And so it is finished...The first semester of gradschool is done and in the books. It came at the cost of an all nighter to complete our dvd presentation but it was worth it. To see the shear amount of determination of students to put out the best work possible was inspiring. To see people in class wearing the same cloths from last night, to see your group members passed out on the couches and table, and to watch 1/3 of the class dosing off during your final class is an awe inspiring feeling. I must admit I think we stumbled across the finish line and just couldn't wait for the fall break, but the truth is in about a week I think I'll be so anxious to do "work" it will be miserable. I guess I'll just have to do all my creative thinking in Houston... perhaps some art, or maybe some ads... anyways here is my latest little bit of art work I did for my internship application.

~LTS

Thank God it is finally Thanksgiving break! Although, like my social life, the adcenter has somehow found a way to dominate this also. So there will undoubtly be some concepting of ideas, many emails, a couple of surveys and some creative thinking but I might find some time to lay around and be indolent. And who knows just for fun I might throw in a " Now lets go around the room and say what were all thankful for!" Oh, goodtimes!

When does fear turn into complacency and how does humility find refuge within pride. How could I of ever become comfortable within an institution that challenges the bounds of excellence? Somewhere down the line, as the semester progressed I found my niche within this school and developed the infamous “I too belong here” mentality. The result… my work may be good but its surly not, reach for the stars great. In the beginning, I worked my butt off in hopes that I would just survive the first week, and now I’m already overlooking the last two weeks of class in anticipation of the holiday break. Excellence hates complacency… and in truth, they can never coexist. Their will always be a struggle between the two, and for excellence at least… you can’t just tolerate it, you must love the struggle. James more inspiringly put it when he said… “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” In all of your obstacles and achievements consider the character within the struggle, and love to learn it. If I leave you with anything it is simply this, complacency is the great equalizer among our people… supercede it with excellence.

Alright, so as I'm sure you all are aware of the numerous different styles of advertising. As generation Y millennials, were prime targets for the direct mail, TV, you tube, social network, and interactive media advertisement bombardment! But there is one type of media execution that I love to work with: A concept we call in the advertising world Guerrilla Marketing! I love it because it doesn't just promote another product but rather it adds to the outdoor experience. True its rare ifyou ever see one of these promotions in person but if do...it sure to be an image you'll remember. I grabed some pictures for you guys to check out, I think you'll find that the executions speak for themselves. If you wanted to see some more of these nontraditional advertisements check out the books "Advertising is dead, Long live advertising" and " Hoopla".

So this challenge is for you kid, you know who you are! So how about it...are you game!

So its November and if you have ever been my roommate during this time you know exactly what that means... Its time to breakout the Soulful Christmas Motown edition cd! What can I say its tradition, its all about getting head start on the Christmas season. Its all just a prerequisite to that time when I break out into a full fledge 24 hours of a Christmas Story! Ok, so November might be a little soon for the Christmas hits but this cd is a definite must!

Its 1:30 on a cool Tuesday afternoon and for right now I’m just taking it easy for lunch.. I’m at the Broad street McDonald’s in the medical district finally getting a chance to do lunch on my own for a change. A time of solitude that I cherish since every aspect of my life is dictated by group work. I’m sitting at the table, with my ipod blarring the 116 cliques latest album, with a fresh white long sleeve thermal and my vintage jeans…you know how I do. As I’m finishing my meal I am anxiously awaiting the elderly gentlemen next to me to leave so that I can grab his news paper.

Finally he jets back off to work and I’m able to indulge into the Pervez Musharraf state of emergency article, which I have been salivating every since I sat down. As I frantically finish the first page and proceed to continue on to page A6 , my eyes catch a glance of four children at the table in front of me. With their table covered in hamburger wrappers, fries, and toys. Conversations of cartoons and toys and 12 year old jokes. That’s when I realized it was official…I had grown up. I had become that guy… the grown up at the next table... the guy that me and my friends as children would see and think, it’s the real world for you buddy.

With their newspapers, computer typing and old man music. It was clear, that time had come full circle and with an unannounced arrival. I laughed just in the fact that I could remember being that way in a McDonalds with friends… but even more so that I had had become that guy…Almost like something you might see in a McDonalds commercials targeted towards African Americans….you know like the tradition based on having your birthday party at McDonalds’s as a rite of passage. I must say that Tuesday’s are good days…even if you find your self to be that guy.

IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING! It seems that Adidas is truly living by there words in their new Basketball is brotherhood campaign. The truth of the matter is that the whole campaign is spectacular. Any ball player will tell you that the emotions and the feel of the campaign are genuine. The execution of the concept and exploration of the culture are flawless.

Remember the sound of the first ball hitting the court at 7am for Saturday morning practice. Or the synchronized panting of a group of guys who just ran 30 laps. Or maybe the queasy feeling you get in your stomach from the infectious laughter you shared on the bus ride to the gym. If you don’t, then this campaign will surely bring you back by indulging in their fully integrated Brotherhood campaign. An in-depth look at an elite basketball camp where NBA all-stars teach the next generation about the essence of Brotherhood.

