Rayban never hides from creativity

Never hide.

This is the recent battle cry of the notable eye-wear brand. Aside from conventionally promoting its name in the market, Rayban recently launched a guerrilla marketing campaign that uses the never hide tagline. The promotional tactic is really intriguing since they have people who put "Never Hide" stickers in shape of a Rayban sunglass in posters, statues and wall arts.

Here's the video of Rayban's clever campaign:

Tidbits: What is guerrilla marketing?

A guerrilla marketing campaign is a promotional tactic that is out-of-the-box and unconventional. This type of advertising is practically interesting because the execution is often interactive. Although it doesn't have a big budget compared to above-the-line advertising, the approaches are creative and practically eye-catching.

The Colors of Sweetness: Kim Neil's Pantone Cookies

Freelance designer Kim Neil has a different taste for art.

Inspired by Pantone chip tins, Kim baked cookie doughs that served as the "base" for her creation. As a designer, she knows the exact shades to achieve her concept. And through using an edible marker, she was also able to put labels on each baked Pantone cookie.

Kim's delectable masterpiece is practically a perfect treat for art events, themed birthday parties and even for children's art class. Also, the genius designer generously shares the steps in making these concept-and-sugar-filled sweets, just in case you want to make one for yourself or for your loved ones. Click this LINK to learn how.

"Any good designer knows the way to a client's heart is through her stomach." - Kim Neil

The 2010 that was: Top Movie Poster Picks

Movie posters undoubtedly play a vital role in promoting films since these visuals serve as print advertisements for the movies. Actually, I'm quite drawn to posters since I love how the design speaks the theme or provides a glimpse of what the story is all about. There are even times that I would choose to watch a certain film because I was intrigued by its poster. Which is why, I somehow conclude that just like print ads of products, posters should be effective and creative to make the audience watch the movie.

Last 2010, there were more or less 100 movies and documentaries produced and a few of them had imaginative concepts for their movie posters. I had my pick and below are my top 10 choices:

10. Black Swan (directed by Darren Aronofsky)

Poster design by Bemis Balkind

There are 8 posters made for this amazing movie but this is actually my favorite. Honestly, I expected more from the poster since this indeed is a great film. Although there's no doubt that Natalie Portman looks stunning and the visual suggests a dark theme, I'm not that contented with its overall design.

9. The Last Exorcism (directed by Daniel Stamm)

Poster design by Ignition Print

The tone is practically terrifying and haunting, so you won't be surprised if one of your friends wouldn't want this on their bedroom walls even if you gave this to them as a gift. And that for me, makes this poster beautiful -- superb concept, effective visual.

8. Kick Ass (directed by Matthew Vaughn)

Poster design by Ignition Print

Great art-direction. This poster actually seems to be a cover of an action-packed comic book.

7. Nightmare on Elm Street (directed by Samuel Bayer)

Poster design by Ignition Print

I'm a fan of teaser posters and I love how the makers did this one. The typography, the choice of words and the visual are all perfectly combined to tell you what the movie is all about.

6. The Runways (directed by Floria Sigismondi)

Poster design by Mojo

If you have seen the movie or if you know the band, perhaps you would be singing "Ch-ch-cherry bomb!" when you get to see this poster. The whole artwork is just so nice and wise, I would probably love to have this poster on my wall and even apply the design on my shirt.

5. Toy Story 3 (directed by Lee Unkrich)

Poster design by BLT and Associates

Cute. Fun. Tastefully done. This poster also reminds me of the scene where all the toys were inside Andy's box. And because the characters in this movie are all iconic, there's no need to put the title. Thumbs up to the artists behind this fantastic artwork.

4. Alice in Wonderland (directed by Tim Burton)

Poster design by BLT and Associates

I love how this beautiful masterpiece presented all characters of the movie. There's something about this poster that says it's Tim Burton's film. There's also something about it that would remind the feeling of being into fairy tales.

3. The Crazies (directed by Breck Eisner)

Poster design by The Ant Farm

As I have mentioned, I have a thing for teaser posters especially if they don't say too much about the film. The simplicity of the visual and the eerie treatment make it so eye-catching, you would probably get interested to watch this movie especially if you're into blood and gore.

2. Inception (directed by Christopher Nolan)

Poster design by Ignition Print

Aside from the fact that this is probably the best movie of the year, the 3D feel of its visual is really striking. The whole artwork is tastefully done and you could practically tell there is "hard work" in this poster.

1. Buried (directed by Rodrigo Cortes)

Poster design by Ignition Print

Hands down to the artists behind these superb posters. Five posters were made for this movie and these three are my most favorite. I like them too much, I can't choose among my top three choices that is why I decided to post them all here. The first one's cluttered in a beautiful manner and it's probably my most favorite among the bunch. I love how the makers used the reviews (text) to give depth to Ryan Reynolds.

