientists and physicists which depicts a mathematical equation for growth.

My Compliments

My Compliments go out to the team involved in putting together the Black book affair for the graduating classes of 2008. My girlfriend Debbie participated in organizing the event pro-bono with her classmates from the public relations program. Its nice to see students work together towards a common goal, coordinating copywriters and designers as well as event decor and audio visual presentations.










As I am 'in the loop' with some of the basic activities related to design that take place at Debbie's work, Faye Clack Communications, I often hear how PR people often work with designers. Theres a ton of freelance opportunities out in the business world but we need to know where they are and how to get them.

Debbie has been tirelessly working to make sure things go off without a hitch throughout the busiest time of the semester so I think she definitely deserves my compliments.

Check out the pieces of work on the facebook group linked above, theres some great advertisements like this beautiful example of script typography designed by Meghan Lynch.

The Meth Project

When looking for inspiration for an ad campaign Ive been working on, I found a series of jarring ads for a campaign against crystal meth. I was actually surprised that these ads could run on television or billboards due to the gritty depictions of violence and prostitution, but clearly this was the point - to shock the audience into hearing their message.













This is an excellent example of advertising that pushes boundaries and takes risks in an appropriate way. Their tagline "Not Even Once" sends a strong message to the target audience which is predominantly kids who havent tried meth and who will likely face peer pressure to do so.

The TV spots almost play out like mini horror movies, I don't know whether I support the messages being sent but given the circumstances, I would say that it's a necessary evil. Check out these spots, these are two of the more straightforward ones, others include references to girls selling their bodies for meth and children abusing their parents. Hardly suitable for daytime television.

Miniature Earth

I mentioned in class about a video that approximates what a global cross-section would look like if 100 people represented the entire world population.

This is an excellent video that you should all check out, It'll give you a real sense of how privelaged we truly are. Plus, I think the directing is remarkable.

Here are a few stills:

Designing the collapse of a moral society

What design work would I refuse?

In graphic design there are opposing views as to how a designer should approach controversial issues. Either suck it up and do the work regardless of the message, or take a stand and risk putting your neck on the line.

Where do I stand on the matter? as you may have already gathered from the title of this post, I couldn't bring myself to work on an indecent campaign if I tried. I should probably be fairly specific on this count for fear of my meaning being construed.

Now, I consider myself a progressive individual who respects the rights of people to do and (usually) say whatever they want so long as it is respectful of others. I can appreciate when a person who is true to themselves speaks their mind honestly, but what I cannot condone is advertising that has no benefit aside from selling a negative and socially destructive attitude.
















The diesel ad pictured above was part of a larger campaign which featured men in provocative scenarios which would not have been so bad if not for the medium; these ads were regularly featured on outdoor billboards. These ad's(above and below) shared a billboard on the side of a building looming over Yonge street for nearly a year.



















While I would not consider myself a prude, I could not condone building a brand that presented a glorified image of perversity. Yes, I understand that this campaign was likely intended for a European market, but I feel too strongly that this sort of advertising further undermines the positive values and self respect that we no longer embody.

It is fairly naive to think that I could get by as a graphic designer if I refused to work on any account that offended my values. I understand that extremes must be explored if a brand is to be differentiated. I disagree with placing an ad like this on a billboard, it seems more intended to push peoples boundaries than simply creating awareness.

My Big Future

In my continuous pursuit of the perfect agency, I happened upon an unusual tidbit that I think we can all use.

It always surprises me to find anything online that I can directly relate to. I am forever wary of the monstrous, catacomb-like nature of the internet; while I know the information is out there i can never seem to find what it is I need.











It seems that TAXI has hit the nail on the head with this website. This resource is a sort of informal how-to for the advertising rookie. Be sure to check it out, theres a wealth of resources and much needed advice on finding your place in the complicated world of Advertising and Design.