The reason why Benefit Cosmetics, BENEFIT$$$

Benefit Cosmetics. I have been purchasing their products since I was 12. Yes, I started wearing makeup at a young age. What little girl doesn't like putting on her mother's lipstick and mascara and pretending she's all grown up? But when I entered a stage of my life (middle school) it wasn't pretend anymore. Looking older, feeling older, becoming a woman, that was important. And I was drawn to make up as my main utility for that.
Benefit cosmetics market their products to females of every age. The uniquely designed packaging catches a shopper's eye when walking through a department filled with boring, cliche solid colors and typical product names. Everyone knows that the color on your lips is lipstick. Everyone knows that the black stuff on your lashes is mascara. But Benefit takes these conventional makeup necessities and embellishes them- creating a brand new product out of things women have been using for generations. Benefit does this in a number of ways. Most importantly, it's the visual appeal. Ultra feminine, ultra vintage, mostly pink, cursive, swirly twirly, pin-up girl......this is what gets me to look at the product. They bring that retro, "embrace your femininity" make-up is for every girl, mentality into the typography, color pallets, and content on the package. For instance: who wants to buy foundation primer in a glass bottle when you can buy "That Gal"?  I want to be that gal! who is she?! I guess I'll find out after I purchase this product!  Who wants to buy lipgloss when they can buy THE gloss?  Is it better than other glosses?

Every product from benefit is in it's own category. It's something unique to benefit. You can't purchase it from any other line, and you won't see anything like it anywhere else.

(this would be equivalent to your typical bronzing self tanner/ highlighter/ body shimmer)

The other important reason I believe Benefit Cosmetics is Successful, is because owning their products turns your makeup bag into a fashion statement. And a sign of good taste. When another woman sees you putting on a Benefit product, They will most likely comment on the design, and then ask you what it is. Their designs are classy, not trashy....unlike many brands who try and create "fun" packaging with makeup. Usually only teenage girls will buy the product and it makes the brand look immature, and therefore less effective or worth your money. (lip smackers, bonnie bell, wet & wild, etc) The products of benefit all have a similar feel, and that is, CLASSIC & FEMININE. What makeup - wearing woman wouldn't be attracted?

 I think there is a Barbie lover,  an easy bake oven girl,  a have dinner ready-by-sixer, an apron wearer, and a homemaker by day/ sex kitten by night.....in all women. Benefit cosmetic's successful sales  just might prove that, time and time again.

100 posters 134 squirrels

The art of graphic designer, Jay Ryan has a book called 100 posters 134 squirrels. I own this book, along with many other graphic design books...but this one particularly stands out to me amongst the others. It is filled with his works as a screen printer/poster artist. His posters, in my opinion, are wonderful. I love the way he combines fine art and drawing with his ability to design graphics. I don't think many people can do that successfully. A lot of artists attempt to create elaborate posters showing off their abilities to draw cartoons and how trendy their design can be, while ignoring their main purpose of that design in the process. Jay Ryan has a specific style. He likes to draw cute and funky creatures ( a lot of squirrels, go figure) and use muted pastel colors. I think that's pretty brave for a graphic designer because most of us think that BOLD and BRIGHT and SOLID colors grab attention, while Jay uses soft blues, pinks, yellows and grays to seduce his viewers.  His drawings, like I said, all have this cute, sort of hand drawn appeal, and that is what makes him unique as a designer. Most
designers concentrate on sharp lines and very simple expression that people don't necessarily have to react to emotionally. But when you look at his work, you may laugh, say, "awwww" or think it's totally weird and bizarre. I believe that's what makes a good artist- the ability to make your audience FEEL, REACT, or THINK.

He also maintains a cleanliness in his drawings/desings that aren't too over powering or cluttered which is a common mistake we see as consumers. How many times have you seen a magazine ad when flipping through and didn't even really take the time to look at it because, well, there is just TOO MUCH to look at?!!??? Jay Ryan designs his posters so that they are easy on the eyes and intrigueing at the same time. His line quality, unique content, and color pallet tell us that whatever he is promoting is trendy, artistic and INVITING. I personally think, as a designer and as a consumer, it's important to not feel overwhelmed when trying to be sold something. His simple, but powerful fine art skills in his desings make you want to look at them. And when creating promotional material, that is the ultimate goal.
Go to this website to check out more of his work! It's all pretty cool.
http://www.thebirdmachine.com/gallery.php?year=2010