Welcome to the automated Brand Tracker diaries.
Will Pernaa be the future editor-in-chief of the Thinking Platform?
Source: https://www.markkinointiuutiset.fi/artikkelit/ville-pernaasta-ajattelun-alustan-tuleva-paatoimittaja
Goal: Reach at least 5,000 pre-orders for a new media platform.
Summary: Ville Pernaa, the former editor-in-chief of Suomen Kuvalehti, resigned from his position at VATT to build Ajattelun alusta, a new media platform aiming to defend creative work by humans. He will start as the editor-in-chief in February if the campaign achieves a target of at least 5,000 pre-orders. The project recognizes the need for a space for human voices and a way to pay creatives directly.
UEPS Masterclass 2026: How to Use AI Without Letting It Think
Goal: Educate participants on effectively using AI in creative processes
Claim: Think with AI, not as AI.
Summary: The first UEPS Masterclass, held in Belgrade, focused on utilizing generative artificial intelligence to enhance creativity rather than diminish it. The event brought together around 200 participants from various sectors including agencies and startups. Key presentations by experts like Dave Birss emphasized using technology for exploration and maintaining human creativity, while Boris Šurija explored the psychological mechanisms influencing AI use among people. The initiative aims to establish a traditional educational format.
Lucía Mateo (Ilunion): ‘An extraordinary idea earns the trust of people’
Source: https://ipmark.com/entrevista/lucia-mateo-ilunion-una-idea-extraordinaria-gana-confianza-gente/
Goal: Promote inclusivity and normalize the portrayal of people with disabilities.
Media: University musical
Summary: Lucía Mateo Girón discusses the W!N Awards and highlights Apple’s campaign 'I’m Not Remarkable,' which challenges traditional narratives about disability in advertising. The campaign features a university musical showcasing students with disabilities as ordinary individuals, not heroes, emphasizing that technology should adapt to individual needs. It aims to normalize representation and has achieved creative excellence by winning an Emmy.
Artificial Intelligence and Creativity: The Value of Human Judgment
Source: https://ipmark.com/inteligencia-artificial-creatividad-criterio-humano-monks/
Goal: Encourage customer creativity in building their own burger
Claim: Have It Your Way
Summary: The article discusses the impact of artificial intelligence on advertising creativity and emphasizes the importance of human judgment in utilizing technology effectively. It highlights Burger King's use of AI in the Million Dollar Whopper campaign, where customers could create their own burgers under clear brand guidelines, contrasting with Toys 'R' Us's AI-created film that felt distant due to the lack of human oversight.
Microsoft Windows and Droga5: A Creative Obsession That Keeps Going in Circles
Goal: Show what becomes possible when a computer has enough power to keep up with creativity.
Media: Television, streaming platforms, social media, digital channels, content creator collaborations, media partners.
Summary: Microsoft Windows has launched a new campaign in collaboration with Droga5 New York, titled 'What Will You Do With All This Power?', which showcases the capabilities of new Windows laptops with NVIDIA RTX Spark technology. The campaign centers around a film titled 'Obsession Comes Around,' which explores the relationship between creative ambition and technological capability, illustrating how creativity evolves continuously. The campaign will air across various platforms in the U.S., including primetime NFL broadcasts.
BPG bets on human judgement as its AI differentiator at milestone 30th annual offsite
Goal: To challenge assumptions and explore AI's potential without losing human creativity
Claim: Human ingenuity will define the future of the industry
Media: Thought-provoking keynotes and discussions
Summary: BPG Group celebrated its 30th annual offsite in a gathering themed 'Human by Design', emphasizing the importance of human creativity and ingenuity in an AI-driven world. The event brought together industry leaders to discuss the future of marketing communications while highlighting that technology alone does not create great ideas—people do.
Pentawards 2026: Six Awards for Regional Design
Source: https://www.media-marketing.com/vijesti/pentawards-2026-sest-priznanja-za-regionalni-dizajn/
Goal: To showcase innovative packaging design and celebrate regional talents
Summary: At the 20th Pentawards ceremony held in London, six awards were presented to regional designs, showcasing projects ranging from high-end international brands to local producers. Among the winners, Studio Sonda received the Diamond Award for its wine label, while Dig Studio secured two silver awards for writing instruments and a collector's series on Croatian rulers. The designs emphasized sustainability and creativity by incorporating natural materials and functionality.
