Advertising, Design, and stuff

Martin Scorsese article: How to Lead a Creative Life

2012-01-30T14:37:00.006-05:00

Fast Company magazine interviewed, the now 69-year old, filmmaker Martin Scorsese. The article touches on "Marty" being so in love with film, and him finding the balance between doing what he wants and doing what the studios want. It's a good read. Check it out here.

Marc Johns

2012-01-19T10:15:00.004-05:00

I found out about Marc Johns almost a year ago after my copywriter partner bought one of his illustrations. He has a bunch of quirky, simple drawings, and people not only buy them, some people have gotten tattoos of his stuff. Check out his illustrations here.

You're not alone

2011-12-11T03:29:00.005-05:00

I've been struggling a little trying to figure out normal life stuff. While I've been going through this, I've found how easy it is to want to run away and not deal with it. Yes, it's very cowardly. And, no I haven't been running away. I'm just stating if I wanted to, it would be an easy option.

My dad is big into sci-fi movies, and he'll sometimes quote the cliche lines in those movies, "You're not aloneeee." Even though that line usually refers to aliens, it's a true statement. We're not alone. We when go through difficult times and situations, Jesus is right by our sides. We may not notice because we're too focused on our situation, but trust me, He's there...Just ask for His help.

Frederick Douglass quote

2011-12-08T15:26:00.003-05:00

A good friend of mine sent me this quote by Frederick Douglass yesterday:

Those who profess to favor freedom, yet deprecate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground. They want rain without thunder and lightening. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters. This struggle may be a moral one; or it may be a physical one; or it may be both moral and physical; but it must be a struggle. Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. -- Frederick Douglass

"Sometimes it'll come to you, and sometimes you gotta put on the mask and go get it." - One of my non-violent friends

2011-09-21T22:00:00.003-04:00

Stanley Chow - caricatures

2011-08-24T23:31:00.003-04:00

Breaking Bad is one of my favorite shows on television. So when I saw this illustration of Walter White (Bryan Cranston), I got a little geeked up (excited). Check out similar renditions of Stanley Chow's caricatures here.

The birth of notebook #4

2011-08-09T16:26:00.004-04:00

Notebook #3 was able to get my very first commercial produced, and it may have conceived 3 other spots too (hopefully). However, this isn't about #3. This is about the birth of #4. The fourth born of my notebook chil'ren. I look forward to seeing what my offspring, offsprings.

Jay-Z and Kanye "Watch the Throne" Documentary

2011-07-24T13:16:00.003-04:00

Go 'head and get inspired real quick.

SVA: It's never too late to get where you're going.

2011-07-17T23:23:00.006-04:00

I took a picture of this poster in the subway awhile ago, but forgot to post it. Being familiar with the NYC tile subway signage, helps to appreciate this. Nice poster designed for my alma mater.

The Manual of Detection: 2nd Chapter intro

2011-07-05T14:06:00.002-04:00

Objects have memory, too. The doorknob remembers who turned it, telephone who answered it. The gun remembers when it was last fired, and by whom. It is for the detective to learn the language of these things, so that he might hear them when they have something to say.

My first TV Commercial

2011-06-22T19:34:00.003-04:00

After countless beads of blood, sweat, tears, and mountain dew to keep me awake, I present my very first tv commercial. Hope you guys like it:

Art Director: Jelani Curtis
Copywriter: Chris Stephens
Creative Directors: Kris Wixom and Alisa Wixom

Breaking Bad: Season 4

2011-06-19T20:23:00.002-04:00

Yessir. 'Breaking Bad' will be back on air July 17th. If you haven't watched seasons 1 through 3, you've got about a month to catch up.

Jay-Z: Rap is Poetry

2011-06-14T21:40:00.003-04:00

Some new commercials

2011-05-10T11:47:00.004-04:00

Just saw these commercials done by Wieden, NY (SportsCenter) and Y&R, NY (Land Rover) over the weekend. Check them out:

Fan

2011-04-28T01:20:00.006-04:00

I thought about writing this post back when the NCAA tournament was happening, but a mix between too much work and too much laziness prevented that. The NBA playoffs is going right now however, and it re-sparked this thought: What team are you a fan of?

