117 Comments

these are hilarious.
kristian Labak
2010-05-28 11:46:51

These are Great!
Simon Manchipp
2010-05-28 11:59:47

Brilliant.

Well done NB.

So much better than those portraits from last year.
lee Davies
2010-05-28 12:00:09

Brilliant!!!
Specially like the Paul Davis one, I hope he sharpened it, nothing worse than a blunt pencil up the nose!
Ellen McBride
2010-05-28 12:07:09

Fantastic stuff. I'd love to see what the little 'NB:' text in the top right corner says. I get it's a 'such-and-such wasn't harmed in the making of this poster…' but each look tailored to each featured designer.

Also noticed the similarity between 'DEAD' and 'D&AD' (as shown best in the Peter Hale poster).

Great work.
Martin Boath
2010-05-28 12:10:46

@Martin
Good suggestion, I'll add that text to each caption now. Nice point about the DE/&AD trick as well. Also: yellow pencil for Paul Davis? Nice.
 Mark Sinclair
2010-05-28 12:13:17

Great! My kind of humor...
Ludo Roessen
2010-05-28 12:16:12

BRILLIANT this is fantastic. Perfect.
Ilona
2010-05-28 12:16:50

Why dont they ever brief this project out to students as a comp?

It is about them afterall??
Franklin Gothic Green
2010-05-28 12:21:40

Excellent
Phil S
2010-05-28 12:22:51

These are ace, but I'm not sure if TV round your leg would be enough to drown you.
Sam
2010-05-28 12:23:22

Makes me feel a bit sick
Phil
2010-05-28 12:24:35

haha - love it!
especially like the posters with the yellow... Pencil, hose pipe etc. Nice touch
Luke
2010-05-28 12:24:58

What a complete load of self-indulgent, elitist rubbish.
Ortega
2010-05-28 12:29:47

@Sam

Have you ever tried to lift those old Apple CRT monitors!
Ted
2010-05-28 12:29:56

Very strong creative concepts but truthfully they make me feel sick. I think instead about the pressure that people are under in life (not just in the ad industry) rather than the introduction of new blood. So, excellent creative but disgusting humanity.
Julia
2010-05-28 12:44:50

Nice work, not 100% on the photography though, is it meant to be voyeuristic so it looks like we're peering into their suicides? If so I think Alex Taylor's one works the best.
Shaun Tollerton
2010-05-28 12:44:58

i'm really offended by these posters

is it just me - but how can you make a joke out of suicide - for a cheap gag - especially for a design and art direction charity!! the styling of the photos don't even make it look like a joke. has any of you commenting on how 'great' this is, ever been affected by suicide?

I think this has been a case of some designers sat round a table slapping each other on the back, discussing how great it will this concept will be - well its not its just cheap & completely unconsidered.
dan sutherland
2010-05-28 12:56:56

I like it. The idea is bold, but is that not what the D&AD should come to represent; daring and exciting creative!?
Steven
2010-05-28 12:59:24

@ Dan Sutherland

It's just you.
Ed
2010-05-28 13:06:03

Best work i've seen in a LONG time
Simon Whybray
2010-05-28 13:20:03

disturbing, but memorable and brave...
Julian Roberts
2010-05-28 13:24:59

Honest to god, this is the icing on the cake for a failing show. Yes it's witty, but far too dark for a campaign which should be celebrating young talent. Focus on getting the exhibitors work than trying to be cleaver constantly.. that's what they have invested in.
Elizabeth
2010-05-28 13:25:11

i think dan sutherland has a point, but a point lost amongst the generally accepted lack of humanity we have to wade through on a daily basis.
ugly, predictable and prosaic.
orange
2010-05-28 13:29:04

Slightly better than last year where most of the people looked dead already...
Anthony
2010-05-28 13:37:14

@Ed

Actually, it's not just Dan. The subject matter is pretty dreadful for anyone who has lost a friend to depression.

Funnily enough, creatives are not immune.

And yes, I love a bold concept as much as the next - and no, I usually don't write back on this kind of stuff - and wouldn't have - until I read the 'it's just you' comment. Some creative ideas raise a great laugh (what if we..) in the meeting room (or pub) and there they should stay. Judgement is also a great part of the process.

