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S1/V4

Posted on by adayinthesun
A Day In The Sun
The image is a simple text-based graphic for a newsletter titled "NEWSLETTER S1 V4." with a date of December 22, 2023. Below the title, it states "By Paul Earle," indicating the author. The text further reads "Musings with a dash of bluster at the intersection of brands, creativity, and entrepreneurship" which suggests the content theme of the newsletter. At the bottom, a playful comment adds "[4-minute read; 2 if you skim; 0 minutes if you blow this off entirely]," which humorously estimates the time it would take to engage with the newsletter's content depending on the reader's level of interest. The text is set against a plain white background, with the title in bold orange letters and the rest of the text in black.
The image contains a screenshot of a text conversation, overlaid with a title "A HIGH BAR" in red at the top. The conversation starts with a message asking about new brands that have caught attention, inviting a reply with the note that "New" means "five years old or younger." It then discusses a brand named GOODLES, led by Jen Zeszut, which has garnered an enthusiastic response from fans. These fans express their excitement with expletives, leading the company to keep a "swear jar" in the office. The message introduces "The Swear Jar Bar" as a new standard for gauging the appeal of new products and brands. Below this description, there's an iMessage text bubble with the sender saying, "I’m going out of my f****** mind for GOODLES" indicating the sender's high praise for the product. The message is marked as "Delivered." The background is white with the text primarily in black, except for the title and the swear word which are redacted with a blue bar.
The image features a title "A FRONT ROW SEAT AT THE REVOLUTION, REVISITED" in bold red text at the top, indicating a reflection on past business revolutions. A Front Row Seat At The Revolution, Revisited In late 2017 and throughout 2018, in conjunction with Forbes and Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management, I scoured the consumer world for the most interesting and exciting new ventures. Newbies were popping up in abundance and many were seemingly poised to turn huge categories upside down. Here are the 12 we selected. Looking back, some of these brands did enjoy great outcomes, and continue to thrive. But many other "belles of the ball" five years ago are having real trouble today… both in the above set and beyond. What is becoming crystal clear—to me, my partners, investors, potential acquirers, even consumers—is that basic fundamentals really matter. Do you have a path to profitability? Are you loved or just liked… are you F-bomb worthy? How about distribution beyond your website? Of course all answers must be yes. But not that long ago, many smart people believed that new brands could achieve glory through brute force alone. What's your view?
Observations Around The Brandscape Some logic: (1) If you're introducing something, then (2) it must be named, and (3) if it must be named, then (4) darn it all, it should be named well. Exhibit A of the power of naming: this Halloween LTO from Pottery Barn. It's not just any ghost; it's Gus the Ghost. I believe that naming this thing, especially so artfully, is why it became a bestseller. Kudos to Pottery Barn. And a hearty "boooooooo" to the NBA for introducing what is actually a big new idea for an in-season tournament, and calling it simply… that's right, "The In-Season Tournament." Seriously, NBA? That's gross negligence. Don't you agree? Making this clunker even more egregioun is that creating a compelling handle and story for this tourney would be, well a layup. (NBA, call me… we'll solve this in 24 hours) Do this… … not that
Speaking of sports and naming, my scorn for the NBA is counterbalanced by my appreciation of the NFL for this small-but-mighty temporary twist on their Twitter/X home page after it became apparent that Taylor Swift was dating one of their own. PS: I love this photo for many reasons, one of them being Mrs. Kelce, whose reaction to her son's big touchdown is quite different from T-Swizzle's. While I have your attention, gratitude to all sports moms.
The image features text above and a photo below. The text above reads: "I think we are nearing (or past) the end of the movement positing that brands can win by bashing you in the face with stories about how nice they are. I love Oatly, but this cringy new side panel made me think "NOatly." Look, conscious capitalism is really important, and all ventures in which I’m involved are good citizens. But it’s never a shmaltzy marketing headline. The best approach to mission is to just do it." The photo shows a hand holding a carton of Oatly milk with a side panel stating: "We promise to be a good company." Below this headline, there's further text on the carton that begins with "We are not a perfect company, not even close, but our intentions are true..." The rest of the text on the carton is small and not fully legible in the image. The overall message of the image and text is a critique of marketing strategies that overly emphasize a company's ethical stance or mission, suggesting that authentic action is more important than promotional claims.
The image shows a piece of text and a photograph of a bird. The text reads: "Below is a red-winged blackbird, a stunningly beautiful creature. I love the vibrant red/orange/yellow epaulets, the onyx feathers with a sheen, and the perfect proportions in form. As a design nut, chef’s kiss to the red-winged blackbird. This little bird also, however, happens to be a big-time a*shole, a contemptible nasty bastard to the extreme. If you unwittingly roam anywhere near what they believe is “their territory,” they will angrily screech at you... and even physically attack you, dive bombing your head with claws out, and the beak transformed into a weapon. I was a victim of one such attack this fall. This craven act of aggression was not only startling, it really hurt. So I’m plotting my revenge. A longtime fan of biomimicry as a creative approach, I will co opt the red-winged blackbird’s gorgeous design scheme, and use it on a consumer product one day. No royalties. They won’t like that either and will evolve to be even more ornery. Too bad." The accompanying photograph shows a red-winged blackbird perched on a piece of wood, with its distinctive red and yellow shoulder patches visible against its glossy black body. The bird's mouth is open as if it is calling or singing. At the bottom, there is a caption that says "The Red-Winged Blackbird [Totalum Jerkus Maximus]".
The image is a digital capture of a section from what appears to be a publication, with a combination of text and illustration. The text at the top states, "This one is easy peasy. The answer to the question below is “HELL NO.” Good lord. Wut??? I think in general, the tide in popular culture is turning hard against fake... anything. Fake meat, diamonds, yogurt, photos, electors, whatever: if it’s not real, fuggedaboudit. There is a difference between what you can make and what you should make." Below this paragraph is a header from 'The New York Times Magazine' for a subscriber-only newsletter titled 'The Ethicist'. Underneath this header is a bold title that reads, "My Girlfriend Wants a Real Diamond Ring. Can It Be Lab-Grown Instead?" Following this title, a subtext reads, "The magazine’s Ethicist columnist on the perils of inaugurating an engagement with deception." The bottom portion of the image contains an illustration by Tomi Um, depicting a man in a blue shirt and a woman in a pink blouse with a neutral expression, both looking at a large illustrated diamond ring, representing a lab-grown diamond.
The image displays a screen capture with text and graphical elements. At the top, there's a statement emphasizing that "everything is a design opportunity," suggesting that all aspects should be considered intentionally. It criticizes poorly designed instructions, labeling them a missed opportunity and humorously suggests that unless Phil Collins is involved, the product needs a new name. Below this commentary is a section of a help center from a brand called 'sudio.' It lists several user guide topics such as battery levels and management, care and cleaning, and features like broadcasting and water resistance ratings. Additional entries include an FAQ section and product models like F2, B1, and N2 Pro. A portion titled "Before getting started" advises that the speaker may have some existing battery charge but recommends fully charging it before the first use. Instructions for "Turning S2/S3 on or off" and "Pairing with a device" are provided with accompanying simple graphic icons indicating the steps for these actions. The icons display a power symbol, a plus and minus for volume controls, and a Bluetooth pairing illustration. The layout appears to be a webpage with options to "Back to Sudio.com," a language selection drop-down for English (US), and a sign-in option. The overall context implies that the image is meant to critique the clarity and effectiveness of product instructions and the importance of design in user experience.
The image is a compilation of three vintage vinyl record labels, each accompanied by text that expresses the uploader's enjoyment of big band and swing music from the past, particularly because of the catchy and well-crafted song titles that "roll off the tongue." The uploader emphasizes the importance of considering how copy sounds when spoken. The first record label is from RCA Victor featuring the song "I've Got a Gal In) KALAMAZOO" from the film "Orchestra Wives," performed by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra, vocal refrain by Tex Beneke, Marion Hutton, and The Modernaires. The second label is from His Master's Voice for the song "CHATTANOOGA CHOO CHOO" from the film "Sun Valley Serenade," also by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra with Vocal Refrain. The third record label is from Decca, showcasing the song "The Dipsy Doodle" by Bill Haley and His Comets. The record labels reflect the distinctive aesthetic and typography of their era, highlighting the cultural and historical significance of the music and the era it represents.
The image contains two golden retriever puppies on a field with orange flowers. The text reads: "A social media expert recently told me that photos of puppies really drive engagement, so here ya go. Am I shameless? Smart? Just having some fun? Making a statement? You decide. (And if you do decide, you’re engaging.)"
The image shows two green cylindrical products from the brand 'Seed', one a bottle and the other a jar. The text reads: "I have railed against branding minimalism in the past, arguing instead for maximalism. Mies Van Der Rohe, you’re wrong: more is more. People crave detail, action, easter eggs galore, breadth and depth, a wall of sound, ideas expressed as a multidimensional technicolor dreamcoat! Sgt. Pepper’s cover design over the White Album. That said, my first rule of branding is that there are practically no rules. And in that spirit, I hereby declare my love for this simple beautiful soulful evocative unexpected design approach from Seed. Feeling green never felt so good. And apparently, I’m not alone: the brand is crushin’ it. What do you think?"
The image includes a graphic of a seven-headed cobra in black against a red background, which is associated with the Symbionese Liberation Army. The accompanying text states, "I stumbled across the history of the Symbionese Liberation Army while researching something (don’t worry, I’m not up to anything bad). I don’t endorse the SLA’s body of work, but good golly that’s an incredible visual identity... on its own and especially for any menacing guerilla movement."
The image is a text-based graphic with a heading that reads "INSIDE THE ROPES: DESIGN THINKING DOING LATELY." Below the heading, the text says: "We recently designed and delivered a few days of creativity-themed learning & development workshops for a group of duly and truly awesome professionals across the organization at a major global airline. A big part of my mission is helping others get to their days in the sun and I love this kind of work…" The text is set on a plain white background with the heading in bold pink and the rest of the text in black.
The image features a text overlay and a photo of a colorful mac and cheese product called GOODLES. The text reads: "Speaking of flying, GOODLES® continues to soar, like E.T. and Elliott. We're movin' a whole lot of noodles, and delighting our fans in the process. More big news (noows?) is coming in 1H 2024: new products, new retailers, new content, oh my! In the meantime, check out our latest combo box, which has proven to be extremely popular. Whatever your Jones, there’s a mac for that. PS: in that box are two custom sporks. Details!" Below the text, the GOODLES mac and cheese box is opened to reveal several different flavor packets. Two customized sporks with purple and blue handles are also shown in front of the box. The background is a soft mint green.
The image is of a text document with a photo of two hair care products. The text reads: "I’m officially excited about Small Wonder® hair care. It’s a powder concentrate that magically transforms into a highly efficacious luscious lather when exposed to water right in the shower. I received “clearance from the tower” (thanks Stephanie!) to show this visual of our soon-to-be-released “Wonder Bottle,” which looks simple—that’s the objective—but actually is a patent-pending bona fide wonder of design and technology. Like the powder itself, it’s a real breakthrough and was incredibly difficult to do. This is also the first time I have been named on a patent, and I’m as proud as a peacock to have contributed. The new vessel will be released in a v1 iteration early next year. Go to www.SmallWonder.world to keep an eye on things. The concentrates revolution is very much on." In the photo are two tube-shaped bottles, one red and one blue, labeled "Small Wonder" with "shampoo" and "conditioner" indicated underneath. The products are presented against a neutral-toned counter.
The image is a screenshot of a social media post featuring two people wearing turkey hats. The text in the image reads: "Big Nose Kate® is going to Californiar! (that right there is a John Lennon reference, and I will ship a complimentary bottle of BNK to the first person who can email me with the backstory on that very Lennony wordplay). Kate herself will always be the hero of the story, but Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone continue to shine as very prominent costars, their latest turn involving awesomely ridiculous turkey hats. Click to play" The people in the image are toasting with drinks in their hands, smiling at the camera, and seem to be in a festive or celebratory mood.