Is there any better way to say it then, Basketball is a Brotherhood. A band of brothers, a team, a family, a fraternity of warriors. The truth is the message resonates deep within the core of young men whose’ hoops dreams of NBA fame died long ago and have turned to corporate world ambitions. And to the Youngbloods who are still living the dream it, serves as an inspiration and motivation for the struggle of the off-season. Authenticity is the key, Adidas has capitalized on it and that’s why this spot works so well. It’s not just clever way to sell you kicks, it’s about the concepts of hard work, no pain no fame, die for your teammates, and sacrifice. Just look at the character and personality of the coaches, Tracy McGrady Chauncey Billups Kevin Garnett, Dwight Howard, Tim Duncan, and agent zero himself Gilbert Arenas. Most of them have rings some of them don’t, but all of them are recognized as being among the NBA’s elite players. All of which have already started paving their way for a place in Hall of Fame.

Lets look at the genius of this campaign from the advertising perspective. Not only have they established a small culture around the basketball brotherhood but they have given the perception that the consumer can also be apart of this elite training camp by gaining access through the website. The connection from the commercial leads to a push to the internet where players are highlighted in behind the scenes pep talks about their role in their respective brotherhoods. You’re able to view the NBA all-stars in a more personal manner. Including a segment with Dwight Howard Crankin that Soulja Boy with some youngsters.

But aside from the beautifully produced video footage they have the centerpiece of it all, the Team Signature basketball shoe displayed beautifully on the homepage. Its remarkable that Adidas has created a whole culture and community that can be self sustained on its own merit, and yet it’s really just added value to encourage people to buy the shoes. ( Welcome to the new direction of Advertising!) What truly makes this campain spectacular is that Adidas understands this segment. The mere fact that the shoes aren’t promoted every three seconds throughout the media speaks volumes to their commitment to the message. In fact the shoes are never even verbally mentioned by the players or the camp participants. Now, obviously everyone you see in the short films are sporting all Adidas appeal but there is not one time in any of the videos where the attention is drawn to the apparel and away from the camp.

The work my not receive awards from the industry but the vision of the campaign will be praised by ball players and fans alike for a very long time. The NBA Season starts next week and the Houston Rocket brotherhood will be ready to take the west!…What brotherhood do you belong to?

"The problem is never how to get new, innovative thoughts into your mind, but how to get old ones out. Every mind is a building filled with archaic furniture. Clean out a corner of your mind and creativity will instantly fill it." ~ Dee Hock

I think this quote says it all... and when you stop to think that someone could actually concept this design and then engineer the idea this beautifully...the possibilities of human design truly are endless! This Mac was conceptualized by designer and illustrator Adam Benton... A genius and "Santa Clause" to all Mac enthusiast everywhere.


http://www.gizmowatch.com/entry/eye-freezing-future-imac-concept/&h=397&w=400&sz=29&hl=en&start=2&sig2=oFzossGbCeLeQ84oug064g&tbnid=OeD9HiPcooVGpM:&tbnh=123&tbnw=124&ei=RE4VR8jsA5SOeLT92PMK&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dimac%26gbv%3D2%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG

"The Virginia Commonwealth University Adcenter, one of the leading graduate advertising programs in the country, has been named one of the world's 60 best design schools by BusinessWeek magazine.

In addition to making the list for the first time, the VCU Adcenter was featured in an article in this week’s issue, “Advertising by Design,” which cites the program for its collaborative style. “This is a tremendous honor and one that we are most appreciative of,” said Rick Boyko, director of the VCU Adcenter. “While our history is short in comparison to other programs, we have been driven to adapt to our industry and challenge our students like no other graduate advertising program in the country. We're humbled that BusinessWeek has taken notice.”

In 2005, the VCU Adcenter was named the No. 1 graduate advertising program in the country by Creativity magazine. In January, the Adcenter will move into its new home — a Clive Wilkinson-designed building that will further fuel collaboration and creativity."

http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/oct2007/id2007104_974053.htm?chan=search

I wish that I could take a little pride in our 15 mins of fame...but truth be told I had nothing to do with this accolade. Just grateful for the opportunity to be apart of the movement. But, look out for the class of 2009 next year...we surly will be on track to shake things up again!!!

Just a quick intro...this is it this is the new blog! Yeah, just a bit of an upgrade to a more contemporary style. Unfortunately I decided to leave the "Boston Life" blog behind. It was a good medium to display my own personal expressions but I think it was best served in its time over the summer. And that’s where we will leave it... a twelve part series of an exhilarating summer. And with that...Welcome to the Pristine Illumination Blog! This one will be focused more towards my experiences at the Adcenter, current events in the advertising industry, and anything else worth bloging! Hopefully there will be more frequent installments, although they unequivocally will be much shorter!