So let me wish you well and hope you are never affected by the issues raised here.
Garrett
2010-05-28 13:38:03

I'm absolutely disgusted by this campaign. My father, a photographer, committed suicide when I was 4 years old in 1974. Mental illness & depression were taboo subjects then & I didn't discover how he'd died until I was a teenager. As an agent representing both photographers & illustrators for 18 years I've committed myself to supporting creatives & helping them with the nitty gritty of daily promotion, marketing & negotiations.

Only this year we lost one of our leading creatives, Alexander McQueen, just 3 years after another Isabella Blow.

Anybody who has had their lives touched by suicide will know the pain & suffering it causes - I still feel the direct effects 30 years later but now it seems rather than being something to be covered up, it's something to joke about!

I'm sorry I think NB are so far off the mark with this campaign - it's a great shame, I have highly admired much of their work in the past
Victoria Pearce
2010-05-28 13:50:03

The offence posts were predictable. Good humour, for me, always runs close to the bone, that is what makes it funny. Let's hope the Daily Mail don't get hold of them. Middle England will have a breakdown.
James Greenfield
2010-05-28 13:50:13

it should also signify the death of 'material design'.. the back of these posters should read the environmental impact of such a campaign. I would be more impressed with 'non design' - no packaging, no printed paper, no bleaching, processing, transport, and finally no dumping into land fill, nor burning. so..strictly digital?

being critical is not a solution. Designers should shift their attention to more intelligent design, not just being up their ass clever.

How about this idea... the packaging stays at the grocery store, the book store, etc.. just bring it home without all the pretty bullshit.
Steve
2010-05-28 14:06:46

No, not good and I cant imagine where these will be sited without them being pulled very shortly afterwards. The Paul Davis one works well but only because he is ending his life in a non conventional and design related way, the others are just cringey. It would have been better with images of the designers in other roles or retirement rather than committing suicide.

Thinks students should interpret the brief in the future and practice what New Blood tries to preach, and this would release it from a slightly inbred use of design royalty people in the campaigns.

I don't read the Daily Mail but I feel like a reader responding to this one, sorry but I will still hoping to get to the shows!
Dan
2010-05-28 14:13:03

Simply put, I like.
Gary
2010-05-28 14:13:33

Advertising is celebrating it is an ageist industry with reassuring insensitive overdramatic humour some style and little aplomb.
alan fleming
2010-05-28 14:32:42

Clever but rather dark, I think the voyeuristic nature of the shots make sit all the more dark, like stumbling upon something one shouldn't be seeing.
Shellyc
2010-05-28 14:34:17

I like. Completely different league to last years.

But (there's always a but isn't there)

if I was from the "outside" looking in, I'm not sure this does work. It talks about the established "stars" and doesn't talk about young talent and the potential, plus I completely see the objections on taste and decency grounds.

However this job is always going to be a bit of a poisoned challace (pun intended).
Graham Peake
2010-05-28 14:37:51

Nice concept, but in practise, they're daunting and somewhat distasteful
Grace N
2010-05-28 14:45:03

@Dan , Hear Hear!

I agree where the design related 'pencil death' is concerned, at least it doesn't conjure visions of a real person we may have known (ie. humour - if you look at the root of the word = human, and this campaign lacks humanity as charged previously in this thread).

People trying to tar you as a Daily Mail reader is irrelevant - if something offensive causes offence - that doesn't make you Mary Whitehouse, does it! I think that is a blatant attempt to marginalise the opposition (worthy of The Sun, that strategy, wink).

I wouldn't read the Mail and am not from Middle England (or Middle Earth) and this is design in BAD taste. It's that simple.

Equally, calling peoples genuine responses 'predictable' is nonsensical and dismissive, (except that it was of course predictable that someone supporting this design love-in would say so!).
Steven
2010-05-28 14:47:57

Maybe there are a few ‘Old Bloods’ getting a bit defensive about their reputations after seeing these!
I expect D&AD knew exactly what would happen if they publicised these images.
Even with negative comments from many, it’s still got you all talking.
After all, any publicity is good publicity.
KC
2010-05-28 14:51:26

As our brilliant Mad Men leader, Don made clear... "Young people don't know anything...especially that they're young."
~8)
Stephen
2010-05-28 14:53:30

Crap, offensive, manipulative. Shame on you, D&AD.
Nicholas Jeeves
2010-05-28 15:00:51

I thought this was quite funny. As for poking fun out of suicide, they could have gone a lot darker. All the images are 'pre-act'. I think this is an important factor as it actually shows they are CONSIDERING suicide.