If I had to answer this question, I'd hands-down say, University of Miami Hurricanes; and I wouldn't think twice about it...I might even throw up the U while saying it. However, if someone asked me what I believed in, I'd definitely say Jesus Christ, but there would be a caveat; like, "Oh but I'm not one of those super religious types." Why? Because I don't want to offend anyone. But Jelani, what if the person asking you what team you're a fan of, was a Florida State Seminole fan (Miami's rival)?...

Over the years I've noticed, whenever TheU plays, people text me, "Curt, yo boys on," "J, what you think them Hurricanes gonna do today," "I know you locked into this game. I hope they pull it out." They knew where I'd be on Saturday afternoons. And I started to see that because of my die-hard "fanship" and unwavering stance, people almost became fans of Miami too.

I think if we voice and show what we believe, in a firm way, people will not only respect what we stand for, but some will actually embrace what we stand for.

NBA Playoffs commercials

2011-04-24T00:27:00.003-04:00

I like this NBA Playoffs campaign.

ESPN: Opening Day

2011-03-21T18:21:00.001-04:00

Adidas - All In

2011-03-18T10:34:00.003-04:00

Adidas doesn't do many commercials that I like, but this one was good. Well put together.

Conan O'Brien's Farewell to NBC

2011-03-15T16:53:00.001-04:00

via Jacob Gilbreath

Creativity magazine: February 2008

2011-03-08T00:59:00.006-05:00

I was just looking through a bunch of my old Creativity magazines, getting some inspiration, and I came across one of my favorite covers which is below. Until this issue, I only knew of the Scott and Ians, Randy Krallmans, and Tom Kuntzeseses of the world by name and by their work. This issue named, who Creativity thought to be, the 50 most creative people in the last year; and I learned a lot about all of these individuals. This magazine allowed me to get a peek into the ad business before I stepped foot into one.

iPad 2: Smart Cover

2011-03-04T23:05:00.003-05:00

Seriously, the Apple people are some evil geniuses. They know what you want before you want it. And once you buy it, 6 months later a newer version will come out. And you'll buy it. And the cycle continues. And you get mad. And you still love them.

K-Love

2011-03-01T23:24:00.001-05:00

Enjoy:

"Branding comes from the practice of singein a cow's hide with a hot iron stamp to distinguish one rancher's herd from another." - Debbie Millman

2011-02-25T17:18:00.003-05:00

Interview with Roy Eaton

2011-02-16T22:50:00.006-05:00

Roy Eaton was one of the first African American creatives in the advertising business, and he was interviewed by an African American creative director, Geoff Edwards, who's most known for the Halo advertising that was done at T.A.G., SF (and who happens to be from my hometown, Detroit).

To me it was a good interview because it's rare hearing about, let alone seeing other African American creatives in the ad business, and it's aspirational knowing that creative advertising isn't just a white guy's game.

here's the interview (via Creativity-Online)

here's a blog post I wrote a while ago about a few African Americans that I know of in advertising.

Chrysler 200 - Motor City commercial

2011-02-08T23:35:00.002-05:00

I just watched this again. And got goosebumps, again.

Movies, movies and more movies

2011-01-20T16:55:00.002-05:00

I've seen a lot of movies over the last couple months, and I just wanted to give you my top five, of what people think will win big in the Oscars this year.

1. Inception (visually insane, but a very original storyline that inspires)
2. King's Speech (the screenwriter found a nice kernel about King George VI to run with)
3. The Fighter (good story and great acting from Christian Bale)
4. Black Swan (eerie movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat)
5. True Grit (a classic western, that's very to the point and understated)

I suggest going to see all these movies.

My little brown notebooks: The Birth of #3

2011-01-07T14:38:00.006-05:00

I'm not sure what ideas will get produced in notebook #2, but I'm hoping 3 times a charm...c'mon #3, make me famous.

notebook #1
notebook #2

Nice 'True Grit' posters

2010-12-13T17:29:00.008-05:00

(via Rotten Tomatoes)

Nice Kanye rhyme

2010-11-08T11:29:00.005-05:00

"I just needed time alone with my own thoughts, got treasures in my mind, but couldnt open up my own vault.

My childlike creativity, purity, and honesty, is honestly being crowded by these grown thoughts.
Reality is catchin up with me, taking my inner-child...I'm fighting for custody.

With this responsibility, that they in-trust in me, as i look down at my diamond and crusted teeth...
thinking no one man should have all that power...."

He said that in this interview.