The image contains a humorous modification of the iconic "Better Call Saul" billboard from the television show "Breaking Bad" and its spin-off "Better Call Saul." The text above the image reads: "We recently got a call on the Bat Phone from the CMO of a giant CPG whose team needed to land a great name for a new product... fast. Which is really difficult to do, even on a normal timeline. And we may have done it. I’m glad they reached out, and it made me think of a new billboard campaign: 'Branding problem? BETTER CALL PAUL.' (calls not toll-free)" The billboard in the image has been altered to read "Better Call Paul" with the name "SAUL GOODMAN" humorously edited to "PAUL GÜODMAN, ATTORNEY AT LAW" and a man pointing directly at the viewer. Below the billboard, the phone number "(505) 503-4455" is visible. The image conveys a playful take on branding and marketing consultation services.
The image features text that discusses an entrepreneurial advising role. The text is as follows: "My latest adventure at Northwestern’s Kellogg School is advising three student entrepreneur teams as part of the Zell Fellows program, named after the late great extraordinary entrepreneur and philanthropist Sam Zell. It’s an honor. And, not surprisingly, they have some ideas worth making." Below the text are the words "ZELL FELLOWS" in a gradient of yellow to green, and "KELLOGG" in purple, signifying branding for the Zell Fellows program at Kellogg School of Management. The text expresses pride in mentoring student teams and implies the value and potential of the students' entrepreneurial ideas.
The image is a collection of six photographs with captions, titled "Pics by Paul," showcasing various quirky and interesting scenes: A deflated Santa Claus decoration on the ground with the caption, "Too much eggnog?" A Halloween pumpkin painted with the KISS band makeup, accompanied by smaller decorated pumpkins, captioned "This rocks." A mannequin dressed in children's clothing with no head displayed in a store, with the caption "Terrifying. Who approved this?" A vehicle with a back window advertisement featuring a family waving, captioned "Someone help these people." A person wearing a sweatshirt with "URANIUS" printed on it, in a playful reference to the planet Uranus, without additional context. An airplane window view showing the shadow of the plane over water, with the caption suggesting it could either be the plane's shadow or "the world's largest and most unusual shark." The photographs and captions suggest a lighthearted and humorous perspective on everyday sightings.
The image is a written note with a message of goodwill and a signature. The text reads: "Thanks for reading this far. Best to you and yours for a happy, healthy and peaceful 'Hollydaze.' These are heady times and as the great Lester Holt always says in his nightly signoff, 'take care of yourselves, and each other.' I’m excited about 2024 and let’s all do some cool stuff. Cheers. PS: 2024 is gonna be a great year. I’m putting that out there. Paul Where you can find us... A Day In The Sun 909 Davis Street, 5th Floor Evanston, Illinois USA 60201, and in wide open fields everywhere." The text is accompanied by a handwritten signature "Paul". The message is positive, looking forward to the year 2024, and provides an address for "A Day In The Sun".
The image is a newsletter excerpt discussing the impact of classic radio serials on Paul McCartney, highlighting "Under Milk Wood" by Dylan Thomas, narrated by Richard Burton. It reflects on the profound influence such works can have, lamenting the short attention spans of "kids these days" and suggesting that brands should focus on differentiation, possibly by embracing older forms of media. The author advocates for taking time to appreciate language and storytelling, suggesting listeners imagine being a young Paul McCartney in the 1950s, listening to a radio play. The text ends with an encouragement to listen to "Under Milk Wood" and a cheerful "Cheers." The bottom of the image shows a cover of "Under Milk Wood" with a picture of Richard Burton and a coastal town background, with a caption that reads "Click to play." Rabbit Hole I deeply enjoyed the iHeart Radio podcast series featuring Paul McCartney, where the master told the stories behind the creation of many of his hit songs. He spoke at length about the profound impact that long-form dramatic radio serials had on him as a kid growing up in England, specifically citing, as an example, Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas, narrated by Richard Burton no less. I checked it out and it's an incredible production. The writing! The VO! Wow. Listening to Burton-on-Thomas, it is not too much of a leap to imagine how a young McCartney was enraptured and yearned to grow up to be a showman, a storyteller, and a wordsmith himself one day. Which of course he did. I hope one day there will be a resurgence of this kind of audio vehicle. We all need to have more adventures with language (we're already on our way at GOODLES). We should take a minute to slow down, deliver, and enjoy great writing and narration. The word is that "kids these days" now have such short attention spans, thanks to all the obvious drivers (and some not-so-obvious drivers), that any format requiring more than five seconds of engagement is effectively DOA. But I think that this point of view is overly cynical. And isn't the name of the game differentiation? Brands can try to "out short" the other in a race to the bottom, or… try something new. And that something new might be something… very old. Perhaps over the break, take some time, and listen to the show in full. Link here. Imagine it's the 1950s, you're a young Paul McCartney in mum's kitchen, and a crackly old radio is on… Cheers.

S1/V3

Posted on by adayinthesun
A vibrant abstract image with a fluid array of colors, blending hues of orange, blue, green, red, and pink, reminiscent of a colorful horizon at sunset. At the top, in a contrasting bold font, the text reads 'September 2023'. Below the colorful design, centered text states 'S1 V3 A Day In The Sun', suggesting it is the third version of a series or publication. Further text below the title provides a description 'Thinking and doing at the intersection of brands, innovation, and entrepreneurship.' The text colors range from peach to orange, complementing the warm tones of the artwork.
Text on a dark background reads: 'Hello everybody! Fall has sprung. This edition is fairly extraordinary, as there is some very significant news on the venture front; scroll down for that. But let’s stick to format and begin with...
Things I Think I Think So, my teenage son takes after his grandfather and manually keeps score of every baseball game we attend. The data in the "weather" box is supposed to be objective; in the case below, a Cubs v. White Sox game at Wrigley Field, the entry should have been: "75 F, clear skies, light breeze blowing out to leftfield." What he entered instead was far better and struck me as a lesson of the benefits of framing old questions in new ways. Photo: dad. Inspiration: kid I recently watched the original "Jurassic Park" with a live symphony orchestra playing the extraordinary John Williams original motion picture score, scene-by-scene. The experience was moving and reminded me of a long-held belief: everything we create should have a score. Sometimes other people will hear it, or perhaps the music is feeling expressed in other ways. In the early days of GOODLES, we guided our team through an awesome exercise: what does GOODLES sound like, to you? (We had a wide range of inspired submissions. Mine: "Flying Thene," from "E.T."… another magnificent John Williams classic, souring, literally. More on E.T., Spielberg, and Williams in this issue's Rabbit Hole at the bottom) Photo by Paul Another example of the boundlessness of creativity is here in the housing of a Nike gift card. I'm happy they just did it. Photo by Paul. Inspiration: Prefontaine. The Vanity Fair spinoff Airmail declared Princess Diana's iconic black sheep sweater to be "the most famous sweater in the world." And Sotheby's just sold it for over a million bucks. The sweater is so brilliant because it instantly tells a powerful story. I think we get the message Diana sent when she donned this. Fantastic. Photo credit: Vogue/Sotheby's The LaZBoy "Decliner" LTO allows one to use AI to turn down invitations to social events (and presumably anything else). This is obviously a stunt. And a great one! It wouldn't surprise me if it were so popular that it comes around a second time, in some form. Brands work in mysterious ways… Credit: LaZBoy McDonald's is creating a spinoff concept called Cos Mc, reviving an obscure character from the 1980s. It's a good business idea, and the creative is fun. I'm enjoying how much McD's seems to be pushing things of late, proving that yes, the giants can be innovative too. Credit: McDonald's Okay, so in a move combining two acronyms—YOLO x DGAF—I splurged on a famous Herman Miller "Eames" chair. It's a timeless icon of midcentury design and can have the effect of catnip on creative people. My review: rapture! I expected it to be incredibly comfortable—it is—but what I wasn't expecting is that one sits so close to the ground. With the curvature, bucket seat, and low profile, you get the feeling of being in a 1950s racecar. Our dog Olive may be getting spoiled. (Well, she was already). Photo by Paul We love Joanna and Chip's new concept, and for the record, our skates dropped in 2021! Yes, these really do exist and are for sale at GOODLES.com. Don't just create a trademark and logo; craft a world. Credit: GOODLES I deeply love creating new brands and helping others do the same. But sometimes, repurposing an old one is the play. The conversion of Overstock.com to Bed Bath & Beyond is a masterstroke, and it is already paying off. Credit: Overstock and Bed, Bath & Beyond Out-and-about, I encountered a stranger wearing these beautiful, super-cool shoes. This brand was completely alien to me. I furtively snuck a photograph and then did a little homework. It's El Ganso, from Spain (link at the very bottom). If you encounter something that moves you, record it somehow! The discovery could spark something…and you could even end up with a new pair of shoes. Photo by Paul, very much taken without permission One definition of creativity: the combination of existing elements in a maningful new way. A great example of "combinatorial innovation" making the news lately is from Trinity Joy, a new addition to Beyonce's dance troupe on the blockbuster Renaissance Tour. Ms. Joy melds classical ballet with "trap," a style of music and dancing that is adjacent to rap. This novel hybrid, dubbed "Trapllet," is mesmerizing and more than a little provocative. See below for Joy in action (link at very bottom). I think I injured my hamstring just watching it! Trinity Joy, third from left. Credit: Kevin Mazur/Parkwood
A Few Words About Words Findings of the nomenclature-obsessed Before going into this edition's name discoveries, an announcement. I finally compiled all words and phrases that I have collected over the years into a single file. These are gems I stumbled across and then logged because I instinctively felt they could be great brands for something someday. For example: HUBBUB. This word has magic for so many reasons… most of them are obvious, but not all! The library is nearly 1,000 names deep. It's a great starting point for any naming challenge. Inquire within. Now, words I love being used by others! Backrub" is a creepy name for anything that isn't a backrub. So it is a good thing that Sergey Brin and Larry Page ditched the original name for their search engine idea and switched to a better one: Google. The company recently celebrated its 25th birthday. Cheers. Out friend Jeanie was over and brought us this dahlia from her garden. The official variety name: Sparticus. Perfect. Let us march! Growing by Jeanie and god, Photo by Paul There is so much to like about FX's smash hit show, The Bear, including the naming evolution. I audibly gasped during the reveal, it hit so hard. Carmy nailed it. Credit: FX Staying in the TV world (and no, I don't watch that much TV), I appreciated the name the BILLIONS writers chose for the fitness center operated by a character who is a former football player. If you know anything about football you know what "The Combine" is, and if you don't, Google will tell you in 0.23 seconds. Credit: Showtime I like the name Turtle Chips. The thing looks like a turtle, kinda sorta. The name is short, fun to say, and easy to write. Turtles are cool. Nobody will think the food is actual turtle meat, so forget about that particular concern. And that's it. Don't overthink it, people! Sometimes the best names are stupidly simple. Or even just a little stupid. Credit: Turtle Chips Blip, a new brand of nicotine gum and lozenges is making lots of news. Theoretically, these exist to help young people quit the vile habit of vaping. It's from the same group of entrepreneurs behind Starface acne patches, a smash hit. "Blip" is an excellent name (and design) for a product that exists to help people move on to something else, although I have some questions about many other things. Credit: Blip In an Italian restaurant the other day, I was reminded of a pet peeve: why do we in the English-speaking world refer to the city of Napoli as "Naples?" I don't have any Italian roots (as far as I know), but nevertheless, this Anglicization is offensive to me. Whatever the locals call their own place, then that's what it should be to us. Bah! Photo by Paolo I'll end this installment of Words About Words on a bright note. The new product MF'n Kookies has not one, but tow great trademarks in it! And a cool design aesthetic too. (postscript: apparently the founder's initials are M.F.; rather than shy away from it, she leaned in! That's F'in great.) Photo by Paul
The image has a title 'Inside the Ropes' in bold, set against a background gradient ranging from peach to pink. Below the title, the text reads: 'Not a lot of lazy in this past summer, and the fall is shaping up to be a real pot boiler, too. So, up top I promised some big news. And here it is. As was announced on September 13, GOODLES® has closed a $13 Million Series A financing, led by L Catterton. The famous family of funds known as “L Catt” has earned a spot on anyone’s short list as one of best investors in in the consumer sector, and the team and I are so happy to have them join our magical mystery tour (link at the very bottom). And speaking of hopping aboard, it was also announced that Eric Ryan joined the GOODLES Board of Directors. Eric is a true pioneer and luminary in consumer ventures, having cofounded big winners Method, Olly, and Welly, and contributed to many more. Eric is already giving us some great and helpful “pro tips.” Big Nose Kate® continues to blossom. Why? Well, the product is unique and delicious, we have a breakthrough brand and story that is striking a nerve, the operating team is super, and then there are outlandish posts like this one from our partners Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone the other day. If it looks like we’re having fun, it’s because we are. Small Wonder®, a shampoo powder concentrate that is pretty radical, is earning strong reviews in its initial v1.0 beta test. In addition to being a much-welcomed alternative to the practice of jamming watery goop into single-use plastic...the product works extremely well! In our client biz, we wrapped a neat project to create a new brand and visual identity for a consolidated rollup of companies put together by a big private equity firm. We also completed a study to create a new brand for a security company that is looking to expand; this was a juicy one and caused me to dust off some old trusty frameworks like Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. As a proud alum of Leo Burnett, Allstate’s creative partner going back to 1950, I further found the mind going to the emotional benefit of being “In Good Hands,” for inspiration. Outside of branding work, we completed a handful of learning and development workshops on topics such as design and innovation for a few of the big guys out there. While I’m spending lots of time as a principal in ventures these days, I also love helping others pursue their days in the sun and will always make time for it.'
