Read Between the Ps

Cartoons and caricatures have long been one of the best modes of expression – to voice out the sentiment of the public, to express implicit reactions, and to use satire to get your point of view across. One strip that has done this wonderfully for generations ( since 1961 ) has been RK Laxman’s most famous Common Man’s strip “You said it” – There was a time when we used to look forward to the daily strip in the Times of India whenever something happened, for the strip reacted responded effectively on any issue – truly echoing the sentiment of the public - it mocked at the current issues at hand, but ensured it made relevant points strongly. Such was the power of print media then. Then came our dear Amul Moppet , coming out with silent billboards almost every fortnight that talked about issues at hand, or latest Bollywood or Cricket gossip – taking a topic every time, and interpreting it in a humorous manner – called “ topicals ” by the Da Cunhas. Instant connect was what this gir...

There are some campaigns that get your attention and your “ share of wallets ” as well – and there are some campaigns that manage to just get your attention, but get ignored by the latter. Most of these campaigns get your attention, not because of the brand, but because of their innovative execution & excellent creatives – very few, however, of them manage to ensure even the brand recall at the end of it. Such campaigns, at best, can be appreciated and blogged about, and that’s where they stay for most part of their lives (till the time they get archived!).. One such campaign is for AT&T coverage, done by BBDO Atlanta/New York, titled “ the best coverage of any carrier worldwide ” – Have a look at the set of 6 creatives, representing various “exceptional” geographies in which AT&T is present (200 to be specific) – China, India, Japan, Zimbabwe, Jamaica and Egypt. Undoubtedly, one of the finest work of art I have seen till now – a perfect blend of mapping geographies wit...