Burton icon

2010-10-23T12:08:00.003-04:00

I just thought this icon on Burton's site was designed nicely. Cool little nugget.

Slim Chin and Derrick Rose: adiZero Rose

2010-10-19T17:08:00.001-04:00

Thought this was funny:

Word of encouragement

2010-09-27T10:50:00.002-04:00

For the last month and a half or so I've been getting very frustrated with work. I was working insane hours, and barely having time to do anything outside of work. I started to feel uninspired, slightly unmotivated, and I felt like the fun was being taken out of this job that I really enjoyed doing. And it was hard to remind myself why I was doing this.

Sunday morning, I woke up too late to go to church, but just to show you how you can't run from the word of God, I turned on the tv, and church tv was on. I don't usually like watching televangelists, but I decided to keep it on to hear what was said.

"Don't give up", was one of the first things that I heard. It was then accompanied with Galatians 6:9, that reads: And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Then Psalm 40:2, 3: He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. 3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.

The televangelist then spoke about God giving us tests. He said that people have a heard time going through rough times (tests) because it seems like God is silent. The pastor said, think about when you were in school and had tests. The teacher never talked during the test. But let's say that test was on a Friday, more likely than not, Monday through Thursday the teacher was answering questions, giving out study guides, and prepping the class for the test. And that Friday test wouldn't be given out if the teacher didn't feel the class was prepared.

The last scripture that was spoken about was Psalm 24:9: Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.

I hear a lot of people say "keep your head up" whenever things are getting rough. It's definitely something valid to say, regardless if people know what their saying or not. I think the enemy wants us to feel so badly, and so burdensome that we drag when we walk, and walk our heads down. But it makes sense, because if we keep our heads down, how can we let God in?

WHERE GOOD IDEAS COME FROM by Steven Johnson

2010-09-24T10:39:00.003-04:00

(via my boy Garzon)

"Thats about the time when your idols become your rivals. You make friends with Mike, but you gotta A.I. him for your survival." -Drake

2010-08-23T20:37:00.004-04:00

I think about this all the time. My job is very competitive.

I'm Still Here: Joaquin Phoenix documentary

2010-08-23T00:15:00.003-04:00

AUG. 2010 - WIRED Magazine

2010-08-20T17:58:00.002-04:00

Nice cover.

Mister Cartoon

2010-08-20T09:47:00.001-04:00

Jonathan Browinsky twitter

2010-08-16T22:37:00.005-04:00

I came across this guy on twitter, Jonathan Browinsky, who's pretty funny. He's an account guy at Agency X, and has a lot of sarcastic tweets about the life of a typical account person. You can kinda tell that this is coming from a creative in the ad business, but either way, it's pretty entertaining. If you're in the advertising business, you should follow this guy: twitter.com/adaccountguy

I Have a Stupid Dream

2010-08-12T13:52:00.005-04:00

I'm thinking about putting a book together that incorporates a ton of success stories, and call it I Have a Stupid Dream. It's just funny to me that there are so many great inventions, pieces of art work, revolutionary movements, etc. that were called stupid at one point. And it would be cool to put together a book of a lot of those stories, and allow people to see that they should go after their "stupid dreams."

(illustrated by Chris Stephens)

NBC Peacock

2010-08-04T01:04:00.003-04:00

Cool video by Nathan Love.

(via Motionographer)

I'm back in the twitterverse...for now.

2010-08-01T20:20:00.004-04:00

If you want, you can follow me at twitter.com/thejcurt.

Bedtime Stories with Abraham Willosby

2010-07-27T00:23:00.006-04:00

One of my good friends from school, Joe Bennett, did this animation, and is going to enter it into the Vimeo Award Festival. If you like it, paste http://www.vimeo.com/12932882 here to nominate this video.

Life is Good

2010-07-25T21:48:00.011-04:00

Like every Sunday, the message today was good, and was very thought provoking.
Today, my pastor lead the message with saying, and writing on his large notepad "Life is Good." When this was written, there were slight noises made around the congregation as if people slightly believed it, or that they didn't believe it at all. So he told us why he wrote that. IF you believe that God is good (which most Christians have said at one point in their lives), and that God's intentions are good, then life, which God created, is good.

This was an example that was given: A father and son are outside. The father is holding a ladder for the son, while the son paints the house. The son falls off the ladder and breaks his leg.

Of course at this point most people would say "Oh my God, how could you let this happen?"