The image is a vertical collage titled 'Gallery' with the subtitle 'Photos by Paul (with one exception).' It includes several photographs: Top left: An image of a Costco shopper with a cart full of boxes labeled GOODLES, with the caption 'This Costco shopper, a stranger with no relationship with us (I swear), really really loves GOODLES... Photo GOODLES/Costco. Credit to John’s friend.' Top right: A potted plant with a single flower blooming, with the caption 'This flower was never planted by us or anyone, and just appeared one day in a temporarily abandoned pot section of our fence. If anyone knows what this is, please do tell.' Middle left: An airplane seen from below against stormy skies, with the caption 'A bit of a rodeo on takeoff. Pilots are awesome and I appreciate their skill and nerve.' Middle right: A sign pointing 'THIS WAY TO WRIGLEY FIELD,' with the caption 'Got it, thanks. Other navigation aids: thousands of people walking in the same direction, and six giant light towers on the horizon.' Bottom left: A street sign showing 'Scott St' intersecting with 'Scott Ave,' with the caption 'This strange intersection nearby is a great stunt/act opportunity for Scott’s Garden products, Scott tissue, or maybe even the next Star Trek campaign. Beam me up...' Bottom right: An oddly shaped tree silhouetted against the sky, with the caption 'Can we all please stop using "weird" as a pejorative? I noticed this super weird tree at a friend’s house, and I love it.' Far bottom left: A lattice screen on a studio lot, with the caption 'On a recent trip to Los Angeles, I was able to enjoy a tour of the Paramount Studios lot. This seemingly innocuous screen was the backdrop to a pivotal scene in an iconic 1980s movie. Can you identify it? This is gonna be complicated.' Far bottom right: A blurry roadside view with the caption 'On that same trip, staying in my golden state of mind, I motored up the coast to join my GOODLES mates in Santa Cruz, enjoying a few jaunts on the coastline’s "California 1" where possible. (The photo quality is poor, but it’s the best I could do safely).' The final phrase at the bottom of the collage reads 'May your roads be open and may your skies be blue.'
"On a dark green background, there's a stylized yellow line drawing of a human figure walking and dragging a nautilus shell pattern behind them, suggesting movement and growth. Next to the figure, there's contact information in yellow text that reads: Paul Earle A Day In The Sun® Paul@ADayInTheSun.com 909 Davis Street, Fifth Floor Evanston, Illinois USA 60201
Rabbit Hole This edition's rabbit hole focuses on my favorite director/composer duo: Spielberg and Williams. Just a few of the films they made together: Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Indiana Jones series, E.T., Hook, Schindler's List, Jurassic Park series, Saving Private Ryan, War of the Worlds, and Lincoln, Spielberg has a unique ability to evoke emotion, to access deeply into the human condition…and when you combine that with the superpower of Williams to do so musically, it's just potent! (Williams, of course, also wrote the score for a production that Wikipedia describes as an "epic space opera multimedia franchise created by George Lucas," and if you don't know what that is, I will just say that this may not be the newsletter you're looking for. But back to Steve and John). Photo credit: Amblin Entertainment As much as I love the score to Jurassic Park, and others, E.T. is my favorite. I identify deeply with the Elliott character, his backstory, and all his trials and tribulations, the imagination and fun, the adventure, his unusual friendship. The moment when Elliott and his buddy in the basket take flight, escaping it all if only for a moment, is perhaps my favorite in all of film. Elliott and E.T. soar, and so does the music, making these feelings of joy wonder even deeper, and richer. Credit: Amblin Entertainment In fact, Williams' "Flying Theme" was so magnificent that is caused a very rare if not unprecedented flip in production sequencing. Usually, a movie's visuals and spoken dialogue are edited and finished completely, and only then does an orchestra gather to play the score to the movie. They have the film up on screen in real time, and there is a lot of stopping and starting as the behest of the conductor and film director. (I once witnessed this done in person, albeit for a 0:30 TV commercial a million years ago. My Saatchi & Saatchi mates and I created a spot for a Fruit Roll-Ups x Spiderman promotion, and somehow, almost as if by miracle, convinced Fruit Roll-Ups' owner, General Mills, that this brilliant game-changing chef d'oeuvre of fruit snack creative absolutely required an original score delivered by a full orchestra. I still can't believe we got that one through. Thos were the days). Anyway, Spielberg was so moved by "Flying Theme" that he actually had Williams orchestrate and finish the piece however he liked, and then Spielberg's crew edited the visuals and dialogue to it. It's a great testament to Williams. And to the power of music. Reprise from the idea way up top. Everything you create should have a score. Even if you're the only one who hears it.
The graphic has a vibrant blue background and is titled 'Link-a-Palooza' in bold, white text at the top. Below the title is a pattern of boxed GOODLES macaroni and cheese products in an assortment of bright colors like orange, blue, yellow, and green. At the bottom of the image, there's a message in white text that says 'Want to know more about what’s happening at Goodles? As you should! Read the latest press release here.' which suggests that the text is a hyperlink on a website or digital document.
The image appears to be a digital mockup of a tablet displaying a webpage. The background is purple, and on the tablet screen, there are images of four different styles of sneakers with the brand name "EL GANSO" displayed at the top in white text. Below each sneaker image, there are descriptions and prices listed as "Navy Blue Track Mix €139.90," "Navy Green Track Mix €139.90," "Black Grey Track Mix €139.90," and "Brown Tobacco Track Mix €139.90." Below the sneaker images, there's a statement in white text that reads, "We keep dreaming, flying high and giving color to life. And enjoying what we like the most: 'HACER EL GANSO'." At the bottom of the image, there is a call to action in larger white text that says, "Check out more about El Ganso here."
The image shows a group of performers on stage. There are seven individuals, possibly dancers and a lead singer, all dressed in shiny silver costumes. They are standing confidently with a bright stage light behind them, creating a dramatic silhouette effect. Below the image, there's text that reads, "Check out Joy here. Warning 1: Do not try this at home. Warning 2: the vocal track is NSFW to the extreme." The word "here" is underlined, suggesting it is a hyperlink in a digital document. The background of the image is a gradient from teal to purple, and the whole image is framed with a yellow and blue border.

S1/V2

Posted on by adayinthesun
A Day In The Sun
The image features a greeting from Paul, who introduces the S1/V2 newsletter for "A Day In The Sun®." It expresses gratitude for the positive reactions received. The background of the image is an abstract design with a rainbow of blended colors creating an arch, symbolizing optimism and diversity. Below the greeting, there is a technical note about email responses. It explains that while most replies will show the correct email address (paul@ADayInTheSun.com), some may see a long, coded string due to variables outside of their control. The writer encourages not to be dissuaded by this "gobbledygook" and assures that the message will still be received. The writer signs off with a whimsical declaration that "gobbledygook" is the word of the day and indicates readiness to proceed with the content. The text within the image reads: "Hello! Paul here. I present you with S1/V2 newsletter for A Day In The Sun®. Thanks to all of you for your cheery “huzzahs” in response to our maiden voyage. First, a technical note. So, when most of you reply to this, should you be so moved—and I hope you are!—the “to” appears as paul@ADayInTheSun.com. This is as it should be. But for some of you, depending on a bunch of different variables out of our control, the “to” may appear as a long coded address. If you see the coded gobbledygook, don’t be dissuaded; your note will still get to me. And I declare “gobbledygook” to be the word of the day. With that, let’s get rolling."
