HSN Hires 360i as Network Looks to Drive More Digital Demand


HSN, known as Home Shopping Network until 2000, has named 360i its digital agency of record as the brand looks to drive more demand on digital and mobile channels.

The RPF process was “extensive” and started with seven agencies, which were narrowed down to five, said Ryan Ross, exec VP-marketing and digital commerce at HSN. Mr. Ross said 360i stood out in the pitch because of its “innovation and abilities to shift the dynamic landscape within retail.”

Razorfish previously worked on the digital business. Representatives from Razorfish were not immediately available for comment.

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Jose Cuervo Says 'Tomorrow Is Overrated' in Brand Campaign Out of CP&B


Screw the future.

That’s the premise of Jose Cuervo’s new brand campaign out of Crispin Porter & Bogusky Los Angeles, its first after reteaming with the agency last year. On Sunday, the tequila giant debuted a blockbuster ad directed by Rattling Stick’s Ringan Ledwidge showing the patrons of a local bar awaiting the end of days: a tornado blusters through the town, carrying papers and people with it, while a newscaster announces that civilization’s demise is nigh.

As the rest of the world runs for their lives, the bar-goers make the most of theirs. The bartender pours shots of Cuervo, a man plays Elvis Presley’s “It’s Now or Never” on the jukebox and couples tango while destruction around them ensues. The neon logo and tagline read : “Cuervo — Tomorrow Is Overrated.”

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Your SXSW Survival Guide: Festival Pros on What to Wear, Eat, See and Do


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Top 100 Tech Ideas in March – From Transactional Smart Mirrors to Autonomous Retail Robots (TOPLIST)

(TrendHunter.com) From smart mirrors that allow customers to make in-store purchases to autonomous customer service robots, it is clear that new technology is dramatically altering the face of retail.

On the one hand,…

The Magic of 5G: Faster Web, Less Wire and Innovative Plays for Marketers


Telecoms like AT&T and Verizon will deliver 5G to select cities in the U.S. this year using fixed wireless technology, giving consumers a taste of multi-gigabit internet speeds at home.

In perhaps the biggest effort, Verizon plans to bring 5G fixed wireless to 11 major cities by midyear. AT&T aims to deliver it to DirectTV subscribers in Austin, Texas. Each claims that its individual wireless tech can reach velocities several times faster than Google’s high-speed Fiber network.

Empowering consumers with multi-gigabit speeds will let them stream video in 4K or download movies in just a few seconds. In the future, moreover, fixed wireless might bring high-speed internet access to the 34 million Americans in sparsely populated areas who still don’t have broadband today, opening a new segment for marketers to reach. Those two possibilities alone could upend traditional internet providers and also give marketers an opportunity to try new, innovative ideas with consumers like social VR or interactive video.

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Why 5G Will Make Smartphones the Least Interesting Thing in Mobile


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The March on Austin: Washington Casts a Shadow on SXSW


The South by Southwest Interactive Festival promises to have a very different tone than last year, when then-President Obama was warmly welcomed for a keynote presentation on civic engagement in the 21st century. For the creators, marketers and entrepreneurs descending this weekend on Austin, Texas, politics in the wake of President Trump will surely be top of mind, perhaps even overshadowing some of the innovation in virtual reality and artificial intelligence. Instead of undermining the value for marketers eager to enlist technology in their work, however, the dynamic might highlight connections that are increasingly important to recognize.

“Rather than a piece of technology or launch of a new app, this year’s conference will really be about the way all the things happening in politics are being threaded through what everyone does,” said David Grant, president of PopSugar Studios, the video unit at publisher PopSugar. “While in the past typically the focus is on a few new toys to play with, this year it is about how do these new toys affect journalism access and the ability to distinguish between real and fake news?”

From New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker’s opening keynote to a panel on sexual harassment and gender bias in the advertising industry, social impact and civic activism will be a running theme throughout the music, film and entertainment confab.

Continue reading at AdAge.com

Jose Cuervo Says 'Tomorrow Is Overrated' in Brand Campaign Out of CP&B


Screw the future.

That’s the premise of Jose Cuervo’s new brand campaign out of Crispin Porter & Bogusky Los Angeles, its first after reteaming with the agency last year. On Sunday, the tequila giant debuted a blockbuster ad directed by Rattling Stick’s Ringan Ledwidge showing the patrons of a local bar awaiting the end of days: a tornado blusters through the town, carrying papers and people with it, while a newscaster announces that civilization’s demise is nigh.