The story continues. 2 weeks later, a letter from the Army comes in the mail, stating that the son is being drafted. The son, however, cannot go to the Army because his leg is broken.

Now, of course, people are thanking God.

So, the son breaking his leg, is that a good thing or bad thing?

Genesis 1:31 reads: And God saw every thing that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

Then Pastor Bernard ended with a statement, or rather proof to why the "Life is Good" statement is true. (This is me paraphrasing what was said): Things are put on display for a reason. Things are put on display because there's a realization (by the one presenting) that the things are good. Question: And what's the reason for things being presented? Answer: For people to notice the goodness of it, and to be attracted to it. If God wants us, He has to attract us to him.

Interview Magzine's Jay-Z interview

2010-07-25T21:35:00.005-04:00

I hope that wasn't confusing. Anyhow, this was a good interview with Jay-Z. I'm sure you think you've read, seen, and heard everything there is to know about him, but being someone who thinks that too, I walked away with something new.

This is a snippet from the interview, in reference to Blueprint 3:

Well, what I was trying to do with this album—which is the same thing I was trying to do on Kingdom Come [2006]—is go somewhere that hadn’t been gone before, to try to chart a new territory in rap. The reason I’ve been grounded, though, and able to make albums, is because I’ve allowed my friends to come with me and voice an opinion. That’s who keeps you grounded—the people who have known you longest. People who don’t know you, you don’t know their motives. They smile at you all day, “Oh, that’s great. You’ve done it again! You’re the greatest!” And that’s not good for an artist. You’ve gotta keep the people that have been around you, who saw you when you didn’t have anything, so they have the confidence to say, “Get out of here. That shit is bullshit!” I welcome that.

Here's the interview.

via Francisco Hui

Pretty cool orchestra performance

2010-07-22T14:58:00.002-04:00

...it gave me the goosebumps.

What I took away from the movie: Inception

2010-07-19T11:19:00.006-04:00

(If you haven't seen Inception yet, come back and read this after you have. I don't want to spoil it for you.)

First off, I think it was one of the best movies that I've seen. From the trailer, some people, and for good reason, thought it would just be a movie dominated by cinematography. But that wasn't the case. Visually, it was definitely well put together, but the storyline and the concept made the movie.

Writer/Director, Chris Nolan, nicely illustrated the concept of ideas and dreams, in a elaborate, yet simple way. When I see movies, hear music, or watch a commercial, I think about what the conception story is. I think Chris Nolan got into deep thought about this very simple question: How can you truly change someones mind?

The answer I got from the movie is that, you can't. Something has to inspire that way of thinking. In Aladdin, it's interesting that Genie tells him he can grant any 3 wishes Aladdin wants, but there's 3 things he can't do; And one of those things is, he can't make someone fall in love with him.

Again, you can be persuaded, but you have to be inspired to truly feel a certain way about a particular issue. And even if someone could truly change your mind, that idea has to be planted so deep within you...(which they did in the movie, and it is what 'inception" is: the establishment or starting point of an institution or activity).

My little brown notebooks: The Birth of #2

2010-07-14T12:23:00.004-04:00

I'm hoping #2 can be the canvas to my crazy thoughts, that can one day manifest into something you all can see. Alright #2, it's your turn.

p.s. Yes, it does say 20010. Red permanent marker has a way of making things permanent.

My little brown notebooks: RIP #1: 2/2010-7/2010

2010-07-14T11:40:00.003-04:00

Over the last 5 months, I've had some good ideas, and some not-so-good ideas. Either way, this is a notebook that I filled with those ideas. I'm happy to say #1 can now rest in peace.

Gnarcade from Mike Benson

2010-07-13T13:03:00.002-04:00

There are a lot of temptations for our time

2010-07-13T12:19:00.004-04:00

Last night I got out of work early (or earlier), and just started thinking about all the things I could do. My main concern was to watch the Home Run Derby, and I did. But there were other things calling my attention too. I thought about going to play basketball, continuing to catch up on Breaking Bad, watch Funny People, read the Bible, continue reading this mystery book...twitter had a trending topic of "#highschoolconfessions", so i wanted to hear what people had to say, and also tweet about my high school memories. So there was a lot going through my mind. And I'm sure it won't be any easier to decide what to do, once I get a PS3 (I haven't completely decided on it. But I'm about 75% sure that I'll get it.)

