Here’s to Collaboration

I was sent a link to this amazing video/ad produced by Honda to promote their hybrid sedan, the Insight.

The video itself is clever and fun, but what really struck me was how the close collaboration between Honda and Vimeo resulted in an extraordinary experience. I was reminded through this that two are always better than one when it comes to our creative endeavors.

With this narcissistic age of “me” upon us, it’s even more imperative to take a cue from our creator, and exist in community. So I challenge us all today to not create alone! Team up, mash-up, partner up, collaborate—doesn’t matter what you call it, just do something creative with someone else and share with the world.

Sermon’s over. Here’s the link to the video! http://vimeo.com/4281939

(Sorry for no embed, must be viewed on the Vimeo site for full effect.)

Break From Busy

It’s been a busy week here at The Plow! Lots of projects going on and deadlines quickly approaching. Though I’m always drawn to simplicity and minimalism in art/design/life, it’s a much needed breather from busy and chaotic times likes these.

Corey and I have been digging the awesome art direction and pure simplicity of this stop motion music video for Oren Lavie’s song “Her Morning Elegance”. Watch the video, enjoy the simplicity, and ask yourself, “Why can’t I come up with something totally awesome like this!?!?”

Driscoll on Dateline

Check out the video of Mark Driscoll on dateline. This is really a great interview and worth the time to watch. So watch it now!

One Line

I came across this video this morning on good.is. I’m not sure why it is that I find this so interesting, but somewhere between the Wes Anderson-esque soundtrack and the simplicity of the single line drawings this cool little stop motion has grabbed hold of my inner minimalist and reminded me what a relief less can be.

I’m Addicted to Speed…

…and I don’t mean the drug.

Everyone will agree that we live in a fast pace culture. The convenience of technology has connected us and allows us to multitask better than at any other point in history. We have become oh so familiar with phrases like timetable, deadline, turnaround, and of course “time is money.” But, I have ask, what’s the cost of our need for speed?

Those involved with design and marketing know that a quick creative turnaround is key to staying profitable. But what if that first solution isn’t the best? What if it’s only half as successful as if it were worked over for another day? What if, by moving quickly, you’ve lost sight of the end goal and compromised our creative ability?

These questions nag me in my corporate work, and make me nauseous when I think about it in the context of my church/ministry work. What if I only half the people made it to that life-changing message Sunday? What if I moved too fast and forgot to make it about spreading God’s love and good news to everyone? What if I’m not exercising the creativity that God has blessed me as steward over for his glory?

It says in Proverbs 7:8 that “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.” I think it hugely important for all of us involved in the church/ministry communication world to be patient when it comes to creating marketing materials. Just like we’d hope our pastor would take time to develop a sermon inspired and anointed by God’s spirit, we too should step back and give God some time to communicate through us.

This video was posted on the Collide blog last Friday. I’ve watched it several times, and am blown away by it every time. This photographers patience and commitment to creativity and his art inspires me.

Watch the video and share your thoughts on our collective addiction to speed, and the possibilities that exist for us if we’d just tap the brakes every once in a while.

Art Talks

A friend of mine sent me this video yesterday. It’s a trailer for a documentary film about Roadsworth, a Canadian street artist. His art is amazingly genius, but what I found even more interesting was how his art has catalyzed a larger conversation in the city of Montréal. Call it graffit, or call it art, Roadsworth has caused dialogue, and we’re all about that here at The Plow. Enjoy!

Worship vs. NBA

I came across this video this morning, and thought it was too funny not to pass along. It gives us a peek into a world where worship services are like NBA basketball games. Enjoy!

HT: Collide

Clean Graffiti

This is beautiful. Something that has been covered in dirt for years can become a work of art. Sound familiar?

HT: VLU

1 Innovative & 1 Effective Video

INNOVATIVE

What the church calls innovative is often a rip off. If you want to see something innovative, watch this video. AMAZING. From: Guy Kawasaki.

EFFECTIVE

This video is a great way to get people engaged before preaching the Word of God. From: Ryan Hartsock.

OPEN UP and SAY AHH :: Message Intro from Ryan Hartsock on Vimeo.

Video Interview: Sean Taylor

Few people throw their whole life into their ministry like Sean Taylor. He’s a youth pastor at Christ the King in Lynden, Washington. Sean drives around town in a converted 1970’s van, vinyl wrapped to look like the ‘Mystery Machine’ from Scooby Doo—It’s called the ‘Ministry Machine’. He tries to share the gospel through all the senses—whether eyes and ears, or mouth and nose. Sean has been using Ministry Growers for a few months now, and stands out as an example of how to get a ton of value out of the MG package. His new website is live and rockin’, he has a new logo to unite all six of the youth groups across three campuses, and has made a few custom series. Make sure to check out the video below!