Advertisements have to be creative. After all, it’s their job to not only grab your attention, but motivate you to do something (generally to spend your money). That creative nature means that ads often feature some of the most interesting photographs, photomanipulations, and illustrations available. Here are my top picks for the best ads of Autumn 2009.
Text on ad: Now that’s an eau de toilette
There’s something not only solemn, but majestic, in the beauty of church architecture. Russian churches are some of the most beautiful in the world, as you’ll discover in this photostream. It features Russian churches, both those currently in-use and those long since abandoned.
Some Church in Russian Village
The Church in Usinks, Komi Republic, Russia
Stroganovskaya Church in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
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Credit: BigStockPhoto.com
We like famous people way too much. Think about it. We’ve got whole magazines like People and Entertainment Weekly dedicated to celebrity news. We’ve got Entertainment Tonight running daily on TV. Then we’ve got blogs about celebrities. Those are even nastier because they update instantly and reach a huge number of people, feeding our habit pretty much 24/7. With that, plus the usual gossip, I guarantee the latest celebrity dirt will find its way to you somehow. I wouldn’t be surprised if Kellogg’s were to print a celebrity maze on the back of Frosted Flakes. It could be called “Will Bennifer Ever Get Back Together?” — a maze that can’t be solved.
Credit: BigStockPhoto.com
But do you know what? In spite of this fascination with celebrities, this desire to find out what they’re up to 24 hours a day, well, I just can’t agree with most of it.
Why? Let’s analyze this for a minute. As I’ve said before, we like famous people too much. When someone does something big and exciting, we put them on a pedestal and elevate them above “normal” people (like us). What happens when a new actor stars in a popular movie? Bam! Instant hero worship. Magazines print articles about him. He gets interviewed on Regis and Kelly. General Mills lets him fight the guy on the Wheaties box. (more…)
There’s something about a well-drawn portrait that can be irresistible. They capture a single moment, giving us a (albeit artificial and somewhat “manufactured”) look into someone’s soul — maybe a celebrity we’ll never see in person, someone who’s passed, or just an average Joe. It doesn’t matter if the portrait is black and white or colored. It doesn’t matter if the drawing is done digitally or by hand. What matters is that they capture a real human essence in the art. The portrait drawings below show you several artists’ styles. Which do you find most appealing?
Website: www.behance.net/TSAbe
Credit: BigStockPhoto.com
I would be the worst lawyer / doctor / general / deity ever.
That’s the conclusion I reach whenever I play simulation games. You know — games where you pretend you’re in a certain role and manage the lives of others. In these games you can save lives as a doctor, micromanage a family, run a diner… you can even rule over entire planets if you want (although let’s face it — some people aren’t fit enough to run Planet Smoothie).
While you may be able to play these games, I can’t. That’s because I always choke. I get so involved with the characters that I don’t want to let them down. For me it transcends the fictional context. I have to protect these people. I have to win. If I don’t I’ve failed them, and I’ve also failed as a human being.
So naturally, when everything’s on the line my gaming skills are like, “You know, I have this sudden urge to gamble. Let’s go to Vegas. Right now.” (more…)
When I was small I saw some paintings in my grandma’s house. They were pretty typical — reproductions of paintings of some famous artists. It’s not that I didn’t like them, but only now do I truly understand how many talented artists are really out there. I can find something that’s dear to my heart and I don’t have to buy a painting just because the original artist is famous. There are more options available to us. The surreal and strange paintings here in this collection help us visualize something beyond what we consider “normal” — they allow us to imagine alternate realities, dreams, and even nightmares. The artists use different techniques and mediums, and some of the works rather remind me of illustrations or 3D graphic design work. Still, I love the diversity and I hope you will enjoy them as well.
Website: www.ifrancis.co.uk
Website: www.caseyweldon.com
Dads. They’re like superheroes in the eyes of young children. Their father makes them feel safe, helps to take care of the family, can lift them high above their heads, and can seem to make the world’s problems go away. Enjoy this photostream showcasing some adorable kids with their very own daddy dearests.
