Starting now.

Ready, set, start. 

Here it goes - my first blog post. 

I'm going to start with a video that we watched in my Creative Strategist class the other day. I swear I was almost crying in class because of how lost I got into the world that was in this video. 

The plight of American Rust Belt is obvious in places like Braddock, Pennsylvania. A former hub of America's industrial might, the steel township just outside of Pittsburgh suffered immense decline as U.S. steel and manufacturing industries collapsed. Subsequent drug-crime epidemic and economic downturns hasten its degeneration in recent years.

I raised my hand after we watched this video saying, "I just forgot this was even for Levi's. It got to the end and I was just like 'Damn.'" Great insight, I know. But my point is there -- that no matter what the end game of the video is, if the viewer loses themselves in the content then it will be much more successful. I didn't see this as an advertisement or promotion for Levi's, but rather as an idea that I bought into. The writing here is amazing and it's real -- "Maybe the world breaks on purpose, so we can have work to do." And then when the camera tilts to the sky to reveal the Levi's logo, I instantly had a new respect for that brand. 

One of the most important things in my mind that a brand can do is to make someone feel something- awe, sadness, inspiration, happiness. I want to feel that emotion before I ever know who even created it. 

And now, if this one didn't get me to tears, I most definitely felt my eyes watering during this next commercial. It's for Google Chrome, a product I already use. But they bring something new to the table and if you don't get emotional during this, I don't know how to convince you what this is doing right. 

VFX AE Artist- Lost Planet Editorial/BackHole. BBH in NYC.

I could watch that over and over and still tear up. You don't even think about what it's trying to promote, until it hits you with it at the very end after building up a relatable story and an emotional tie in everyone. We've all either been that parent or been the child growing up and wanted to have these memories forever. 

Also, as a side note, the music is beautifully timed in each of these. Music is such a powerful tool, in everything that we create. It harnesses emotion and leads the viewer through that journey. 

I'll go back to crying by myself over beautiful advertisements now. These are my thoughts for the day. Can't wait to explore some more of these creative ideas.