Everything Else.
Meet our three newbies.
We’re so happy to tell everyone that we’ve got some new hard working kids here at Crowley Webb. Matthew McCarthy is now our production coordinator. Matt earned an associate’s degree from Champlain College in Burlington, VT, and a bachelor’s in … Continue reading
Tagged with Crowley Webb, hires, Laura McFeely, Maria Toro, Matt McCarthy
Get real, people.
It seems like more and more advertisers are foregoing the expensive celebrity endorsement and have started using “real” people in their ads. The idea is that these common folk are more relatable and believable than sports stars or a Kardashian. I … Continue reading
Tagged with commercials, Febreeze, Ford, real
I heart Shops at Target
Who doesn’t love Target? Or as some would call it, Targé. It’s a one-stop-shop for everything from a gallon of milk to that last minute birthday card (which reminds me…), a new summer sundress to that vacuum filter you’ve been … Continue reading
Tagged with Target, The Shops at Target
Funny or dye.
Has there ever been a finer trifecta of awesomeness? Funny or Die, ‘80s movie references, and soft, silky hair! Yes! Pantene is brining back some of its discontinued products and in honor of this “Back by Popular Demand” campaign, the company … Continue reading
Tagged with '80s, Funny or Die, Pantene
Mom’s the word.
I crank out a couple of kids and, boom! Suddenly I’m a member of marketing’s most lucrative demographic: the working mother. I’m referred to as a “Mom,” always. Now with super purchasing powers. I’d be flattered if it didn’t make me … Continue reading
Tagged with demographic, marketing, moms, mothers, working
Wake wins web award.
We were recently informed that Crowley Webb was recognized by the Web Marketing Association at their 2012 Internet Advertising Competition Awards for The Wake 2011 website. The Wake is an annual fundraiser for the Irish Classical Theatre Company. The awards honor excellence in … Continue reading
Tagged with Internet Advertising Competition, Irish Classical Theatre Company, The Wake, Web Marketing Association
Project Re:Brief. Advertising re-imagined.
Google has launched Project Re:Brief, an initiative that re-imagines iconic advertising for the digital age. They partnered with four global brands, Coca Cola, Volvo, Alka-Seltzer, and Avis, and a group of ad legends to take the decades-old ideas to the web and … Continue reading
Tagged with Google, Project Re:Brief
These ads are really keen.
Newsweek’s Mad Men-themed issue features retro-style ads in honor of the season premier this Sunday. From typography to grapics to color, the ads are spot-on in transporting readers back to a time of seamed stockings and three-martini lunches (which, in … Continue reading
Tagged with advertisements, Mad Men, Newsweek, retro
Schmeliciouz.
I’m not originally from Buffalo, so I didn’t grow up with all the wonderful things this area has to offer. Namely, delicious fast food. Yes, as shocking is it may sound, I somehow survived the first 22 years of my … Continue reading
Tagged with commercials, Sheetz
OOH, that’s not pretty.
At risk for foreclosure on your mortgage? Turn your house into the neighborhood billboard. The company Brainiacs from Mars will pay up to one year’s mortgage for any homeowners who allow them to advertise on their property. Fancy a nine-foot-tall … Continue reading
Tagged with Braniacs from Mars, out of home
Pinterest sparks creativity.
It is invitation only, unless you want to wait months for your formal invitation from the creator. Pinterest: it’s a virtual pinboard that lets you organize and share interesting things you find on the web. You can browse other people’s … Continue reading
Tagged with creative, pinterest
25 years. 25 hours. A million thanks to e3communications!
Anniversaries can be important to a company and its employees, but often go unnoticed by the outside world. We wanted to make sure that didn’t happen to Crowley Webb. Our mission was simple – celebrate our 25th anniversary with a memorable … Continue reading
Tagged with Business First, Community Beer Works, Crowley Webb, E3 Communications, Triad Recycle, Twenty-Five Hour Workday, You and Who
Twenty-Five Hour Workday in 3, 2, 1 go!
1/27, 10:04 am: You and Who liked the campaign! And we couldn’t be happier. Or tired-er. What an amazing opportunity for us at Crowley Webb to really know what we’re capable of when given a mission and a deadline. The folks … Continue reading
Tagged with Crowley Webb, Twenty-Five Hour Workday, You and Who
Hello, my name is Moisés Chiullan, and I’m a cleaner.
Moisés Chiullan is the guy who took over marketing and sales for game product manufacturer N-Control from the now defunct Ocean Marketing. He’s been assigned the Herculean task of cleaning up N-Controls’ former PR representative, Paul Christoforo’s, customer service debacle, and … Continue reading
Tagged with Avenger, Chiullan, Christoforo, N-Control, Ocean Marketing, Penny Arcade, Reddit
Souped up.
It was a hot and steamy Friday night at the Crowley Webb office. The air was thick with intrigue and onions. Something big was cooking, all right, and I was determined to find out what it was – even if … Continue reading
Tagged with competition, Crowley Webb, soup-off
Tuning out.
Do you have a pair of friends who are dating each other? It’s usually pretty cool. Until they get into a fight. Then it’s terrible, especially when they drag you into their little squabble. They make you listen to their … Continue reading
Tagged with cable, MSG Network, Sabres, Time Warner
I wanna be, I wanna be like Tim?
If you follow the NFL, or have a pulse for that matter, you’ve probably noticed that most American sports fans have fallen under the enchanting spell and electrifying play of the once controversial Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow. Coming into … Continue reading
Tagged with Air Jordan, Broncos, Denver, God, Nike, Tebow
“Believing” in engagement.
The Macy’s brand has been synonymous with the holiday season since 1924, the year of the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Over the past three years, Macy’s has continued its holiday marketing with its “Believe” advertising campaign, inspired by a … Continue reading
Tagged with Believe, Christmas, Macy's, Make a Wish Foundation
Skip the media one-day sales.
Call me a skeptic. Call me strategic, research driven, and client focused. Just last week I received an email from “Good Buys Media” an online, flash-sale company selling – get this – advertising space for me to buy on behalf … Continue reading
M&T Bank Chairman named Banker of the Year.
American Banker, the most trusted source for news on the banking and financial services industry since 1835, named M&T Bank Chairman Mr. Robert G. Wilmers the 2011 Banker of the Year. Kudos to you, Mr. Wilmers – and the entire … Continue reading
Tagged with American Banker, M&T Bank, Robert Wilmers
Right on Target.
