Author: Brian Lee

Lonely heart-shaped pizzas club

Posted on by Brian Lee

There is no way I am not going to come off bitter right now.  But Valentine’s Day is the worst.  I know; a single girl hating Valentine’s is so original.  But even if I was currently attached to another person I’d stand firm with my assessment. It’s the worst, breeding nothing but disappointment.

I won’t say something cliched like Valentine’s is a made-up holiday meant to encourage consumers to spend.  I don’t think that is such a bad thing?  First of all, aren’t all holidays inherently “made-up?” We have to choose to observe something as a holiday; so we have to make it up. And secondly, as far as I am concerned, the only interesting thing left about Valentine’s is the commercialism.

Unlike other holidays, nothing seems to be off limits with Valentine’s Day.  Advertisers can tie any product into the season by shaping it like heart, painting it red, and slipping in the word love.  Valentine’s advertising is a fantastic train wreck of sentimental and tacky.  Everyone seems to try out a V-Day special, ranging from the obvious jewelry stores and chocolatiers to the absurd fast food chains and credit unions. Because nothing says I love you like heart-shaped pizzas or interest rates.

Now that I think about it, I’m not bitter about not having a Valentine at all!  I am actually a little relieved. At least I know I won’t be surprised like with this Pizza Hut proposal.  If my hypothetical boyfriend ever thought having Pizza Hut furnish our engagement, I’d have to seriously reevaluate my life decisions. Instead, the only decisions I have to think about are what I am going do for the next holiday, St. Patty’s Day! And unlike Valentine’s Day, it never disappoints!

Photo shoot

Posted on by Brian Lee

I was happy to be named to InBusiness Magazine’s “40 Under 40” list this year. This morning, I did my photo shoot at a studio on the east side.

It’s funny, usually I’m on the other side, telling the client how to pose, etc. I think I did a good job of taking direction. In fact, they had me do three sets of poses–standing, sitting on a stool and sitting on an office chair.

Unfortunately, I don’t get a say for which photo gets used for the magazine, which comes out in a few weeks. As a result, I’ll probably buy copies of the photos that don’t get used.

Super Bowl ads 2012: staff opinions

Posted on by Brian Lee

BRIAN:

I was really underwhelmed by this year’s Super Bowl commercials. Even without the annual build-up, the commercials by themselves were pretty dull. The Chrysler commercial with Clint Eastwood was entertaining, but all it did for me was invoke memories of GM’s “Imported from Detroit” commercial with Eminem. I did notice many spots add a hashtag at the end, which makes me wonder how many conversations they spawned.

STEPH:

In my opinion, a combination of animals and humor make some of the most memorable Super Bowl commercials that are also able to appeal to a wide audience. This year was no exception. One of my favorite ads was the Sketchers dog racing commercial featuring a French Bulldog named Mr. Quiggly. Not only was the commercial creative and funny, but I think people that saw the ad will actually remember what product it was advertising. Good call on Sketchers’ part deciding to ditch the Kim Kardashian commercial for this one instead.

WHITNEY:

Usually the Super Bowl commercials that keep people talking are the ads that no one can remember what the ad was for! This year, my favorite ad fell into that category–the boy peeing in the pool. Call me immature, but it was really cute (especially the look on the boy’s face as the girl jumps into the pee pool). Unfortunately for TaxAct, I had to look up who did the commercial. I’m sure many others will also remember the boy peeing in the pool ad, but what is the point of a great commercial if we can’t remember what was being sold? Second favorite ad–David Beckman for H&M … yum.

EMILIE:

Thoroughly underwhelmed, that’s my feelings on both yesterday’s game and commercials. While I anticipated a boring game, I was taken aback by the lackluster ads. But it wasn’t all bad and if I had to pick a favorite it would be the M&M’s commercial. It had everything I think makes a great Super Bowl ad without trying too hard. Plus, the idea of candy being naked is just silly, and who doesn’t love silly fun? I even like the use of the overplayed “Sexy and I Know It” song, which I have secretly come to enjoy. I think the only thing that put a bigger smile on my face was Bradshaw’s stylishly awkward touchdown.