Dumber With Your Mouth Open

In the spirit of everyone getting sick throughout the holidays (myself included), I thought I would share some TV spots that offer up some relief, and smart thinking. Because, of course, you should always remember that you look dumber with your mouth open.

and because we can't leave the adults out...

Turkey In The Desert

For the first time, I was venturing out of California for a holiday. Thanksgiving this year was with the bf's family (for the first time)... in the desert. Phoenix, AZ to be exact. It was an adventure full of Peruvian cuisine, Guatemalan rum, brothers, sisters, parents, nieces, nephews, a bear-dog, gay bars, a bout with food poisoning (no, the family didn't do it to me), and then a 15 hour drive back to SF.

I for some reason didn't take into consideration the fact that when I got off the plane, I saw cactus. Didn't really think about the fact that I was going to actual desert, 100%, no ifs ands or buts.

Had a killer time, wouldn't change it for the world. That said, I will never be moving to Arizona. seriously, it's too flat, you need to drive EVERYWHERE, and well, I'm sure I'll melt when it's 110 degrees.

But thank you Arizona for the self realization and the fantastic holiday weather. Oh, and the cactus. I was thoroughly entertained.

"I DON'T GIVE A SHIT!"

Spots like this remind me of why I love advertising. Enjoy!

Short Stories... in the form of TV Spots

I stumbled upon these ads recently and thought they were definitely worth passing along. Watch, enjoy and then get ready for more as the world of advertising produces some awkward, interesting and amazing stories... all in 30 second spots.

http://www.bestadsontv.com/ad/35772/DrugFreeorg-Save

http://www.bestadsontv.com/ad/35876/Skittles-Park

Leather Bound?

New things breathe new life and it's invigorating. One of those involves a part of the community I have more recently been introduced to over the course of the last 15 months. That's if you don't count the last couple years of going to IML in Chicago. Don't know IML, Google it.

The opportunity is working with the Leather Alliance of San Francisco for a design of their logo. Finally a creative outlet to dive into and I couldn't be more excited. It's about time to get some creative energy flowing outside of what I do in the office Monday through Friday.

That said, I couldn't be more stoked to get started. Once things come along further, I'll make sure to keep posted updates. Until then I can't wait to hear reactions when Googling IML.

Touch It... You Know You Want To

I love Skittles.... well, more appropriately I love their advertising. Their most recent release is a bit more interactive, and I couldn't be more overjoyed and unsettled all in one fell swoop. Take a look at their newest spot on YouTube HERE. Can't tell me your not just a BIT disturbed... and if you're not, then you're a creeper. End of story.

The point of this post is to show the innovative (albeit creepy) advertising in a world that can be cluttered with the mundane and expected. Reminds me with I love visual communication. and I thought everyone should experience it... at least once.

The BIG Move

It's official. I've moved locations in San Francisco and couldn't be happier. From the ever-so-charming-and-colorful Tenderloin District (is my sarcasm clear enough?) to the ever-loved Mission Dolores area of the city. Just steps away from the park, where outdoor practice is held for the SF Spikes, and blocks from friends and the flaming Castro District. It's nice to not be crammed into a studio where you step over the homeless urinating on the stoop, and it's time to continue the climb set out forth in front of me.

That's all for now. Look out when the summer comes, the park becomes our backyard, and the frequent BBQ's are announced!

Community Driven

I have, more so now than ever, an extreme appreciation for my community. Those in it, what they stand for and what we all do to improve it. That's why over a year ago I enrolled in an HIV vaccine study with the San Francisco Department of Public Health. As the HIV disease has become more present in my life and those around me, I have found that it is very important and near to my heart to get involved. People ask about the study - they wonder what it's about, some have preconceived notions, many want to know more - the reactions go on in all directions. One thing remains the same. No matter their orientation or viewpoint - I have the opportunity to educate.

If it mattered what was going to be thought about me, I wouldn't offer to put my face and my story out to the world for all to see. This is about doing what I can to connect with others to educate the community. I have never been so close to this disease before in my life. I am HIV negative and have many close friends who are HIV positive. I do this for them. I do this for those who don't know much about HIV. I do this because I want to make a change. The ad campaign with the Study is only the beginning and can't wait for what I have in the works for down the road.

If you're interested, check out the profile on me HERE. The ad is below. Sorry for the scan quality, but that's what I got, damnit! And next time you are loading up your Clipper card in the Church or Castro muni stations, you just might see my face.

A "Dream" Weekend & A Promise For 2011?

He had a dream, and I have many, most of which I can't share, and as we enter into another fantastic year (yeah, it will be, because I'm going to make it), we're celebrating this holiday weekend by bringing another fundraiser event for the San Francisco Spikes Soccer Club. Of course I'm going to promote my team (also because of the flyer design), and of course it's going to be the first thing in 2011 that I've posted (because I am that behind on updating this blog).

Admittedly being very behind in these posts, I thought it was about time to start updating and making this blog what it was originally intended - about my life, and my creative influence. Thus, more regular postings to come... PROMISE.

Until then, enjoy a flyer with info on an always entertaining event. If you can make it, be there. It's going to get crazy... and a lot of you have Monday off, so you can fully partake in the festivities! You know you want to!

A Story for the Youth?

As I was visiting my grandma last weekend, my mother was telling me a story I had never heard about my my little brother and how children deal with death (I can't tell you the story, it ruins my plans for it). It's been a 12 year brewing idea my mom has had to write a book based on this story.

Why does this mean anything at the moment? Well she has a wonderful story, it's my mom, and the whole idea she has for the book is fantastic.

With a feeling lately that I am craving something, I came to realize what it is... creativity. I need it and am going on a hunt. I need a constant feeling of being creatively satisfied. I want to help her craft this book, and I will. Just need to get her going on writing it all down...

Keep an eye out... I might very well be a published collaborator of a children's book in the future.