Ten Awards for the Adriatic Region at the Golden Drum 2026
Source: https://www.media-marketing.com/vijesti/deset-nagrada-za-adriatic-regiju-na-golden-drumu-2026/
Goal: To create engaging advertisements that resonate with the audience.
Media: Ambient Media, Out of Home
Summary: At the Golden Drum 2026, agencies from the Adriatic region won a total of ten awards. McCann Skopje's campaign 'The Scratching Ads' took first place in the Adriatic Agency of the Year rankings, winning multiple awards, including gold in Ambient Media and silver in various categories. Other notable wins included Studio Sonda and Imago Ogilvy, among others. The festival showcased the creative talents from countries including Croatia, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Slovenia.
Golden Drum 2026: LePub on Top, Heineken Wins Brand Grand Prix
Goal: To showcase creativity and innovation in advertising
Summary: The Golden Drum International Festival of Creativity awarded a total of 137 prizes for works among 187 finalists, with Heineken winning the Brand Grand Prix for its campaign 'The Pub That Refused to Die' by LePub. The agency also received accolades for being Agency of the Year and had multiple creative directors recognized. The festival highlighted the intersection of creativity and social impact, with various awards given for initiatives promoting gender equality and social inclusion.
ADC Opens Applications for the 106th Edition with the Campaign ‘In Search of What’s Next’
Goal: To invite submissions for the 106th edition of the ADC Annual Awards
Summary: The ADC Annual Awards has launched its 106th edition with the campaign 'In Search of What’s Next', developed by DixonBaxi. The campaign creatively reinterprets the iconic ADC cube, emphasizing the evolution of creative ideas. The campaign seeks to inspire submissions of innovative and unconventional works, which will be judged by a panel led by Brian Collins.
Saudi National Day: Starbucks, IMPACT BBDO celebrate how heritage inspires next-gen creativity
Goal: Celebrate Saudi heritage and inspire new creativity
Claim: Heritage inspires what we create next
Media: Social media, film series
Summary: For Saudi National Day, Starbucks and IMPACT BBDO launched an integrated campaign celebrating Saudi heritage, demonstrating how it inspires contemporary creativity. The campaign features Saudi artists exploring heritage to create original artworks, showcasing the connection between past traditions and future creative expressions.
ADC Creativity Festival: This was the most creative week of the year
Source: https://www.persoenlich.com/mediapartner/das-war-die-kreativste-woche-des-jahres
Goal: To create a space for inspiration, collaboration, and discussion within the creative industry.
Media: News portal, events, award show
Summary: The ADC Creativity Festival in Zurich was a week-long gathering for the creative industry celebrating its 50th anniversary. It focused on connecting people, exchanging ideas, and fostering inspiration, receiving positive feedback from attendees and partners. The festival included a glamorous award show and various interactive events, such as a popular advertising poll conducted via the 20 Minuten news portal that engaged thousands of participants.
Design Can Hurt with Lars Larsen
Source: https://bureaubiz.dk/design-kan-goere-ondt-med-lars-larsen/
Goal: To explore new design approaches.
Summary: The article discusses Lars Holme Larsen, a designer who explores new avenues in design, focusing on a slower, more analog process. He emphasizes the importance of creating a work life that accommodates both people and ideas and reflects on the process of finding and building one's true ambitions.
SoMo Borac extends the submission deadline by six days, new deadline is September 29
Goal: Encourage submissions for digital projects
Media: Digital media, Conference
Summary: The deadline for submissions for the 14th edition of SoMo Borac powered by Aleph has been extended to September 29, 2026, at 23:59. This year's competition includes 17 categories across two streams, SoMo Media and SoMo Advertising, covering various aspects of digital campaigns and creative works. Participants can benefit from a 4+1 model where the fifth entry is free. There will also be a conference program accompanying the competition, focused on new technologies and trends in the digital industry.
Darío Straschnoy: “We want to take Latin America to the world and bring the world to Latin America”
Goal: Expand presence and create new opportunities for talent
Claim: Bring Latin America to the world and bring the world to Latin America
Summary: Darío Straschnoy, founder of Untold, discussed the opening of The Juju in London, emphasizing the importance of this decision and the potential it holds for connecting with different cultures. The expansion aims to create new international projects without perceiving it as an isolated operation. Instead, it serves as a meeting point to facilitate new conversations and opportunities.
