Someone Did Their Market Research

There is a new bus service from DC to NYC that is called TheKnowItExpress. That's not the biggest deal in and of itself but this one goes from U St. to Brooklyn, it's got bicycle storage and it has free wifi. They should have just called it the "hipster express" because that is what everyone is calling it anyways.

The reason this have been mentioned on Giraffe Lookout is because I'm super impressed with the research that went into this and what they figured a certain demographic wanted. You can file this under, "why didn't I think of this." Not that I'm about to jump in and operate a mid-Atlantic bus service but it is inspiring that someone saw something and made a move that makes a lot of sense.  

Just Love the Details

New Balance has this special MK1500 coming out. They seem to have internalized some of the really important things that you need to generate the most amount of buzz around a sneaker in the Fall of 2010. I'll list them for you-


Amazing packaging is the first thing. It's great to have a nice sneaker but if you are really going to covet it, should come in a nice box so you can look at in your closet every morning and feel just a little better about yourself.

A limited run is the second thing. This has been street tested by Nike time and time again. I think 50 pairs is a little extreme. But hey, who am I to say they are doing it wrong when I'm the one feeding the hype machine.

Made in the U.K. This is my new thing and it's one of the reasons I'm set on checking for New Balance in the future. 30% of New Balance sneakers are still made in the states and the U.K made models always look great too.

A classic colorway (in grey.) Grey sneakers are what up in the Fall of 2010. The plainer the better and sneaker companies have been holding out on us. Most of the grey colorways are coming out these limited runs and driving sneakerheads crazy.

A collaboration with a streetwear shop. I'm not sure what the value ad is here but it seems to be an important piece of the puzzle.

And there you have it. A flossy pair of kicks.

via Kicks on Fire

Just Make it Feel Good

We've mentioned a few viral videos recently on this site that are just kind of pleasant to watch. Something about them has this element that just makes it nice to watch. This element shouldn't be discounted.

I was watching football with a  buddy last Saturday when one of those rotoscoped Charles Schwab ads comes on. It was an ad about retirement or investing or something. When the ad was over my buddy casually asked me, "Why do I love that ad so much?" I had just been thinking the same thing. I think it was the green color of the guy's shirt that just kind of entranced me. This visuals of this ad put me into a nice comfortable place. The lack overbearing music also helps. This especially in contrast with Aflac duck that has haunted my Saturdays for as long as I can remember.

To all the agencies out there- please give us the gift of more soft colors and mellow moments.

Here's the ad. You've all probably seen it but just in case-

I Love Guinness But...

Only for the bold?

Listen, I love Guinness.  It's light and creamy with a slightly roasted malt flavor. Yes it is a dark colored beer and it is a stout but let's get something straight once and for all- it's not a big beer. It's low in alcohol content and gravity. Have you ever seen someone pour a black and tan? The Guinness floats on top of a flipping lager! It can do this because it has lower sugar content than a Harp (alcohol is made from the sugar.) We can all appreciate Guinness for what it is but let's not pretend it's a tough guy beer with tons of flavor that packs some secret Irish punch.

 Photo via Brandweek

That's why is drives me a crazy when Americans are always saying things like, "I'm a beer snob. I know all about beer. I only drink dark strong beers like Guinness." Awesome, you have given me all I need to know. Now please leave me alone, I'm trying to enjoy my Makers rocks in peace.

Anyways, Guinness doesn't seem to care if consumers are misguided. It's more than happy to play up the big macho image. It was running some ads encouraging people to be bold and drink Guinness. Most recently it's taken it a step further and been running ads during college football games about how Guinness isn't for people that punt on forth and one. ONLY FOR THE BOLD is the final tagline. I like to roll my eyes when that comes on. I wanted to throw the video up but I think even Guinness is kind of embarrassed by this stateside approach and won't upload it.

Anyhoo, my rant is over. I hope you all have a pleasant day.

Just a Little Bit More Juice Please

Does this package make you want some juice? If you answered yes you are correct. It's a design for a fictional company by an Aussie design student named Yunyeen Yang. I'm looking forward to the moment that this is no longer a concept and actually something I pick up at the grocery store and pay for with my hard earned legal tender.

via Lost in E Minor

Wolverine makes great boots

Wolverine just put out a video on Vimeo. I guess you could call it a viral even though it's not funny or clever or whatever. It's a video about how they make their boots. It's really pleasant to watch and it's converted me. It's interesting how platforms like youtube and vimeo have opened up all kinds of avenues for companies to really present an honest portrayal of the craftsmanship that goes into their products instead of a 30 second ad spot with lots of bells and whistles or some glossy magazine buy with attractive hikers. If you put this much care into your product, who needs brand consultants and limited colorways? 

Wolverine 1000 Mile | 721LTD | Making the Boot from Wolverine on Vimeo.

This video gives off a similar patriotic vibe that the Detroit Lives series presents. It's funny, I almost feel like this is a little window into the America that I thought of when Obama was on the campaign trail and talking about making the nation great again.

via Hypebeast 

A Much Lighter Video

Studiocanoe made this fun viral for Lego called "Build Anything." It's creative, it's witty, it has good music and it's brief. The only frightening thing is that it's reminding me that I'm getting to that age at which I might be buying Legos again
.

Build Anything from Studiocanoe on Vimeo.

via Hypebeast