And anyone that hasn't laughed at Bill Murry killing himself over and over in Groundhog Day probably hasn't got a pulse.
Jem
2010-05-28 15:08:11

Oh my, these are something else!

I love how the images look as if they have been taken by an innocent by-stander or a civillian, wow.
Natalie
2010-05-28 15:14:45

Clever but rather dark, I think the voyeuristic nature of the shots make sit all the more dark, like stumbling upon something one shouldn't be seeing.
Shellyc
2010-05-28 15:23:29

Really good concept, anything mildly offensive is good by me, offense is a crucial part of society. If someone is moaning about it, that's a sign that you're doing something right.

However, I think the focus of the campaign should switch back to the students next year.
Steve Leard
2010-05-28 15:30:41

In all truth though the majority of creative directors and designers won't bother going

to this so ultimately these posters mean nothing. The students will look at them and go 'ok'

and thats it.



These posters aren't about the exhibition or the students but about the studio which designed them.



S
2010-05-28 15:33:00

Not to sound insensitive, but can people please lighten up?



The concept is inherently absurd – Established, successful and admired creatives are going to commit suicide because the young up-and-comers at the D&AD New Blood show are so good.



It's poking fun at how seriously the industry treats itself; insinuating that a threat to one's reputation as a good designer (etc.) is a good enough reason to kill yourself – not that suicide is a cheerful alternative to retirement.



As mentioned earlier, the tone of the photography is enough to avoid a glamorisation of the situation, and the copy firmly places it into the 'ridiculous/hyperbolic' bracket, that is unless you seriously think this could happen.



It's a sideswipe at the pomposity of the creative industry, not a belittling of the tragedy of suicide.
Ed
2010-05-28 15:37:00

@ Steven–

Just to clarify you need to re-read my comment. I don't imply anyone is a Daily Mail reader but that this is the kind of story they would pick up on. As a battered industry already by the press, I think they might seize on it.

As for the predictable bit, I understand why people are offended and appreciate it, especially if it involves personal experience. This doesn't stop me thinking they are funny though. For me they are hardly the cause of moral outrage but then I am not easily offended.
James Greenfield
2010-05-28 15:46:37

Sick. Especially if you have worked with someone in this business who have killed themselves due to pressure. Think the creative idea is old hat too.
Sarah Robbins
2010-05-28 15:48:22

I like it.

Looks a little like an old Bos campaign (2008) for Quebec's Créa contest, though.

http://ow.ly/1RasT
Xavier
2010-05-28 15:49:52

Fun. No doubt will upset a few people. Good PR.

Though every ad award I go to it seems to be the old blood that picks up the gongs not the new ones. Maybe because the old blood is still judging it.

However, as we cultivate a lot of great young talent at Creative Orchestra I'm all for new blood.

Far too many old stiffs, who can't even turn on a Mac, left in the industry and still doing long lunches at Soho House.
Chris Arnold
2010-05-28 15:55:24

Well done - clear communication.

love it.
Yush Kalia
2010-05-28 16:06:10

I really love these ideas. However, they should have stayed ideas in a moleskin diary over a coffee.

I think they're tasteless. If anyone has ever been around suicide or anyone's family affected by it, you'll know what I mean. The photograph of the man in the car waiting to die is too much. These are really strong, evocative images, so in that sense, this is a successful campaign.

Personally, I feel they've overstepped the mark on a moral note. I can hear people saying 'Don't over react'. Yes, I hear you. But, if you or a friend has had someone pull the trigger in your immediate circle, you can never see this subject as humorous - even after years of 'perspective'. Sorry D&AD, not for me.
JC
2010-05-28 16:12:44

I'm sorry... but i can believe this (and some of the comments).



A good friend, who was a great designer, killed themselves last year.

He was even a member of D&AD



I will never give another penny to D&AD
david
2010-05-28 16:21:00

I'm amazed these very talented and successful people posed for these shots - this is a terrible idea, it's very 'studentish' as an idea but goes no further.

Really bad taste especially as most of the students wont get jobs.

Perhaps some proceeds from the event should go to the Samaritans not D&AD.

LC
lynne casey
2010-05-28 16:30:51

Moral issues aside, these are very old fashioned in concept, art direction and execution, which is damning a comment as I can bring myself to make.
Craig Ward / Words are Pictures
2010-05-28 16:39:00

Humour, controversy, subversion and attitude are all integral parts to exciting design, however as far as i am concerned these posters are far off the mark in all of these senses.