My pastor (A.R. Bernard), tweeted this a couple of nights ago, and I thought about it as it got close to my shut-eye time: "Time is not a gift to use as we choose. It is a resource to be managed. Enjoy life, but use your time wisely!"

Shaun White - Transformation

2010-07-13T12:16:00.001-04:00

ESPN/NASCAR: Invincible

2010-07-12T20:02:00.002-04:00

Didn't think I'd be back this soon, but anyhow, here's a great looking commercial by Wieden and Kennedy, New York.

Sorry I've been away for a while. I'll be back soon enough to post some more stuff.

2010-07-12T19:48:00.001-04:00

Hello Brooklyn: Type/Lyrics video

2010-07-07T14:12:00.001-04:00

The Secret in Their Eyes

2010-06-05T14:17:00.007-04:00

Some of you may know how much I love mysteries and thrillers, and last night I saw a very good movie that fulfilled that appetite. I'm known for falling asleep in movies that have subtitles, but the twists, turns, and storytelling in The Secret in Their Eyes did a hell of a job of keeping me interested throughout the movie. It just got on my radar yesterday, but it shouldn't be hard to find in smaller movie theaters near you. So if you get a chance, check it out.

Here's the trailer for ya:

Nike Air Max: Get the Real Story on Air

2010-05-23T23:58:00.002-04:00

Nike's 2010 World Cup ad

2010-05-20T22:44:00.004-04:00

Nike always come with the hits. And for the World Cup, we definitely shouldn't expect anything less. This commercial was done by Wieden and Kennedy, Amsterdam.

Donald Trump's hair

2010-05-12T19:21:00.002-04:00

McDonald's: Baby

2010-05-11T21:02:00.005-04:00

Formely known as "the guys who did the Jameson squid ad", Erik Fahrenkopf and Anthony Decarolis, two of my coworkers/friends did this spot for Mickey D's:

Toy Soldier

2010-05-11T12:18:00.002-04:00

Short spot done by the studio Animatorio, based in Brazil.

Land Rover: Sword Collector

2010-05-05T23:16:00.003-04:00

Funny Commercial done by Y&R, New York.

Conan O'Brien on 60 Minutes

2010-05-03T12:11:00.001-04:00

Nike Music Shoes

2010-04-29T14:54:00.002-04:00

I meant to post this a while ago, but here it is. Enjoy.

I know magicians don't like to show how their tricks were done, but hey, I'm no magician...here's how it was done:

ACDC vs Iron Man 2 - Architectural Projection

2010-04-26T14:13:00.001-04:00

The Cleats

2010-04-17T22:23:00.005-04:00

These will be the things on my feet for the ad agency softball league. They're the most comfortable cleats I've ever put on, and I hope they'll be some of the the most winning-est cleats too.

Agency Softball League

2010-04-09T14:46:00.005-04:00

Week 1: Thursday April 22 PHD @ TBWA—Field #30
Week 2: Monday April 26 TBWA @ Wunderman—Field #30
Week 3: Wednesday May 5 Aegis Media @ TBWA—Field #27
Week 4: Tuesday May 11 TBWA @ Euro—Field #21
Week 5: Wednesday May 19 TBWA @ Bernard Hodes—Field #21
Week 6: Tuesday May 25 Y&R @ TBWA—Field #21
Week 7: Wednesday June 9 TBWA @ Hill Holiday—Field #30
Week 8: Monday June 14 TBWA @ Rapp Collins—Field #27
Week 9: Monday June 21 TBWA @ PHD—Field #21
Week 10: Wednesday June 30 TBWA @ Mediaedge—Field #27
Week 11: Tuesday July 13 Wunderman @ TBWA—Field #27
Week 12: Wednesday July 21 Euro @ TBWA—Field #27
Week 13: Monday July 26 TBWA @ Deutch—Field #20
Week 14: Wednesday August 4 Bernard Hodes @ TBWA—Field #30
Week 15: Tuesday August 10 Hill Holiday @ TBWA—Field #27

All games start at 6:15pm and are played on Randall's Island.

Quitting

2010-04-07T02:25:00.005-04:00

When I was younger my dad used to always say, "Boy don't ever let someone run you off from what you want to do..." (This was usually in reference to wanting to quit a team because of the coach being an idiot or something like that.) And I'm saying to you. Don't ever let someone run you off from what you want to do. Keep fighting for what you want. Go get it.