A gift card is often regarded as a cop-out—a present you give when you can’t think of anything better. But Target’s new Bullseye Flyer gift card is a gift actually worth getting excited about. This creative contraption, designed by artist … Continue reading
17 days left to vote!
On Monday we opened voting for the three finalists for our Twenty-Five Hour Workday contest; Triad Recycling and Energy, You and Who, and Community Beer Works and, boy! The response has been amazing. A veritable frenzy of voting. As of this morning, … Continue reading
Tagged with contest, Twenty-Five Hour Workday, vote
Responsible advertising.
The recent sex abuse scandal at Penn State has us shaking our collective heads in disgust. We ask how Penn State officials and coaches could have let such horrific events happen for so long. We wonder what possesses a man … Continue reading
Tagged with Arendt, Dakota Fanning, Eichmann, exploitation, Joe Paterno, Oh Lola, Penn State
Selling the land of the free.
Being that it’s Veterans Day and all, here’s something that never really occurred to me – our country is a brand. I don’t know why this came as such a surprise. After all, everything else is a brand these days. Colleges. … Continue reading
Tagged with DiscoverUSA
The “Moneyball” of marketing?
In Brad Pitt’s latest box-office venture, he plays Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland A’s. Beane uses sabermetrics, a type of statistical analysis that places more emphasis on a player’s contributions to his team’s success than sexy numbers … Continue reading
Tagged with marketing, moneyball, sabermetrics
You must cease your trucking.
As the food truck debate rolls on here in Western New York, I can’t help but be utterly aggravated by the issue. On one side you have a set of spunky, upstart entrepreneurs (any of whom would be perfect candidates … Continue reading
Tagged with Buffalo, food truck, Lloyd
Let’s roll.
At Crowley Webb, we love any chance to show off our athletic abilities and have fun with our clients. Tuesday afternoon was filled with strikes, spares, and even a few gutter balls as we joined M&T Bank folks for a … Continue reading
Tagged with bobblehead, bowling, M&T Bank
Hey there, sponsorship deals.
Pop culture quiz. Remember the song “Hey there, Delilah” by the Plain White Ts, circa 2007? Well, did you know that it was inspired by a real-life Delilah? Maybe you did, smarty-pants. But I bet you didn’t know that she’s … Continue reading
Tagged with Delilah DiCrescanzo, Puma, running, sponsorship
Sales in the toilet?
Yes, for those of you who still remember your high school Spanish, “Mano a Mano in El Baño” does mean “hand to hand in the bathroom.” More specifically, it refers to the duel between once-upon-a-time heartthrob Fabio and the Old … Continue reading
Tagged with Fabio, Isaiah Mustafa, Mano a Mano, Old Spice
Think about this.
We are thinking this is pretty cool today. Google has created an online magazine, Think Quarterly. The first U.S. issue focuses on innovation. “In 2003, a total of five exabytes of data existed. Now we generate that every two days. We are, literally, … Continue reading
Tagged with Google, Think Quarterly
Don’t-look-down-there wear fuels debate.
My husband keeps a copy of the United States Constitution in his car, and he reads it at red lights. Sure, he’s a lawyer, but there’s still no excuse for this level of nerdiness. Jabs at the hubby aside, I … Continue reading
Tagged with First Amendment, security, TSA, underwear
Social media marketing: spending v. ROI.
This article by Fiona Swerdlow, head of research at shop.org, reports on a survey conducted to ascertain whether the money spent on social marketing strategies is recovered in sales. The answer: kind of. Retailers did not find Facebook or other social media sites particularly effective … Continue reading
Tagged with Facebook, marketing, social media
Commercial firsts.
We, as Americans and advertisers, have a pretty significant celebration coming up in July. I know, you’re thinking “Duh, the 4th of July…” but as Americans and advertisers we have something maybe even more exciting to celebrate. Seventy years ago, on July … Continue reading
Tagged with Bulova, commercial, FCC
Movie phone.
Here is a beautiful short film, shot entirely on a Nokia N8 mobile phone. Incredible. Splitscreen: A Love Story was the winning entry in the 2011 Nokia Shorts competition. I’m always a sucker for the split screen effect, and here … Continue reading
Tagged with film, JW Griffiths, Nokia, shorts, splitscreen
Dot-anything.
It’s “the most significant change to the Internet, really, since it was created,” says Peter Dengate Thrush, the person behind said change. Do we have you hooked yet? Good. The organization that oversees Web addresses, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names … Continue reading
Tagged with domain name, internet, suffix, web
This is why we can’t have nice things, internet.
Halfway through writing this article, I started feeling slightly gluttonous since it’s my second consecutive entry that defends a fast food chain. But here we go. One of my guilty pleasures is reading the featured stories on Yahoo.com. Don’t judge me. By … Continue reading
Tagged with internet, McDonald's, rumor, Yahoo!
USPS has it their way.
Here’s my question – do lawyers at major brands get a bonus if they exceed a litigation quota? A sue-mission, if you will? Because that’s my only explanation for this. The United States Postal Service has sued Burger King for negatively portraying mail … Continue reading
Tagged with Burger King, commercials, USPS
Please make it stop.
About a month or so ago I saw this commercial for AT&T. I liked it. I liked it a lot. Saw it again, liked it again. Then I saw it three more times during some of my favorite shows that same … Continue reading
Tagged with ATT, commercial, flash mob
Shoemaker seeing red.
If you’re like me, tottering around on 3.5-inch stiletto heels, and you love fashion, you undoubtedly are aware of – or maybe are even fortunate enough to own – Christian Louboutin shoes.
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Tagged with branding, design, Louboutin, shoes
It may not get better than this.
If you haven’t heard of the It Gets Better Project, it’s an effort started by a man named Dan Savage in response to tragedies involving gay teens who were bullied into suicide. Well, I hadn’t heard of it until I … Continue reading
Tagged with Dan Savage, Google, It gets better
Things that disappointed me this week.
Let’s have a pity party.
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Tagged with arnold schwarzenegger, end of the world, sun
Beer TV.
Who knows, maybe Bud can make your dreams come true.
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Tagged with beer, Budweiser, social media, TV
The poop on animal ads.
Are advertisers barking up the right tree when it comes to branding with critters?
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Tagged with animal, brand, dog
You now have zero connections.
