Hasta La Creative!

With Mad Men gearing up for its second season, the high-stakes world of advertising is sexier than ever, and you don’t have to work in the industry to wonder “Was the hey-day of Madison Avenue REALLY like that???”

Changing perceptions about the men and women behind some of American pop culture’s most enduring slogans— “Does she … or doesn’t she?,” “I Want My MTV,” “Where’s the beef?,” “Just Do It,” to name a few— is the goal of “The Real Men and Women of Madison Avenue – and Their Impact on American Culture,” a new exhibition opening on June 24 through September 26, 2008 at The New York Public Library’s Science, Industry and Business Library.

Co-curated by The One Club’s CEO Mary Warlick and journalist Ann Cooper, the exhibition takes an unflinching look at the lives and work of the real heroes and heroines of Madison Avenue— those brilliant copywriters and creative directors who shaped the hopes and dreams of Americans on a daily basis over the past eighty years.

From former spy David Ogilvy to scrappy street fighter George Lois to the tough, hardworking women like Mary Wells, Phyllis Robinson and Shirley Polykoff who held their own in the famously male world of 1950s Madison Avenue, you’ll leave wondering if Mad Men’s Don Draper could have even survived the Creative Revolution, let alone led it.

Exhibition on view June 24 to September 26, 2008

read more

Comedian Mo Rocca brings banking to the people in a series of exclusive web videos that feature “Mo on Banking” for Bank of America. Known for his unique “man on the street” interviews, Mo is out and about in New York City, finding out how others handle their finances. Check out the videos and more about Mo Rocca’s crusade for banking at: bankofamerica.com/mobanking.

The folks at ideasonideas talk with Kevin Saatchi of Saatchi & Saatchi. In the article he talks candidly about the threat that traditional agencies are facing as well as the overall change the industry is seeing. Read about it here.

Don’t miss out. One Show Festival Week kicks off next week – May 5-9 in New York City. Learn more about the week’s eventshere and here. Don’t miss the One Show Design award ceremony on Tuesday, May 6, the One Show Awards on Wednesday, May 7 and the Interactive One Show awards on Friday, May 9th.

Porn filmed in Japanese McDonald’s? I’m rubbin’ it! See some crazy Nippon McDonald’s ads or I’d Hit It and sexy burger ads frrom the US. Maybe they were just following the lead set by these ads…

The Chicago Tribune reports that Red Bull has been suing nightclubs for not serving their brand when someone orders a Red Bull and vodka drink. The mystery-shopper tactics and lawsuits show the lengths to which popular consumer brands will go to protect their trademarks.

The folks at Cake Group have just put the finishing touches to Pro Plus’ new interactive site, www.dont-miss-out.co.uk.

Users get a chance to win tickets to V Festival 2008. The site uses interactive games, similar to Guitar Hero, to test the focus and concentration of it’s players. The site itself is very colourful, bright and keeping with the feel of festival and hopes to push Pro Plus’ brand image towards something younger and cooler. The campaign is to last just over 6 weeks and in that time hopes to significantly raise brand and product awareness amongst the 18 – 30 demographic.

read more