"If inspiration don't find you, you gotta go find it" - Jay-Z

2010-04-07T01:01:00.001-04:00

Ghost Recon Future Soldier: Trailer

2010-03-30T17:33:00.001-04:00

Weekend in Boston

2010-03-29T22:15:00.030-04:00

I had a great time in Boston this past weekend. I saw a ton of great things, got acclimated with the city (thanks to google maps), and it was good getting a quick getaway from New York. Here are some pictures and videos that I captured:

(view from the hotel..it's not Comerica Park, but it'll do)

(This is not a video, it's a hologram that moves as you move)

Lastly, my favorite of the bunch:

(This is a wishbone pulling a piece of machinery.)

NY-Z: An Absolut Collaboration with Jay-Z

2010-03-23T13:23:00.003-04:00

This documentary gave me goosebumps. Two guys that I work with Hoj Jomehri and Thiago Zanato were the creative directors on it; the film is a part of Absolut's Concert Series, and they worked with director Danny Clinch to get it done.

I've been anticipating this for a while now because I sit on the opposite wall of Hoj and Thiago and I kept hearing the Empire State of Mind song blasting over and over again, for over a month. It's great when you can just be the slightest bit present when magic is happening.

Very informative article

2010-03-23T12:58:00.003-04:00

Click here to read this article. As you can see it's regarding students loans, but it's a good read for anyone in school, just getting out of school, or people who know people who are enrolling in school soon.

via politicsdaily.com

The 24th Year

2010-03-17T13:44:00.003-04:00

So, Sunday marked the 24th year of my existence. In layman's terms, it was my birthday. I had a ball in Miami with my friends and my brothers (one of them being my twin); and I also cracked my iPhone screen down there, which killed me. I had to walk around with this cheap $30 Nokia phone, until I could get it fixed. Luckily I knew the person who could get it done... Brendan was referred to me by one of my coworkers and after my visit to him yesterday, my screen looked flawless. It was quick and affordable too. This isn't just a plug for him; but this is a vital contact for anyone who loves the iPhone like I do.

Also when I returned to NY, I was presented with a great gift from my girlfriend: this cool book and also a gift certificate for a class at Makeville Studio.

24. So far, so good. Let's keep it rollin'.

Sony Vaio: Rocket Project - The Countdown Begins

2010-03-10T18:03:00.001-05:00

Cool project. Idea brought to you by 180, LA.

OK Go - This Too Shall Pass

2010-03-05T16:13:00.001-05:00

Not extraordinary, but pretty cool

2010-02-19T15:27:00.002-05:00

Target Billboard

2010-02-13T16:01:00.003-05:00

On my way to the movies last night, there was no way I could miss these huge, nicely designed Target billboards.

Nike: Human Chain

2010-02-12T19:34:00.002-05:00

Here's another good nike commercial.

Old Spice: The Man Your Man Could Smell Like

2010-02-11T01:06:00.003-05:00

Funny commercial done by WK Portland creatives Eric Kallman and Craig Allen.

Jordan Brand: Nightmares Never Sleep

2010-02-05T16:13:00.003-05:00

This is a new take on epic sport commercials, I think. Giving you a scared or nightmarish feeling is pretty unique for this category in my opinion.

Mia Doi Todd: Open Your Heart

2010-02-03T00:40:00.003-05:00

Directed by Michel Gondry, here's a nice video...should put a smile or two on your face:

A couple of things I saw during late night tv tonight

2010-02-02T01:18:00.006-05:00

University of Phoenix with a cool commercial? Who woulda thunk it:

This might be an interesting show to check out on NBC:

correction..new name: @thejcurt

2010-02-01T23:54:00.000-05:00

Benjamin Palmer: Why Not Try an API?

2010-02-01T11:00:00.001-05:00

Check out the article here.

I just started a twitter account, tryin to see what the fuss is about

2010-01-31T22:49:00.004-05:00

You can check me out at @notsalamicurtis. Like a lot of you, I'm a big fan of quotes, rhetorical questions, and everyday silliness, so I'll be posting a lot of those things. It, however, will not be a play-by-play of my life...I gotta live in the real world.