These posters are insensitive, self aggrandising (in contradiction to Ed's belief that they poke fun at the pomposity of designers) and at the end of the day simply just really not as funny as some people think they are. Conceptually, the idea of old designers having to pack it in because of the competition from young designers is sound - but the way its been handled in this situation just feels crass and tasteless, rather than dark and humorous as it was intended.



D&AD constantly shows itself up as irrelevant and narcissistic, whether it be through the high cost that is required of a student to enter a scheme like new blood (how can d&ad justify its "charity" status i have no idea), or whether it be through the use of stylised portraits of 'famous' designers (how can we have forgotten last years tragedy of a series?) in its promotional material for an exhibition which, last time i checked, was supposed to be about a celebration of fresh, new talent.
Robbie
2010-05-28 16:42:00

Suicide is such a massive tragedy, but to suggest you cant make a piece of design based on this because of the possibility someone effected by said incident sees it, is flawed. I mean, where would it end, so many people out there have been affected by some kind of tragedy, things that are mocked all the time; War, Obesity, Terrorism- if you tip toed around everything you couldn't do anything.

For all those who've lost someone im so sorry about that. But it doesn't mean we cant have ads and design that push boundaries, are controversial and reference dark tones. Even to comedic affect.

Besides, happens in comedy all the time. Have you watched 8 out of 10 cats or Mock the week, South Park, Brass Eye...List is endless: people take the piss out of everything, all the time and a lot of people find it funny. Thats the harsh truth in 2010
A
A
2010-05-28 16:45:55

...That said, i've never lost someone through suicide (thank God)...I mean maybe I cant comment or understand
A
A
2010-05-28 16:49:57

I agree with the statement above that you cannot avoid creating something in the fear someone has been personally affected.
However, this is in bad taste. Maybe we live in a world where there is no such thing as bad taste anymore. Does anyone really care if these photos were real?! I fear not. As long as someone laughs. I find it sad that people say it is acceptable to design without ethics. As designers we have a responsibility to design well thought out concepts and execute them effectively. This was an afternoon in the pub job based off of a one liner.

I find there a massive sense of irony in this all as well as the design industry is still lead by the established members of the field. How many retrospectives have we seen recently!

I don't even find the photos well shot nor consistent with one another!

Anyway...
Samuel Clarke
2010-05-28 17:06:09

I won't try to validate my opinion by stating personal stories of tragedy.
These are great.
Rob
2010-05-28 17:19:13

I'm with Dan. Cheap trick. Especially when you look at the number of suicides amongst young people. The target audience! You cannot judge the campaign on its potential creative merits, because Its such bad taste. DA&D are better than this - NB. Studio are certainly better than this.
Luigi Carnovale - Design LSC
2010-05-28 17:22:31

I won't try to validate my opinion by stating personal stories of tragedy.
These are great.
Rob
2010-05-28 17:25:12

'Cool' and 'humane' seemingly can't co-exist.

Is that the message?
Verkitso
2010-05-28 17:25:34

Seeing points on both sides and also knowing people who have committed suicide I cant help thinking back to the student side. I graduated over 6 years ago and took part in the D&AD show. If I was taking part this year I think I would have preferred something that focuses on what the new blood will have top offer rather than the negativity they will cause to the industry, seems a little backwards to me. The photography is well done in the style and clever in the details but looks more like a uni project than something to help promote people joining the industry.
KG
2010-05-28 17:33:24

What they should have done last year. Brilliant! 5 Gold stars and a milky way for NB Studio.
Roger Banfield-Loxley
2010-05-28 17:34:21

I agree with Luigi, it's bad communication.
Alex
2010-05-28 17:44:21

I'm a bit surprised that no mention was made of the clearly provocative nature of these posters in CR's original piece.

Would the D&AD care to justify the offense these posters are designed to cause?
Kieran
2010-05-28 17:55:05

I agree with Craig Ward, this is dated, lame, pseudo-advertising work.

Don’t just sit there are and say that it’s OK or good, just because it’s provocative and absurd, it also needs to be intelligent and relevant, or is there no real brief because it’s for D&AD?

Never mind that this has nothing to do with the actual students for the second year on the trot, seems to be another design agency taking D&AD for a ride, whilst they have a smug giggle in their studio.

