Blonde Sense

“Are You Still Watching?” is a Challenge From Netlix That You Should Accept

If you’re anything like me, you like to wind down on the weekend with some wine & Netflix after a long week of [hash]tagging, liking, commenting, posting, stalking, and so on (or: after whatever it is you do for a living).

 
But even social media mavens like me need to take some time off from constant app-switching, though we rarely (if ever) unplug; hence, House of Cards and, of course, mama’s Chablis.

 
Yet your preferred streaming service’s content offerings can be more than just a means to escape the sometimes cruel realities of life (like the fact that organic Facebook reach will eventually reach zero); they can be a source of creative inspiration. The very best of film & TV can be compelling for a variety of reasons. They can feature complex characters, for example, or employ beautiful cinematography.

 
Whatever the reason, one could argue that what great shows & films all share is damn good storytelling. (That’s also what the very best of advertising does: tell a good story.) Below are a few good stories to watch when you’ve given up on learning how to play the guitar in your spare time but when you’re still in the mood to be creatively stimulated.

 
Twin Peaks — Seasons 1-2 & The Return (Available on Netflix, Hulu, & Showtime)

 
Weird doesn’t even begin to adequately describe this cult classic about one FBI agent’s quest to solve the murder of Laura Palmer. You’ll eventually find out the answer (to the chagrin of creators David Lynch & Mark Frost whose hands were forced by network executives to reveal the killer) but so many more mysteries abound in the seeming idyll that is Twin Peaks. It’s not a stretch to say that modern “prestige” TV—from The Sopranos to Lost to True Detective—owes a rather large debt of gratitude to this cryptic whodunit for being the first to make TV a little darker and thus, a little more entertaining.

Abstract: The Art of Design (Available on Netflix)

 
From architecture to stage production to sneaker design, this 6-part mini-series profiles individual artists who have and continue to extend the boundaries of possibility within their respective fields. Once you’re done watching this, you won’t be able to help but ask, “What am I doing with my life?” It’s a question we should all ask ourselves every now and again.

Sunset Boulevard (Available on Netflix)

 
Considered one of the greatest films of all time, director Billy Wilder’s “masterpiece” has collected no dust (unlike its main character) since its 1950 debut; this critique of Hollywood is still as gripping and relevant as ever even though the industry has changed quite a bit since (cf. the YouTube star phenomenon). But don’t take my words for it. Watch it (and my other recommendations) if you care to. Just maybe you’ll start thinking a little differently the next time you face one of life’s many creative challenges.

Happy Binging!
Krissi Madison | Director of Likes

Office Space for Houston Creatives

To the great people of Houston:

First, let me say that you are all in the thoughts of everyone here. We love Houston, and believe that y’all will get through these tough times.

That said, we would like to do a little more than just hope for the best; we want to help. That’s why we’re opening up our space to whatever creative advertising or marketing firm that needs some temporary office space. Really, we want to welcome you to your neighbors in San Antonio!

 
Our office is located just a few minutes north of downtown on the edge of a beautiful historic neighborhood. We have a few desks, a conference table, a kitchen (with coffee and beer for when you get “stuck” ), and more space and outlets than you’ll find at a coffee shop. (It’s cheaper too, and the people here are much more interesting.) And:

 
Interested? Then contact owner and Creative Director louis at 210-527-1234 or louis@blondecreative.com. At the very least, we hope you stay safe, strong, and awesome, Houston.

 
Krissi Madison | Director of Likes

P.S. Please see below for photos of office. We’re not like a regular office, we’re a cool office

How Soft Are Intern Soft Hands’ Hands?

This summer, our graphic design intern Daniel Pierda (a.k.a. “Soft Hands”) got to see what it’s like to be part of the crazy Blonde Creative team. It’s impressive that he put up with us for so long, TBH.

Why do we call him Soft Hands? Because when he first started his internship, Daniel was extremely quiet. When he did speak, it was always in that calm kind of tone that makes you reevaluate just how “inside” your “inside voice” really is. Regardless, he always worked hard on his projects, and we can appreciate that even if he rarely spoke.

But who is Soft Hands? Well, he’s 26 years old, and currently a junior at Texas State University (Go Bobcats!) where he majors in graphic design and advertising. He has worked on a variety of projects this summer, and we are excited to see him grow and succeed in his career as a graphic designer! But okay, enough of the sappy stuff.