The image contains a header "Things I Think I Think" and a subheading that reads "Rants and ravings from the nexus of brands, entrepreneurship, and popular culture." Below the headings, the text discusses the significance of color in branding, and uses Barbie as an example of effective use of color. The author is impressed by the fact that the Barbie billboard works well. The bottom part of the image shows a photograph of a simple billboard with a vibrant pink color and the word "OCEAN" at the bottom left corner, and a date "July 31" at the bottom right corner. The stark contrast of the pink billboard against the blue sky with fluffy white clouds and a green tree line illustrates the visual impact mentioned in the text. The image is credited to Mattel. The text within the image reads: "Comments rolled in abundantly in regards to the importance of color. Hey, let’s play some color tennis! On one hand, consider Barbie. That this billboard actually works is remarkable. Credit: Mattel"
The image features a text dialogue and three photographs of grocery store shelves stacked with GOODLES macaroni and cheese products. The text discusses a conversation about the strategic use of color in branding, where an individual named Craig emphasizes his desire not to be known for a single color, but rather for a broad and creative use of color. The author agrees with this philosophy, noting its successful application in the branding of GOODLES products, which are shown in a variety of vibrant box colors on store shelves. The author invites viewers to check out the shelf presence of the products and suggests visiting Gal's latest Instagram post to see more of the brand's colorful display. The text within the image reads: "And a volley back! One of my primary spirit animals, Craig, quipped: “I don’t want my brand to be known for a color. I want to be known for color, meaning, the creative use of color broadly.” I’m with him. This precept is working beautifully for GOODLES so far. Our “color”: colors. Check out our shelf presence below and I dare you to click on Gal’s latest Insta post celebrating our joyous technicolor dream. Credit: GOODLES"
The image is a photograph taken outdoors showing people walking in a park with a giant inflatable blue bag in the background. The blue bag is reminiscent of the well-known Ikea shopping bag, but on a much larger scale. The presence of the bag appears to be part of an installation or event, as it draws the attention of passersby. Skyscrapers can be seen in the distance, indicating an urban setting. Above the photograph, there is text that contemplates the impact of Ikea's "Big Blue Bag" as a cultural icon. The author expresses affection for the bag's emergence as an icon and debates that its popularity stems not just from its color but also from its size. The text within the image reads: "At risk of de-positioning the above thought, I love the emergence of Ikea’s 'Big Blue Bag' as a cultural icon, although I’d argue that its source of popularity is not the blue as much as the 'big' part. Credit: Ikea, Fast Company"
The image features a photograph of actress Rashida Jones sitting in a massage chair, looking relaxed and smiling, with a remote control in her hand. The Citi logo and a "Sale" sign are also visible, suggesting that this is a still from a commercial for Citi. Accompanying the image is a text expressing the author's exasperation at the frequent airing of this particular Citi commercial featuring Rashida Jones. The writer conveys a mix of humor and critique, stating a preference for diversity in advertisements and expressing a wish for the commercial to be replaced with different content. The lighthearted closing remark suggests that TV viewers would greatly enjoy a change. The text within the image reads: "A few of my design partners are true masters of color, and I know who to call if I ever have Pantontitis. Can we please get a restraining order, march on Washington, anything, to persuade Citi to retire that commercial featuring Rashida Jones in a massage chair? I am prone to hyperbole, but I bet I have seen that spot 100+ times. Why spend so much on media, and then torment people by running the same execution at nauseam? I’m a huge Rashida fan, but please Citi: rotate in something else. TV viewers would 'looooooove iiiiit.' Credit: Citi"
The image displays a section of text that is highlighted as a brand manifesto from Lyft. The text praises the manifesto for its alignment with the company's external image and messaging, expressing a wish that they had been involved in its creation. The manifesto itself speaks to themes of adventure, self-assertion, and individuality, rejecting conventional limits and embracing personal branding and expression. It uses bold language to encourage not being afraid to stand out or make noise, and emphasizes living life to its fullest rather than adhering to a monotonous routine. The manifesto concludes by stating that it's about the individual, not the company. The visible text in the image reads: "The Lyft brand manifesto has been making the rounds, for a reason: it is awesome. We do a fair amount of brand strategy, and each time I proselytize that the words and tone/spirit you use internally should sync exactly with what appears externally. Here’s Exhibit A. [Note: we didn’t do this one, but I wish we had]. Credit: Lyft"
The image is a candid photo of a McDonald's crew member at the counter, wearing a purple t-shirt with the text "hbd grimace," suggesting a celebration of the character Grimace's birthday. In the background, there's a digital menu display showing food items. The surrounding text conveys the photographer's excitement about McDonald's nostalgia, particularly the characters which the author doesn't regard as merely "retro" but genuinely great. The author humorously shares a personal anecdote of attempting to purchase one of the t-shirts from the crew member for $20 in Wisconsin, to no avail. The text within the image reads: "I went googoo gaga when I saw McDonald’s celebration of Grimace’s birthday. The relevance of these characters isn’t “retro!” It’s that they are great. A few weeks ago, I offered this crew member somewhere in Wisconsin $20 to grab me one of these shirts from the back room (outcome: no dice). Photo by Paul, taken with permission"
The image shows a passage of text with a background photo of an airplane seat back and a bag stowed under the seat. Here is the alt text including all of the text that appears in the image: "Text overlaying an image of an airplane seat from a passenger's point of view. The seatback is upholstered in blue with a mesh pocket containing a safety card and what appears to be a personal item with red detail, placed in front of a stowed black bag. The text reads: 'Raise your hand if you are familiar with the idea of Purpose. “We believe that _____. We exist to _____.” The almighty “why.” Well, I still believe in Purpose but with all due apologies to Simon Sinek, there is a higher-order standard: Principle. Adhering to Principle means you are willing to take a course of action even if it runs counter to your immediate-term interests. There is basically zero Principle in government and in too many corporate boardrooms these days. Young people especially insist on Principle, and we should all take note. — There is a reason this pocket in front of my plane seat is made out of mesh (think it through). Reminds me of an incredible comment by a famous product designer in a meeting I was in, not that long ago: “People are going to use this my way, and that’s the only way.” Great design does have a Godlike superpower to shape your behavior.' At the bottom right, it states 'Photo by Paul'."
The image features a snippet of an article and a photo related to the High Line in New York City. Here is the alt text including all of the text that appears in the image: "Text on a background featuring a photo of the High Line’s new bridge. The image shows a man and a woman walking on a pathway flanked by greenery and modern wooden design elements, with city buildings in the background. The text reads: 'Loved this piece on the improvements coming to the High Line in NYC, encouraging even more walking. There is a ton of data supporting the notion that people think more clearly when moving. Some of the all-time best conversations I have had with my GOODLES partner, Jen, took place while walking...either together in person, or 2,000 miles away via phone. Peace in the Middle East was achieved (for a fleeting moment) while the key principals moseyed through the woods in Camp David. We advise all our clients and partners to get moving! — The High Line’s fancy new bridge just made a slice of NYC much more walkable The L-shaped bridge, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and James Corner Field Operations, stands to make a small stretch of Manhattan much more pleasant for pedestrians. [Image: Andrew Frasz/courtesy Skidmore, Owings & Merrill]' At the bottom of the image, there is a credit that states 'Credit: Fast Company'."
The image shows a black and white photo of four members of a rock band playfully peeking out from a window, superimposed on a larger colored background with text. Here is the alt text including all of the text that appears in the image: "A black and white photo of the band Led Zeppelin, featuring the members leaning out of a window in a playful manner, is circled in pink. The surrounding text on a pink background reads: 'I recently met some business partners and friends at the famous Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles. When is a bar more than just a bar? When it’s a place that Led Zeppelin turned upside down. The history of anything (a venue, an object) contributes to one’s experience with it. Credit: Led Zeppelin and Jay Thompson. Imagine that hangover.' The text provides context about the importance of a place’s history in enhancing one's experience there, using the Chateau Marmont as an example."
The image is a black and white photo of Dave "Cobra" Parker, a baseball star, wearing a T-shirt with a saying and a fedora. The photo is set against a pink background with overlaid text. Here is the alt text including all of the text that appears in the image: "A photo of baseball star Dave 'Cobra' Parker wearing a T-shirt that reads 'IF YOU HEAR ANY NOISE IT'S JUST ME AND THE BOYS BOPPIN'.' Parker is wearing a fedora and the T-shirt features a simple sans-serif font. In the background, a teammate is partially visible, wearing a 'PIRATES 39' sports jersey. The surrounding pink background contains text that reads: 'I have noticed that tee shirts bearing clever sayings in simple sans-serif font are having a moment. Did they ever go away? Nothing will ever top this one from the 1970s, modeled perfectly by baseball star Dave “Cobra” Parker. Best paired with a fedora. Credit: AP.' The text comments on the timeless appeal of T-shirts with clever sayings and highlights this specific shirt as an iconic example."
The image features a variety of items arranged on a surface, with a background text overlay. Here is the alt text including all of the text that appears in the image: "A collection of quirky items on a desk, including a photograph of a 'zonkey' (zebra-donkey hybrid), a figurine resembling a famous movie alien in a red shirt holding a pizza, a plush unicorn toy, and a pair of oversized sunglasses. In the foreground, there are two yellow tickets with 'MYSTERY SPOT SANTA CRUZ, CALIF. - U.S.A.' printed on them. The overlaid text reads: 'We recently moved to a new house and as I was clearing out my desk, I encountered so many GOODLES artifacts. Great brands must have source code that runs deep, including seemingly incongruous influences. That’s a zonkey right there. I am sworn to secrecy about the relevance of the Elvis glasses. Photo by Paul'."
The image shows a photo of a vintage memo displayed on a screen with a pink border and a caption below. Here is the alt text including all of the text that appears in the image: "A photo of a black and white memo with a header indicating it's from 'George Harrison' to 'Everybody at Apple' dated '4th December' with the year partially cut off, suggesting the late 1960s. The body of the memo reads: 'Hells Angels will be in London within the next week, on the way to straighten out Czechoslovakia. There will be twelve in number! complete with black leather jackets and motor cycles. They will undoubtedly arrive at Apple and I have heard they may try to make full use of Apple's facilities. They may look as though they are going to do you in but are very straight and do good things, so don't fear them or up-tight them. Try to assist them without neglecting your Apple business and without letting them take control of Savile Row.' The surrounding pink frame contains text that reads: 'I loved this memo from George Harrison to “Everybody at Apple,” unearthed for the brilliant Scorsese documentary Living In The Material World. Why? It’s a heck of a story, but I also love its design. Credit: Apple Corp/George'."
The image displays a screenshot of a video featuring Paul Simon performing, with a text overlay and a caption. Here is the alt text including all of the text that appears in the image: "A screenshot of musician Paul Simon, captured mid-performance with a guitar, against a concert stage backdrop. He appears to be singing into a microphone. A play button overlay suggests it's a still from a video. The text above the image reads: 'I was moved by the CBS Sunday Morning profile on Paul Simon recently, which spent a good chunk of time on his creative process. If you have an idea, write it down! And be a supercomputer collecting stimuli. Often creative breakthroughs are discovered more than they are “made.” This is especially true in naming. Click on the image below for more. And speaking of Harrison and Simon, prepare to have your mind blown if you make it all the way down to the Rabbit Hole at the bottom!' The image is framed with a pink border and the credit at the bottom reads: 'Credit: Paul Simon/CBS'."
The image is of a cardboard box filled with various fruits and a printed flyer. Here is the alt text including all of the text that appears in the image: "A cardboard box filled with fresh fruit, such as bananas, apples, oranges, and a cantaloupe, is visible. On top of the box is a flyer with the logo 'TOP BOX FOODS' and the slogan 'Great Affordable Food for All' underneath. The website 'www.topboxfoods.com' and a phone number '(312) 527-7890' are also printed on the flyer. The background is a pale peach color, and at the top in a casual font, the text reads: 'So, how’d this do in testing? This one’s for you, insights and research pros! Ba dum dum.' The bottom right corner holds the credit: 'Credit: Top Box'."
The image features a graphic with a large white letter 'X' on a black background next to a blurred blue Twitter bird logo. Here is the alt text including all of the text that appears in the image: "A graphic image with a prominent white 'X' on the left side against a black background, and a blurred image of the Twitter bird logo in blue on the right side. Above the graphic, in a contrasting pink border, the text reads: 'I have gotten tons of questions from the brand world: what do you think of Twitter becoming X? Well, here’s the shortest review I’ve ever written: F.' The credit in the bottom right corner of the pink border says 'Credit: Bloomberg'."
The image is a combination of text and a photo. Here is the alt text including all of the text that appears in the image: "At the top of the image, in large bold letters, is the heading 'A Few Words About Words' followed by a subtitle 'Notable discoveries from a guy lost in nomenclature.' Below this, in white text against a dark background, are several humorous comments about various names and titles. The first comment is 'I like the name BADDA BEAN BADDA BOOM. You got a problem with that? Fuggedaboudit.' The second says 'The name MARY'S GONE CRACKERS has made me do just that (an awesome product too, btw).' The third shares 'EVERYTHING, EVERYWHERE, ALL AT ONCE is such a great name that it is engaging without having any idea what the movie is about (I have not yet seen this film, but will work it into a conversation the next time I’m at a party, and see where things go).' The final comment reads 'I like to keep things sunny wherever possible, at least publicly. But wow is YOUR MOVIE SUCKS a great book title. Another one from the archives as we moved last month.' At the bottom half of the image, a hand is holding a book with the cover facing the camera. The cover has a picture of film critic Roger Ebert with the title 'YOUR MOVIE SUCKS' in bold red letters. Beneath the photo is the attribution 'Photo by Paul' in white text."
The image shows a row of rosé wine bottles on a shelf with a label reading "KID SISTER." The text above the photo expresses the author's intrigue about the name of the wine, particularly the use of "kid" in its branding. Here is the alt text including all of the text that appears in the image: "Photo of several rosé wine bottles on a shelf labeled 'KID SISTER.' The bottles have a pink hue and feature a playful font on the labels, with a drawing of a ribbon. The text above the photo reads: 'KID SISTER is a tremendous name for anything, but of course I’m wondering how this syrah rosé was able to get anything with “kid” in the name through regulatory.' The image has a pink border, and in the lower right corner, it's credited 'Photo by Paul'."
The image displays a stack of canned goods with colorful labels, and text commentary above. Here is the alt text including all of the text that appears in the image: "A stack of four canned goods with vibrant labels in shades of pink, orange, green, and beige. Each can is labeled 'CHILI CON CARNE EdRED MADE IN RESTAURANT 300g' accompanied by an illustration of a red fox. The text above the image reads: 'PIGGVAR isn’t bacon or ham; it’s a sour blueberry candy, and for that reason, it’s WAWW (Words About Words-Worthy). ED RED chili con carne slays on all dimensions, including its name. But what about Zed? Zed is dead, man.' The credit at the bottom of the image states 'Credit: EdRed'."