If this tendency for working with the old boys network, patting each other on the back continues (did you see the judges this year, same old faces) then truly D&AD is DEAD.
Mark
2010-05-28 18:14:06

Nah.
Dave Oscroft
2010-05-28 18:43:53

comment deleted by moderator
Pat
2010-05-28 19:48:00

The concept is very clever, but totally not suitable for this kind of advertising. To me, it is saying out with the old and in with the new. Therefore how does that make some of the D&AD target audience feel, especially the older students from 30 and onwards, me included. Also it is a little egoistic of the designers in question, some whom none of us have even heard of. I could understand the advertising campaign if it was for something like Simon Cowell being replaced by a younger judge on a talent show, therefore it would be funny. But New Blood, totally inappropriate due to its target audience of diverse ages.
Dave
2010-05-28 21:11:00

To the people who stated that you cannot make hu
our by worrying about who you might offend, I whole heartedly agree. Brasseye, as mentioned, us a great example. But this highlights exactly why these posters fail. It's just not that funny, just not that absurd, just not that over the top with attitude. It's not going to make middle England gasp, it'll make them make a slightly disgusted noise at it's vulgarity, mutter about it's stupidity and then
move on. I'm not even sure if offensive is the right word for them because that would suggest they're clever and subbersive, when really they are neither, they're just tacky and insesnsitive tieards people who you have little justification to mock.

Have these posters inspired me to be a better young creative? No.
Have these posters made me feel excited about d&ad new blood? No.
Have they made me want to be a part of d&ad?no. Have they made me laugh? No.
Robbie
2010-05-28 23:22:39

Hello

I think these ads are bloody brilliant, made me laugh, they were engaging, mocked our industry in a funny positive light bigged up the new creative talent. The famous characters involved obviously could see through this too in a self depreciating way. How encouraging. Imagine art directing these shots, right Dick we want you fully clothed sitting in a bath with a toaster you designed, look sad you are supposed to be topping yourself, think better creative student!! How funny is that…

Please people lighten up, these are targeted to an educated design savvy captive audience. Thank god, Buddha, Mohamed or whoever that D&AD didn’t sit on the fence (again) and managed to get so many fantastic comments good and bad in such a short time.

Long live D&AD, Long live creativity
Daisy
2010-05-28 23:47:35

I'm going to have to stand on the negative side of the fence here. While certainly better than last year's campaign, I find this a little too much. If we had to keep focus on the older generation, instead of having them committing suicide couldn't they have been shown aging humourously? I think shots of them in retirement homes being fed pablum or having their diapers changed would've been far more tasteful than this somewhat shocking yet eerily sterile campaign — I mean come on, where are their facial expressions? While the copy adds a little brevity, none of these really come "full circle" for me. (I wonder if the agency was really feeling in front of the barrel of a gun on this project...)
Colin Parks
2010-05-29 00:32:46

@Dave

Out with the old and in with the new? Of course - that's why it's NEW Blood. I think it's quite complimentary of the creatives involved to admit they could be intimidated by the new talent on show. And if you've never heard of Michael Wolff or Dick Powell, then I suggest you brush up!

Maybe the target audience is designers who might not otherwise bother going to New Blood, not the students who'll be there anyway. You don't advertise Pampers to babies...
Graham Marsden
2010-05-29 00:42:18

Isn't the pipe through the car window a Scott King rip off ?
Gerard Hanson
2010-05-29 01:19:48

In very poor taste.
Laura
2010-05-29 10:17:21

I have to admit I think it's a great idea. Very clever.

Take a read of this http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/10154775.stm Interesting article about the link between creative minds and schizophrenia.
Rob
2010-05-29 11:38:57

pretentious crap and offensive. perhaps they'll string people up and call it art?
Phil
2010-05-29 13:53:48

Shouldn't the lightbulb above mr hales head be switched off?
Steve
2010-05-29 14:08:48

Very disturbing.
If this is how designers in they later years have to end then its maybe better to not become one.
I'm a young designer but this does not speak to me at all. Young people are not idiots and they just want to get a job, not kill everyone over 40.
Jan
2010-05-29 15:04:57

Speaks more of the egos of the 'creative stars' who clambered to have their pictures taken than anything else. Bland, unimaginative, and at the same time crass and quite horrid. Quite a feat really. I trust someone has been fired for this lacklustre excuse for an afternoon's work?
mark
2010-05-29 16:55:00