This is social media Darwinism all over again.
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Tagged with cloud, Erin Haskell, HP, media, social media
HD caffeine.
Brite will take care of the cup, coffee, and distribution by providing the sleeves to your geo-targeted selection of its network of more than 7,000 cafes.
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Tagged with advertising, coffee, digital, media, TV, video
Colorful ideas.
It seems like lately I have been noticing the name Pantone being advertised more – and not just for the color books we designers know and love
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Tagged with design, Pantone, PMS
When you’re here, you’re family?
The Olive Garden was recently outed in the press when an anonymous manager posted a statement revealing that their “Culinary Institute of Tuscany” is not a private chef school, but rather a hotel that the company rents in the off-season
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Tagged with culinary, olive garden, public relations
Pay to say.
Slovakia Erects Country-Wide Paywall Charging for commenting? I don’t think so. What do you think? Feel “free” to comment.
Google’s +1 share feature.
Google recently released their newest addition to Google search experience, the +1 share feature. It is essentially the “like” button for Google search results or, as the Google’s blog puts it, the digital shorthand for “this is pretty cool.
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Tagged with +1, Google, search results, social media
PSAs have come a long way, baby.
It’s Wednesday night. You’re watching reruns of The Office. Life is good. Then it happens – the public service announcement. Sure, they’re usually promoting a good organization or cause. But Michael Scott’s ineptitude isn’t as hilarious when you feel guilty … Continue reading
Tagged with commercials, PSAs
Awesome FB Fan Pages.
Inc. put together a list of 20 Awesome Facebook Fan Pages chosen from nominations by entrepreneurs, social media experts, editors, and Facebook.
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Tagged with Facebook, fans, Inc., social media
I love Franklin Gothic.
There’s a great article in the latest issue of Communication Arts about fonts, and which ones are favored by famous designers. There seems to be two schools of thought. Those who love the classics — Helvetica, Garamond, Bodoni — and … Continue reading
Tagged with design, font, Franklin Gothic
Manage your social media.
When your business has a presence on Facebook (and it must have a presence on Facebook), you need to be savvy about managing your (potential) customers’ experience.
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Tagged with Facebook, presence, social media
This just in: your URL is too long.
Last night I saw a TV spot for overstock.com, which told me I could now find them at O.co. Which I suppose makes them nine characters more convenient. And that little move will probably net them a few million more … Continue reading
It’s beginning to look a lot like tax day!
I don’t know about you, but around the Low household, April 15 is eerily similar to that most jolly of holidays our nation celebrates at the end of December. We spend the weeks leading up to this special day preparing … Continue reading
Tagged with commercials, taxes
This is too easy.
The story of an arson case in Iowa City has been spreading around the internet like, well, wild fire. It started when police released a sketch of a potential witness to the crime. And it just so happens to slightly … Continue reading
Tagged with arson, caveman, Geico
Media Party math!
It’s time to party, media-style. So grab your calculators, kids – we’re going to do some Twittermath! According to Forbes, as of January 2011, there are nearly 200 million registered Twitter accounts tweeting about 110 million tweets per day. So, what happens … Continue reading
Tagged with statistics, Twitter
I think I’ll rent 8 Mile tonight.
Let’s face it, it’s Wednesday now and everyone’s over talking about Super Bowl commercials. So I’ll spare you my in-depth opinions on the creative merit of this year’s lineup. Instead let’s talk celebrity endorsements for a moment. There’s something I … Continue reading
Tagged with commercials, Eminem, Superbowl
I feel like an ad nerd during a Super Bowl timeout.
Just last night, forty or so Buffalo advertising professionals ventured out into the February nastiness to keep the Super Bowl magic alive and discuss, what else, the ads. The Buffalo Ad Club held its second annual Uber Bowl with superstar … Continue reading
Tagged with Buffalo Ad Club, Uber Bowl
Weathermen = great marketers.
Let me start by saying, yes, I know weather prognosticators get a lot of flak. The accuracy of their work is always in question. They’re the butt of countless jokes. All in all, it’s not the most glamorous profession (though … Continue reading
Tagged with Buffalo, snow, weather
I can’t wait for the Super Bowl (to be over).
Sunday family day? I’m not sure I remember what that is. What used to be an early-to-rise, out to breakfast, visit family and friends with the kiddos kind of day, has now become a wonderful 12-hour stretch with demands that often … Continue reading
This just in: Fast food is bad for you.
You might want to sit down for this one – your Taco Bell taco may not be authentic Mexican food after all. Actually, it’s debatable whether it’s considered “food” period. From the useless information section of the news comes the … Continue reading
Tagged with fast food, lawsuit, meat
Friday Frivolity: Peeing is fun again.
Sorry ladies, this one’s just for fun-loving guys with full bladders. From the country that brought both genders the grass toilet seat comes – wait for it – urinal video games. Ah, what a time to be alive. That is, if … Continue reading
Tagged with urnials, video games
Great news! (If you’re hot.)
I saw this article from Psychology Today posted on Facebook this morning. In case you don’t like to read, let me break it down for you – basically it says that attractive people are smarter than their ugly counterparts. I … Continue reading
Tagged with attractive, psychology, smart, ugly
Configuring your welding machine? Now there’s an app for that.
Move over, Shazam. Take a hike, Bejeweled. There’s a new smartphone application on the market, and it’s about to take the world by storm. Well, at least the welding world. We’re super excited to announce the release of a new … Continue reading
And that’s why Nike is Nike.
They say it’s not whether you win or lose – it’s how you play the game. Well, in that case, Nike came out of the college football national championship game brilliantly triumphant. No, their swoosh-clad Oregon Ducks didn’t raise the … Continue reading
Burned into our brains?
Did BMW pull this one to impact a crowd of moviegoers or to generate a buzz afterward (which we’re now contributing to)? You decide.
Tagged with BMW
All the cool kids are doing it.
This morning, Lady Gaga posted this on her Facebook: “Lady Gaga is dead. I will sacrifice my digital life to fight HIV/AIDS. No more updates little monsters until we buy life.” Her post then directed me here. Talk about a … Continue reading
Tagged with AIDS, HIV, Lady Gaga
Thanks again, Thanksgiving.
