Ahh the tool that makes all of browsing of the endless internet possible. The tool that many web designers have a love/hate relationship with. Surprisingly enough, this tool has a relatively long and rich history, ripe with battles, romances, and passion. This is a look into that rich history that many of us forget about. Thanks to Jacob Gube for some of his invariable insights, to check out the History of Web Browsers Timeline

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“Letting your mind play is the best way to solve problems”
- Bill Watterman, Creator of Calvin and Hobbes

In our industry we are always challenged to take what we see–what’s normal and expected and reinterpret it from a fresh perspective. We look for different ways to approach how you see, interact with, and experience a brand. At Orangeroc great ideas are generated from a bunch of seemingly meaningless questions that spark our AH HA! moments. For example just the other day we were talking about a promotional piece we were doing for our company and came across something I thought was amazing (it was an absolute revelation to me). I don’t know about all of you but how many times have you eaten a banana and gotten frustrated because you’d end up smashing the tops? Just because something is familiar doesn’t mean it’s always right. Look at how this person’s curiosity from watching monkeys mind you, enabled him to find a more efficient way to open a banana.

 

Are there “wild things” here at OrangeRoc? Maybe, maybe not; but there was a discussion about ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ before our weekly production meeting this past Monday morning.

 

As a child I LOVED the book and now as a mother of two I still LOVE the book. I introduced the book to both my daughter and my son, and we were ecstatic when we found out that they were releasing it as a movie.  My son, age 4, had me counting down the days, and on Saturday, October 17, 2009, that day finally came. I wasn’t sure what to expect or if the kids would enjoy the movie even half as much as they enjoy the book. They loved it!! My son was so caught up in the story that he cried for Max and all of the wild things at the end of the movie.

 

The kids and I give this movie six thumbs up and there’s already talk about buying the DVD and going back to watch it in the theatre again… I think I’ll opt to wait for the DVD release.

Nobel Prize in 1981: Study of the Brain

American psychobiologist Roger W Sperry was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1981 for his study or the concept of the right brain and left brain. In general we relate to the right brain as visual and processes information in an intuitive and simultaneous way, looking first at the whole picture then the details. The left brain is verbal and processes information in an analytical and sequential way, looking first at the pieces then putting them together to get the whole picture. Of course, it’s not that simple but it’s the same approach to branding and integrated marketing campaigns that OrangeRoc uses. Some members of the team will focus on the analytical portion and some of are relating visual cues and forming them into an emotional and compelling theme with a message designed for commercial communication. Yes, our process is “Straight-line Branding” analytical, tactical, inventive and on to the communication vehicle that target all types of human nature.

The Two Hemispheres of the Brain are responsible for different manners of thinking. Which side are you?
Left Brain: Logical, Sequential, Rational, Analytical, Objective, Looks at parts
Right Brain: Random, Intuitive, Holistic Synthesizing, Subjective, looks at wholes

In the end we believe in our creative thoughts but are always compelled to achieve something better.  The day any of us stop thinking our work can be better is the day we become completely delusional and self-important. And above all, whatever work we do does have a greater purpose to serve.

My little boy is a getting a little older; he went doo doo on the toilet for the first time this week — an incredible new talent! So I’ve decided it’s time to re-involve myself in Honolulu Ad2 —  the club for advertisers under 32. I’m excited to be a part of this next year’s public service campaign. Ad2 is pretty amazing; Yesterday was the club’s 40 birthday and every one of those years have had a public service campaign dedicated to giving back to the community. OrangeRoc is a great supporter of community involvement — I won’t be surprised if some of the meetings for the campaign are held at our office. Too bad I won’t have the dirty diaper for creative inspiration anymore (they are always so colorful and unique). Somehow I think I’ll manage without them…

Can social networking change the world? Of course it can, and it certainly is. A simple look into Barack Obama’s election campaign shows evidence that the tools of “Web 2.0″ – the community-driven web – can really make a difference. Social networking usage by Americans (and around the world) continues to soar. According to a new report from The Nielsen Company, Americans spent 17% of all their Internet time using social networking sites. This was nearly triple the time spent a year ago.

As internet users spend more time online at social networking sites, like Facebook, Youtube and Twitter, advertisers are taking notice. Many companies have begun moving their campaigns across more and more media – especially targeting social networking sites. According to Nielsen,  the online advertising spending on top social networks and blogs was estimated at $108 million for August 2009, a 119% increase over August 2008 figures. By these numbers alone, we can see the innovation that is needed from companies around the world to stay ahead of the curve and in the game.

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