Facile purile immature crap- using one of your contributors newspaper led justifications for this- i would expect this sort of bullshit from the Sun or some lads magazine- not forward thinking creative people. all for sticking safety pins in the arse of convention, but this is just decidely insensitive. would you condone a campaign around cancer tumours, child abuse, the crossbow cannibal, peter sutcliffe, self harming, then why such a sensitive issue as taking ones life. taking advantage of the fragilty of the human mind and the repurcussions to those around such tragedy to promote something as positive as the discovery of new talent. Burying the old to champion the new, what agesist crap- i hope the established creative brain behind this gets their arse fired and someone else with a bit more vision aligned with a moral conscience gets the job.
The other point is if the talent discovered is so revolutionary and brilliant- give them the campaign- or would that be losing control of the purse strings and the entire game. why is this in the hands of a commercial interest i was of the understanding D&AD were suppose to promote new talent. hmmm seems like dail mail thinking on their behalf
Johnny Rocket
2010-05-30 10:24:40

D&AD can't win, can they? Last year they get top designers to pledge to support New Blood; they get slated. This year they get top creatives to suggest that the New Blood is SO brilliant that they can't compete anymore; they get called egotistical.

Next year I suggest the Old Blood don't bother getting involved and let the students do it themselves. Then the New Blood can pat themselves on the back, have a beer and spend four days standing around wondering why no one has come to look at their work.

I like it, it's funny, well done D&AD for having some guts.
Graham Marsden
2010-05-30 19:45:28

Love the concept...it's just that the NewBlood Exhibitions are kind of elitist in themselves dependant on which creative establishment has bought largest exhibition space (usually St. Martins) and level of prestige attached to the establishments name (again, St Martins). If you're in a darkened corner of the hall...forget it. This conclusion has been reached after visiting the show for the last 5 years.
Steve
2010-05-30 20:21:23

They're posters - you all need to just relax a little bit. They're meant to serve no purpose than awareness. That's it. And they are kinda funny - not at all in poor taste - unless you're wildly oversensitive.
Good lord. Its pretentious to get on your high horse about it.
R
2010-05-30 20:51:17

Crass, bad taste, pathetic. I'm a designer and my mother committed suicide; I'm not laughing.

As far as I'm concerned, D&AD have lost it.
Roger Mann
2010-05-30 20:59:17

Once you get past the slight shock and view the images as a set they do draw a smile. The campaign will certainly provoke debate, especially amongst those who are close to, or have been effected by, the issue of suicide. That said, I think they are witty, a touch daring and carry the usual slither of NB humour. Not to everyone's taste mind.
Kevin Blackburn
2010-05-31 04:56:38

What is CR's position on this? So many of these comments call for a response & perhaps a re-working of the article online?
JC
2010-05-31 10:20:04

I've come back to this post and see that it remains inflammatory. But to be objective for a moment - perhaps it's worth considering how the Student Awards' own judging criteria would apply?

Original/great idea? Not really

Well executed? Not really

Appropriate/relevant? Way off the mark for the audience

I still think they're offensive and manipulative, but wanted to give it 24 hours to consider what the problem really is. Just like Wallpaper's Type Tarts project, I can't really see the funny side of suicide when presented so casually and meaninglessly.
Nicholas Jeeves
2010-05-31 11:33:42

Brilliant work I think, sad but brilliant.
Moda
2010-05-31 22:19:38

I find this incredibly tasteless and insensitive. I'm especially stunned at the use of guns in these ads. Not acceptable.

I agree with the comments that the focus should be on the fresh creative talent that this campaign is supposedly promoting.

And I do have a sense of humour. This just isn't funny.
LP
2010-06-01 11:11:51

Superbe work.

Could be a bit limit but it is sometimes good to shock....and make viewer think.

I don't like it - I LOVE IT
louer.voiture
2010-06-01 11:39:00

Aside from the questionable taste, I rather think it's the joke itself that died the most tragic death.

You'd think they could come up with more creative ways of topping themselves. The iMac anchor is the only one that gives any inkling of a gag. And unfortunately Paul Davis looks more like he is absent-mindedly scratching his nose.
al
2010-06-01 11:52:44

'clever' really? I can see the new blood link... it looks like a bad student campaign
ecchev
2010-06-01 13:51:05

I like the idea, but at the same time i really dislike the morals of it all.

the concept is fantastic, yet visually it is disturbing and unsettling.

If Nike were to use the concept of this campaign e.g. with older athletes killing themselves because of the youngesters coming through - the ads would be banned, especially if a gun was shown. Just because its for a 'creative group' and needs to showcase creative thinking doesn't make it alright. D&AD should be aware of this.

