Conceptual blockbusting

[Spindaddydad]

OK, I've racked my brain and come up with some good ideas, but I'd like to enlist you guys for some more. I need a photograph/image to illustrate the concept of "working together" or "working in unison." in other words a photograph that subjectively intimates these ideas. For instance, a photograph of two interlocking gears.

Just throw out some simple one or two word ideas that might illustrate the concept.

Thanks in advance for the help.

[CkretAjint]

Chains.

I don't think people will help you much with this. Were not to big in doing other peoples concepting/work. Thats your job! ;)

[Bob]

Chains.

I don't think people will help you much with this. Were not to big in doing other peoples concepting/work. Thats your job! ;)

What a concept!

For what it's worth, you might want to start with Visual Thesaurus. You know, I bought the installable version a few months back, and it's been a good concept aid.

And yeah, you're working with a pretty large, cliche-riddled theme here. Be careful. It's going to take some work. Photo? Does that mean it's a cover or ad? If it's attention you're going for, don't do the obvious. In fact, start playing with the opposite as one of your entry points. As Rafikki once said to Simba, "Look. Look harder."

[Spindaddydad]

Chains.

I don't think people will help you much with this. Were not to big in doing other peoples concepting/work. Thats your job! ;)
Oh, OK thanks for the help Ckret and appreciate the warmth as well. I was under the impression that this was a place where designers might be able to pick up some ideas, tips, hints, etc.

It's just that sometimes a little nudge or nick can send creative thought in a yet unexplored direction. All I'm asking for.

Not wanting someone else to do my work for me, but if that's how you see it, then so be it, sorry I bothered you.

[Bob]

Hey Spin, take it easy. If you've poked around here long enough you'd understand why some of us regs get a little wary of doing other people's thinking for them. Still, I happen to feel that we should be encouraging each other on not 'what' to think, but how. And it's just sad to see how many people are either under-trained, or just under-motivated to really do their homework. I'm not saying that you're one of these... just pointing out the reality behind Ckret's response.

Hey, if you want a good book for inspiration, you could do worse than checking out this one:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Whatever-You-Think-Opposite/dp/0141025719

It's a very quick, creatively inspiring little book. My local library has this one. Check yours!

[Spindaddydad]

don't do the obvious. In fact, start playing with the opposite as one of your entry points.
Appreciate the assist. And that's what I was hoping for. I've explored the obvious and was looking for a nudge with the not-so-obvious. Opposite is an interesting avenue.

[D-Frag]

also, you might wanna consider the 2 possibilities of successful advertising.

A. ask a question

B. Make a statement

[Spindaddydad]

some of us regs get a little wary of doing other people's thinking for them. Still, I happen to feel that we should be encouraging each other on not 'what' to think, but how. And it's just sad to see how many people are either under-trained, or just under-motivated to really do their homework. No prob. I've been in this racket for many, many years and love throwing ideas around with other like-mindeds. As previously stated, been culling thoughts on this project and just thought of GDF as another source of inspiration.

[Bob]

Here's a stimulating one I stumbled across a few weeks back (good ol' Paul Rand). If you haven't already seen it, enjoy!

http://tinyurl.com/2mu8or

[balou]

First thing that popped into my head was an image of two people using the old time hand saws - you know - one pushes, one pulls.

[Danger_Mouse]

heh...what about Ants? or Bees?

[Bob]

Spin, these are not necessarily for you, just for anyone else reading who'd like a concept development tip or two:

The classic twist copy/straight image, or the reverse, is a great way to practice lateral thinking-- and find good concepts. Remember: the postcard approach can go either way-- but the 'letter' (heavy copy) approach relies on a bent headlien/straight picture strategy.

Looking for an image concept? Do the opposite and consider an all typographic solution. The GD hall of fame is filled with great ones. It can still be done.

Check the archives. Often a great concept gets buried in history. Ignored because of poor execution, low budgets... whatever. It's worth looking.

Concepts for the people: by the people. Hang out where the customers hang out. Or the workers. The shop floor, the shops, the cafeterias. Keep your eyes and ears open. There is a often lot of disconnect between the management type clients who bring you the assignment and the people who actually supply/build or buy it. If you sense this, arrange for a concept safari.

Also explore these concept paths:

What would result if the product/service/whatever, did NOT exist?

Ignore the rational benefits. Look for emotional ones. Establish connections.

Ignore the myth that humour doesn't sell. Great humour sells. (Unfortunately, it's mostly only great clients who buy this approach!)

SNR: Signal to Noise Ratio for styling. What IS everyone expecting? Defy these.

Show the product: NOT. Sometimes you need to. Very often, it clutters the message delivery.

[Bob]

First thing that popped into my head was an image of two people using the old time hand saws - you know - one pushes, one pulls.

First thing that popped into my head was a woman giving birth and all we can see over the 'tent' are tiny baby arms holding firmly to a thick rope that the OB (sleeves rolled up and feet braced against guerney) is pulling on.

But see, that's why I NEVER tell clients my first thoughts.

[balou]

First thing that popped into my head was a woman giving birth and all we can see over the 'tent' are tiny baby arms holding firmly to a thick rope that the OB (sleeves rolled up and feet braced against guerney) is pulling on.

But see, that's why I NEVER tell clients my first thoughts.

Broacher, I bet if we could look in your ear and see inside your head, there would be a Salvador Dali painting looking back at us. :D

[Spindaddydad]

In fact, start playing with the opposite as one of your entry points.
Thanks for all the ideas. This [above] idea of opposites has led to some fruit. Vacant intersections (i.e. road less taken). Empty crosswalks. Also like the idea of the bees on a hive - I had been going down the path of overhead shot of busy Manhattan sidewalks, and this variation kicked me in the synapse. Thanks guys, and keep 'em coming.

[Buda]

First thing that popped into my head was an image of two people using the old time hand saws - you know - one pushes, one pulls.

Now when you say that I think of those contraptions that need 2 people to work it that move along railway tracks. I haven't a clue what they were or why they were used? I'm thinking maybe they use them in mines too.

Anyone know what I'm talking about here?

To the OP, sure we do enjoy throwing ideas around, but you might find that unsupervised brainstorming often turns silly, to food or to the gutter.

That is why it is better to post up your ideas first and then ask people for opinions, ideas and advice.

[Spindaddydad]

That is why it is better to post up your ideas first and then ask people for opinions, ideas and advice. Yeah, I see now I should have done that, I just didn't want to seed the poll, so I just posted one to get the ball rolling.

[Brie]

How about a push-me pull-you? From Dr. Doolittle, just a thought, albiet a silly one! :)

[Red Kittie Kat]

I'm thinking of the old Esther Williams movies where a row of swimmers swim, dive or make a formation in unison ;)

[angerisagift]

red kittie kats suggestion made me think of a group of rowers, like on a viking ship, or crew team/rowing team

[Buda]

Now I'm thinking synchronised swimming.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010718/1spr.gif


And then I think of those human pixel boards (http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/the-real-.n-sync/human-pixels-perform-huge-real+time-animation-275689.php). If that's not an example of working together and in unison, I don't know what is!

[Bob]

Pffft.

You want teamwork, you have to get into that special communist frame of mind... and body:

http://pbriscoe.com/2007/04/10/n-korea-mass-games-follow-up

[balou]

I can't bend like that so guess my being a communist is out. ;)

[Bob]

And of course, there's always despair.com:

http://despair.com/teamwork.html