Ash Ideas. This is the blog of Ash Rashvand - Brand Journalist. This website is dedicated to brands and any research/experiences pertaining to them.

Habla Branding?

Published on 2012-01-22 19:30:00

Above is the latest effort by my partner and I to Brand Richmond Hill as a vibrant place to work, live and play in. I capitalized “Brand” because that’s what I do and that is the terminology I comprehend. Unfortunately, even in 2012, I periodically cross paths with people in the industry who are incapable of truly understanding the cultural lexicon, which I just utilized. If you only knew the painstaking level of semiotics I encoded within this trade show booth, you’d be flabbergasted.

TimePlay: A New Way to Interact with Moviegoers

Published on 2012-01-03 09:35:00

Thanks to Peter Jackson and Steven Spielberg, “Blistering Barnacles” will definitely roll off my tongue the next time I’m at work. The colourful language of Captain Haddock is something I was reintroduced to this past week while watching the Adventures of Tintin in 3D. And while I’d like to elaborate on the film, I’m more inclined to share with you my encounter with something called, “TimePlay.”  In the previews leading to Tintin, Marc Saltzman, the Cineplex Tech

A Bright Future

Published on 2011-12-14 19:31:00

Here's a quick glimpse of my Corporation's, yes "Corporation's," electric car and newly installed electric pumps. Before I enter our building everyday I look at this car to get ideas for carrying the brand promise. It also helps me remember what I'm working towards. I really believe this is one of the many reasons why we are listed under the Top 10 North American Cities of the Future.

A Personal Message from AshIdeas

Published on 2011-12-04 20:26:00

When you’ve said plenty and more than enough, time to change tune and sing a different fluff. This blog will change a bit in order to focus more on ideas rather than observations. For everyday brand observations you can now visit BrandGoggles.com.   Happy Holidays! 

The Prophet of the 21st Century

Published on 2011-10-12 21:54:00

When Steve Jobs passed away, we not only bid farewell to a visionary, but we also bid farewell to a modern day branding prophet. More on this topic in the days to come.

Beer Brand Encounters

Published on 2011-08-31 19:03:00

Here are a couple of brands that lingered in my mind since last Saturday’s outing. 1.     At the Toronto FC soccer (or football) game, a 3D Coors can of beer stood out from a distance. My picture doesn't do it justice. Just take my word for it. The Coors can was very visible. I thought this was interesting considering Carlsberg bombards the fans with their ads throughout the whole BMO stadium. Understandable, since Carlsberg is the main sponsor. But does this type of adver

Rebranding Canada, One Word at a Time

Published on 2011-08-23 11:00:00

First off, I would like to ask you, the reader, to take a moment and remember Jack Layton or Google his legacy. Mr. Layton was one of Canada’s most admirable political leaders. Sadly, he lost his battle with cancer at the age of 61. During his political career Mr. Layton’s brand became instantly identifiable with the colour orange and anyone who sported a mustache. Mr. Layton was affectionately referred to as “Jack” by most citizens. He exuded a slew of positive attributes Canadians are

Beaches International Jazz Festival 2011

Published on 2011-07-20 16:43:00

Here are some pictures I took at this year's Beaches International Jazz Festival. It was refreshing to have a sip of Coke in the good old 1L glass bottle (thanks to an import from Mexico). I also thought the photo booth to promote Crazy Stupid Love was strategic and creative. Oh yeah, the festival was good too.

Wacky Wednesday: The Future of Facebook and Microsoft

Published on 2011-07-13 09:16:00

Here's an idea, while everyone focuses on Google+, this week's Wacky Wednesday is going to be summed up by a diagram I've created. It's my say on the future of facebook. I just have a hunch Microsoft will be facing a mammoth brand struggle in the near future. Bing might have to get axed. This is an automated post for Wednesday July 13, 2011

The Future of Social Networking

Published on 2011-07-08 15:47:00

Thank God it’s Friday. This week has been quite chaotic. Twitter bought BackType, a must-use analytics tool for social media insights. Skype joined forces with facebook, via Microsoft. And Google pumped out its Google+, in an attempt to turn its 1 billion visitors per month into a new breed of social networkers. While everyone is concerned about Google and how hard they’re trying this time around, I’m more concerned about facebook/Microsoft and the problems they might run into. By no means