I got into this industry because of my love (and obsession) with classic advertising.
Before stock image libraries and free font websites, creativity flourished with fantastic illustration and beautiful typography at the forefront of many a great idea.
Much to my delight, this approach has been resurrected.
Thank you Elvis. Thank you Mother.
Two of London's big-hitters have delivered once again, with the former treating us to a 1950s-style 'flight' aboard Virgin Trains and the latter, with my favourite campaign of the last few years, takes us back to the 1960s French Riviera, and artistic home of Stella Artois 4%.
Virgin Trains - 'Fly Virgin Trains'
Elvis' vintage illustrative campaign for Virgin Trains is a real journey back to the 1950s, a time when the world had suddenly become more accessible to us all.
Now, whilst this campaign isn't travelling the world over, it is - in a similar way - championing two of the UK's biggest cities, and the speed in which a Virgin Train can carry you between them.
The harsh blend of typography and muted beauty of the watercolour scene is what really brings this to life for me, and is why it's quite rightly soaring above most other campaigns currently.
As someone who frequents the train daily, I love being a passenger on this journey, and can't wait to see what comes next.
Stella Artois 4% - 'Triple Filtered, Smooth Escapades'
I'm in awe of this campaign. The outdoor, TV, cinema and press. All of it.
What's not to like?
The style. The sophistication. Both mirrored by the timeless talent of artist and illustrator Robert McGinnis (check out his original James Bond posters), this filters through to the TV spots - most recently 'Triple Trains' - and gives its audience just under a minute of classic cinematography, blanketed by a great soundtrack.
Make this your next stop http://www.motherlondon.com/creative/train-–-stella-artois-4/
'Triple Trains' is the forth in this superb series - hopefully to be followed by a few more - and sees a shaggy young man pursuing a beautiful brunette through carriage after carriage, fortunately becoming entangled with other passengers and conductors which subsequently upgrades his appearance until he finally reaches the girl, suavely dressed and on time to present her with a Stella 4% whilst confidently ordering one for himself.
C'est magnifique.
