Archive for April, 2009

Trafalgar Square Karaoke: T-Mobile


I turned up at the event to find lines of people queuing up for a microphone (which I found out later that they were in fact just props), nevertheless they added a social element to the event when perfect strangers started singing into them together. It added to the already ecstatic atmosphere.

Anyway, after arriving I shortly received my mobile broadband (on which I’m currently using) then had a look around.

It was incredible, the sheer scale of it all, the masses of people fitting into any nook they could the camera crews propped on top of the buildings, the crane cameras scouring the crowds. It was definitely an experience.

Things started to get under-way, starting with a brief prep talk from the presenter of the event, Mr Vernon Kay, then the songs started. Hey Jude, Hit Me Baby One More Time, Summer Nights, Build Me Up Buttercup, Turn Around… then all of a sudden, superstar Pink unhooded herself from within the crowd and started singing along, and then onto one of her songs. Needless to say the crowd went absolutely crazy, and we all sung Hey Jude again, in which the ending (na na na na, heeeyy Juuudee) got repeated several times lasting around 6 minutes, which got quite tedious to be honest, but the relief of that song finishing and everyone cheering was spectacular. I’ve never experienced so many different types of people in such mass all excitedly happy it’s what I’d imagine world peace to be like.

I filmed the main parts of the event and have chopped it up into a 6 minute video and hopefully you’ll get some idea of what it was like.

Overall, the event was a massive success so kudos to the guys at Saatchi & Saatchi and everyone who helped in the organisation and execution of this event. The official advert airs Saturday during the ad breaks of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’.

Here’s my footage of the event.

*UPDATE – 1st MAY*

Here is some ‘early’ footage from T-Mobile.

*UPDATE 2nd MAY*

I’m very happy to say, that I am in the television advert, and also in the video posted below at around 3:27.

Encourage Breast Feeding As A Healthy Option.


That’s the brief of the day (yesterday). Again with my partner Caroline we had to not only create an advertisement but we also had to write our own brief. Interesting. We had to (as the title suggests) come up with an advert (we chose to do a poster) that would encourage mothers to breast feed instead of bottle feed.

One option which we tried but avoided was to do down the ‘give em the facts’ route, but decided against it with a simplistic poster. The reason it’s so simple is because the main place of this advertisement would be in a train station, and of course train users just don’t have the time to read a paragraph, more like just a glimpse on the move.

We tried out a few ideas on paper and settled on one after a lot of mind changing.

Before I show the final piece I’ll show you the photo I took (which, for the record, is not Caroline), then after the photo after minor editing in photoshop, then the poster after all edits had been made and copy was added.

Original Photograph

Original Photograph

 

Black & white cut out - Subtle edits in photoshop.

Black & white cut out - Subtle edits in photoshop.

 

The Final Piece

The Final Piece

 

If you have any questions or want me to make a tutorial, you know what to do.

Good/Bad Typography.


Good typography is invisible / Bad typography is everywhere.

The Truth About Typography.

The Truth About Typography.

Found at Graphic Exchange

Letterpress Business Cards


These are lush. I think letterpress on business cards looks so good, especially on plain black and white ones.

Before being cut.

Before being cut.

Proofing

Proofing

Final Cards

Final Cards

Brilliant.

Brilliant.

Found at Graphic Exchange and Beat Pieces

New T-Mobile Campaign @ Trafalgar Square!


Ok, I’ve been speaking to one of the guy’s that brought us the T-Mobile dance and it’s been confirmed that the next event is being held in Trafalgar Square, this Thursday the 30th of April, at around 6-7pm.

This should be fun. I’ve been informed that it’s going to be another Mass surprise but as to what it is, I have not a clue.

It’s a free for all event so anyone’s invited. I’m going to go, film some of it and post it up on here. It should be quite interesting.

Here’s the (dramatical) trailer for the event.

Ode To The Cheese Grater. (T-Mobile Dance)


I received an email the other day from MediaCom thanking me for blogging their Liverpool Street dance video that they made for T-Mobile on my other website TheCheeseGrater.co.uk.

In return for doing this I’ve been invited to the unknown event that they are next holding, and another plus, because I wrote about them on my blog, they are giving me a weeks free mobile broadband to blog about the next event.

I love the unexpected surprises that life has to offer, it’s what makes the world go round (that and money obvs).

If you have been living under a rock, in the back of a caved in hole, on mars, and haven’t seen the T-Mobile Dance video, then view it below.

I also found the rehearsals prior to this event, which is quite interesting. Very short video.

Curriculum Vitae


So, being a student and nearing the end of my first year of university, I have an inkling that I’m going to need a summer job. Esspecially if I’m to go on a summer holiday and pay off my overdraft before next year.

