#sooriginal

You may have heard, but Facebook has just started to introduce one of the biggest trends taking over the digi-world; hashtags. Users can now keep their friends up to date with the topic of conversation in the handy form of a hashtag, meaning that you can no longer complain that hashtags don't belong on Facebook. The tool will allow users to see what their friends are saying about a particular topic, much like it's competitor, Twitter.

This new development means it's only a matter of time before advertisers take advantage of this new avenue onto our timelines with the promotion of campaigns and programs, but as of yet Facebook say this is not something that is on the cards. I am sure many 'Facebookers' will be excited about this introduction, and I for one can not wait to see what this development will bring.

Rachel

50 covers of D&AD

Just a quick post, a lovely idea to mark D&AD's 50th anniversary...

50 designers and Artists have come together to create a limited edition of covers for the annual D&AD book. What's more, 10 exclusive and original covers will be auctioned off by the newly announced D&AD Foundation (supporting creative students).

Don't they look great!

Nisha

4 fingers in space

So while Felix Baumgartner and the world were waiting for the perfect weather conditions for him to perform his world-breaking skydive from outer space, Kit Kat decided to send the iconic four finger biscuit to the edge of space in show of support for the crazy daredevil.

Camera footage tracked the biscuits 22 mile ascent from Camebridgeshire which was shared on the brands social media channels both Facebook and twitter, where users were encouraged to use the hash tag #breakfromgravity.

I hope it survived the descent.....



Ryan

Movember is coming!

So, we're slowly approaching he month of Movember (formally known as November) where "Mo Bros" around the world grow and groom their 'taches to raise awareness of men's health, specifically prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

"Mo Bros effectively become walking, talking billboards for the 30 days of November and through their actions and words raise awareness by prompting private and public conversation around the often ignored issue of men’s health."

This year, they've got a new identity; the "Movember and Sons" concept, designed by a consultancy in Melbourne called Urchin Associates.

Reason, a design consultancy in London are also in on creating the branding to ensure it translates to other participating countries.

Movember is also set to become a feature in this years cookbook, 'Bring it On' - who follow a different theme and creative direction with their books every year.

We like the traditional feel they have created, that old fashioned, father and son type of business. We also think Movember is a great cause to be apart of, so don't feel left out girls, you could also become a Mo sista by supporting your male family and friends.

Ready, set, grow!!!

 

11 Ways to Stay Creative

Today, we asked a few of our peers around the studio how they stay creative and how they get their inspiration. So, here's what we came up with:

1. SLEEP: a good night sleep makes all the difference, honestly.

2. Sing: yep, sing it out! It's fun and it's free and it makes you feel a whole lot better when you're stressed.

3. Pick on your creative peers: a gentle jibe here and there can create a close bond with your peers, which makes for a great creative relationship.

4. Be sociable: you never know what inspiration you'll draw from a random conversation, even if it is just about the weather.

5. Read blogs: get up-to-date, find out what other people think about your interests and give yourself a chance to see things from a whole different perspective.

6. Read books: make time for reading. Words are a great source for using your imagination, create the scenes you read in your head and get inspired by what you see.

7. Indulge yourself in culture: whether it's food, drinks, books, going to museums, try something new and see where it takes you.

8. Be an explorer: just like Dora! Ok, Strawberry Mountain might not exist but there's so many amazing places you can explore. You never know what you might stumble upon.

9. Use pen and paper: go back to basics, a good old doodle never hurt anybody...before Macs were invented :)

10. Get out of the studio: we all need a break, get some air, even if it's just a walk to the coffee shop. Just stop staring at that screen!

11. Drink coffeeeeeeeee: do we really need to explain this one?

The US food product Hot pockets has released a new ad featuring none other than Snoop Dogg, or should that be Snoop Lion? The rapper has re-mixed his 2004 hit 'Drop it like it's hot' into a full version 'Pocket like it's hot' for the promotion of these yummy pockets. The video also features comedian/man-child Andy Milonakis,YouTube sensation DeStorm Power, WWE superstar Brodus Clay, and Herbie Hot Pocket.

The ad by Threshold Interactive allows the brand to embrace their status as a stoners microwave treat. We think this is a great partnership, what with the image that 'Snoop Lion' portrays, but what do you think?

R

Ebay goes Pinterest

After unveiling their logo a few months back, Ebay have now revealed the look of their new website updating it with brand new features both aesthetically and functionally and a style very similar to our good friend, Pinterest.

It has been designed to look and feel more contemporary, clean and easier (or tempting) to browse and purchase. This is also a way of applying the site to users to help it become more of a personal experience. Ebay would like it to become a site that translates globally, so it reflects the brand as a marketplace that connects the world to the items they need, love and will always go back to.

We think it looks great, a lot more stylish and personal - just like every shopping experience should be! It would also look great on a smartphone therefore, using it where ever you are, shouldn't be a problem. The US should be seeing the update pretty soon and the rest of with world, in the coming months (boo!). 

N

New look of the profile page