Since reading our blog is the highlight of most people’s lives, I’m sure you all remember last year I complied a list of the things I was most thankful for. Well, Thanksgiving is back, and so is my list. Sure, … Continue reading
Tagged with Thanksgiving
Who’s the crazy here?
a. The wide-eyed, cackling Target Black Friday lady, who puts herself through various ridiculous training sessions while wearing questionably fitting garb to ensure she’s ready to “win” at the Target 2-day sale this coming weekend. b. Target, which is clearly … Continue reading
Tagged with black Friday, Target
Take it down a notch, Activision.
I’m in a quandary, blog readers. I can’t decide how I feel about this commercial for Call of Duty: Black Ops. On one hand, it’s one of the most creative spots I’ve seen for a videogame (usually they show a few … Continue reading
Tagged with Activision, Black Ops, Call of Duty, video game
I don’t know if I’m impressed or appalled.
So I was skimming through the latest issue of Ad Age, when I saw this ad for Kleenex. Excuse me, I mean Kleenex® Brand Tissue. According to a quick glance at Ad Age’s rate chart, that puppy cost them roughly … Continue reading
Tagged with branding, Kleenex, registered trademark
Stuff I like.
The reason I haven’t written on here in half a year is because I’ve been saving all these goodies for the spectacular post that is about to be. So here are some random things I’ve stumbled across lately that you may … Continue reading
Tagged with Brut, LeBron James, Nike, Skittles
The most ridiculous thing I saw over the weekend.
Walgreens is suing Wegmans. Really? Come on.
Tagged with Walgreens, Wegmans
Snookie and Rob Blagojevich as model spokespeople? Awesome Idea? Worst Idea Ever? You decide!
Paramount Farms, makers of POM and Teleflora, recently announced they’re going to use quasi-celebs Snookie (of Jersey Shore fame) and Rob Blagojevich (of Illinois political scandal fame) to promote their pistachios. I can only imagine the decision process to come up with … Continue reading
Tagged with Blagojevich, pistachios, Snookie
High def equals higher recall.
Interesting article about the permeation (and lack there of in certain categories) of high definition TV commercials. Check it out.
Tagged with high definition, TV
When theater of the mind goes horribly wrong.
I’ll admit it – it would be awesome to have OnStar in my car. And I’ve always thought their radio commercials were pretty good. You know the ones – where they use “real life” subscribers calling in to the service for … Continue reading
Tagged with OnStar
My how times have changed.
Anyone else click through Google’s logo tribute to the Flintstones last week? Among all the goodies, I stumbled upon this – which almost seems likes an ad from another planet. Or just the 60s.
Tagged with Flintsones, Google
Cool bus wrap.
Found this yesterday. Pretty cool, huh?
Our thoughts are with you.
Today we were all saddened to hear of the tragic events of last night. It is almost unimaginable to think there were people shot down right at our place of business, in front of the doors we have passed countless … Continue reading
Tagged with City Grill
Oh, Google, you sly foxes.
Did you hear the big news? Google is changing the way advertisements appear in Google Images. (Gasp!) It’s true. The new format allows advertisers to include a thumbnail image along with text. Sure, Facebook already does the same thing with … Continue reading
Tagged with Google
Nice job, copywriter.
I saw this billboard for McDonald’s Premium Roast Coffee on my way to work today. It made me smile.
Tagged with billboard, McDonald's
Colonel Mustard in the kitchen with the plate.
An account of actual events, as told by the investigator. It was a dark and rainy Tuesday in the office. (It may or may not have been raining, but it sounds more interesting this way.) There was an ominous smell of coffee … Continue reading
Tagged with pizza
I smell a winner.
Scented billboards? How cool is that?
Tagged with scented billboards
What a mess.
Check out the paid search ad that shows up when you Google “oil spill.” Not surprisingly, it’s prompting a lot of discussion about ethics in paid search advertising. And when you consider this along with BP allowing their twitter account @BP_America (5,700 followers) to … Continue reading
Tagged with BP, oil spill, Twitter
This commercial hits a little too close to home.
While The Home Depot is unsuccessfully instructing me to turn up something called a “Doing dial” (sorry, HD, I have that baby set to the low setting), Lowe’s really hit the nail on the head with their latest TV spot. … Continue reading
Tagged with Home Depot, Lowe's
I wonder what the Real Housewives of New Jersey are up to.
I remember last year while talking with a coworker, I discovered she and her husband didn’t have cable. I couldn’t believe it. How could someone live without TV? I honestly couldn’t comprehend such a life. No shows about rich people. … Continue reading
Tagged with television
Found: Some awesome Target spots.
Whether you loved, hated, or completely ignored the incredibly hyped-to-the-point-of-exhaustion (even for people way into the show, like me) Lost finale, there was one clear winner last night: Target. Now here’s a brand fully taking advantage of a large, captive … Continue reading
Tagged with Lost finale, Target
Media Party! With Jessica and Erin.
Is anyone else jonesing for some Facebook? Turns out we’re not the only ones.
Tagged with advertising, Facebook, media, social, Twitter, web, Web/Tech, Weblogs
No need for fancy?
Apparently “visually interesting” wasn’t a requirement for Seattle’s Best new logo. Why would it be? While I don’t find the mark offensive, I think that a brand of such magnitude could have whipped-out something a bit more enticing. But who asked me? Check … Continue reading
Tagged with advertising, logo design, Seattle's Best
The show that crashed into the mysterious island that is my heart.
Flashback: It’s 2004, and I’m at my parents’ house in Pennsylvania. My mom switched on some TV show I’ve never heard of. Sure, I’ll give it a shot. That lasted about 15 minutes, when a smoke monster chased the characters … Continue reading
Tagged with advertising, Blog, Crowley Webb, Lost TV Show
I wish I were kidding.
Thinking about getting a divorce because your spouse farts in bed? It’s okay, I’m sure it’s crossed every normal married couple’s mind. But not so fast, it’s nothing the Better Marriage Blanket can’t fix. Forget counseling or any of that … Continue reading
Tagged with advertising, Better Marriage Blanket, Blog, Crowley Webb, Flatulence, Infomercial, Snuggie
Bubble Wrap makes some noise.
I heard about this the other day and found it funny. In response to the New York Yankees’ recent rash of injuries, Bubble Wrap® sent a little present to a healthy Derek Jeter, along with a letter. Yanks took two … Continue reading
Tagged with advertising, Baseball, Blog, Bubble Wrap, Crowley Webb, Derek Jeter, Yankees
Everybody should be excited about this.