Runner ups:

Daybreakers (directed by Michael Spierig and Peter Spierig)

Poster design by Ignition Print

When I saw this, only one thing came into my mind: I want that as a t-shirt design. The visual is minimal yet it clearly speaks what the movie is all about.

For Colored Girls (directed by Tyler Perry)

Poster design by Ignition Print

I'm a fan of watercolor illustrations that is why this poster became a part of my choices. It may not be the best but I like the execution and the colors used.

From Paris With Love (directed by Pierre Morel)

Poster design by Ignition Print

Combining the Eiffel Tower and a gun may not be the best idea of all but in this case, it's really nicely done. Seeing Travolta's name in the poster would surely make you conclude that this is an action movie, thus the pistol is just perfect to set the mood of the movie. Oh and the iconic tower? It's pretty obvious why they used it.

Devil (directed by John Erick Dowdle)

Poster design by Bemis Balkind

Menacing. Clever. I've seen the film and this poster gives proper justice to what the story is all about.

The 13 Zodiacs

There are people who have this unbendable belief toward Western Zodiac Signs. From love compatibilities to colors, some people are just too inclined to what their signs tell them. These people have their personal reasons why they read their daily horoscope readings and some even have tattoos of their own zodiac sign.

And speaking of zodiacs, I'm pretty sure you've heard about the recently added sign to the list. Ophiuchus, which is also known as "The Serpent Bearer", is now recognized as the 13th zodiac. According to reports, astronomers have already discovered this constellation a long time ago even if it's not yet visible in our naked eyes at night. But due to the natural and astronomical phenomena that involve the Earth and Sun's alignment, Ophiuchus is now a visible constellation that will be a part of the Earth's zodiac. And because of this, the dates under the existing signs were adjusted, affecting the astrological ciphers of some people. However, according to The Daily Horoscope website, Ophiuchus is not the 13th sign so those people who are too concerned about this change shouldn't panic (so I guess you can save the money that you're planning to spend for your tattoo erasure). You can read the full article HERE.

Anyway, inspired by these astronomical and astrological hullaballoo, I've collected some photos that somehow reflect the 13 zodiac signs (Yes. I decided to include Ophiuchus even if the previous stated article didn't recognize the sign as part of the zodiac) done by well-known fashion and portrait photographers for prominent magazines and designers. Take note: The pictures weren't done for the zodiacs; their looks just made me conclude that they suit the 13 signs.

Have a glimpse and enjoy!

Capricorn (January 20 - February 16) - photographed by Christian Anwander

Aquarius (February 16 - March 11) - photographed by Jacques Dequeker

Pisces (March 11 - April 18) - photographed by Zena Holloway

Aries (April 18 - May 13) - photographed by Mario Sorrenti

Taurus (May 13 - June 21) - photographed by Sofia Sanchez and Mauro Mongiello

Gemini (June 21 - July 20) - photographed by Steven Meisel

Cancer (July 20 - August 10) - photographed by Mikael Jannson

Leo (August 10 to September 16) - photographed by Solve Sundsbo

Virgo (September 16 to October 30) - photographed by Signe Vilstrup

Libra (October 30 to November 23) - photographed by Fabio Chizzola

Scorpio (November 23 - November 29) - photographed by Mario Sorrenti

Ophiuchus (November 29 - December 17) - photographed by Nick Knight

Sagittarius (December 17 - January 20) - photographed by Pedro Reguera

Astrology: Do we make a hullabaloo among the stars, or do they make a hullabaloo down here? - Mason Cooley

Photo source: Trendnista

All photo rights belong to the respective photographers/magazine/brand/website

Mannequin Fetish

There is such thing as mannequin fetish and it's called Agalmatophilia.

Actually, Agalmatophilia is not just about having a sexual desire with mannequins. It also deals with dolls and other inanimate representations of the human form. This paraphilia that is linked with inert models, according to Jami McDonald, can be categorized as an uncomplicated fantasy or a desire that can lead to something more serious.

So why, all of a sudden, am I talking about this fetish after being on a hiatus for weeks?

Dear readers, let me lighten things up a beat by showcasing a fantastic photo shoot done by one of my favorite photographers that featured one of today's hottest actresses. Although the shoot was done last year, I was more than willing to post the photos when I found them online. And mind you, this set somehow gives a clear picture of the said fetish. I was inspired by this shoot to discuss a bit about Agalmatophilia that was said to become one of the hottest kinks of 2010 (I haven't had any update if the prediction was true though).

Megan Fox for Interview Magazine (June/July 2010) by Craig McDean:

So, how's that for my first, official blog entry for 2011? :)

Nota bene: There is no claim that McDean was inspired by the said fetish for this shoot. All rights belong to the photographer, the artist and the magazine.