Dragons of MENA reveals inaugural winners across six MENA markets
Source: https://campaignme.com/dragons-of-mena-reveals-inaugural-winners-across-six-mena-markets/
Goal: Recognizing outstanding marketing communications
Summary: Dragons of MENA has announced the winners of its inaugural marketing communications awards, which recognized exceptional work from six countries in the MENA region. The program, which evaluates entries based on strategy, concept, execution, and results, highlighted campaigns like 'No Paws Left Behind' from Momentum ME for MARS UAE and celebrated local creativity across various sectors.
Vivian Wilson Faces AI in New Desigual Campaign… and Sends a Message to Her Father, Elon Musk
Goal: Critique the impact of artificial intelligence on creativity
Claim: I was created to disobey
Summary: Vivian Wilson stars in Desigual's new campaign 'Born to Disobey', which critiques the impact of artificial intelligence on creativity. In the campaign, she interacts with a malfunctioning robot and emphasizes the emotional aspect of art that AI cannot replicate. The campaign also reflects her relationship with her father, Elon Musk, highlighting individuality and rebellion against imposed norms.
Direct Assurance, Humankind II, BNP Paribas… The Best Ads of the Week
Goal: Promote insurance services
Summary: The article highlights the best advertisements of the week, featuring campaigns from Direct Assurance and BNP Paribas among others. It focuses on creative approaches and storytelling in marketing that resonate with audiences.
Isabelita Virtual and the Agency Usted Launch Ella
Source: https://www.adlatina.com/nuevas-cuentas/isabelita-virtual-y-usted-lanzan-ella
Goal: To reinforce the global positioning of the brand
Claim: AI cannot be the message; Ella is here to tell stories that connect and move people.
Media: Digital media
Summary: Isabelita Virtual and the agency Usted have launched Ella, a new production and creativity studio exploring generative artificial intelligence. The debut project, 'Go North,' is a fashion film for the children's fashion brand The Campamento, showcasing a road movie that captures childhood as a time for discovery, featuring four characters on an adventurous journey. The campaign includes a 3-minute piece and five 20-second spots set to promote the brand's new autumn-winter collection.
AI Has No Opinion, and Brands No Longer Compete with Other Brands: Trends from Cannes Lions 2026
Goal: To connect local marketing discussions with global trends
Claim: Cannes has allowed us to identify the conversations and trends shaping our industry.
Media: Panel discussions, marketing events
Summary: Ninch Communication Company, in collaboration with Mercado Ads, hosted an event called Talent Room to discuss the key insights and trends from Cannes Lions 2026. The event featured discussions by industry leaders on how to translate global marketing trends into local opportunities. Key takeaways included insights on the role of AI in creativity, the competition brands face against entertainment, and the importance of community-building by creators.
From Trattorias to Everyday Problems
Source: https://www.media-marketing.com/vijesti/od-trattorije-do-svakodnevnih-problema/
Goal: Show how design tools can be applied in everyday life
Claim: Good design does not require professional experience
Media: Social media content, flyers, video editing, print materials
Summary: The article discusses Canva and DUDE Milan's continuation of the Wild Design campaign, featuring the character Picci1, who demonstrates how design can be applicable in daily life tasks beyond professional branding. The campaign showcases various uses of Canva while emphasizing that good design can be achieved without professional skills. The production involves traditional stop-motion animation, highlighting the detailed craftsmanship behind the design.
Fernando Machado Just Let 100 Creators Loose in 50 Chipotle Kitchens
Goal: To engage creators in the preparation of food to promote the brand.
Summary: Fernando Machado, the new chief brand officer at Chipotle, launched his first campaign titled '100 Creators,' which involved 100 creators working inside the kitchens of 50 Chipotle restaurants across North America and London. This initiative aims to create a fresh and engaging brand experience.