Me defeating tetris

2010-01-31T13:04:00.004-05:00

Tetris is a love of mine, and I defeated it a couple of days ago...don't believe me? watch:

Visual writing

2010-01-31T02:12:00.004-05:00

I've learned that art and copy (pictures and words) go together, but I've been reading a lot lately and I'm starting to believe that writing is a lot more visual than pictures. Just to throw a quick cliche out there, "a picture is worth a thousand words"....than how many pictures is a word or two worth. I say writing is more visual because when you see a picture, image, or painting, the whole scene is there already. However, a writer can put words together in such a way that allows the audience to little by little imagine how the whole scene is. Imagination is probably the key to my belief...when you can't see something, all you can do is imagine, or visualize.

BBC Winter Olympics animation

2010-01-31T00:36:00.002-05:00

Pretty sick animation.

Bill Withers-Still Bill

2010-01-27T23:27:00.009-05:00

Tonight I had the privilege of seeing this film at the IFC Center. This movie was more than a biography or a documentary of the life and times of Bill Withers. It was about being who you are–as naturally and as authentically as possible. Because that's what makes us as human beings special.

Bill Withers was in attendance for the Q&A session after the movie, and he was as charismatic in person as he was in the film. As I was taking my post-movie restroom visit, I saw him walking, and he said, "Hey I know you", and went on to say he thought I was Gary Matthews Jr. (a baseball player in the MLB), because of my height and the baseball hat I had on.

If you get a chance, go check it out. Here's the information that you'll need.

Gossip...(Quote/Sermon in the movie "Doubt")

2010-01-26T16:34:00.003-05:00

Father Brendan Flynn, played by Philip Seymour Hoffman, told this story:

A woman was gossiping with her friend about a man whom they hardly knew - I know none of you have ever done this. That night, she had a dream: a great hand appeared over her and pointed down on her. She was immediately seized with an overwhelming sense of guilt. The next day she went to confession. She got the old parish priest, Father O' Rourke, and she told him the whole thing. 'Is gossiping a sin?' she asked the old man. 'Was that God All Mighty's hand pointing down at me? Should I ask for your absolution? Father, have I done something wrong?' 'Yes,' Father O' Rourke answered her. 'Yes, you ignorant, badly-brought-up female. You have blamed false witness on your neighbor. You played fast and loose with his reputation, and you should be heartily ashamed.' So, the woman said she was sorry, and asked for forgiveness. 'Not so fast,' says O' Rourke. 'I want you to go home, take a pillow upon your roof, cut it open with a knife, and return here to me.' So, the woman went home: took a pillow off her bed, a knife from the drawer, went up the fire escape to her roof, and stabbed the pillow. Then she went back to the old parish priest as instructed. 'Did you cut the pillow with a knife?' he says. 'Yes, Father.' 'And what were the results?' 'Feathers,' she said. 'Feathers?' he repeated. 'Feathers; everywhere, Father.' 'Now I want you to go back and gather up every last feather that flew out onto the wind,' 'Well,' she said, 'it can't be done. I don't know where they went. The wind took them all over.' 'And that,' said Father O' Rourke, 'is gossip!'

FearLess QA with Rob Reilly of CPB and Ty Montague of JWT Worldwide

2010-01-26T16:26:00.004-05:00

For all you advertising folks, this is a good video to check out. Interesting conversation.

click here to check it out.

Conan's letter to the people

2010-01-13T00:50:00.003-05:00

You may know about the situation regarding NBC's late night show move, but even if you don't, the very talented comic and host, Conan O'Brien, explains and gives his thoughts on the issue.

People of Earth:

In the last few days, I've been getting a lot of sympathy calls, and I want to start by making it clear that no one should waste a second feeling sorry for me. For 17 years, I've been getting paid to do what I love most and, in a world with real problems, I've been absurdly lucky. That said, I've been suddenly put in a very public predicament and my bosses are demanding an immediate decision.

Six years ago, I signed a contract with NBC to take over The Tonight Show in June of 2009. Like a lot of us, I grew up watching Johnny Carson every night and the chance to one day sit in that chair has meant everything to me. I worked long and hard to get that opportunity, passed up far more lucrative offers, and since 2004 I have spent literally hundreds of hours thinking of ways to extend the franchise long into the future. It was my mistaken belief that, like my predecessor, I would have the benefit of some time and, just as important, some degree of ratings support from the prime-time schedule. Building a lasting audience at 11:30 is impossible without both.

But sadly, we were never given that chance. After only seven months, with my Tonight Show in its infancy, NBC has decided to react to their terrible difficulties in prime-time by making a change in their long-established late night schedule.

