The Honda Effect – Fresh or a little sour taste?

These are part of a campaign created by Wieden + Kennedy for the re-opening of the Swindon Honda factory. The news is undoubtedly welcome from the workers themselves and the local community but, strangely, given that the workers themselves have had to take a substantial pay cut to return to work, Is it not a little insensitive to produce a campaign off the back of it? Im sure it wouldn’t have come cheap? The funny thing is for me I actually like the ads, I imagine that they will resonate and bring a much needed smile to the faces of the Swindon community but there is a nagging feeling that the advertising budget may have been better spent helping the actual workers? What do you think?

Copy and paste?

 

I received a couple of emails from some designer friends today linking to some work examples which are very similar to the Effektive CV/Poster mailer I created before my move to Sydney. At first it didn’t bother me and to be honest, if anything, I saw it as a bit of a compliment. I have of course, as have most designers, found a piece of work that I have used as an inspiration for my own work. The key word however has to be ‘inspiration’. There is a huge difference between being inspired by a piece of design and actually just clean lifting an idea from a fellow designer. Its a shame really that the examples shown are so similar to my design. Im experienced enough to realise that my piece wasn’t a completely original design, but frankly these for me are just a little too close for comfort, especially in the case of the first offering. Its a compliment that people have liked my design and I do hope it has inspired some young designers to go that extra mile on promoting themselves but Im afraid that I just find these a little disappointing. What do you think?

Join the debate

My friend Neil at After the News got in touch to tell me about this interesting event taking place on Thursday October 23rd (6 till 8:30pm), Market Gallery, in conjunction with the Scottish Design Non-Awards. They will be hosting a debate on the role of awards in design education and industry.

Both sides of this particularly topical debate will be put forward, followed by an open floor discussion in which everyone can participate. Drinks and light refreshments will be provided.

Further information can be found here along with a pre-debate survey which we’re using to get an overview of peoples thoughts on this topic.