Kaaosstudio Opens a Gym for Creative Skills
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Source: https://www.markkinointiuutiset.fi/artikkelit/espooseen-avautuu-luovuustaitojen-kuntosali
Goal: To develop creative skills and innovative thinking
Claim: Creativity can be trained like fitness
Media: Events, Workshops, Design Week
Summary: Kaaosstudio, a new creativity training facility in Espoo, Finland, aims to enhance creative skills through hands-on learning and regular training sessions. Created by Mari Savio and Milla Kokko, the studio combines practical work and theoretical learning, offering tailored workshops for individuals and organizations. The initiative addresses the growing need for creativity in today's evolving work environment, emphasizing that everyone should engage in creative thinking.
In an Age Where AI Doesn’t Make a Difference, We Will Brainstorm.
Source: https://www.advertimes.com/20260827/article555284/
Goal: To enhance creativity and collaboration in advertising and business development
Summary: The Interesting Breakthrough School by Kayac will start on September 12, offering participants insights into generating diverse content through collaboration, idea development, and effective delivery. Led by Kayac creators, the course focuses on enhancing team dynamics and shared ownership of ideas, fostering a culture of collective success without attributing blame or credit to individuals.
Emirati Women’s Day 2026: The next chapter is ours to shape
Source: https://campaignme.com/emirati-womens-day-2026-the-next-chapter-is-ours-to-shape/
Goal: To celebrate Emirati women's progress and encourage their entrepreneurial spirit.
Summary: The article discusses Emirati Women's Day and highlights the advancements of Emirati women in leadership and entrepreneurship. It emphasizes the importance of local identity in business, the role of creativity in branding, and the shift towards authentic and meaningful ventures by the next generation of female entrepreneurs in the UAE.
Sweet and XL-BYGG Win DN Advertising Cup 2026
Source: https://www.resume.se/marknadsforing/reklam/de-tog-hem-reklamcupen-se-vinnande-annonsen-har/
Goal: To celebrate summer carpenters and increase brand awareness
Claim: Summer looks like this for many of our customers
Media: Print
Summary: Sweet and XL-Bygg won the DN Reklamcupen 2026 with a creative advertisement that depicts a pair of feet on a beach, which upon closer inspection reveals sawdust instead of sand. The ad aims to resonate with those who constantly work on projects during their vacation, presenting a unique and recognizable concept. The collaboration between Sweet and XL-Bygg was highlighted as positive, showcasing a bold move to use an ad without any text.
Instagram Changed Its Handwriting, and Brands Immediately Started to Copy It
Goal: Support daily creativity and normalize imperfection
Claim: New identity to convey serious, encouraging and provocative messages
Media: Social media, Stories, Reels
Summary: Instagram has introduced a refreshed brand identity with a new handwritten wordmark that aims to be sharper and more modern while still maintaining a connection to its roots. The design team sought to maintain the handwritten aspect for recognition while updating its appearance and integrating a new font, Instagram Pen, to enhance personal expression. The change reflects a diverse range of content on the platform and aims to support everyday creativity.
Google and Sight clinch top honours at Marketing Events Awards 2026
Goal: Showcase creativity, innovation, and exceptional event execution
Summary: Google was honored as Event Marketer of the Year at the Marketing Events Awards 2026, winning multiple awards, including three Gold, six Silver, and two Bronze trophies for a range of successful campaigns. Sight was recognized as Event Agency of the Year for its standout campaigns. CapitaLand Investment and Changi Airport Group also received multiple awards at the event.
TBWA Renews Its Global Visual Identity, Emphasizing the Human Touch
Goal: To unify the agency's visual identity across all offices while allowing regional flexibility.
Claim: Building visual systems that are so distinctive that people recognize the brand even before seeing its logo.
Summary: TBWA has unveiled a renewed global visual identity created by its internal design consultancy DXD, emphasizing craftsmanship and human-centered creativity in the AI era. The rebranding features a serif font return, a redesigned monogram, an expanded color palette, and incorporates hand-drawn symbols, textures, and handwritten elements to highlight human artistry. The visual identity also aims to reflect the agency's 'pirate' philosophy through custom illustrations and flexible branding.
Creating Ideas Starts from Creating the Right Environment. – Kayac’s ‘Looking into the Palm’ Part 1 –
Source: https://www.advertimes.com/20260805/article552889/
Goal: To develop creative thinking and collaboration within organizational culture
Summary: Continuing from last year, Kayac's 'Interesting Breakthrough Course' starts on September 12. This course offers participants experiences in generating ideas across seven domains, including advertising planning and local revitalization, facilitated by seven of Kayac's creators. The course promotes the fostering of relationships and quality of thought to unleash creative capacities in organizations.
