Creative Keeps

Sold... By Peter
You may have sold me with this spot Samsung.. and more so with 'Peter', but I'm not sure I'll buy the product. Or even look into it further. Not because I don't want a tablet/phone/paperweight/handheld computer device. But because an elephant using it doesn't say much about me using it. You make me like your brand a little bit more because I am obsessed with elephants. You win points there. It's fun, whimsical and shows the ease of product features. Check. But I have a Samsung phone at the moment that I want to through into traffic more often than not, so it's hard for me to be convinced on another, larger phone-like device. This commercial won't be changing my overall opinion (which is generally pretty in favor of you), I just wanted to say thanks for this ad.

Chris Swanson
9 Eyes
Forwarded on from a coworker of mine. Some awesome shots, some startling shots and some shots that just make you stop.. and think. Check it out, let me know what you think, what you like and what you don't... and the crazy thing is, they're all found through Google's street view within their maps... wicked. 9 Eyes
Chris Swanson
Pin What? Pin It Where? Ok, I'm Addicted.
This new phenomenon that has taken the interwebs by storm... Pintrest. At first, I was like a child figuring out how the things in the world work. New sights, sounds, interaction and relation... and my first thought when coming across this new social outlet was, "pin what? pin it where? what's the point? I'm confused.." which then quickly and probably only for a limited amount of time has become, "pin it. I need to pin that... how do I get the Pin button on my taskbar? Ok, I'm addicted..".

At first glance I'm not sure where this new network will net out in the long run, but at least for now it's going to be interested to see where it goes.

And you can follow my useless pins by searching for "Christopher Swanson" on Pintrest.
Chris Swanson
Skittles Makes Me Smile... And Feel Awkward.
I love the Skittles commercials (created by DDB Chicago) and the newer spots makes me smile... and feel slightly dirty.. and well frankly like I've been visually accosted or confused.. giving me an uneasy feeling at times (and i love that). Check out the spots below... and take note on "Mentor".. it's the creepiest... reminds me of the older spot, man with a long beard, picking the skittles up with his beard then ever so delicately leading them up and into his mouth. Awkward and amazing all at the same time.

"MENTOR"


"CRANKY"


"BLEACHERS"


COMMERCIAL FLASHBACK... The Beard...
Chris Swanson
Creativity Actualized

It's been a process to get this completed... But i did it. Starting as a sentimental anniversary gift it manifested into much much more... almost a self accomplishment piece. For quite some time, outside of school, freelance or the things i create for work I've been wanting to complete a personal project. Who has time for that?! You have to make time... Abstract in nature with personal elements tied into the composition, its something I'm very proud of. Now I'm on to the next one. No rest... And since I've been blessed that others have contacted me to do some pieces for them it is only the beginning.

Oh, and before i forget. A huge thanks to the team at Canvaspop. It was my first design-to-canvas print and they worked with me to make sure it was what I envisioned. And as an artist that goes a long way.

Chris Swanson
The Ideal Heart Rate?!
Cruising the web and checking things out beyond the newsfeed on the Facebook always refreshes my perspective on design. I found this Student Spotlight on TheDieline and I am ssomewhat in love with the all around concept and execution especially.

"The name Oneighty, the ideal heart rate, gives hint to the complete turn around you can find in this nutrient-dense snack. Break the seal. Crack it open. Pour the nuts, and make a friend as you use the shell itself as a serving bowl. "

Who doesn't appreciate packaging that doubles as a methods to contain, serve and dispose of the product contained within? Well, if you don't then don't talk to me.

Chris Swanson
Evil Comes In Small Sizes
Came across this video, and honestly, not sure how I hadn't recognized Skrillex's name before, but none the less, I think this video is a visual treat. It's dark and grim. It's gritty and plays very well to the theme, tempo, and story. Don't mess with that little girl cause she's a terror!

Chris Swanson
So It's That Kind Of Party?!
I will say that I have only seen this spot twice, but there's something about it that amuses me. Is it her uppity attitude, or his dance to the LMFAO tune? ... yeah, it his dancing to the tune. Probably because there's an odd fascination with some of us over the, "wiggle wiggle, wiggle, wiggle, wiggle..YEAH!" lyric. Either way, i approve, but let's see what other situations we see the brown one in down the road.. sounds awful after re-reading it, but I stand by it.

Chris Swanson