As the rest of the world runs for their lives, the bar-goers make the most of theirs. The bartender pours shots of Cuervo, a man plays Elvis Presley’s “It’s Now or Never” on the jukebox and couples tango while destruction around them ensues. The neon logo and tagline read : “Cuervo — Tomorrow Is Overrated.”

Continue reading at AdAge.com

Are Florals and Block Heels Enough to Reverse Sliding Sales at JC Penney?


Not immune to the malaise facing department stores, JC Penney is turning to spring style to revive sales. On Monday, the Plano, Texas-based chain will debut a spring-focused marketing campaign that centers around style for both apparel and the home. The new work introduces “Priced to Buy, Guaranteed to Love,” phrasing that will continue to be used with the retailer’s year-old tagline “Get Your Penney’s Worth” throughout the remainder of the year.

Though the chain returned to profitability last year, JC Penney saw same-store sales fall 0.7% in the crucial fourth-quarter holiday period. Net sales fell 0.9% to $3.96 billion. To reverse the slide, JC Penney plans to close as much as 14% of its store fleet, or 140 of its more than 1,000 stores. The list of closures will be announced later this month. In the months ahead, JC Penney plans to expand its new categories like toys and appliances, while continuing to focus on growing demand for footwear and plus-size.

The latter category will be included in the forthcoming effort, which will reinforce messaging around all body shapes and sizes, said Sheeba Philip, VP-marketing, strategy and communications.

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These Are the Players in 5G — and Here's How They Can Win


The who’s who of 5G are an alliance of global powers acting as both friend and foe.

They include operators like Verizon, T-Mobile parent Deutsche Telekom and AT&T; vendors such as Ericsson, Nokia, Huawei, Samsung and ZTE, which build the tech that would deploy 5G; and chipset manufacturers like Intel and Qualcomm, whose processors power things like smartphones and autonomous cars.

Big money to be made on new equipment and services provides a big reason for the companies to team up. “Right now, we are in this pre-standard phase which is always a little bit like the wild west,” said Helena Norrman, chief marketing officer at Ericsson. “Standards sometimes may not be equally good for companies because some companies can make more money if they make their own, depending on which businesses they’re pursuing.”

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Your SXSW Survival Guide: Festival Pros on What to Wear, Eat, See and Do


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How Halo Top Is Conquering the Ice Cream Biz — Without Ads


“We can’t keep Halo Top on shelves, whether it’s in L.A., New York or Wyoming,” said founder and CEO Justin Woolverton. His product, labeled as light ice cream and as a good source of protein, is sweetened with erythritol, organic cane sugar and organic stevia. Vanilla Bean, Halo Top’s best-selling flavor, contains 60 calories and 6 grams of protein per half-cup serving. The same size serving of Hagen-Dazs has 270 calories and 4 grams of protein.

Eat the whole Halo Top pint? That’s OK. It’s a relatively guilt-free 240 calories. In fact, some varieties come with instructions reading “Stop when you get to the bottom.”

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Top 100 Mobile Trends in March – From Bluetooth Bus Tickets to University-Approved Relaxation Apps (TOPLIST)

(TrendHunter.com) Many of the products, services and more that are included in these March 2017 mobile trends make life easier for consumers. Whether it’s hopping on a busy bus or finding a nearby pub to let…

Aalhad Bhake : In A Chat With A Graphic Designer

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A few lines from Third person: The only way to describe this guy is the word “Metalhead”. Its pretty evident from his appearance that how much he love Metal music as the 80% of the time you see he is wearing black tshirts with prints of his favourite bands. He is a great person with a nice sense of humour. An explorer of various different skills. Thats him.
A little about yourself (along with your photo):
I am a Computer Science Engineer, now a to be designer pursuing Information Arts & Information Design Practices from Srishti, Bengaluru. Heavy Metal music is my daily drug. I do play a little bit of guitar and also Tabla.  I enjoy watching TV series, Hollywood movies, Rockumentaries etc. and the only anime that I love is DBZ. Apart from that I am a big foodie and I love to cook.
Why are you an Illustrator?
Illustrating or designing stuff are one of the ways to unleash your critical thinking and apply it to create a visual form. Initially when I was a kid, I had a book in which I used to draw only Dragon Ball Z and Pokemon characters. It used to make me feel happy and satisfied just replicating that exact form myself. That feeling has driven me till where I am now and whatever I design or illustrate is nothing but the product of my satisfaction.
Did you attend school for fine art or design?
No. I am Computer Science Engineer from New Horizon College of Engineering, Bengaluru.
You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
Well, I try incorporate different styles according to the need of the project having referenced and inspired from various works of extraordinary artists. I am still unsure of any specific style that I possess.
Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
My grandmother is a brilliant artist and a painter. I guess I get the creative genes from there. Apart from that the only role models I could look up to were on the Television in Media and Cartoon. So, whatever appealed to me became my role model.
Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
No one I would say. I have been in the process of learning since day one and I still am. Every mentor, friend or critic that I have come across till date has influenced and helped my work become for what it is.
What made you decide to become a freelance illustrator? When did you start freelancing? Do you illustrate for advertising?
I am not a freelancer. I am a fresher in the design community struggling to make my way through with some big goals in mind.
Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
Illustrations and digital art is very in these days. Companies and Startups want their brand to look the best. And the only way to showcase that, is visually. Its a survival of the fittest out there. This graphic and visual hunger of every startup or company has opened wide doors for graphic designers which is a great thing. Hopefully our future won’t be jobless.
Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
Apart from laziness nothing has been a hurdle. I can never think to quit illustrating. It is my only escape to not end up as a Software Engineer like most of my Engineering friends.
 