The image displays a person's hand holding a tan and black baseball glove with text imprinted on it, and there's accompanying text at the top and bottom around the image. Here is the alt text including all of the text that appears in the image: "A hand holding a beige and black baseball glove with the text 'G ELITE' and 'FOR THE PROFESSIONAL PLAYER' imprinted on it. The glove also features the brand name 'Rawlings' and other details such as 'CATCHER'S MITT' and 'SOME FOR THE PRO LOOP.' Above the image, the text reads: 'I was noticing my 11 year old’s new baseball glove, which is designated “FOR THE PROFESSIONAL PLAYER.” Says so right there. He isn’t one, but dare to dream.' Below the image, more text states: 'I enjoy the super weird FFUPS line of “tasty tubes” snacks because, well, it’s super weird, in the best way. I like that the brand admits it is “not healthy” right on the bag, and golf clap for the vague-but-deniable expletive reference. DRUNK ELEPHANT is no secret, especially to Shiseido, which paid $845 million for the brand. But if you hadn’t heard, now you have. This name is totally weird and totally awesome. What do you call the sound that elephants make, by the way? And is it slurred when the pachyderm is tipsy?' The credit 'Photo by Paul' is noted at the bottom right corner of the image."
The image shows the exterior of a restaurant named 'Lardo' with a clear view of the signboard above the establishment. The text above the image praises the name of the restaurant. Here is the alt text including all of the text that appears in the image: "Photograph of a street-side restaurant with a large sign that reads 'Lardo' in cursive red lettering. The façade of the restaurant is partially visible with its interior slightly obscured by reflections. In front of the restaurant, there is a bicycle parked to the side. The text above the image states: 'LARDO is a scrumptiously provocative name. I give them credit for bravery. And a note to the haters: one way to disarm something is to lean right in to it.' The image is framed with a pink border, and the credit 'Photo by Paul' is located at the bottom right corner."
The image shows a building with a vertical sign that spells out 'ASYLUM' in large blue letters against the side of the structure. The text above the image comments on the name of the building. Here is the alt text including all of the text that appears in the image: "A photo of a multi-story building with wood siding, featuring a large vertical blue banner with the word 'ASYLUM' written in white capital letters. The building has blue window frames that match the banner, and there is a small sign that says 'BLDG' at the bottom of the banner. In the foreground, there is a partial view of a parking area with a car. Above the image, the text reads: 'A reminder that just being different and “disruptive” doesn’t mean it’s good. Who would ever want to live in the ASYLUM? Insane.' The image is outlined with a pink border and credited with 'Photo by Paul' at the bottom right corner."
The image features a hanging sign with the word "TELEPHONE" prominently displayed, with additional text underneath. Here is the alt text including all of the text that appears in the image: "A square hanging sign with a dark background and the word 'TELEPHONE' in large, cut-out letters at the top, under which 'CLOTHING ANTIQUES FURNITURE' is written in smaller letters. The sign is suspended from a metal bracket and is pictured against a textured building façade with a window reflecting the sky. Above the image, the text reads: 'I like TELEPHONE because the product isn’t one.' The image has a pink border, and at the bottom right corner, it is credited with 'Photo by Paul'."
The image contains a heading, a body of text discussing entrepreneurial ventures and product development, and a photo of a food product. Here is the alt text including all of the text that appears in the image: "The header 'Inside the Ropes' in large, bold font, with a subtitle 'Around the horn on some venture adventures of which we are part.' Below this, text narrates a client project relating to entrepreneurship and innovation, mentioning the growth of GOODLES and introducing a new product, a limited-time offering (LTO) of mac and cheese with hops, in celebration of National IPA day. The product is named 'IF YOU'RE HOPPY AND YOU KNOW IT' and is featured in the accompanying photo, which shows a bowl of mac and cheese next to a glass of beer and the GOODLES product box. The packaging has playful branding and a drawing of a hop cone. The bottom right corner cites 'Credit: GOODLES'."
The image is a screenshot of a text document with various updates and announcements. Here is the alt text including all of the text that appears in the image: "Text providing updates on several products and ventures. It starts with 'More big news for Big Nose Kate western whiskey: we will soon be distributed in California. This is a BFD for BNK. Stay tuned to @BigNoseKateWhiskey for updates about a few activations in the Los Angeles area, soon. Hollywood loves a good story, and Kate brings it, bigtime. We are also developing some very inspired new expressions for our innovation pipeline, the great Mel Heim workin’ her mighty magic.' It continues with 'Speaking of magic, Small Wonder shampoo concentrate’s “earn while you learn” experiment is now live. Check it out at www.SmallWonder.world. The team has big plans and big news lined up for the fall, and for now wants to discover how people interact with the wondrous powder.' The third paragraph reads 'Summer is generally a quiet time for crème liqueurs and Dottie’s is no different, unless, um, you want to try the greatest (expletive) mudslide you’ve ever (expletive) had.' The text concludes with a thank you to partners and a call to action for venture development workshops, saying 'If you’re up for a rodeo, holler.'"
The image is a collage titled 'Gallery' with four separate photos accompanied by captions. Here is the alt text including all of the text that appears in the image: "The image is a collection of four photographs, each with a caption. In the top left, there's a photo of a car's spare tire cover with a compass rose design, captioned 'I agree.' The top right image shows a view through trees to a setting sun over a body of water, captioned 'Our new house is a stone's throw from Lake Michigan. I will head there as often as I can.' The bottom left photo is of a bright orange 'UTILITY WORK AHEAD' road sign, with the caption 'Science suggests that orange is the most visible color, especially when it is reflective like this. I’d advise that all my clients' packaging be metallic orange, but then...' The bottom right picture is of a building with a blue sign that reads 'Art's Grocery,' captioned 'Speaking of orange, I deeply love this blue x orange combo. One day I want to create something worthy of this pleasing color meld.' The images are set against a purple background, and at the top, it reads 'Gallery Pics by Paul.' There's also a credit at the bottom: 'Credit: Pics by Paul'."
The image is a collage featuring various photographs of painted walls and graffiti, as well as a message written on a sidewalk. Each photograph is accompanied by a caption. Here is the alt text including all of the text that appears in the image: "The image is a collection of photos showcasing urban art. The top two photos display a colorful mural on a wall outside the Soho House in Chicago, with a caption appreciating the artist's work. The middle row of images shows different graffiti artworks with a caption acknowledging the artistic spirit despite the legal issues. The left image has the text 'ZEPLA LUKAS' and the right one depicts a house with multiple objects and decorations, with a caption about the visual 'neutron bomb' of items. The bottom photo shows sidewalk graffiti that reads 'YOU ARE LOVED,' with a caption responding positively to the anonymous artist. The background is pink, and the text, 'To whoever did this: back atcha.' is placed at the bottom."
The image is a two-paneled photo collage with captions. Here is the alt text including all of the text that appears in the image: "On the left, there is a photo capturing a scene of a work dinner on a restaurant patio during a beautiful summer evening in downtown Chicago, with sunlight filtering through trees and an umbrella. The caption reads: 'Recent work dinner in downtown Chicago on a beautiful summer night. A moment in the sun in many many ways.' On the right, there is a photo of a pedestrian crossing on a street, with shadows and the crossing lines creating an abstract pattern. The caption for this image states: 'Last month I included a photo that was actually a mistake. Here is this month’s. Save your mistakes!' The background of the collage is purple, and the photos are within white-bordered frames."
The image is split into two sections with text and a graphic. Here is the alt text including all of the text that appears in the image: "The top section has a green background with the text: 'That’s a wrap for now. Thanks for reading this far. Holler if so moved. And… onward! Cheers, Paul' The bottom section has a purple background and features a stylized yellow line drawing of a human figure walking, connected to a series of circles that resemble a nautilus shell pattern. The text on the bottom section includes contact information: 'Paul Earle A Day In The Sun® Paul@ADayInTheSun.com 909 Davis Street, Fifth Floor Evanston, Illinois USA 60201'"
The image is a page of text discussing an interesting historical tidbit about "Saturday Night Live," George Harrison, and Paul Simon. At the top, there's a circular logo with the words 'RABBIT HOLE' repeated around the circumference. Below this logo, the text reads: "'What’s a newsletter without a good solid Rabbit Hole? I promised a mind-blowing experience, and this will deliver. George Harrison and Paul Simon performed a duet of “Here Comes The Sun” on SNL. Here’s the story. It was 1976 and Season Two for a big new concept at the time: Saturday Night Live. The cofounders, Lorne Michaels and Dick Ebersol, were brainstorming ways to make a big splash to drive ratings, as the long term success of this show was far from a foregone conclusion. “Hustle mode” pervaded, wild ideas flying left and right. One of them: let’s have the Beatles reunite for a short performance on the show, live before a national audience! Blockbuster concept. Could it be done? As somewhat of a lark, knowing it was such a long shot, Michaels actually aired the idea right on the show for the world to see and hear, making an open the pitch to the Beatles to do this, as cameras rolled. As chance would have it, both Lennon an McCartney happened to be in New York at the time, and in separate apartments, each saw the request on live TV along with the millions of others watching. Paul called John at home, John actually answered, and they seriously discussed going down to Rockefeller Center to do a few numbers right then and there. But ultimately, they demurred. It was late at night, and they were tired (so the story goes). Also made aware of the “Beatles x SNL” idea, a week or so later: George Harrison. The “Quiet Beatle” had been in a bit of a funk, and thought the idea of doing SNL sounded like a nice change of pace. For all his Eastern mysticism, remember George also had a keen eye for commercial opportunity. His manager contacted Michaels et al and said: is the offer still good? The Beatles can’t reunite, but George himself was “in.” The SNL team said “sure!” And so began another challenge: booking logistics. There were only so many episodes left in the season, they all had musical guests lined up, and there were only so many days when George could be in New York. With necessity being the mother of invention, Michaels had a brilliant idea: let’s pair George with our existing musical guest on one of the particular evenings... Paul Simon.'"
The image includes a text block and a still image from a video. Here is the alt text including all of the text that appears in the image: "The image has a purple border and features a block of text at the top, recounting a significant event from November 19, 1976, when George Harrison and Paul Simon performed "Here Comes The Sun" as a duet on 'Saturday Night Live' (SNL). It is noted as one of the few live performances of the song and highlights the extraordinary nature of the performance due to the song's complex harmonies and unusual time signature. The story elaborates on SNL's attempt to reunite The Beatles for a performance, which ultimately led to the duet. The morals of the story include aiming high and appreciating that sometimes Plan B can be better than Plan A, emphasizing that the pairing of George Harrison with Paul Simon created an extraordinary musical moment. Below the text is a blurred still image from the SNL performance, showing George Harrison and Paul Simon playing guitars. The text encourages the reader to enjoy the music and to sit down, implying the significance of the performance. At the bottom right, the image is credited to 'SNL, George, Paul'."

S1/V1

Posted on by adayinthesun
A Day In The Sun
The image is a digital flyer or newsletter. The background is a gradient of purple at the top, transitioning into a dark blue at the bottom. At the top, in a bold, sans-serif font, it reads, "Hello! Paul here. The newsletter is back and let’s open with a doosey: effective today, Earle & Company has become A Day In The Sun®." Below the text is a grid of nine images with a color palette to the right. The images depict various scenes such as a colorful storefront, a decorated car, a simple egg on a stand, landscapes, a person exercising, musical instruments, a butterfly, a sunset, and a statue. At the bottom, there is more text that says, "The foundational belief is simple: through creativity and entrepreneurship, all skies will be blue. We have always been about helping our partners achieve bright future states, anyway. The brand further aims to convey a spirit of optimism, a powerful force that must pervade in all innovation centers." The overall design suggests a rebranding announcement, with a focus on creativity, optimism, and innovation.