So what better place to start then with creativity! I recently heard a quote in class from Picasso that stated "As children we all were born artist, the problem is that we are educated out of it." My initial reaction was sarcastically discordant with the famous artist’s observations. But as I pondered the notion I can’t help but entertain the question could this possibly be true. Could the education system that is so highly esteemed among our society, be one in which it prides itself on killing creativity? Well, just a quick look at history of any school board in the country will show you that you don’t have to be clairvoyant to know what’s the first thing to be cut in times of financial trouble... undoubtedly it is the program for the Arts. The music program, the art budget, and the dance facilities... somewhere down the line they inherited the label of "that which is extraneous!"

So maybe ole' abstract Picasso was on to something! Perhaps creativity has been a dieing characteristics for over 70 years. Perhaps we have underestimated the significance of creativity and its place in our culture. I had a good friend once tell me that she loves to blast her music and dance her heart out...in high heels... and her underwear! So of course, I jumped on the opportunity to clown her on being a nerd! But looking back on it surely this has to be one of the most prolific displays of self-expression and creativity. Now, I like to think that I know my friends fairly well and this absolutely seems to be right down her alley. So I can only wonder why this aspect of her personality doesn't resonate in her choice of profession! Is it because we have suppressed creativity with mathematics and science... or is there just limited space for a creative mind in a business oriented world.

I personally think the problem is in the absolutes! Why does it have to be one or the other? Why is it that our jobs are reserved for work and our lives reserved for creativity? Is there a balance were innovation meets income? Can there be a fusion of commerce and creativity in the modern day world, or is that concept reserved specifically for those who seek it?

P.S.~ Piccaso's full name was "Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santísima Trinidad Clito Ruiz y Picasso" now how is that for creativty!

Alright, so for the year I have self proclaimed myself as a music critic and will be reviewing some of the best young artist and their music. The summer series is cleverly entitled "Artist Synonymous with musicianship" *(Credit for this extremely dope title is partially do to my boy Jastin) We can just call it the ASM series!

Is there any artist that is more pure than John Mayer? Surely he is one of the best singer and songwriters of our time. Aside from his numerous hits it seems that the man with the gifted melody has done it again in his latest album continuum. Although the album has been out for a year, like most of his music it has been overlooked until the perpetual hype of one song entices everyone else into his genius. Dreaming with a broken heart undoubtedly is one of the best songs of the year and should’ve just been handed a Grammy upon its release. As to why it was not the first single released I don’t know, but like the man’s music, he’s probably two steps ahead of us. The music is incomparable and the lyrics are flawless…mixed with his hypnotic voice and rhythm, there simply is no one better. Instant classic…if there were ever a song to follow the shear emotional overflow from his hit single "Daughters"…it would have to be inspired from the very artist himself, and "Dreaming with a Broken Heart" would be that song. Pure is the man’s music…unfathomable is his creative process…grateful is the world. If you have ever wondered why record labels produce CD singles, this song is your answer.

John Mayer synonymous with Pristine*

In the summer of 2000 the future voice of R&B asked the world one simple question...Who is Jill Scott? Now after three more albums, marriage, and an array of musical accolades the sultry songbird now has her fans asking the question, is there anyone in the music industry that can emulate the style and sound of the one and only Mrs. Jill Scott!

I think I'll start this review were my heart resides, and that's in her debut album the legendary, Who is Jill Scott. Like so many artist the true essence of Mrs. Scott is enlaced through out all 18 of her debute memories. Non more beautiful than the 4 track run she places within the heart of the cd, tucked brilliantly behind her amiable "Long Walk" track. She starts by first seducing her listeners with the methodical "I think its better" interlude before easing into her ode to hubby Lyzel, in "He loves me". She then continues the run with "It's love" before finishing the quartet with perhaps her most powerful song from the album "Way". The remainder of the album sparks an emotional journey through the ever expanding bounds of love, relationships, and life.

Like a fine wine this sister only seems to get better with time, and with her recent collections of collaborations she proves just how sonorous her beautiful voice truly is. The only thing better would be experiencing the queen herself live in concert, a privilege unfortunately I have not yet been able to experience. So what makes this soul diva just so special, her music timeless, and her voice so intoxicating? Maybe it's because she doesn't just sing them but actually lives through her songs, allowing her to connect with her audience through the language of soul music! Or maybe its because she truly is what her website would call " a women in touch with the rhythm of her own spirit" Anyway you look at it the women is simply a phenomenal singer,songwriter, poet and performer. If R&B ever decided to enter into courtship with Neo-soul, then Jill Scott would surly be their Musiqal Soulchild!

Jill Scott synonymous with Perennial Perfection*

In the process of switching over Boston Life material, and then I'll start with the new post!

So this is the new blog spot!