Have you considered turning your illustrations into toys?
Nope. Never.
Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
I admire the works of Gaurav Basu(Acid Toad), Munz TDT and Reuben Bhattacharya(Visual Amnesia). Since I am more into Metal music so I like to follow their work.
Do you have any favorite fellow illustrators or resources relating to your fields?
Adhemas Batista, Daniel Nyari, Christopher Lovell, Pzychopart and Mark Riddick would be my current top 5.
You have such a wide experience as a top working professional. What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals? Would you advise them to take on Illustration as a career option? Is it paying well enough?
Well, I am yet to discover that myself if it is paying well or not. But, I have really high hopes it will, as I feel I got into this field right on time. Given that I am having this interview as a fresher with not much experience is an achievement in itself for me. For my aspiring juniors I would just say that, if your work is good, people will appreciate it and if it is not then work for it to get better. Though failure is an important teacher, it should not be a setback. Finally, never compromise on QUALITY.
Whats your dream project?
I am already pursuing it as we speak. I have just finished shooting and interviewing phase for my upcoming rockumentary “Progenies of a Counterculture” which will be addressing the past and present scenario of the Heavy metal subculture in India and also will be an awareness tool for those who are oblivious or have misconceptions regarding this bizarre form of music. I released a teaser poster for the same a day ago. Do check it out below!
Mac or PC?
PC. Though I have worked on Mac but I am a windows person from childhood so PC has been convenient. Actually, I am just waiting for my future company to gift me a Mac coz I do not plan on spending a single buck for that expensive stuff.
Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Any person who is hungry to spend endlessly on food and would like my company.
What’s on your iPod?
My description says it all. I have a huge playlist of heavy, death, groove and technical death metal bands such as Metallica, Godsmack, Behemoth, Lamb of God, Mesuggah, Gojira etc. But I also listen to a variety of different music in various languages as well.
Whats your Twitter Handle?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptIMNvoyk68&feature=youtu.be

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How Saatchi NY’s New Leadership Plans to Live Up to 'Nothing is Impossible'

Category: Beyond Madison Avenue
Summary: When Andrea Diquez and Javier Campopiano took on their respective roles as chief executive and chief creative officer of Saatchi & Saatchi New York last summer, things at the agency weren’t exactly smooth sailing. The Publicis shop was about to lose its longtime General Mills account, former chief executive Brent Smart and chief creative officer Jay Benjamin had both left the agency to pursue other opportunities…

Can Agencies In Blue States Relate To Shoppers In Trump’s America?

Do the coastal elites who work in Manhattan and L.A. ad agencies truly understand what motivates the people in the middle of the nation to buy hamburgers, life insurance policies, and pickup trucks? Clearly, the best of them do. Carl’s Jr., for instance, runs sexist ads made by award-winning creatives from 72andsunny in Southern California. […]

The post Can Agencies In Blue States Relate To Shoppers In Trump’s America? appeared first on AdPulp.

Advertising: Virtual Reality Leads Marketers Down a Tricky Path

Done right, interactive videos can be a big hit with consumers. But high costs and fickle audiences can make them risky.

Casting a Literary Lens on Women and Power

To honor Women’s History Month, 10 books about women who got things done.

Time Inc. Plots a Future Beyond Its Heyday, as Suitors Line Up

Is a new chief executive’s zeal enough to save an empire that once propelled the national conversation but has been struggling for relevance in the digital era?

Top 100 Branding Trends in March – From Hybrid Coconut Milks to Bartender-Friendly Bottles (TOPLIST)

(TrendHunter.com) The top March 2017 branding ideas put a specific focus on hybrids and unique fusions of products. This can be seen in items like churro donuts, cereal-oatmeals, hybrid coconut milks and carbonated…