Being the thorough Account Executive that I am, I have Google Alerts set for all my clients. So if they’re ever in the news, I’m immediately in the know. Imagine my surprise when my email inbox exploded Tuesday with alerts … Continue reading
Tagged with advertising, Blog, Crowley Webb, electronic medical records, Google Alerts, Healthcare, HEALTHeLINK, social media monitoring
The country’s most popular black couple?
I was in Chicago last week judging the Mature Marketing Awards, a competition that recognizes the best in marketing to seniors. Crowley Webb has developed a niche in senior living branding and advertising, working with retirement communities across the country. … Continue reading
Tagged with advertising, Blog, branding, Crowley Webb, Crowley Webb Sr., Mature Marketing Awards, Senior Living
The greatest thing since sliced bread: unbread.
Throughout history, human evolution has been fueled by innovation and progress. Someone invents something. Then someone else takes it and makes it better. The Model T was great, but can you imagine driving one around today? Or how about using … Continue reading
Tagged with double down, KFC, sandwich
Media Party! With Jessica and Erin.
We love social media and the potential it offers to develop strong consumer relationships. Many companies are onboard with the social movement, and are using it to build positive brand awareness and address negative feedback. Nestle was recently under fire … Continue reading
Tagged with Greenpeace, Nestle, social media
Here’s why this year’s ADDYs was such a hoot.
1. A 175-year-old law firm and a used car lot were competing for the same prize. Only in advertising, folks. 2. M&T’s very own Bob Moody was honored with the David I. Levy Award. 3. Matt didn’t wear jeans. 4. We … Continue reading
Tagged with ADDY, David I. Levy Communicator of the Year
Media Party! With Jessica and Erin.
With our Praxis Risk Campaign, we tell people to be less risky. This Diesel campaign does the exact opposite, encouraging people to “Be Stupid.” Good call, Diesel.
You have a nice smile. For a dog.
Plain and simple, my dog is the most important living thing in my house with four legs. So any advertising directed at dog owners automatically piques my interest. And the new Pedigree Dentastix campaign not only made me laugh, but … Continue reading
Tagged with banner ad, dentastix, dogs
Media Party! With Jessica and Erin.
MediaPost recently announced that they are teaming up with Knowledge Networks to put together a “Faces of Social Media” long-term tracking study to provide a consumer-centric view of social media’s affect on 30 key product categories. For some, this may … Continue reading
Tagged with data, social media
I wish my parents were this cool.
Can we all forget about Toyota’s little problem for a minute and appreciate their current campaign for the Sienna minivan? Awesome, thanks. Perhaps you’ve seen one of the commercials? Well there’s endless goodness on their YouTube channel that you must … Continue reading
Tagged with commercials, Toyota
Ted is Gaughan.
Every spring, the Irish Classical Theatre Company pays tribute to the passing of a fictitious character at their annual fundraiser, The Wake. And every year, we are fortunate enough to help them bring the character, and the event, to life. … Continue reading
Tagged with Irish Classical Theatre Company, The Wake
I like what I do.
Just last night, the Ad Club of Buffalo treated its members to a captivating little film about our very own business. No, it wasn’t 1990’s Crazy People. It was the aptly named Art & Copy. The award-winning film features such … Continue reading
Tagged with Art & Copy, David Kennedy, Hal Riney, Jeff Goodby
See you later, Super-Cautious Man.
If you know me, then you know I’m notorious for my risk-taking, high-flying antics. I once fought a 7-foot bear in the Ukraine (after jumping out of a helicopter) and I didn’t even spill a drip of espresso on myself. … Continue reading
Tagged with dangerously, fun
So I was going to give up Facebook for Lent.
I’m not Catholic. But I dig God, so I thought I’d give up something for Lent anyway. And not just anything, something I would actually miss. Alcohol was the obvious choice. And while I think I could do it, I … Continue reading
Nothing defines the Olympic spirit like freaking out five-year-olds.
Ah, the Olympics. Every two years you show up to take over our hearts and televisions. You unite the world in camaraderie. You entertain us with your athletic feats. You inspire us with your tear jerking stories. And you scare … Continue reading
Advertising junkies unite.
For those of us in advertising, the Super Bowl is a special day that comes once a year and is jammed-packed with expensive commercials that more than likely have been in the planning stages since last year’s Super Bowl. In honor … Continue reading
Tagged with Doritos, e-trade, Google, Snickers, Super Bowl
Here today, here tomorrow.
We recently celebrated one of our associates being with the company for 20 years. (Congratulations, John Fletcher.) When we hauled out the cake and began to celebrate, it dawned on me. We have a ton of people who have been with Crowley … Continue reading
Tagged with Crowley Webb
A sign of the times.
Did anyone else have a hard time watching the Super Bowl this weekend? Usually when I watch TV, I tend to use the breaks in between my shows to be productive (i.e., go to the bathroom, text a friend, grab … Continue reading
Tagged with Super Bowl
Romanians love the Crowley Webb.
When we set up the contact form on our website, we expected it to be used by those seeking work, as well as those seeking to give us work. Little did we know it would also be used by fans … Continue reading
Tagged with Crowley Webb, website
Pictures, pints, and interesting people.
As an art director, I have the pleasure of working with talented photographers all over the country. Whether it’s for a campaign or a series of jobs, I’ve found you can learn a lot of interesting things just by spending … Continue reading
Tagged with Cameron Davidson, Haiti, photography
Play nice, Verizon and AT&T.
In one corner, you have people with maps over their heads. In the other, Luke Wilson. Yes, I’m trying to make sense of it as well. It’s the latest in the wireless wars waged between Verizon and AT&T. Each is spending their fair … Continue reading
Tagged with 3G, ATT, iPhone, Verizon
An open letter to anyone watching Super Bowl XLIV in the same room as me:
I’d like to start by saying I hope you’re having a wonderful day. Now let’s get down to business. I don’t know who told you it was okay to plan your family vacation during the commercial breaks, but it’s not. … Continue reading
Tagged with commercials, Super Bowl
A little bloggerly advice.
Like an elite athlete in training, we here at Crowley Webb are constantly honing our blogging skills. We do grammar curls. Headline crunches. Then finish it off with a wit-flavored protein shake. Ahh, feel the linguistic burn! And we do … Continue reading
Yay! I do have a heart!