The image showcases an abstract rainbow arch with vibrant colors blending into each other against a blue background, beneath which is the text "A Day In The Sun is the desired outcome for all people and ideas." Below the rainbow, there is additional text that describes the offerings at ADayInTheSun.com, including activities referred to as "Applied Entrepreneurship™," which encompasses creativity-themed learning and development workshops, new brand venture creation, and custom senior leader advisory. The writer expresses excitement about sharing more information regarding the new brand and jokingly anticipates the reader's disbelief in the amount of content yet to be shared. The passage ends by inviting the reader to explore further, humorously referring to a "rabbit hole at the bottom" for more details. The text within the image reads: "Over at ADayInTheSun.com, check out our evolving stable of activities. We call it "Applied Entrepreneurship™": creativity-themed learning and development workshops; new brand and venture creation; and custom senior leader advisory. I have lots more to share about the new brand. ("Really Paul, you do? I can’t believe that," said nobody.) In the interest of brevity, I’ll park it a rabbit hole at the bottom."
The image shows a plain, orange background with centered text in a large, serif font. The text reads: "Putting the 'news' in 'newsletter,' I'm further ushering in a new format. I'll be sharing some thoughts about happenings at the intersection of brands and ventures broadly; some 'words about words,' being the hopeless naming and nomenclature nerd that I am; a look inside the ropes of our own adventures; and a small gallery of visual fancies. Here goes." This text suggests an introduction to a series of topics that will be discussed within the newsletter, emphasizing a focus on branding, linguistics, and personal insights.
The image is a collection of photographs under the title "Things I Think I Think," showcasing vibrant and creative window displays. The author shares their reflections on the importance of color and detail in design, mentioning the use of negative space in The Beatles' "White Album." They express their delight in observing the colorful displays during a visit to Beverly Hills, particularly after walking around Rodeo Drive and appreciating the effort put into the window designs of high-end stores, referred to here as "superlux ateliers." The series of photos illustrates various storefronts, each with unique and artistic arrangements that celebrate color and creativity. These include a whimsical display with a green figure, a vibrant window with oversized balls of yarn and a mannequin dressed in a patchwork outfit, a red-themed window featuring a stylish handbag, and a playful setup with toy-like figures. The text within the image reads: "Thankfully, color is in bloom, and detail is in. Tiny sans serif font and expansive negative space works great for The Beatles’ 'White Album,' but not much else. Below is one example of color strutting its stuff. I was recently in Beverly Hills, and had about an hour after my meeting before I had to head for the airport. Walking around Rodeo Drive and checking out the display windows of the superlux ateliers, I was thrilled to see color studies so joyously on parade. Photos by Paul"
The image features two sections of a newsletter. In the top section, the author speculates about setting a new standard in Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) design that he terms "Louis Vuitton Window-Worthy" and references the GOODLES brand, of which he is a cofounder. The brand aspires to meet this standard of design excellence. Displayed is an image of various GOODLES macaroni and cheese products with colorful packaging. The image displays a collection of packaged macaroni and cheese products from the GOODLES brand, with a variety of flavors shown. The text above the image discusses a hypothetical new standard in consumer packaged goods (CPG) design, likening it to the appeal of a "Louis Vuitton Window-Worthy" product. The author, a cofounder of GOODLES, expresses the aspiration for the brand to reach such a standard and suggests that they are at least ahead of many others in the industry. Below the product image is a separate photo and accompanying text, reflecting on the detail found in a Nashville hockey jersey's inside collar, which the author appreciated as a touch for the "Music City." The photo shows someone's hands adjusting the collar of the jersey to reveal the design. The author notes this discovery led them from a curious browser to an enthusiastic buyer, emphasizing the idea that small details can be significant and that many brands overlook such nuances. The text within the image reads: "I wonder if there should be a new standard in CPG design: 'Louis Vuitton Window-Worthy.' The GOODLES brand, of which I’m cofounder, aspires to get there; what do you think? If we’re not there yet, I do humbly submit that at least we’re ahead of most. Speaking of detail, I love the inside collar of Nashville’s hockey jersey, a perfect touch for 'Music City.' This was a very enjoyable discovery, and converted me from curious browser to enthusiastic buyer. Little things can be big things; everything matters. Too many brands fail to sweat the small stuff. Source: GOODLES® Photo by Paul"
The image is a section from a newsletter or an article. It includes two photographs at the bottom with captions, against a background with text discussing the current state of the economy and society. The upper part of the image contains text that reflects on Adweek's coverage of what they dub the "Creatorverse," part of the broader "Creator Economy." The author questions what type of economy it represents, suggesting a lack of creativity in the name itself. The text then transitions to a commentary on the state of the nation and the ongoing stressors society faces, emphasizing the need for brand and innovation professionals to work hard to uplift people's spirits. Below the text are two photographs credited to Paul: The first photo on the left shows a neon sign with the words "RELAX UR OK" in a store window, conveying a message of reassurance amidst stressful times. The second photo on the right displays the words "EASY TIGER" chalked on a sidewalk, possibly indicating a call for calm or restraint. The text within the image reads: "I appreciate Adweek’s gushing over the “Creatorverse,” ironically a not-very creative name they are using to usher in the “Creator Economy.” But, a question: what other kind of economy could there be? A bad one? We, as a people, are a nation on edge. We have been through hell, and the macro stressors may not be relenting anytime soon. These recent discoveries (see below) are signs that capture the mood out there. As brand and innovation pros, we need to work even harder to give people a reason to smile and engage. I wrote about this in last month’s Innovation Leader, here. Photos by Paul"
The image features a monochrome photograph of a man sitting in an armchair with a high-powered speaker to his left, illustrating the intense sound force that seems to be blowing his hair and tie backward. This is a reference to the iconic Maxell "Blown Away" advertisement campaign. The scene is staged to show the power of sound, evoking the famous advertisement's message that Maxell tapes deliver a sound so clear and strong it can literally 'blow you away.' Above the photograph is a block of text where the author expresses admiration for the work of music producer and songwriter Phil Spector, despite his personal controversies. The text highlights Spector's "Wall of Sound" technique, known for its dense orchestral aesthetic, which the author parallels with the concept of building great brands that leave a lasting impression, likening it to the impact of the Maxell campaign. The text within the image reads: "Lately I have been drawn to the works of music producer and songwriter Phil Spector. Before going further, I’ll point out that one can love the art but not the artist (in his personal life, he had a few issues). Anyway, Spector’s groundbreaking 'Wall of Sound' approach—sonic density, orchestral everything with a gazillion instruments, the studio itself is an instrument, deep and wide integration of other art forms, hey I said more guitars, make it louder, someone go get a tuba, just more more more more more—is also a good way to think about how to build brands. Again, GOODLES is Exhibit A. Great brands go for the same effect of the famous old Maxell 'Blown Away' campaign. Credit: Maxell"
The image is a portion of a newsletter with a purple gradient background. At the top, the text speaks about the music industry, questioning if influential musicians like Bob Dylan, Drake, Dolly Parton, or Beyoncé ever talk about "targeting" their "users". It suggests a shift away from such corporate language towards more fan-centric terms. It references an article in Fast Company that looks at artists with highly engaged fan bases, like Taylor Swift and the Grateful Dead, and poses the question of what branding and innovation experts can learn from them. Below this text, there's a blended image of two separate photographs. On the left, a vintage photo of the Grateful Dead band members, with one member in the foreground holding a cigarette and wearing sunglasses, and others smiling in the background, all enveloped in a haze of smoke. On the right, a modern image of Taylor Swift in a sparkling dress holding a microphone. The two images are overlaid against each other, symbolizing the connection between different musical eras and their passionate fan bases. The credit "Fast Company" is given at the bottom right of the image.
The image features a snippet from a newsletter with a peach-colored background. The text on the top praises an article from The New Yorker about Taco Bell's innovation, suggesting it's an inspiration for both large companies and startups. Following this, there's an anecdote about straightforward branding advice from a friend and collaborator of the author, emphasizing the importance of clear communication in product perception. The text in the image reads: "I loved this piece in the New Yorker about the Taco Bell innovation machine, an incredible team and approach that should be inspiring not only to big companies, but startups too. A longtime great friend and collaborator once told me: "If you want people to perceive the product as premium, then put ‘PREMIUM’ right on the label." (thanks, Stephanie!) We often get so artful in our craft that we forget how effective basic communications can be. With that principle in mind, surely our new chess set must be of excellent quality." Below the text is a photo of a classic wooden chess set packaging. The design is elegant with a dark blue backdrop and gold lettering. It prominently features the text "CLASSIC WOODEN CHESS SET" along with "MAGNETIC CHESS BOARD & PIECES" and "PORTABLE EXCELLENT QUALITY" as descriptors. In the center is a golden emblem with a silhouette of a knight piece, and the name "VAHOME" is seen at the top of the emblem. This is presented as an example of the principle mentioned above, implying that the chess set is of excellent quality, as stated on the label. "Photo by Paul" is credited at the bottom.
The image is part of a newsletter with a beige background, featuring a commentary on the current trend of predicting doomsday scenarios in relation to AI in the creative field. The author expresses a preference for human creativity over algorithms and gives a nod to someone named Chodrow to stay sharp. Below the commentary is a circular close-up photograph of a pair of socks, with the word "WORN" prominently featured on each sock and the letters "L" and "R" to denote the left and right socks. This image is used to illustrate the author's irritation with unnecessary problems, like the specification of socks for left and right feet, suggesting that innovators should focus on solving real problems instead of creating new ones. The photo credit at the bottom reads "Photo by Paul." The text within the image reads: "It seems to have become fashionable to panic about AI these days, especially as it pertains to the creative field, with each futurist issuing dramatic doomsday predictions designed to out-freak the prior one. Aaaaah! Maybe I’m naïve, or just lucky to work with such incredible partners, but when it comes to creative expressions, my money is on people, not algos (for now, at least—stay sharp, Chodrow). Innovators need to solve problems, not create them. Who the (expletive) asked for socks with left/right denotations? This was quite aggravating to me, and actually is a cautionary tale with far-reaching implications. Photo by Paul"
The image is a newsletter segment with a playful pun on the future of meat and dairy. The author shares a personal story about taking their 11-year-old son to see the film "Air," which is about the creation of the Air Jordan shoe. They describe embarrassing their son by applauding during the movie's key creative moments and becoming emotional at the end when the credits revealed the real people involved in the story. Below the text is a movie poster for "Air," featuring a collage of characters from the film, portrayed by actors wearing 80s fashion and sporting confident, enthusiastic expressions. The poster includes names such as Damon, Affleck, Bateman, Wayans, Messina, Tucker, and Davis. The tagline "COURTING A LEGEND" is visible, along with the text "EXCLUSIVELY IN THEATERS APRIL 5" and the logos for Amazon and Warner Bros. The credit at the bottom of the image reads "Credit: Amazon/Warner Bros." The text within the image reads: "I think the future of meat is, wait for it, meat. But the future of dairy is a bit more muddled. I took my 11 year old son to see “Air,” a wonderful film about the conception, design, and launch of the Air Jordan shoe (and weightier things). I embarrassed this poor kid by applauding during the scenes of key creative breakthroughs, and then again by welling up when credits rolled and we saw the real people behind it all. “DAD!!!!!” Anyway, see the movie... Credit: Amazon/Warner Bros."
The image is a part of a newsletter or article with a blue background. At the top, the text expresses the author's admiration for the book "The Art of Noticing" by Rob Walker. It emphasizes the importance of being observant and engaging all senses, suggesting that it is a particularly good time to absorb the world around us, which could lead to new ideas. Below the text is a three-dimensional rendering of the book mentioned. The book cover is a light blue with a yellow detail, and the title "The Art of Noticing" is prominent. Below the title, the cover reads "131 Ways to Spark Creativity, Find Inspiration, and Discover Joy in the Everyday" by Rob Walker. The cover art is simple and modern, with a credit at the bottom that reads "Credit: Rob Walker/Penguin RH." The bottom of the image returns to the author's voice, providing a concluding thought that despite the "well-publicized storminess" in the world, it remains an excellent time to create something new. The text within the image reads: "One of my all-time favorite books and life lessons is The Art of Noticing by my friend Rob Walker. We need to look up and around, not down (unless you're noticing sidewalk art). Engage all senses. This is an especially great time of year to soak it all in. Hyper tune in to the world around you, and a few new ideas will start to percolate. The Art of Noticing 131 Ways to Spark Creativity, Find Inspiration, and Discover Joy in the Everyday ROB WALKER Credit: Rob Walker/Penguin RH Despite all the well-publicized storminess out there, it is still a great time to create something new."