I looked at my CV and it didn’t really appeal to me anymore – It seemed boring. A standard 2 page CV with information on it, had a nice simple layout, however it just wasn’t what I wanted to send out.

After a few hours deciding on what I wanted, I put it together in Indesign with the aid of photoshop and have created an “interactive” PDF CV.

Obviously I would have to submit it here so you can have a crack at it and see what it’s like. So I will. Obviously without the references and I wouldn’t want to divulge their personal information without their permission.

Download it here: CV 25/04/09

Things are on the up.


I haven’t wrote anything for a few days so thought I’d just write a little update on what’s going on.

Easter, as always was good. Lots of chocolate and obviously the rebirth of Christ. Funny thing is though, even atheists celebrate it, and Christmas! Cheeky.

Now, every so often I like to keep check of various internet orientated statistics such as website visitors and YouTube videos.

With that in mind, I checked out how many views I’ve accumulated on my Photoshop YouTube videos, a couple of hundred on each (no biggy), but for about a week my Thin to Fat video rapidly shot up close to 800 views (not much compared to other videos, but nevertheless, I’m happy).

Then I looked at my unique visitor count on various websites I have. Again, the numbers are on the rise. This blog for example, over 2 months has doubled in unique views! A nice steady climb which will hopefully persist.

A thank you is in order for you guys for reading. Thank you!

Anyway, this leaves me contemplating on making a few more Photoshop videos, maybe make it my ‘thing’ on YouTube. Good idea?

TomTom Advert


An advert idea I had for TomTom (or any other sat nav).

The idea behind this is that there are A LOT of stories you hear about people driving into bushes, through parks, even almost off the edge of a cliff (The Sun claims).

So… Time to break the stereotype and show everyone that with a sat nav you can get wherever you’re going the right way (and it’s not so messy).

Please note: This is not my footage, I’ve cut certain bit’s I’ve found of the net into place just to get the idea across as opposed to filming it first then deciding I want something different.

The end result is pretty much the idea I had in mind, however if I had full control, I would of filmed it somewhat differently and used some more effective art direction in terms of the ‘lost vehicle’, but for what I was working with, I don’t think it’s turned out half bad.

Here’s the clip.

Children’s Book


Well. Today I’ve decided to have a go at writing a children’s book. Why not?

Thought it’d be fun so I’ve just started putting a script together, then all I have to do is set it out all nicely, get some illustrations on the go and talk to some independent (and possibly chain stores) about stocking my book. Which would be nice.

Seeing as I’ve recently bought a camcorder, I’ve titled the book – The little boy and his camera.

Watch this space.

*UPDATE*

Well… I’ve blasted out whatever was in my head. All that’s left is to proof read it, possibly dumb it down further for younger audiences,  illustrate it and viola! Then I can get onto the cheeky adult version (use your imagination for that one). This is what I have so far:

The little boy and his camera.

Once upon a picture there was a little boy.
A little boy who had a camera. He was so excited he decided to take some pictures.
“What can I take a picture of?” The little boy thought.
So, he went outside into the garden and saw a beautiful little dove.
*SNAP*
“What a wonderful picture I have taken! Thank you little dove” He said.
“You’re welcome” She replied.
“Would you like to help me take pictures?” The little boy asked.
“That would be great!” tweeted Dove with excitement.
The little boy, his camera and Dove started to explore.
“Ribbit.”
*SNAP*
“Wh-wha-what was that?!” Screamed the frog.
“I’m sorry mister frog, that was the flash of my camera. It’s very dark in these bushes” the little boy uttered.
“Would you like to help me take pictures mister frog?”
“I would be honored” Croaked Mister Frog.
So the little boy, his camera, Dove and Mister Frog continued to explore.
What wonders will they find in the garden?
*SNAP*
“What are they?” Dove said.
“They’re flies!” Mister Frog said eagerly. “I like flies!”.
“Well that’s good. Let’s invite them along too” said the little boy.
As they followed the little boy around the garden Mister Frog was startled!
*SNAP*
“Ahhhh! What’s that!?” Thundered Mister Frog.
“That’s a worm!” Squawked Dove. “I LOVE worms”
“They can come too then” the little boy stated.
So the little boy, his camera, Dove, Mister Frog, and the Worm explored the garden.
*SNAP*
“Squeeeek!” Shrieked Mouse “What have you got there?”
“It’s my camera, Mouse” said the little boy.
“Amazing. Can I join your gang?” the mouse asked.
“Of course you can” said the little boy.
So, the little boy, his camera, Dove, Mister Frog, and Mouse all continued to explore.
I wonder what else they’ll see in the garden?

Then, all of a sudden, right before the little boy went in for dinner he turned around and asked, “Hey, where have the others gone?”

“Burp”

Do you know where they went?

-

There we have it folks. All in around an hour. Obviously there is more work to be done, but a nice little start. Next stop Hollywood!

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