I just hope no children see these ads.
Dave - Graphic Design Essex
2010-06-01 14:33:51

Retaining the concept, but in slightly better taste, they could've pictured the old blood destroying one of their famous designs because it has been superceded by the work of new blood, or destroying the tools of their trade because they're so frustrated at not being able to compete with new.
Phil
2010-06-01 17:15:01

4 days on.

Does D&AD want to say anything?

Or does it have no voice?
Mark
2010-06-01 19:29:14

Not appropriate now or before 5/31. Sorry, you made your mark but can you take it back? I don't think so. Just like the lives of those who have taken their own. Cheap tricks.
kyle
2010-06-02 02:21:20

Why not have the old blood clearing their desks, being escorted from their offices, begging for work or all in a queue at the job centre?
LC
2010-06-02 08:19:27

Does D&AD really need to stoop to this level?

The organisation has been struggling to stay relevant & connect with a younger audience for the last decade.
If all else fails, go for the shock value - one of the oldest tricks in the book.

What next D&AD, an iPhone app?
ps
2010-06-02 16:08:49

Not clever. Not funny. Weak delivery. Old blood should mix with new blood not be replaced by it - otherwise we would be faced by unnecessarily edgy, distasteful campaigns that replace good design thinking with 'shock factor' imagery. D&AD should be ashamed of this.
Steff
2010-06-02 16:11:57

Judging by some of the enduring ''he he, it's great'' comments it seem that a mindless teenage love of violence has migrated into mainstream designer thinking. Witty? I don't think so unless you have the outlook of a chav. This is the typical product of a warped Ist year ND student which would normally be stamped on before it left the sketch book stage.

I'm tempted to take my old D&AD annuals to the recycling dump - seriously.
Roger Mann
2010-06-03 11:38:00

There is a big point everyone seems to be missing here. We can debate the merits of the concept and the execution for a long time.

But more importantly and more pertinent to the charges of ‘dated’ and ‘nothing to do with the students’ is the issue of the purpose of these posters.

Where are they, how else does this campaign to promote New Blood manifest itself?, I have seen nothing on the D&AD website, there is no micro site, there are no ads or mailers?, they event is at the end of this month. Is there actually any point to these posters, other than to satisfy the agency that produced them?

NB don’t seem to be so good communicating in the past... (ooh and haven’t they judged D&AD a lot)
http://www.creativereview.co.uk/crtv/interviews/dad-awards-2009--alan-dye
Mark
2010-06-03 12:53:13

I think context has to be considered when creating communications, and in this case the context may be appropriate for a more comedic approach to the theme. Stuffing a pencil up your nose does that - it's light-hearted, tongue in cheek, and not reminiscent of 'real' suicide. However, as many others have posted and I have unfortunately come into contact with myself, the reality of suicide is not the right context for this kind of communication. The one with Alex Taylor in even looks horrifically similar to a building from which I know somebody has jumped to their death, which is quite frankly very insensitive and rude.

Has anyone else noticed how similar the style is to the recent NSPCC campaign by Rainey Kelly (which I think is actually very good)? That context serves to shock, and does so with a meaning behind it. For the D&AD posters, in this context, it's too real, close to the bone, and voyeuristic - without any real meaning. And if the work of the New Blood lot is so good, then why haven't they done the posters? Perhaps we should celebrate creativity, not mourn it... and please refrain from posting 'lighten up a bit' comments - I can enjoy Chris Morris as much as the next blackly humoured individual, but again, different context.
M
2010-06-03 15:59:45

Ace! – great concept & execution (and no pun intended!)

Does anyone know where can I get set of these – either printed or as PDFs?
Matt
2010-06-03 17:43:05

The notion that being upset about these posters because of their suicide content means I need to "relax a bit" is just insulting.

I agree with those that find this to be a disgusting use of suicide as a funny/humourous element.

This is also not about "that you cannot avoid creating something in the fear someone has been personally affected. " That's the least of my worries in my day to day creative life.

Suicide is a huge problem, especially in middle aged males, which these ads mostly depict, and making light of this is truly disguting whether you've been 'personally affected' or not.
Brigitta Ryan
2010-06-04 01:13:56

In light of whats happened in Cumbria this week, the Peter Hale shotgun advert has to be pulled. It was very poor taste anyway, but should now certainly be scrapped.

I didn't think a campaign could be worse than last years pretentious drivel with Brody and Co. but looking at these a second time round, they're still not funny...