The image features a dark blue background with bold yellow text at the top that says, "A few words about words: discovery of artful and interesting names." The author shares their fascination with creative and unique brand names. Each brand is listed with a playful commentary: "Hen of the Woods, a brand of snacks (hen-free, no less)..." "An aluminum forger called Anchor Harvey, more evidence that anything can be cool with the right words..." "A new phone service called Really, for real..." "A 'better marshmallow' called Dandies (is their mascot named Jim?)..." "A line of pickled products called Suckerpunch and for that matter, I also like the word 'pickle' itself, as long as I don’t find myself in one..." "A line of spicy foods called Henrietta Said (Henrietta? Well, Jane already spoke. She’s done with Sergio*)..." "Bbbbbbb Belgian Boys, and to continue the alliteration, Desert Door, a delight..." "Brightland olive oils et al, because, well, we like things that are sunny..." The text ends with an em dash, indicating a continuation of thought or a list. The playful and thoughtful selection of names reflects the author's appreciation for clever naming in branding.
The image features a continuation of a newsletter or article with a focus on the joy of creative and evocative brand names. The text is set against a vibrant orange background and includes the following thoughts and brand names: "De Soi beverages, because the pronunciation is not obvious (it’s 'de SWAH' if you’re wondering), and it’s just a blast to say out loud, especially with a little theatrical flair and panache..." "One Trick Pony nut products, for the focus and humility with fun..." "Starry (yes, a corporate creation), because it is so dreamy, and in fact for years 'Starry' has been on my own long rolling list of 'great words and phrases that could be brands for something one day'..." "And I like Snow Days for that exact same reason..." "Bobbie baby food, because it may set a record for the yield of 'B,' a magic letter..." "Finally, Hero. It may be a little 'on the nose' (pun sort of intended), there is still a ton to like and I declare it to be WAWW ('Words About Words-Worthy'). Kudos to the Church & Dwight crew for the journey to bring it in. I love language. It has such a huge impact on brands, businesses and, well, everything. Which is why I collect words and phrases the way people collect stamps or coins. **Without Googling, the above reference to Jane and Sergio will probably be known only by a very small portion of this or any audience, especially those born after 1985. But I’m leaving it in. Remember, discoverable detail!" This section emphasizes the writer's fascination with language and its impact on branding, highlighting a collection of brand names that strike a particular chord in terms of linguistic appeal or cleverness. The writer also shares a personal hobby of collecting words and phrases and acknowledges that some cultural references may not be widely recognized.
The image features a section of text from a newsletter with a deep blue background. The heading, in a large purple font, reads "Inside the ropes: a glimpse of some 'design thinking doing' in which we're involved." The text below, in a lighter shade of blue, indicates that it has been a busy time with many highlights and new ventures where the author's team plays a significant or supportive role, which will be detailed in alphabetical order. The first highlight mentioned is "Betr Remedies™," which successfully completed a pilot at Walmart and plans to expand to other retail customers. The company's social mission is to provide medicine to those in need with every purchase. The author notes the significance of this mission, stating it is often absent in larger companies. The text implies that everyone should contribute to health and wellness and mentions that "Betr Remedies team is doing its part. More smart capital just came in and Ellen Pompeo continues to spread the good word." The text within the image reads: "Inside the ropes: a glimpse of some 'design thinking doing' in which we're involved Things have been a little busy. Highlights, around the horn, on new ventures, and other goings on, in which we have a major role or at least supporting one. I’ll go in alphabetical order. Betr Remedies™ completed a successful pilot at Walmart and is soon rolling to other retail customers. The social mission—every purchase helps provide medicine to those in need—is resonating. Why? Because this depth of commitment to mission is almost entirely absent in the big incumbents. Broad-based health and wellness requires everybody to contribute, and the Betr Remedies team is doing its part. More smart capital just came in and Ellen Pompeo continues to spread the good word."
The image is a newsletter update that includes a section of text and two images related to the brand Big Nose Kate® western whiskey. The text announces the brand's strong start and the involvement of Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone as investors and advocates, praising them as A+ individuals. It details the brand's content shoot in Santa Fe, New Mexico, describes the entertaining experience, and notes the brand's expansion to distribution in six states, with plans for more. The text also alludes to the historical figure of Big Nose Kate, suggesting she is observing the brand's progress from the afterlife and humorously insinuates she was the one running the show, not her partner Doc Holliday. The top image is of a whiskey bottle labeled Big Nose Kate® with an old-fashioned photo of a woman, presumably Kate, in the label design. The bottom image is a magazine cover titled "AMERICAN WHISKEY" featuring Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone, with a caption about them joining to tell the story of Big Nose Kate. The cover also includes other whiskey-related texts such as "24 WHISKEYS TASTED" and "BAR GUIDE" along with other brands and names like "BLUE RUN - HIRSCH - TALNUA - YELLOWSTONE." The text within the image reads: "Big Nose Kate® western whiskey is off to a strong start. Big news there: Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone have joined the effort as investors and advocates. They are just A+ people and professionals, in that order of notability. And suffice it to say our first content shoot together at the brand’s home base in Santa Fe, New Mexico was as entertaining as you’d think it would be, and then some. Big Nose Kate is now physically distributed in six states, with more coming soon, and is further available via our website (above) in another 32 states. We believe our hero and namesake, Kate herself, is watching all this from the saloon above and declaring: “It’s about (expletive) time!” This incredible person has lived in the shadow of her business and life partner Doc Holliday forever, even though she was running the show, not that dude. Cheers. Source: Big Nose Kate®"
The image contains a text excerpt discussing the success of various products and brands. The first paragraph speaks about "Dottie’s oatmilk crème liqueur," which is gaining popularity in Chicago and starting to catch on in Wisconsin, humorously noting the regional Bears vs. Packers rivalry. Dottie's is touted as a superior alternative to a major, unnamed competitor. The second paragraph focuses on the brand GOODLES®, which is experiencing a surge in distribution. The product line is expanding, with new mac and cheese varieties like "Here Comes Truffle™" and "Hey Hey Elote™," plus three new pasta items, with "Curveballs™" being a personal favorite of the writer. The brand's fans are highly engaged, sending love letters, and the team behind GOODLES® is praised for their daily enjoyment of work. The writer also mentions the excitement surrounding their booth at the Expo West show, partly because their partner, Gal Gadot, was in attendance. The success at Costco road shows and the overall positive reception of the brand is likened to a "big joy machine." The sentiment concludes with a familial affection for the team and a recognition of the hard work ahead, maintaining a steady pace as they continue to progress. The text within the image reads: "Dottie’s oatmilk crème liqueur continues to win hearts and minds in our Chicago pilot market, and our friends north of the border in Wisconsin are now getting on board too (all is well until Bears v. Packers enters the dialogue). Dottie’s is a way better contemporary alternative to the incumbent colossus, which leads me to the next point... GOODLES® continues to amaze, as points of distribution are exploding in number, and our product line is growing too (Keep your eyes peeled for our two latest mac varieties, Here Comes Truffle™ and Hey Hey Elote™, and three new pasta items, my personal fave being Curveballs™). Fans are literally sending us love letters, Jen continues to build out a fantastic team that has fun every day, the Expo West mega show was a circus and not just because our partner Gal Gadot was working our booth for a while, Costco road shows were also happy mob scenes, and the whole ball of noodles has been one big joy machine. I have never seen anything like this, and most involved would say the same. I love the crew like family. We know that so much more hard work is ahead, and will just try to stay even keeled as the magic carpet ride rolls on."
The image is a newsletter update about a product called Small Wonder®. The text above the image discusses the development of this "salon-grade" powder concentrate shampoo, which is nearing the end of a two-year R&D phase and is in its early beta form ready for release to the public. The shampoo is described as transforming into a luscious, great-smelling lather when exposed to water in the shower. The product's dual benefits are likened to Batman and Robin, where "Batman" represents the shampoo's effectiveness and enjoyable use, and "Robin" symbolizes its reduction of clutter and waste due to its non-liquid form, implying no need for heavy packaging and no plastic involved. Below the text is a visual representation of the product, featuring a pink cylindrical bottle with a metallic gold cap, labeled "SMALL WONDER" and "CONCENTRATE SHAMPOO." The bottle is centrally positioned against a background that appears to be a wall with a large, cracked hole, suggesting a breakthrough or innovation. The source of the image is credited to Small Wonder®. The text within the image reads: "After well over two years in R&D and planning, Small Wonder® will soon become available to the general public. It’s a rough early beta, but even that is a major accomplishment. SW is a “salon-grade” powder concentrate shampoo that transforms into luscious great-smelling lather when exposed to water right in the shower. The proposition is Batman and Robin. Batman: it works extremely well, a metaphorical Porsche, and actually makes showering fun. Robin: it reduces clutter and waste in people’s lives, because there is no heavy pre-packaged watery goop, and no plastic, either. Beautiful. If intrigued, check out the site via the link above, and sign up for updates. SW tackles not just one but many wicked challenges all across the spectrum of design, and has been 100x tougher than I ever dreamed. But anything worth doing is going to be difficult. Source: Small Wonder®"
The image is a section of a newsletter or article with a background gradient transitioning from blue at the top to white at the bottom. The text shares the author's gratitude towards their business partners and avoids turning the note into an "Oscar acceptance speech." The author extends thanks multiple times and reflects on their enjoyment of client collaborations and designing learning and development workshops throughout the year. There's a mention of branding assignments and a strong belief in the accessibility of entrepreneurial behaviors and mindsets to everyone. The text concludes with a commentary on teaching, specifically at Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management, where the author welcomes the new challenge of teaching a course called "New Venture Discovery" after a long stint teaching "Corporate Innovation & New Ventures." In the second part of the text, the author mentions a student project named "BUFFY™" in the protein space and praises the name and business concept behind it. The author expresses enjoyment in working with industrious future leaders at Kellogg, finding it rewarding despite the demands on their time. Below the text, there's an image of the exterior of the Northwestern Kellogg School of Management building. People are seen walking in and out of the modern glass-fronted building, indicating a lively academic environment. The source of the image is credited to Northwestern University. The text within the image reads: "After well over two years in R&D and planning, Small Wonder® will soon become available to the general public. It’s a rough early beta, but even that is a major accomplishment. SW is a “salon-grade” powder concentrate shampoo that transforms into luscious great-smelling lather when exposed to water right in the shower. The proposition is Batman and Robin. Batman: it works extremely well, a metaphorical Porsche, and actually makes showering fun. Robin: it reduces clutter and waste in people’s lives, because there is no heavy pre-packaged watery goop, and no plastic, either. Beautiful. If intrigued, check out the site via the link above, and sign up for updates. SW tackles not just one but many wicked challenges all across the spectrum of design, and has been 100x tougher than I ever dreamed. But anything worth doing is going to be difficult. Source: Small Wonder®"
The image is a collection titled "Gallery: Pics by Paul" and features four photographs each with a caption. The top left photo shows a sunrise over Lake Michigan at 7:05 AM in mid-March. The caption reflects Paul's moment of pause during his run to appreciate the view, expressing gladness for doing so. The top right photo is of a sign with the word "BONCI" on it. Paul expresses he has no idea what the event is but appreciates the name and illustration. He recalls a saying by an old creative partner, Dabni, that a great idea is like fine pâté: you don't have to understand it to enjoy it. The bottom left photo displays a red illuminated sign saying "LIVE ON AIR." The caption suggests that the image contains multiple brand ideas that Paul is considering, but not at the current moment. The bottom right photo shows a car parked in a way that takes up two parking spaces in a parking lot. The caption is a reminder that there is a good and bad way to be subversive and disruptive, noting that the offending car is not Paul's. The text within the image reads: "Gallery: Pics by Paul Sunrise over Lake Michigan, 7:05 AM, mid-March. I paused my run to take it all in, and am really glad I did. I have absolutely no idea what this event is, but I love the name and also the illustration. An old creative partner, way back when (thanks, Dabni!), once told me that a great idea is like a fine pâté: you don’t have to understand it to enjoy it. There are several different mongo brand ideas baked into this one image. Working on it. (Well, not right now. But maybe one day.) A reminder that there is a good way to be subversive and disruptive, and a bad way. Just so ya know: the offending car is not mine."