The Olympics are coming. And right after the Super Bowl I’ll give a crap. Now if you know me, you know sappy really isn’t my thing. I like raunchy. I like funny. I like random. Kittens roaming in a sunflower patch … Continue reading
Tagged with commercials, crying, Olympics, Visa
What a time to be alive.
With the advent of On Demand TV, Netflix beamed straight to our sets, YouTube, Hulu, and network websites streaming primetime shows, I can’t help but think we’re all getting just a bit spoiled. It occurred to me Sunday when my … Continue reading
Tagged with DVR, Hulu, Netflix, On demand
People love lists VI: 16 notions more ridiculous about the movie Teen Wolf than a high schooler becoming a werewolf.
1. A 24-year-old Michael J. Fox as a high schooler. 2. That blonde girl being interested in Michael J. Fox’s character only when he’s a wolf. 3. That brunette girl being interested in him at all. 4. Anyone who’s 5′ 4″ playing on … Continue reading
Tagged with lists, Michael J. Fox, Teen Wolf
2009: The year of the Snuggie.
It’s been a dandy 365 days here in Crowley Webb blogville. We laughed. We cried (hopefully from laughing so hard). And we fell madly in love with blankets with sleeves. So sayonara, 2009. And 2010 – you have some mighty big shoes to … Continue reading
Tagged with Snuggie
Facebook being useful to society. It’s a Christmas miracle!
This morning, I hopped on the old FB for my daily dose of mundane information. What’sHerFace set a high-score in Bejeweled Blitz? Terrific. KidIBarelyKnow is now a fan of “Not being on fire.” Good for him. But wait, what’s this … Continue reading
Tagged with Facebook, soldiers, thanks
The constant struggle 3.
I’ve kept this one in for way too long. On which planet exactly is this “Olive Garden” located? Certainly it’s not of our world, what with a multitude of bizarre humanoids patronizing – and endlessly raving about – what seems to be a … Continue reading
Tagged with olive garden
The poor decade without a name.
As I sit here and digest the last bit of turkey from last week’s feast, I’m realizing what I always do this time of year – the year is almost over. But what I didn’t realize right away – and still sort … Continue reading
Folgers. Not fresh.
Even if you’re like me and don’t remember the original Folgers “Peter Comes Home” Christmas commercial from 1982, a quick look at YouTube will show you it is far superior to this season’s remake. I would love to have been in the … Continue reading
Tagged with commercials, Folgers, Peter
No, thank you, Thanksgiving.
In honor of the holiday, I decided to compile a list of all the things for which I’m most thankful. They’re kind of in order. 1. Paul Posluszny’s neck 2. TLC no longer funding Jon Gosselin’s Ed Hardy obsession 3. Seltzer … Continue reading
Tagged with Paul Posluszny, Thanksgiving
Tuesday is the new Monday.
Hi. Remember me? Sorry I haven’t come around lately, but rest assured, I’ve missed you too. So here’s the thing, Best Thing I Found On A Monday, is, well, no longer. (People who are disappointed besides Mike Gluck: 1.5.) I … Continue reading
Tagged with Monday
stopforeclosurewny.org is where the heart is.
While moving is most often an exciting and happy event, this isn’t the case for those being forced from their homes. And with unemployment as bad as it is today, more and more people are facing foreclosure. Those affected are scared, angry, and … Continue reading
Tagged with Crowley Webb, stopforeclosure.org
The constant struggle.
Here’s a clever notion for all you Frankenstein’s monster’s plastic head manufacturers with product on your hands that you just can’t seem to move. Package each with a pair of hands and market the set as lawn decorations – you know, as if … Continue reading
Tagged with decorations, Halloween
Prepare to have your mind blown, put back together, and blown again.
Here it is, kids. The holy grail of local, low budget, high insanity television spots. I present to you, George’s Appliance of lovely Niagara Falls, USA. I highly recommend “The Truck,” “BREAKING NEWS: Close Encounter,” and “Stellar Delivery.” (The frazzled lady’s delivery of … Continue reading
Tagged with George's Appliance, Niagara Falls
Jeans are cool.
So I was haunted by this spot when it appeared on my television a few weeks back. The raw imagery coupled with the jarring soundtrack makes it nothing less than a gripping piece of art. Then, right at the end, I found out … Continue reading
Tagged with commercials, jeans, Levis, Walt Whitman
Now, this is a serious case of the Mondays.
We’ve all had awful, terrible, no-good days at work. Maybe you left your delicious peanut butter and jelly sandwich on whole wheat bread sitting on the kitchen counter. Maybe the printer decided to become an evil genius hell-bent on making … Continue reading
Tagged with 911, house fire, Monday
As it turns out, bears will eat mannequins.
Has anyone else seen this insane show? Has anyone else been completely unable to turn the channel not just because it’s mesmerizing to see a wild animal attack a dummy but also because there’s that glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe the … Continue reading
Tagged with bears, Discovery, mannequins
Going old school.
Superstar. Hero. Legend. All words used to describe Mr. Thurman Thomas. Well, at Crowley Webb, we’ve added “super nice guy” to that list after we had the opportunity to work with him this summer. Thurman’s carrying the ball for M&T … Continue reading
Tagged with Buffalo Bills, Joe DeLamielleure, M&T Bank, Thurman Thomas
Having fun with furniture.
A few years ago, we had the bright idea to give our office a facelift. Since interior design isn’t quite in our repertoire, we called on the experts at Prentice Office Environments. And if you’ve been to the fourth floor … Continue reading
Tagged with Officeworks, Prentice
Winner, winner, chicken dinner.
What do juice, muscles, and lots of green grass have in common? Well, we’ll be learning a whole lot more about each due to our recent new business wins. Crowley Webb has added three new clients to our roster – … Continue reading
Tagged with Cliffstar, Olmsted, Sports PT
Best Thing I Found on a Monday.
For this special MNF edition of BTIFOAM, the only thing I’m going to share with you is my new pet peeve. Well, actually, it’s not new at all, but for the purpose of this sounding newsworthy, we’re just going to … Continue reading
Tagged with apparel, Buffalo Bills, jerseys
Save money. Laugh at other people.
Wal-Mart is such a wonderful, magical place. It provides the masses with everyday low prices (where else can you dive head-first into a bin of $5 DVDs you’ve never heard of?). It offers smaller businesses a little friendly competition. But … Continue reading
Meet Matt Bush.