I know what you’re thinking. How “soft” are Soft Hands’ hands? Honestly, we had no idea until I decided to have everyone in the office rate his hands’ softness on a scale of “I’d Hold Hands with Him” to “He Definitely Moisturizes Multiple Times a Day.” So, after some gentle hand caressing and awkwardness, here’s what the Blonde team had to say about how soft Soft Hands’ hands—sidebar: take a shot every time you read “soft” or “hand” throughout this post—actually are:

Louis: “They’re like a rose pedal that has been massaged with coconut oil.”

Rik: “They’re pretty soft. I would say that they’re softer than alizé with a chaser.”

Jacob: “They’re softer than Lebron without AC.”

Ally: “I mean I’m not NOT saying that his hands might be softer than mine. He’s definitely not a stranger to some Bath and Body Work’s Cucumber Melon lotion.”

Daniel (not “Soft Hands” but not “Rough Hands” either): “Imagine Drake wearing chinchilla. You’re welcome for the thought.”

There you have it! Now we send Soft Hands back into the world of education where he will no longer be harassed for the softness of his hands (unless, you know, he’s into that kind of thing).

Also, if you would like to reach out to him and touch his hands for yourself, follow him on Facebook or Instagram!

Thanks for working hard this summer, Daniel! We all wish you the best of luck with the rest of your school and career!

No fake love,
Krissi Madison | Director of Likes

P.S. Thanks for the rad card (see below) and bottle of scotch. You know us too well! But actually, it’s kind of creepy. Don’t make us start calling you “Stalker Eyes.”

A Blonde Doing Social Media… Go Figure, Right?

If you’re reading this you may have seen that I recently became part of the Blonde Creative team as the Director of Likes. It’s my job to make sure that social media is but one of many effective tools for our clients’ marketing needs.

You may be thinking, “Cool. Another millennial just retweeting and sharing posts.”

I mean, that’s partly true and sometimes I wish it were that simple, but believe me- there’s way more to it.

I understand that social media and how we use it is A L W A Y S changing. I strategize, plan and execute. I have to not only understand how different target audiences think and make decisions, but I also have to be creatively diverse while focusing on the big, main goals- Conversions, Content and Engagement.

Just because Shelly K. commented “OMG love this” on your post doesn’t mean she’s going to buy anything from you, which is the whole point, really. Likewise, someone who sees something you post may not engage with it but still feel tempted to purchase what you’re selling—that is, if the post is eye-catching.

Have you ever stopped and thought about how tried-and-true marketing principles still apply to the digital sphere? I mean, even on Bumble you have to be witty. Oh, and good-looking. You might have to be good-looking AND witty (sigh).

This is all to say: the strength of your content will always matter, regardless of the form it takes. Because good, quality content equals engagement which then equals more conversions and more conversions equals $$$$… I was never too good at math to be honest, but THIS I understand.

Now, for getting this far down the blog I shall give you some free advice–Treat social media platforms as if they were media channels. Really, you have to pay to be seen on social media nowadays.

I understand, however, that not everyone has a I’m-stressed-so-I’m-going-to-Mykonos-for-two-months budget. Totally get it. But I can tell you that there are other ways you can use social media to your benefit without throwing out too much cash, provided you get creative with strategies.

For instance, you can develop relationships with other businesses whose own interests might align with yours, partnering with them to leverage each other’s audiences through cross-promotional postings. I wax your bikini line, you wax mine. If the relationship is right, it can work wonders for your earnings.

Of course, there are plenty of other ways to get clever with social media. But you probably don’t have the time to explore those other ways because how many people out there really want to spend their time actually working on social media rather than enjoying it? Not many, which is why I like to call us the Four Leaf Clovers of Marketing. That’s why your business needs a dedicated professional to manage your social media for you. That’s why you need a Blonde, Four Leaf Clover like me.

So let’s talk strategy sometime and see where things go.

Till next time,

Krissi Madison, xoxo | Director of Likes

The Valentine’s Day Cards You Should Be Sending

I woke up thinking it was just a normal #TacoTuesday, but social media reminded me it’s also Valentine’s Day. I’ll still be enjoying #TacoTuesday today, but maybe add a side of tequila to appropriately celebrate this holiday of love because tacos and tequila ARE love. Anyways, I found joy in searching for Valentine’s Day cards that actually speak the truth. So, single or not, these Valentine’s Day cards are what people SHOULD be sending. Enjoy and Happy Valentine’s Day!