Well done D&AD, yet another successful campaign.
Dave - Graphic Design Essex
2010-06-04 09:43:33

Ain't advertising lovely....
Graphic Design Manchester
2010-06-04 10:24:37

Not really a great advert for getting into the industry if you're going to kill your self mid career, and not great for those who are stressed by college to begin with. Doom laden idea. The photography on top of it all just adds to the thoroughly miserable idea.
Kev
2010-06-07 18:21:36

completely unnecessary. this campaign just highlights one of the core issues in society today. selfish thinking at the expense of all those who have been through the horror of losing someone to suicide and then a creative market graphically illustrates people in the act?? come on now, do creatives have to slump to such low levels to get some attention? step up to the plate and deliver something that has actually taken a bit of thought and challenged you. completely distasteful and seeing as it has been posted by CR it almost undermines all the quality been put forward in the past. i think for anyone to look at this and think "ah, haha, that's hilarious" - get your head checked and start thinking about humanity and the pains people deal with and take years to get on top of. and then they log on for some inspiration and get slammed with a graphic reminder of what they've taken so long to deal with... next thing there will be campaigns making light of kids starving to death in Ethiopia and we'll have a bunch of you thinking the ad campaign was funny. unreal.
Rudolf
2010-06-09 14:25:21

Really brave, but makes my toes curl!
Jane wyatt-brooks
2010-06-09 16:43:16

Some things you let pass by, others you have to challenge. The new D&AD campaign is a case in point. Part of me wants to ignore it and not even give it the time of day. I do not want to be complicit in its game and give it the oxygen of attention that it so desperately craves. However, it is probably one of the most ignorant and insensitive pieces of communication design I’ve seen in years.
The concept and imagery has split opinion. Have a look at the comments section, a good number believe the campaign to be funny and take the stance that the detractors should lighten-up. I’m afraid I can’t laugh, a set of signifiers, that in effect, conflate students and suicide is way too close home.

What is interesting is that this is yet another example of graphic design’s inability to either deal with ‘context’ or, it’s wilful denial of context. The imagery is promoting ‘New Blood’ a showcase of this year’s student talent, and it is this particular association that must render the whole campaign questionable.

Anyone who is (even remotely) involved in contemporary education will be painfully aware of the increasing number of students presenting with serious metal health issues. In higher education, “depression is endemic”, statically and anecdotally there is a crisis. And of course, on top of all this, there is the added complication of events in Cumbria— somehow, shotguns aren’t funny either.

For me, the whole thing smacks of creative bankruptcy, a cheap and easy set of ideas that reveal a deeper structural fault within the industry as a whole. A little bit of research and a smidgen of empathy should have instantly problematized these images. The fact that they were not reveals that graphic design continues to be encumbered by its modernist legacy— obsessed with isolated design artefacts. It still struggles to fully understand the relational approach of ‘metadesign’ and the extraordinary power of networks and context.
Nic Hughes
2010-06-09 16:47:04

The above was not posted by myself. Talk about 'out of context'! It was originally written for HauntedGeographies. I still adhere to the sentiments.
Nic Hughes
2010-06-09 18:44:44

The biggest failure here is that tone of the whole campaign is wrong.

It doesn't empower the young blood or endear the old blood. It offends the sensitive and sensible and it doesn't even manage to impress the risque and 'edgy' element of the design community. Its dark and sombre enough to be distasteful and it lacks any humour that could've saved it. As soon as you go anywhere NEAR suicide as a vehicle for advertising you better be darn sure you've hit the right tone and got a brilliant message to deliver. This just comes off feeling obvious, impotent and worst of all for such a body, mediocre.

It certainly doesn't make me want to be a young or old blood...

Plus sending me a stupid email telling me I'm past it (at age 25) left me feeling indignant. Another FAIL.
Luke
2010-06-16 15:32:44

I don't like it. Too shocking for me. It doesn't make me go "Wow" more like "urgh". I'd expect something more subtle and smarter from the big guns.
Pixel Air Web Design Cheshire
2010-06-17 07:10:49

Swerving in the opposite direction from last year - with exactly the same underlying intent: obnoxiously pumping celebrity.

This is X Factor for Designers.

How about this for an idea: quietly acknowledging good craft?
Matthew Ingram
2010-07-07 09:05:19

love them all, Brilliant!
Jamal Ahmad
2010-07-12 11:32:34

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