So as it turns out, this fine young thespian’s ability isn’t limited to arguing with his mother about rollover minutes and sharing exasperated looks with her. Oh, no. This rising star’s repertoire also includes shots to the groin, flipping the bird, urinating on … Continue reading
Tagged with Adventureland, ATT, Matt Bush
Best thing I found this summer.
What’s awesome and just steps from the Crowley Webb office? No, it’s not the Main Place Mall. Coca-Cola Field, the home of your Buffalo Bisons, is right outside our door. And I have to say, attending a game is one … Continue reading
Tagged with Baseball, Buffalo Bisons, MLB
Oh, Kwikset.
So I was watching SportsCenter while eating breakfast and checking email (so, clearly, I was totally engaged) and this commercial catches my eye and ear. It features simple animation to illustrate a simple point. I dug it. Or so I thought. Here, let’s … Continue reading
Tagged with Kwikset, SportsCenter
Best Thing I Found On A Monday.
Today’s edition: neat business cards. Thanks, random blog.
Tagged with business cards, design
Someone’s excited about his new iPhone.
Check out Matt’s reaction.
Tagged with happy dance, iPhone, Matt Low
The most amazingly obnoxious website ever.
It’s residueisevil.com, and yes it is the most obnoxious website to ever grace the almighty internet. Don’t believe me? Check it out for yourself. I particularly like the awful song that only gets louder when you try to pause it. But why is it … Continue reading
Tagged with obnoxious, residueisevil, website
Best Thing I Found On A Monday.
Since he did help me land my first job as a copywriter, I suppose I owe my former SU professor, Kevin Mann, a favor of sorts. And, well, this is it. You see, K. Mann is trying to win a walk-on … Continue reading
Tagged with Kevin Mann, Mad Men, SU
Now your puppy can look as ridiculous as you!
Just when I thought I was over my infomercial crush, this happens. The Snuggie for Dogs. I think someone’s been reading my diary. On one hand, this is a match made in marketing heaven. Dog owners are crazy (I should know, I’m one … Continue reading
Tagged with dogs, fur, Snuggie
Best Thing I Found On A Monday.
Mad Men yourself.
They’re all golfing by now.
Sure, the Stanley Cup playoffs are but a distant, aggravating memory by now. However, I just had to share this delightful ad campaign I recently came across. Ah, the old hockey cliché of sending the other team to the links … Continue reading
Tagged with golf, hockey, Stanley Cup
Cheer up, Buffalo.
OK, so summer hasn’t really been a yacht ride in the Hamptons for us here in Buffalo. But, on the bright side (ha!), it’s made me consider all the things that are worse than it only being sunny from 3–3:15 … Continue reading
Best Thing I Found On A Monday.
I have three today. And the day off. Look at me. 1. A little lesson in creativity. 2. Tonight at 10, people. Tonight at 10. 3. “In these tough times, wring it back into the glass and it’s ready to drink all over.”
Tagged with Ad Age, creativity, Smart Mop, Terrell Owens
No smoking.
So during that fateful summer between 7th and 8th grade, I was standing outside a local convenient store waiting with a friend for his little brother to come out. He did. Running. Carrying a carton of Marlboro Mediums he had swiped from the … Continue reading
Tagged with cigarettes, drink, quitting
Best Thing I Found On A Monday.
I kind of love this commercial.
Tagged with Lance Armstrong, Nike
I guess I’m done eating.
So I consider myself to be a fairly healthy eater. I mean, I almost never eat fast food (discounting Mighty Taco every other month) and we don’t buy prefab meals. Of course, I still eat the occasional chip. But, for … Continue reading
Tagged with farmers markets, Food, Inc., meat
I wish I could stop chewing on pens.
If you’ve worked with me, or have ever been in the same room with me and a writing utensil, you know my ability to destroy a pen is unparalleled. I go through like five a day, often leaving their chewed … Continue reading
Tagged with chew toys, oral fixation, pens
There is nothing special about this blog entry.
Today, I found a website dedicated to life’s most mundane moments. I thought it would make me feel better about myself. It did. www.mylifeisaverage.com
Tagged with mylifeisaverage.com
Best Thing I Found On A Monday.
I don’t really have anything cool to share today. And I’m lazy. So instead I thought we could mix things up and talk about my weekend. Ha. So I went to Cleveland for a couple days. Really on a whim, … Continue reading
Tagged with Cedar Point, Cleveland, Indians
Best Thing I Found On A Monday.
Somebody please kill me. Just beat me over the head with this God forsaken piece of nonsense. I don’t know if I’m more upset that there’s now a stick to assist in wiping your butt, or the fact that I’m … Continue reading
Tagged with America, comfort wipe
I’m sure no one else gives a crap about this.
I don’t know if this commercial for Alamo really plays every time I turn the TV on, or if it’s just because it bugs me so much that I notice every time it’s on, but either way I wish someone … Continue reading
Tagged with Alamo
I have very sophisticated taste in television shows.
People embarrassing themselves for money. Commentary chockfull of innuendos and bad puns. The token hot chick. When you think about it, what’s not to love about ABC’s game show Wipeout? I mean, nothing screams class like participants taking on “The … Continue reading
Tagged with ABC, Extreme Elimination Challenge, Wipeout
Not only does he have terrible credit, he is apparently out of a job.
It seems as though the geniuses at freecreditreport.com have finally retired the singing ne’er-do-well. Lucky for us, they’ve replaced him with a furniture-ruining, child-attacking, carpet-staining number mutant. Wonderful.
Tagged with commercials, freecreditreport.com
Best Thing I Found On A Monday.
Over the weekend, I saw GM’s new “reinvention” commercial. They filed for bankruptcy protection just last week, so I figured we’d see something in the way of advertising soon enough. I’ve heard/read a lot of people criticize the fact that … Continue reading
Tagged with bankruptcy, commercials, GM, TV
Corporate Challenge proving to be anything but.
It was one of those blisteringly cold January afternoons when the snow was falling for what seemed like the 108th consecutive day and most average people found even walking to their car a harrowing experience. But what we’re learning around Crowley Webb … Continue reading
Tagged with Chris Muldoon, Corporate Challenge, winning
Reality outgrosses theory once again.
