Great to know: Libby DeLana

Libby DeLana is a founding partner and creative at the next-generation branding firm Mechanica. I had the very good fortune of meeting her when my clients at Shilo first collaborated with Libby, her partners and their clients at Saucony on the inspirational project featured above. Through our exchanges formulating a PR strategy to promote the Saucony “Find Your Strong” campaign, I was exposed to the deep strategic thinking Mechanica invests into its work, as well as many facets of Libby’s personal talents. At the time, her photographs from Shilo’s location shoot blew me away, and since that first introduction, everything I’ve seen and experienced has made me even more of a fan.

For a bit more background, check out this 2009 profile of Mechanica from northshore magazine.

Q: What one trait or habit got you to where you are today? A: “A sunny disposition, a fierce belief that just about anything is possible and a touch of discipline.”

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Shilo is stepping up…

Fans of U.S. creative production company Shilo, fasten your seatbelts! This year the company has welcomed director Luc “Reso” Janin to its roster for commercial and music video representation in America, and Brad Tucker came onboard in June as a creative director and director. Behind the scenes in New York City, Shilo added Robert Berman … Read moreShilo is stepping up…

2012 creative leaders to watch

Advertising Age Magazine recently published its impressive annual Women to Watch Special Report honoring the following leaders who are changing the world — along with its prestigious 2012 “Creativity 50” coverage. It’s a pleasure to share news of those accolades, as well as this video for TEDxTeen – Tavi Gevinson: Still Figuring it Out spotlighting … Read more2012 creative leaders to watch

More branding and communications essentials

The Blake Project is a Los Angeles-based brand consultancy that helps companies design, manage and build brands that drive profitable revenue growth through differentiated customer experiences. Publishers of the book Brand Aid, the group also regularly stages Brand Positioning Workshops, and its principals share their considerable knowledge through their Branding Strategy Insider blog and newsletter. … Read moreMore branding and communications essentials

Scion and ATTIK rev up…

So far, 2012 has proven to be a very exciting year for Scion, the automotive brand from Toyota Motor Sales USA developed specifically for the new generation of youthful buyers. Focused on providing distinctive products, opportunities to personalize, and an innovative, consumer-driven process at the retail level, Scion supports originality through its programs in the … Read moreScion and ATTIK rev up…

Killer reels: Uniform

Uniform is a strategic, brand communications agency based in Liverpool. “We help our clients create brand stories that deliver measurable results. We believe every brand has a story to tell. We find the random and the relevant, and bring it all together as effective, compelling communication.” For further information, visit www.uniform.net.

Sharing secrets: Protein audience survey 2012

Each year Protein Networks surveys its global publication network of 18-35-year-old cultural innovators and influencers, asking what makes them tick, how they live their lives, and what they expect from their favorite brands. The results appear in the 90-page Protein Audience Survey 2012 report, a must-have resource for brands wanting to understand the behavior of … Read moreSharing secrets: Protein audience survey 2012

Dice.com amazementariness from Barkley, Thornberg and Forester

Last year, advertising agency Barkley (https://www.barkleyus.com) collaborated with design and production company Thornberg & Forester (T&F) to create five theatrical spots for Dice (https://www.dice.com), the career hub for tech. As you can see in the YouTube Playlist embedded above, they all use a very distinctive creative and storytelling style to appeal to their audience. When … Read moreDice.com amazementariness from Barkley, Thornberg and Forester

Shilo 2012

Shilo is an Emmy Award-winning creative production company integrating live-action and post production. The studio is internationally known for creating original and commissioned work that is powerful, provocative and visually extraordinary. Shilo’s deeply held passions for design-infused storytelling and innovative application of live-action, design, and animation techniques deliver breakthrough experiences for advertising in all its … Read moreShilo 2012

2012 ReCourses New Business Summit

On January 25-27, I had the pleasure of joining nearly 100 other professionals representing dozens of creative services firms in Nashville to attend the 2012 ReCourses New Business Summit (NBS). Hosted by ReCourses principal David C. Baker, and Blair Enns of Win Without Pitching, the event’s subtitle reads, “Using Your Positioning for More Reward, Impact, Control, and Fun.”

When it was all over, I asked many of my fellow attendees to provide two words that best describe their takeaways from the event, and the word cloud embedded above reflects their input. For anyone who has not spoken with me or others about our remarkable experiences at the summit, this provides quick insight into its powerful impact.For a bit more background,

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