The image is a montage of four photographs with accompanying captions, suggesting moments of inspiration and appreciation in everyday life. The top left image shows a bird perched on a ledge with green foliage in the background. The caption by Paul expresses admiration for the bird, mentioning a desire to name something "CARDINAL" in the future and acknowledging the beauty of the bird's aesthetics as a source of design inspiration, though he’s not sure what product or service it could be associated with. The top right image is an accidental photo taken of a ceiling, showing a light fixture with geometric patterns. The caption reflects on the value of accidents in an innovator's journey, suggesting that such unexpected moments can be golden and worth keeping. The bottom left image is a view from an airplane window during a sunset or sunrise, with the wing visible against a gradient sky. The caption notes this view was from Paul's return from a successful Expo West show with the GOODLES team in March, mentioning the scene is enhanced by a glass of wine and represents a moment of reflection and gratitude. He humorously clarifies that two glasses of wine were actually involved and that the photo is unaltered. The bottom right image displays a portable chair with a built-in shelter designed to protect from the elements. The caption relates this innovation to the earlier mention of solutions for baseball parents attending games in rain or cold, implying that this invention is a lifesaver for those situations, especially common in the Chicago area during spring. The text within the image reads: "This guy has been hovering around my office window lately. There are many reasons to appreciate this type of bird, but as a design nut, I go right to the stunning aesthetics. I would love to name something CARDINAL™ one day, if only for the design opportunity (absolutely no idea what product or service that might be; that’s but a detail). I took this photo of my ceiling entirely by mistake... and decided to keep it. A valuable lesson here in any innovator’s journey: accidents can be gold. Consider hanging on to some of them. At least make a file. View from my window seat on the way home from a very successful Expo West show with the GOODLES team in March. The glow was enhanced by a glass** of wine, a meaningful moment of reflection and gratitude. This photo is not altered in any way, btw. **Okay, two Remember the earlier riff about the need for innovations to solve problems? This one does, beautifully. A near life saver for baseball parents, like me, attending games in rain and/or extreme cold. Which is basically 'all of them' in the Chicago area in the spring."
The image is a concluding message from a newsletter or document, set against a gradient background transitioning from a warm orange at the top to a deep blue at the bottom. The text, in a bold serif font, expresses gratitude to the reader for engaging with the content and encourages staying in touch or re-connecting. It finishes with an invitation to see each other in the "green fields" and a sign-off with the word "Onward." Below this message is a reminder about a "rabbit hole," suggesting a deeper level of engagement or information available for those interested in exploring further. Below the text is an illustration of a person in motion, drawn with a single continuous line in a bright orange color. The figure appears to be walking away from or into a spiraled shape on the ground, which represents the "rabbit hole" mentioned in the text. At the bottom of the image, in the blue section, is the contact information for Paul Earle, referencing "A Day In The Sun®" with an email address (Paul@ADayInTheSun.com) and a physical address (909 Davis Street, Fifth Floor, Evanston, Illinois USA 60201). The text within the image reads: "If you have scrolled down this far, thank you. And so begins a new chapter. Keep in touch. Or if it’s been a while, get in touch. Thanks to everybody. See you out in the green fields. Onward. (And remember: there is a rabbit hole, if you choose to scroll down and enter it) Paul Earle A Day In The Sun® Paul@ADayInTheSun.com 909 Davis Street, Fifth Floor Evanston, Illinois USA 60201"
The image is a text excerpt from a document or newsletter with the title "Rabbit Hole: A Day In The Sun®, the name." The background is white with the text in a bold, dark font. The author, Paul Earle, reflects on the origin of the name "Paul Earle & Company," which he chose in 2017 with some reluctance, noting his general disinterest in the name despite his profession involving naming. He discusses his initial preference for the name "Paranormal™" and the adjacent concept "Werewolf™," but he abandoned these due to others' genuine fears of paranormal phenomena and because a mentor advised against a name associated with war. He mentions that many great names were already taken by others, leading him to settle on "Paul Earle & Co." Paul then explains the intention behind the name change to "A Day In The Sun®," aiming for a name that was good, fitting the mission, and available. He expresses a desire to help others reach their goals and aspirations, which he metaphorically compares to enjoyable activities such as walks on the beachfront or daytime ballgames — whatever "A Day In The Sun" might mean to an individual. The text concludes by noting that many creative works are inspired by others, and "A Day In The Sun" is one such composite, drawing particular inspiration from The Beatles song "Here Comes The Sun," especially from George Harrison. The text within the image reads: "Rabbit Hole: A Day In The Sun®, the name So, when I went back out into the wild and hung a shingle in 2017, I rolled with “Paul Earle & Company” as the name... reluctantly. I have never, at any time, liked it. Which is ironic, given that we do a lot of naming and, well, it’s my name. All the others I cooked up and liked had a fatal flaw. Paranormal™ was one (I still love it; please don’t nick it). I also spooled up several adjacencies to this core idea, like Werewolf™. At issue: I found that a few key constituents were actually frightened by paranormal activity, for real. So I ghosted that territory. I also really liked Advance Party™ (thank you for the spark, Henry). I came this close to rolling with it. But a key mentor and advisor of mine nixed that one because it’s closely associated with the early stages of war. That didn’t feel right, and I retreated to base. I uncovered tons of other names that were so great, they were already taken by others. I needed to begin operations and had to call this hot dog stand something, so “Paul Earle & Co.,” it was. I began the search for a replacement almost right away. And after a million tries to land something that was good, fit the mission, and available for use, I think (I hope?) I did it. As years fly off the calendar, is becoming more important to me to help others get to where they want to be in their work, and maybe even lives. The destination, metaphorically: that walk on the beachfront, a daytime ballgame with someone you love, a picnic on a beautiful afternoon, your dog or cat basking in the windowsill, a perfectly-illuminated bike path...or whatever “A Day In The Sun” means to you. Many creative works are composites of inspirations from other creative works, and A Day In The Sun is one. The first and most obvious influence: Here Comes The Sun, by The Beatles and specifically, George Harrison."
The image is a written tribute to George Harrison, focused on the song "Here Comes The Sun" and Harrison's character. The text is superimposed on a simple background with an image of George Harrison seated in a garden filled with flowers. The author recounts the creation of "Here Comes The Sun" in 1969 in the private garden of Harrison's friend Eric Clapton, highlighting it as a response to a challenging time both globally and in Harrison's life. The song is described as focusing on the positive aspect of light breaking through the relentless English cloud wall. The text indicates the song's deep personal importance to the author and mentions a recent deepened interest in George Harrison's life. The author feels benevolently haunted by Harrison's spirit and has been researching his life. A photo of George Harrison in a garden accompanies the text, with a credit to "George/Sounds of 71." The latter part of the text reflects on Harrison's spirituality, kindness, thoughtfulness, generosity with time and talents, contributions to other musicians' works, and humility despite insecurities about his singing voice and style. The author emphasizes Harrison's nature as a creator, performer, friend, and human. The text within the image reads: "This classic was written in 1969 by George in the private garden of his good friend, Eric Clapton. It was a challenging time in the world, and in Harrison’s life personally. He chose to focus on the rays of light beginning to break through the relentless English cloud wall. 'Here comes the sun. Here comes the sun. And I say: it’s alright.' It is a work that is extraordinarily important to me, and has been for a very long time. Strange thing. Lately I have found myself deeply haunted, benevolently, by all things George Harrison. So I have been doing a bit of homework about the remarkable life of this guy. Credit: George/Sounds of 71 By all accounts he was very spiritual, kind, thoughtful to the extreme, an artful noticer of everything. Extraordinarily generous with his time and talents, George regularly contributed to the works of other musicians. As an entertaining sidebar, George appeared in his pals’ album credits under all sorts of amusing 'noms de guerre,' so as to allow them, not himself, to enjoy the spotlight... and for a few other dastardly subversive reasons. Humble, never a braggart despite his accomplishments, he was forever insecure about his unusual singing voice and style (uh, George, you delivered just fine). He was an extraordinary creator, performer, friend, human."
The image is a text passage reflecting on George Harrison's life, particularly focusing on his temperament and contributions as a member of The Beatles. The background is a simple white, and the text is presented in a straightforward, black font. The author acknowledges that George Harrison, like anyone, could be temperamental and suggests that his frustrations may have been exacerbated by his junior status in the band beneath Lennon and McCartney. The author compares Harrison's position to being a junior member of a sports team led by stars, noting that this would be a difficult situation especially for someone as talented as Harrison, who was also an introvert valuing privacy. The text goes on to describe how Harrison mellowed over time and began to see the positive side of his experiences with The Beatles. This perspective is reflected in his songs "Here Comes The Sun" and "When We Was Fab." The latter is particularly noted as a nostalgic and appreciative look back at his time with the band. The text concludes with a lament about Harrison's early death and expresses a belief that Harrison would have appreciated the reflections being made. The text within the image reads: "Yes George could, of course, also be testy from time to time. But to that, I would point out that some of his famous tantrums must have been related to frustrations stemming from his position very much underneath Messrs. Lennon and McCartney on the org chart. Imagine being the junior guy on a sports team with Michael Jordan and Tom Brady running the show. A tough spot, especially when you’re really really really good, too. Making things even tougher: George was an introvert who deeply valued privacy, a profile that mixed extremely poorly with 'Beatlemania.' Harrison mellowed as he began to imagine the other side of the enormous churn of his role in the “Fab Four”—which is when he wrote Here Comes The Sun—and as he aged further. His excellent song When We Was Fab, written as a solo artist nearly 20 years after the Beatles dissolved, is a lovely nostalgic look back at his days as a young artist. The song buries a few hatchets, and expresses gratitude for all the positives of his Beatles experience ('We did it all'). I love it. Perhaps When We Was Fab is George, at long last, enjoying his day in the sun, at peace. The world lost George Harrison way too soon. In any event, I think he’d like all this. That’s the goal, at least."
The image is a section of text from a document or newsletter, accompanied by a photograph. The text discusses the influence of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run" on the author's name choice for a new brand, highlighting the importance of having positive future states in mind. The author reflects on the aspirational message of the song and its personal significance. Below the text, there is a black and white photo showing a shadow of a fence cast upon the ground and a person seated on the pavement with their head resting on their knee, appearing contemplative or tired. The credit for the photograph goes to Bruce/Eric Meola photographer. The author expresses a desire to share the backstory of the new brand they are launching and expresses gratitude to the reader for their attention. They invite the reader to reply with "Clapton’s Garden" in the subject line, implying it's a significant phrase related to the discussion. The text within the image reads: "Another influence on this name choice was one of the closing lines in Springsteen’s Born to Run: 'Someday, I don’t know when, we’re going to get to that place where we really want to go, and we’ll walk in the sun. But ‘til then, tramps like us...' (you know the rest, and I bet you just completed this line in your head.). Positive future states are important to have in mind even if you know that getting there might take a while, and might be difficult. That walk in the sun one day is a key aspiration, a potential payoff in the song’s world of strife, angst, ambition, fear, doubt, hope, urgency. Born To Run is also a work that is deeply important to me, and has been forever. Credit: Bruce/Eric Meola photographer Anyhow, I thought I’d share some of the backstory to this new brand I’m putting out there. And if you have read this far down, I truly am amazed, and thank you. Perhaps reply to this with 'Clapton’s Garden' in the subject line. That’s the tell! May your day be sunny. And if not today, tomorrow. –PE"