TAKA DESIGNS

I’ve been a big fan of popchips and the other day I stumbled upon Trader Joe’s version called Popped Potato Chips that looked remarkably similar. If you’re a fan of Trader’s Joe’s it may come as a surprise, but many products that they sell under the Trader Joe’s label, are actually made by some well known companies. As an article by Fortune titled Inside the Secret World of Trader Joe’s goes on to say, “…big, well-known companies also make many of Trader Joe’s products. Those Trader Joe’s pita chips? Made by Stacy’s, a division of PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay. On the East Coast much of its yogurt is supplied by Danone’s Stonyfield Farm.”

Continue reading →

A look at what’s happening in social media, branding and marketing on the web.

A while back Old Spice began running a very successful ad campaign featuring Isaiah Mustafa as their spokesman for Old Spice Body Wash that caused a huge viral sensation online. One of the most popular ads was short video called “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like.” It featured a beautifully crafted one take shot that now has over 22 million views on YouTube.

Continue reading →

A few weeks ago I barely knew who Roger Federer was.  And now it seems like he is everywhere. His viral video for Gillette caused a huge sensation online. He’s the brand ambassador for Lindt Chocolate and a commercial he shot for them is now airing nationwide.

And then he goes and does this amazing between-the-legs shot AGAIN at the US Open (he did one last year as well) and grabs our attention even more:

Roger Federer, you are on a roll. Just don’t do what Tiger Woods did…

Around Los Angeles I’ve been noticing a new ad campaign by Kraft’s Macaroni and Cheese. They vary in messaging, but the look and branding are all the same. They always consist of a message with the tagline: You know you love it.

Continue reading →