While Muldoon is busy running, the rest of American is doing stuff like this. Posting this seemed like a good idea since Liz blogged about the site and I blogged about the Domino’s abomination. “Seemed” being the operative word, as … Continue reading
Tagged with bread bowl, Dominos, pasta, vomit
It’s the most aerobically taxing time of the year.
Happy National Running Day, blog readers. What, you forgot to get me something? Don’t worry, running is the gift that keeps on giving. And makes you sweaty. One individual that should be barred from the festivities is James Coleman. Why … Continue reading
Tagged with National Running Day, Ron Burgundy
Meet the obnoxious talking automobiles. (Again.)
Some might say I have an irrational, unhealthy dislike for the talking Volkswagen ads. A hatred, if you will. I mean, to be fair, this is the third time I’ve blogged about it. But seriously, I can’t help myself. And, … Continue reading
Tagged with Volkswagen
Strange shirtless men invade the 190.
I’ve been intent on writing a blog about this Sherkston billboard for some time now. About how it’s utterly perplexing. I mean, seriously, look at that thing. Can someone possibly explain this monstrosity to me? Is it a challenge of some sort? As if, … Continue reading
Tagged with billboard, Defiance, Sherkston
Maybe boring isn’t all bad.
I found an interesting article regarding blandness and CEOs. Check it out.
Everybody loves a good crazy-person rant.
Remember how awesome Saturday mornings were as a kid? No school, pancake breakfasts, and of course, hours upon hours of cartoons. Once you grow up though, the first day of the weekend loses some of its luster. For some reason, … Continue reading
Tagged with crazy, Kenmore, rant, Steam
Domino’s introduces pasta as a strange new pizza topping.
Come on, Domino’s Pizza. Who are you trying to fool? Okay, fine. I apologize. In fact, send me over one of your new “bread bowls” (quotes necessary) filled with sauce and topped with cheese and pepperoni. Wait, never mind. I just remembered you … Continue reading
Rolling pebble.
I miss my big Rolling Stone magazine. They recently changed to a more standard 8 x 11-ish size, and the design seems to have lost a little mojo. Not that the design is bad, on the contrary, but I miss … Continue reading
Tagged with design, Rolling Stone
Best Thing I Found On A Monday.
Couple things today. First, perhaps you’d like to be our friend on facebook? C’mon all the cool kids are doing it. And by cool kids I mean the people who work here and a couple of our friends. Hurry, before … Continue reading
Tagged with commercial, Kool-Aid
Best Thing I Found On A Monday.
Definitely the best thing I’ve seen today. Possibly this year. Maybe ever.
Tagged with aggressive, passive
The pride of Pennsyltucky.
If there’s one thing I can count on at Crowley Webb (besides the local section of the paper being conveniently located in the men’s bathroom) it’s getting heckled any time my hometown state is mentioned. Yes, Pete, we do … Continue reading
Tagged with Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Shady Maple, smorgasbord
Could it B a coincidence?
I recently came across a few products in the home and garden aisle of my big box hardware store that made me look twice. Are these products, all lacking at least one letter in their names, just trying to be clever? … Continue reading
Of course a full-blown series was the next logical step for the behemoth that is Billy Mays.
So I discovered this new show on, yes, Discovery Channel that stars the Crowley Webb blog’s favorite ad nut Mr. Billy Mays. It’s called Pitchmen and features our pal along with the lesser-known-by-me Anthony Sullivan. (Apparently, Mr. Sullivan has hawked such products … Continue reading
Tagged with Anthony Sullivan, Billy Mays, Pitchmen
The best thing Liz would have found on a Monday.
Finish the sentence, “Without advertising, _________.” My potential submissions: My Sociology 101 class would have had nothing to complain about. Billy Mays would have followed his childhood dream of being a world-class zoologist. Mad Men would just be a show about womanizing alcoholics. … Continue reading
Tagged with advertising
Your mom is totally not on Twitter.
Hey, guess what? Everyone’s talking about Twitter. Hey, guess what else – only 5% of Americans admit they currently use it. Would you like to know more? Check out this study. P.S. Crowley Webb is in that 5%. Why not … Continue reading
Best Thing I Found On A Monday.
Ways you can help end hunger: 1. Donate to your local food bank 2. Volunteer at a soup kitchen 3. Doodle a pants-wearing flamingo on a piece of toast
Tagged with bread art project, donate, hungry
Best Thing I Found On A Monday.
Consider this my apology for sucking lately.
Tagged with portraits, sexy people
See you soon.
Our blog is in Daytona Beach, sipping piña coladas, hitting on blogs half its age. Be back next week.
Tagged with Blog, spring break
Let’s all stop, take a deep breath, and really think about this social networking stuff.
Doesn’t it seem as though the agency crowd is frantically running in one direction toward social media, quite the same the way it did during the dot-com boom? Remember everyone believing the internet was going to change everything about the … Continue reading
Tagged with digital, marketing, social media
Best Thing I Found On A Monday.
Around here, Tim Hortons coffee is pretty much a commodity. So I’m sure most of you are familiar with their whole Roll Up the Rim to Win promotion. If not, well, you umm roll up the coffee rim. To win. … Continue reading
Tagged with Canada, coffee, donut, lottery, math, Tim Hortons
Facebook is ruined – everyone panic!
Change. It’s the buzziest of buzzwords. Everyone wants it. Everywhere. Except for one place. Whatever you do, DON’T YOU DARE LAY A HAND ON MY PRECIOUS FACEBOOK PAGE. In case you missed it, the social networking website recently launched a … Continue reading
Tagged with Facebook, social network, whining
Best Thing I Found On A Monday.
If you watched any of the NCAA Tournament over the weekend, then you probably saw one, if not all, of these spots for Nike. If not, check them out. They’re super. 1 2 3 4
Tagged with flight, NCAA, Nike
My parents went to Washington, DC and all I got was a new president.
When I took my son Max to Washington DC, last week, I knew I’d see lots of inaugural souvenirs. But I was amazed to find that our nation’s capitol had become one big Barack Obama flea market. The staggering variety … Continue reading
Tagged with merchandise, Obama, president, Washington DC
Fox Run opens with style.
Fox Run, a brand new senior living community near Buffalo, opened its doors in early 2008 and we announced it in style.The classic Arts & Crafts theme and deep color palette we created for the branding campaign captured the high-end … Continue reading
Tagged with Crowley Webb Sr., Fox Run