Creative Keeps

The Power of Concentration - Miyoko Shida
1 of 2 videos I am posting tonight \to share, mostly because they are phenomenal in so many ways. Also, because they are visually stunning and captivating in different ways. Miyoko is incredible. Also, the meaning behind the simple action at the end rings so true throughout life. A must see YouTube clip from a single person where the one that will appear above this is a group effort, both equally awesome.

// credit: Flixxy

Chris Swanson
Ounce, the Great & Powerful
I love James Franco. I'll start with that. Then go on to say that this is a fantastic composition with the juxtaposition of straight spring break and gays getting married/settling down. Some epic lyrics from the Lonely Island Boys and even a cameo from Ed Norton. Well played Zach Galifianakis, well played.

// credit: Pink News

Chris Swanson
Alex Minksy & The Underwear Expert
I like this guy. Following on Facebook sees him being goofy, but also honest and upfront about his sobriety and optimism. There's some shots from a new interview. Alex has been photographed by some other great photographers in the recent memory (check out the Michael Stokes shots). He's a young veteran and it's worth checking out to read about his body art, his story of dealing with alcoholism and even some questions that others might be afraid to ask about his ::cough:: personal life and having a prosthetic. Check out the full interview from the credit link, that is if you don't get stuck on the visuals below. There's something about his look. A combination of so many things – tattoos, scars, classic good looks, and the male form – beautiful.

// credit Underwear Expert









Chris Swanson
Let's Get Zesty
I have to be honest and say that I don't know if I really care how somewhat over the top these could be perceived to be, but the casting and stereotypical characteristics of the "ideal" lover makes it quite punchy and entertaining. Oh, and the fact that my eyes aren't even remotely offended by his presence, physical features or well played persona. Yeah, that might be it. And here are the spots posted below, courtesy of the Kraft YouTube page.




Chris Swanson
Previously Banned in Black & White
Previously banned (male on male cheek kissing was too much back in '95), black and white commercial for Guinness, released, and becomes internet sensation. Well duh, and especially around the time of all this LGBT news throughout our country. I can personally say that having a more stay at home partner in the house-chore sense is in by no means a bad thing! I'll probably get smacked for that, but really, these roles do take place in the real world, maybe not always to this extreme, but it would've definitely been interesting to see what happened would this have actually been released to viewers in the US 18 years ago (wait?! what?... ugh, old.), enjoy.

// credit: A Wider Bridge

Chris Swanson
Baby Elephants!
And to counteract the story posted below, I have to share Twisted Sifter's cutest baby elephant collection. I mean, how could you not LOVE these little guys?! Click their name for the full list, but below are just a couple pulled from their compilation. Oh, and you have plenty of time before my birthday to arrange for me to get one as a birthday gift...





Chris Swanson
Only For Children
I'm fascinated when technology bleeds into how Advertising develops and evolves. Originally posted on Gizmodo, this breakdown on ads about child abuse show how technology, and more specifically a lenticular layer showing different images depending on your viewing angle play into delivering very powerful and targeted message. Check out the video. It's intriguing and awesome, but sad given the subject matter. Well executed in my opinion.

Chris Swanson
#firstworldproblems
Nice social media flip on the hashtag craze by Water if Life, specifically around "first world problems".  Simple, yet powerful positioning on the things we take for granted. See more on the Adverblog post.

credit // Adverblog

I accidentally cut my grapefruit on the wrong axis #firstworldproblem”













 Sat in the front row of a movie theater and now my neck is sore. #FirstWorldProblems”

Chris Swanson
Edward Tufte
I attended a single day course from Edward Tufte at the Westin in San Francisco. In hopes of gaining some useful information around the presentation of information, visual communication and effective presentations. That I did. As well as overall just having a great experience getting out of the agency, and learning something. I love learning, and have since college only attended small events here and there.

I mean hell, it came with 4 of his illustrious books, 2 sections of time that he went through his principles  findings and teachings. While I would say 80% of what he delivered was of use to me personally, I'm hoping to bring some of what I gathered into my own freelance and future work at agencies.

It was great and below I've dropped some of the charts we looked at, a link to his site, and more. Another person's point of view (and after teaching it for 40 years) is viable. While I may not use everything he brought forth, there was some essential points that are going to be key in my assessment and creation moving forward.

Edward Tufte









Chris Swanson
Kirsty Mitchell's Wonderland
Came across a lot of people posting this series on Facebook today and had to share it. Absolutely stunning and wonderful work inspired from a woman's tragic personal loss of her mother. Showing someone who went inside themselves and their mind and brought it all to life while coping with their tragedy. This is inspiring, vibrant and an incredible series. CHeck out the shots below and her page for more of her work.

Kirsty Mitchell's Website

These are images from the Wonderland series...

















credit // Daily Mail Posting
Chris Swanson