Last Thursday, NBC executives told me they intended to move the Tonight Show to 12:05 to accommodate the Jay Leno Show at 11:35. For 60 years the Tonight Show has aired immediately following the late local news. I sincerely believe that delaying the Tonight Show into the next day to accommodate another comedy program will seriously damage what I consider to be the greatest franchise in the history of broadcasting. The Tonight Show at 12:05 simply isn't the Tonight Show. Also, if I accept this move I will be knocking the Late Night show, which I inherited from David Letterman and passed on to Jimmy Fallon, out of its long-held time slot. That would hurt the other NBC franchise that I love, and it would be unfair to Jimmy.

So it has come to this: I cannot express in words how much I enjoy hosting this program and what an enormous personal disappointment it is for me to consider losing it. My staff and I have worked unbelievably hard and we are very proud of our contribution to the legacy of The Tonight Show. But I cannot participate in what I honestly believe is its destruction. Some people will make the argument that with DVRs and the Internet a time slot doesn't matter. But with the Tonight Show, I believe nothing could matter more.

There has been speculation about my going to another network but, to set the record straight, I currently have no other offer and honestly have no idea what happens next. My hope is that NBC and I can resolve this quickly so that my staff, crew, and I can do a show we can be proud of, for a company that values our work.

Have a great day and, for the record, I am truly sorry about my hair; it's always been that way.

Yours,

Conan

(via yahoo)

Canon: The Story Behind the Still–Chapter 1

2010-01-10T23:28:00.003-05:00

Here's Chapter 1:

Well said...

2010-01-10T20:18:00.002-05:00

When did Noah build the ark?...before the storm. -Robert Redford, Spy Game

Canon: The Story Behind the Still

2010-01-07T22:26:00.004-05:00

Check out this cool project that Canon is doing. Grey advertising agency was the agency that came up with this concept, and one of my former classmates, Elinor Buchler, was the art director on this. (Yep I'm name droppin)...Pretty cool.

World's Tallest Building in Dubai

2010-01-05T17:20:00.004-05:00

I was struggling all last night trying to remember what I wanted to post on here today. I knew it was on CNN though. I knew it wasn't regarding pics of Tiger Woods on the cover of Vanity Fair, Dick Cheney/Barack Obama beef, nor that dude from Nigeria trying to blow up a plane that was headed to my hometown...anyhow, here it is:

Contest Watchers

2010-01-05T13:06:00.004-05:00

For both students and professionals looking to enter into contests to get noticed, this website helps you keep track of the upcoming and soon-ending contests.

"Inception" movie trailer

2010-01-04T11:39:00.004-05:00

This looks sick. I wonder if this was a book first. If so, I'm gonna have to find it; I always like a good mystery.

Mini for Christmas

2010-01-04T01:14:00.004-05:00

These Mini boxes were placed on the street in the garbage, to appear as if people got Minis for Christmas...pretty cool idea:

(via creativecriminals and swiss-miss)

My past due "Happy New Year, let's prepare for 2010" blah blah blah post

2010-01-02T03:40:00.004-05:00

Like most people, the last day of 2009 and the first day of 2010 pretty much merged together; and you probably couldn't tell the difference between the two, if it wasn't for the cheap plastic "happy new years" hats, and/or the typical "let's prepare for a positive, prosperous, fruitful, fulfilling new year" talk. Even though I enjoyed myself, the New Years Eve party that I went to was full of people who were trying to be too cool, putting on a facade of who they thought people may want them to be.

A huge thing I saw in 2009 was brands trying to change who they were because of the state of the economy or because other brands were changing (don't worry this ties in to the paragraph above). Pepsi, WalMart, Bounce (dryer sheets), Sierra Mist, Gatorade...all of the Pepsi Co. products, and many other products that I can't think of now changed their logos. I personally think it hurt all of those brands. Change is most definitely needed, but it's not a good thing when you're just doing it to fit the mode. Nike is one of those companies that has been the same at their core since they started. Their objective was never to appeal to everyone, but to have a communication to their target audience, athletes. John Jay, one of the worldwide creative directors of Wieden and Kennedy (the agency that helped revolutionize Nike), once said this in a lecture about brands, "They should appeal to their target audience and the masses will follow".

People love people who are themselves. Let's begin 2010 with finding out who we are, and embracing that.