Looking for Creators, Producers, and Strategists Active in Specialized Organizations
Source: https://www.advertimes.com/20260803/article551674/
Goal: To strengthen mid-career recruitment in the Kansai office.
Claim: We are hiring.
Media: Advertising in urban areas
Summary: Baycurrent is a Japanese consulting firm actively seeking to expand its team in the Kansai area through a recruitment campaign featuring creative talent. Led by Creative Director Toshiyuki Tanaka, the campaign aims to merge consulting strength with creative insight to tackle client business challenges. The Interactive Group, formed in January 2026, is enhancing its project management, strategic planning, and creative capabilities, with plans to increase its workforce to 200 by March 2027. The campaign's key message is clearly articulated to attract candidates with diverse backgrounds in both consulting and creative fields.
Campaign Trail: Journeys amps up absurdity to break back-to-school conventions
Goal: To create an imaginative and loud back-to-school campaign
Claim: Don't Just Show Up. Turn Up
Media: TV, social media, influencer programs
Summary: Journeys' back-to-school campaign titled 'Don't Just Show Up. Turn Up', created by Anomaly, features a surreal music video showcasing students arriving at school in imaginative ways. It aims to embrace absurdity and creativity, inspired by art and cultural commentary, while targeting Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
The September Issue of ‘Brain’ Focuses on ‘Global Creativity’ Transforming Management and Society with Human Ideas and AI Implementation
Source: https://www.advertimes.com/20260731/article552605/
Goal: Highlight innovation and creativity in various awards
Media: magazine, awards interaction
Summary: The September issue of 'Brain' magazine focuses on 'Global Creativity,' discussing innovative projects recognized in major overseas creative awards in 2026, including the newly established 'Creative Brand' category at the Cannes Lions. The issue highlights how creativity is evaluated amidst the rise of AI and features notable Japanese award-winning projects like Nikka Whisky's 'dear difference' and Ajinomoto's 'SOUNDFUL RECIPE.' It also includes insights from judges and creators about the future of creativity.
It all came down to 17 seconds – ThinkTV announce challenge winner
Source: https://stoppress.co.nz/news/thinktv-announce-17-second-challenge-winner/
Goal: Showcase creativity in television advertising
Claim: Memorable television advertising isn’t defined by the size of a production budget
Media: Television
Summary: ThinkTV has announced the winner of the inaugural 17 Second Challenge, aimed at showcasing creativity in TV advertising without brand or product specifics. The winners, Katerina Lo and Clio Ng from PHD NZ, created the entry named ‘What the…?!’ which will be featured in ThinkTV's campaign. The challenge emphasized that the impact of advertising is determined by innovative thinking rather than budget size.
Mauricio Alfaro: ‘I find it valuable that smaller markets start to gain more visibility’
Goal: To create culturally relevant and conversation-starting ideas.
Claim: Understanding local culture and humor.
Media: Traditional and experiential media
Summary: Mauricio Alfaro, the CEO of Garabato Creative Agency, highlighted the agency’s top campaigns, such as 'Stay Unhidden', which addresses current tensions and shows sensitivity; 'BK Lomiteros', which connects Burger King with Paraguayan culture; 'Pizza Table Collection', which transforms communication into an experience; and 'SENATUR Porcentajes', which enhances Paraguay's image. Alfaro emphasized the importance of creativity that resonates locally while aspiring for a regional impact.
Good Advertising 2026: Campaign of the Month and its Winners
Goal: To challenge common excuses and focus shifts related to gender-based violence.
Claim: This communication does not ask for attention – it takes it.
Media: Outdoor
Summary: The article highlights the winners of the 'Campaign of the Month' for July 2026, showcasing various advertising campaigns that have stood out. Notable campaigns include 'INTE ALLA MEN' by UN Women Sweden, which effectively challenges societal excuses about gender issues. Other campaigns are recognized for their unique approaches and creativity across different media.
Pablo Blaya and Pere Escobar: ‘Technology can accelerate an idea, but it cannot give it truth’
Goal: To illustrate a universal insight related to the brand.
Claim: Only three photos and one word.
