Reinventing Valentine’s Day

February 12th, 2010 by Julie Hill

PUPPY!!!!!!!!

Much like how hipsters and Internet folk love to hate Owl City, most people who are not madly in love enjoy hating Valentine’s Day. And why not? Try to truthfully tell me those HE WENT TO JARED!!! commercials don’t make you want to punch someone in the face. Valentine’s Day has become one of the most hackneyed holidays we’ve got, thus Brand New has been charged with reinventing it.

“…Bryony and I were invited by Studio 360…to tackle a rather interesting problem: Redesigning Valentine’s Day, everything from the hearts, to the roses, to the chocolates, to the expensive dinners, to Cupid. Everything we know about Valentine’s was due for a new approach…Of course, we said yes. Yes, to a project that we had to finish in less than two weeks, with no pay, and without any precedents to refer to. Regardless, we decided to approach it just as we would any identity or branding project.”

Posted in Design | 165 Comments »

HQliday: Valentine

February 8th, 2010 by Julie Hill

XOXOHQ

Having trouble thinking of something to do for your loved one on Valentine’s Day? Or are you still trying to get out of the doghouse from last year? Lucky for you, we’re here to bail you out! Here’s a top-five list of suggestions. By the way, you’re welcome.

1. WINE – and lots of it. Whether it’s going wine tasting, dining in or dining out, wine seems to be a sure win. Preggos don’t worry, plenty more suggestions below.

2. QUALITY TIME with the loved one. A cheap but effective option, this gift should come straight from the heart. Try dinner or a movie at home. Gentlemen, chick flicks are a total bonus.

3. STICK TO THE CLASSICS. We’re talking flowers, chocolate, jewelry (duh). But be sure to put your own spin on it – roses are nice but can be overplayed. And ladies, don’t leave the fellas out of the gift exchange – look for a nice watch (peep our friendly-yet-stylin’ HQ males’ wrists for ideas).

4. HANDMADE CARDS. Flash back to second grade, bust out the construction paper and fill that cut-out heart with tons o’ glitter. The perfect way to show that you care (and have an eye for design).

5. THE SPA TREATMENT. A couple’s massage, gift certificate or an at-home-you-know-what-I’m-talking-about. Nuff said.

None of these striking your fancy? Well, whatever you do, steer clear of fighting, forgetting the day all together, or skipping the reservation. The point of the day is to make your loved one smile, as long as you do that, consider yourself “the best husband/wife/fiance/boyfriend/girlfriend ever”.

Posted in Thinking | 149 Comments »