The goal was set to shift their target market back to children with a lively and colorful new image, while not going too far into the realm of acid trippin’ Saturday morning cereal mascots (or bringing back the Cos’). Perez did this by introducing a zany cast of colorful characters, fruit and jello mold based, reminiscent of a Japanese cartoon style or the work of Tim Biskup (Gama-Go). His illustration style kept the focus on the rainbow of Jello fruit flavors while injecting the joy and personality the brand craved, appealing to kids and the young at heart. It has old school fun, while carrying a massive dose of new style. Well done Mr. Perez.

More examples: Ads, Window Decals, and the Brand Guidelines Manual.

While on it’s own the logo seemed a bit weak and ineffective, but when repeated on a store shelf en masse it actually strikes quite an impressive profile. The minimalism really does stand out amongst the splishes and splashes of the soft drink aisle, and I gotta admire that. It has been noted that Coke too has done the same thing, pulling back on the typical effervescence, water droplets, gradients, and drop shadows in favour of some good old fashioned graphic simplicity – on their can anyway, their box still features a big old dripping wet ice cold can. This leaves the simplicity of the Pepsi packaging to jump off the shelf, and hopefully into the carts of shoppers. Not that it really matters at this point, by now we’re all loyal to one brand or the other.

UPDATE: Also check out the fantastic production artwork by Lou Romano for Up. It’s no wonder Pixar’s movies are all masterpieces when the production artwork and promo materials are at this level. Really awesome stuff, again.

You may have seen this around on the net by now, but I had to post it anyway…A brilliant documentary style ad by Nintendo chronicling the comeback of Little Mac, in Punchout for the Wii (It’s about time!). The best part is how bang on they get the jogging scene, complete with pink sweat suit. So good. This almost makes me want a Wii myself, as long as Tyson’s not on there…I still lose sleep over facing the 8-Bit Iron Mike.