Media: Advertising campaigns
Summary: Pablo Blaya and Pere Escobar, creative writers and team leaders at Oniria, shared their successful campaigns from 2025, highlighting McDonald's 'Impacientes,' which captures a universal insight, and other notable projects emphasizing local identity and community involvement in Paraguay.
Tribeca Festival Lisbon and Imperial Business School Join Worten Mock Fest
Goal: To foster discussions on creativity and leadership in the entertainment industry
Media: Live talks, podcasts, digital content, outdoor programming
Summary: The Worten Mock Fest is enhanced by the introduction of the Tribeca Storymakers stage, featuring talks on creativity, communication, and leadership, in collaboration with the Tribeca Festival Lisboa and Imperial Business School. The festival takes place from August 28 to 30 in Lisbon, offering free access to the majority of its programming, including stand-up performances and live podcasts, while aiming to be a hub for humor, culture, and creativity.
Three Questions for Anja Trbojević and Stefan Bobrek: Winning the Young Lions Competition in Our Country is a Turning Point that Brought Us Incredible Experience, Confidence, and New Opportunities
Goal: To promote creativity among young professionals
Claim: Creativity is strongest when it's honest and brave
Summary: The article discusses the Young Lions competition in Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting the experiences of last year's winners, Anja Trbojević and Stefan Bobrek, who gained valuable insights and opportunities from participating in Cannes. The competition encourages young creatives to embrace risks and authenticity in their work.
Flor Carvallo and Andrés Quezada: ‘When a truly powerful idea exists, the size of the country or industry ceases to be a limit’
Goal: To create impactful advertising that resonates locally and globally.
Claim: When an idea is truly powerful, the size of the country or industry is no longer a limit.
Media: Various media channels including local insights.
Summary: Flor Carvallo and Andrés Quezada from Publicis Panama discussed the agency's notable achievements, particularly in 2025, including winning multiple Effie awards for McDonald's, Heineken, and Maggi. They highlighted the challenges of adopting AI to enhance client solutions while maintaining privacy. The success of the 'Big Ma' campaign for McDonald's was especially noted for its blend of local insights and universal storytelling, demonstrating the power of creative ideas regardless of geographical constraints.
Ariel Serkin: ‘Human talent will continue to be the heart of our industry’
Goal: Engage consumers and achieve excellent business results
Summary: Ariel Serkin, CCO of Isla México, discussed the agency's standout campaigns in 2025, including 'Everything for Cheetos.' He also emphasized the importance of human talent in the advertising industry amidst challenges posed by technology and artificial intelligence.
Creative Direction is Not About ‘Instruction’ but About ‘Designing the Unknown’ Part 2
Source: https://www.advertimes.com/20260722/article549241/
Goal: Encourage personal interpretation and creativity in clothing design
Claim: Embrace freedom in fashion
Summary: The article discusses the importance of creativity and interpretation in design, particularly in the context of Issey Miyake's brand philosophy. It emphasizes the concept of 'blank space' in design, allowing the wearer to have personal freedom in how they interpret and use the clothing, which fosters a collaborative relationship between the creator and the user.
Fitz Maro at Golden Drum will showcase an AI system that gives him time for ideas
Goal: To demonstrate how AI can enhance creativity by reducing repetitive tasks
Media: Live presentation
Summary: Fitz Maro will showcase his AI system designed to take over repetitive tasks, allowing creatives to focus on thinking and decision-making. He will present at the Golden Drum festival on October 12 and 13, discussing the integration of AI, new technologies, and immersive experiences in advertising, aiming to shift the conversation about AI's impact on creativity toward practical applications.
Wrap Up Cannes Lions 2026: Human Creativity, the Biggest Differentiator Against a Possible ‘Tsunami of Mediocrity’
Goal: Highlighting the importance of creativity in branding and organizational culture.
Claim: Human creativity as a competitive differentiator.
Media: Festival presentations, global discussions.
Summary: The Cannes Lions 2026 emphasized that human creativity is the key competitive advantage in the context of increasing technology and artificial intelligence. The festival showcased how brands like AB InBev are integrating creativity into their organizational culture, positioning it as a strategic tool for growth. The event also warned against the risks of AI homogenizing creativity, stressing the importance of creative friction and the continued role of branding principles amidst technological advancements.