In design there is always a risk in deciding what imagery to use in your advertising. I stumbled upon this flickr page that poses the question, “what if we went in another direction?” The site showcases a wide range of “re-worked” movie posters from the past.Coming from an art background, it was like a breath of fresh air to see a more risky approach that still holds true to the content but that is presented in a new and fresh way. I feel that B2B advertising can gain from this theory as well. Instead of always sticking to what others do, why not push the envelope and do what no one else is doing? Get that creative edge and really stand out.

What do you think? Is breaking apart from the pack too risky? What other examples really stand out to you?

There is a new digital trend on the horizon and it entails wearing goofy multi-colored glasses. No, I’m not talking about the rebirth of the enormous, thick-framed sunglasses from the 80s. I’m talking about 3D.

In 2009, we were introduced to a new way of watching movies, witnessing sporting events and even playing video games. Now, I feel we’re on the cusp of a dramatic change that will affect how people go about their everyday lives. Many major TV manufacturers, such as Samsung and LG, as well as laptop and game counsel manufacturers are already preparing for this phenomenon by developing new products that will allow users to enjoy entertainment in 3D.

So will this new trend impact advertising? You bet; full force! I can picture it now; a car company broadcasting a commercial in 3D that places consumers inside their brand new sedan as it tears down an exotic road at 75 miles an hour! Talk about breaking through the clutter and capturing attention. I almost bought a new car just writing about it!

But 3D won’t be limited to TV. Banner ads, viral videos, movie previews and even B2B marketing mediums such as trade show booths and webinars could soon be receiving an upgrade into the third dimension.

So you might as well buckle up and purchase some of those red and blue paper goggles. The 3D trend has arrived with a bang.

Do you think advertisers will start incorporating 3D into their communications in 2010? What mediums should B2B marketers focus on when advertising in 3D?

With the biggest sporting, and advertising, event of the year upon us, now is the time when viewers tune into commercials, especially when there are celebrity spokespeople backing the advertised brands.

But, there is one familiar face that won’t be present, at least for the commercials, during the big game. Although Peyton Manning will be starting for the Colts on Sunday, he won’t be spotted during commercial breaks as he frequently has been in the past. It’s not because he’s no longer one of the biggest names in football and advertising (he is still one of the most used spokespeople in ads), but because the brands he endorses, like MasterCard, Sony, DirecTV, Gatorade and Sprint, have all pulled their Super Bowl advertising spots.

Does this mean that times are changing for advertising? Are big-name advertisers no longer willing to fork over millions of dollars to run a 30-second spot during the game? Has the explosion of social media caused companies to rethink budgets and reinvest money that was traditionally directed toward advertising to other areas?

Maybe paying big bucks for ads isn’t the way to go anymore. It’s time that marketers strategize and rethink to ensure that marketing dollars are being spent wisely, getting the most bang for the buck and reaching customers.

So, what do you think? Have you seen companies redirecting advertising dollars to other areas? Are you going to miss seeing Peyton in commercials? I know I’ll miss seeing him, but I’ll still be cheering for the Colts during game time!

photo courtesy: www.flickr.com/photos/Leyinglo

Recently, while brainstorming ad concepts for a client in a conservative industry and I came up with an off-the-wall idea. Why not put ninjas in the ad? C’mon people, let’s step out! Since everything ‘has been done’ and we’re looking to make a big impact, why not do something completely crazy and generate attention for our client? After all, we’re looking to show customers that they can ‘cut through the product marketing BS’ and ‘slice their estimating time in half.’ What better way to illustrate that than branded ninjas with samurai swords and throwing stars?

Of course, my idea crashed and burned! However, in a creative environment, I think it always pays off to step out on the edge and throw out some highly unconventional ideas. Our design team leader, Ryan, always says that you have to get all the bad ideas out of the way before the good ideas come. Plus, you never know what an idea that’s way out there will spark. Perhaps it will lead to ‘the big idea.’

So, I felt pretty stupid about my ninja concept, but I still think it’s a good idea to throw out bad ideas. It stretches your creative muscles and, you never know, you may stumble on some good creative in the process.

Do you have an example of a crazy idea that you’ve presented in a brainstorming session? Are you a fan of ninjas? Do you believe in unrestrained creative expression?