Holiday campaign of note

'Tis the season for much commerce and all the campaigns that go with them. I thought I'd share one that really impressed one. I don't think it's a new one (a few years running) but it's so well thought out who would blame them for bringing it back?

American Express' "My Wishlist" campaign at first glance appears to be a just selling a bunch of cool stuff for a hugely discounted price (most notably a luxury car for $5000). But it is actually a multi-tiered campaign to not only sell stuff but also has the benefit of getting people to sign up for the credit card (only Amex members can buy the products). The highly covetable incentives (or is it merchandise?) are offered for just a limited time, three times a day for 2 weeks or so. There is a different item for each of the days during the time period. If you fail to be one of the three "winners" for the top-tier items at each of the designated time slots, you can always buy "featured products" at anytime as gifts for yourself or your friends and family.

The breakdown, on the Amex site

To add to this clever campaign, is the wonderful Flash presentation. For example, when browsing through the featured products that you can buy at any time, a mouseover produces a virtual flip up to reveal what the discount is for that particular vendor.
There is also a handy little feature to remind yourself of when the "prize(s)" that you want will be open for purchase. To extend the marketing, there is of course, the usual email-a-friend and also mobile phone reminders.
The only weak spot, which may or may not be Amex's fault, is the unclear images for some of the featured product vendors. Some company logos are so small and/or blurry that it is almost indecipherable.

Paint inspiration

I was surfing today and somehow came across this on the design*sponge site:I think it is a great way to transition colors from space to space and it seems pretty DIY-able. Not sure when/where to use this, or if I could even find a design that I like, but I will tuck it away for the future.

Also, I've always liked the idea of having a chalkboard wall. Here's a way to make custom colors of it. All you need to do is mix up the following:

3 teaspoons acrylic paint
1 1/2 teaspoons glazing medium (water-based)
1/2 teaspoon powder tile grout

Or from everyone's favorite Martha:
Custom Colors: How To

Start with flat-finish latex paint in any shade. For small areas, such as a door panel, mix 1 cup at a time.

1. Pour 1 cup of paint into a container. Add 2 tablespoons of unsanded tile grout. Mix with a paint stirrer, carefully breaking up clumps.
2. Apply paint with a roller or a sponge paintbrush to a primed or painted surface. Work in small sections, going over the same spot several times to ensure full, even coverage. Let dry.
3. Smooth area with 150-grit sandpaper, and wipe off dust.
4. To condition: Rub the side of a piece of chalk over entire surface. Wipe away residue with a barely damp sponge.

Plastic bags & more

A friend forwarded me an email with these very clever advertisements. I could say something about the portrayal of women and body image, but for now I'll just say that I don't see the point of the one about strangling the old man. What could they possibly be trying to sell? Any thoughts?