Vogue’s 19 international editions will no longer feature photos of fashion models who “appear to have an eating disorder,” the magazine’s editors announced recently.

The Vogue editors said that beginning in June, editions in America, France, Britain and China, for starters, will no longer feature models with visible signs of eating disorders. It also suggested that fashion designers should stop creating “unrealistically” small samples that won’t fit anyone who isn’t ultra-thin.

“Vogue believes that good health is beautiful. Vogue editors around the world want the magazines to reflect their commitment to the health of the models who appear on the pages and the well-being of their readers,” said Conde Nast International chairman Jonathan Newhouse in a statement.

If you are a cynical to believe that Vogue’s promise is genuine, then you may view Vogue’s move as grandstanding, trying to appease an audience that is getting ever more savvy and tired of the tricks of the trade.  Is it cynical to ask the question why the fashion magazine failed to talk about the practice of digitally altering photos, a widespread practice that promotes an impossible standard of beauty?  Will they start with a non ultra thin model (keeping their promise)  and  then Photoshop them into a disturbingly thin model?

Extremely thin girls have been the ideal in fashion for years — and this may be the most push-back against the super thin movement we’ve seen in a decade. So if you really are sick of it, Vogue editors, actually do something about it. Stop talking about it, stop drawing up toothless guidelines that fit into tidy press releases, and just prove it. Don’t call in the tiny clothing samples for shoots. Don’t hire girls who are so thin you wonder if they have eating disorders. Don’t use Photoshop in the post production to digitally achieve that unrealistic thin look. Don’t only shoot Adele from the neck up.

We all hope that Vogue’s proposed new bold stance is genuine for Vogue has the power to make and break — whether its fashion trends, designers, models and yes, even industry practices. Others will follow.

More than 24 million Americans, both females and males, have an eating disorder. And eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, according to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders.

After investing $100 million to create content channels, YouTube’s focus has shifted from directing viewers to videos of skateboarding dogs to enticing them into longer, more engaging videos—the kind that are, not incidentally, more appealing to advertisers.

On March 15, YouTube altered its recommendation system to make the time spent with a video or channel a stronger indicator than a click in determining which videos to surface to a user. Google’s goal is clrearly that they want users to watch more and click less.

Before the change, YouTube would track the length of views up to 30 seconds, primarily to make sure each click led to an actual view. Now it’s tracking across longer timeframes to see if viewers watched two or three minutes of content.

It appears to be working. While views have dropped of late (Since December, views on YouTube have dropped 28%), however, the amount of minutes users spend watching YouTube has grown over the past year by 57% to more than 61 billion minutes in March 2012, according to ComScore. The average length of a video view has grown a full minute to four minutes in the past year.

There’s a business reason at play. Longer viewing means more opportunity to show viewers ads, either through strings of videos that play automatically with ads in between or longer videos with TV-like breaks. And engaged viewers are also thought to be in a more receptive mind-set for brand advertising, the biggest slice of ad dollars untapped by YouTube.

Brand advertisers are more concerned with notions such as engagement than they are by traditional web-based direct-response metrics such as clicks, said Eli Goodman, media evangelist at ComScore. “The effectiveness of advertising is enhanced when someone is in an engaged state.”

YouTube is also experimenting with more technology to decide when to show a user a video ad. Previously, that had been about once every seven minutes. Now, YouTube is using hundreds of variables to determine whether or not a viewer is engaged with a channel and likely to stick with it.

Archimedia’s “Top Male Artist” Brandon Parsons continues to display why he is an artist on the rise!  On his latest video cover of  Florence Welch’s (Florence and the Machine)  ‘Heavy In Your Arms’,  Brandon once again confidently displays his artistry and originality. Along with a very polished video production that brilliantly embraces the haunting and sombre lyrics of the song, Brandon’s unmistakeable soulful tone and passionate interpretation delivers a captivating performance  that connects you to the song as though you were  hearing it for the very first time.

Archimedia’s “Top Female Artist”  Megan Landry’s career is on the move!  On May 7, Megan performed with Disney’s Camp Rock actress/songstress Jasmine Richards in  a fundraising event in Ottawa, Canada. The Disney, star who has recently launched an anti bullying campaign,  invited Megan to sing her anti bullying hit single “Stronger”.  The Fundraiser event, hosted by Richards was inspired by Jamie Hubley,  an Ottawa gay teen who committed suicide last fall after being bullied. Proceeds from the event  will go to Ottawa Youth Services Mental Health Aid as the Hubley family requested.  Jamie’s father, Ottawa city councillor Allan Hubley, has been working hard to get anti-bullying Bills into the Ontario legislature.

As designers you should always strive to put the visual face on a business,  don’t try to invent the face but  instead express what already exists. Find the heart and soul, the uniqueness of a brand. Capture it. Express it, and you’ve expressed the brand.

So much poor design has been made in the pursuit of  ”originality,” “creativity,” “self indulgence” and “grabbing the viewer” and not articulating that communication is the key goal; and art is the tool.

“Don’t try to be original, just try to be good.”

Recently there has been articles in  Businessweek, Fortune and the LA Times that discussed the widespread use of music by indie artists in advertising.

While this is not a new phenomenon for the Atlanta based, Branding, Marketing and PR agency, Archimedia Studios , who has a long history of working with the music industry, it is now a well-established practice that offers artists an excellent revenue stream. In some cases artists also get their first big hits via music that is featured in ubiquitous commercials.  Music supervisors and creatives in marketing are the now assuming the role of  A&R.

Fun.’s: ”We Are Young” featuring Janelle Monae appeared in a Super Bowl Chevy commercial and celebrated multiple weeks at no. 1 on the Hot 100.

Now licensing for commercials is becoming a conscious strategy for building a musical brand.

Are advertisers the new record labels?

The use of indie music in commercials as well as movies and tv continues to rise  Advertising is now one of the best channels for music distribution, and music is one of the most powerful channels for commercial message distribution.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Megan Landry Wins Top Female Artist with Anti Bullying Song

(Atlanta, Georgia April 19, 2012) Archimedia Studios announces that 15 year old Canadian singer/songwriter Megan Landry has been selected as “Top Female Artist” in their recent Archimedia STAR contest. Megan’s self produced video to her original song  “Stronger”, an anti bullying anthem, was selected from over 400 country, pop and rock entries. Megan’s own experience with being the target of bullying in school, inspired her to bring light to this serious and potentially lethal problem of bullying among our youth. Her honest and genuine music and lyrics deliver a powerful message to those that have fallen victim to bullies.

“Bullying is about power. If people were empowered to be okay with themselves, who they are — comfortable in their own skin — then the bully becomes powerless.  Regardless of where that bully is from … the school yard, the office or maybe even at home … people need love themselves and don’t let anyone tear them down. That’s what my song is about. ” – Megan Landry

“Stronger” continues to be recognized and applauded by anti bullying organizations from around the world.

Archimedia Star© is the latest service offering from Archimedia Studios, a branding, marketing and public relations firm that , for over thirty years, has been providing solutions to high profile film and music industry clients.  Archimedia STAR© focuses solely on advancing the careers of independent, unsigned artists. The company describes their latest innovation as an invitation only offering designed to maximize an independent artist’s industry exposure and profitability by implementing many of the unique  ”fast-track” branding, marketing, monetization and promotion solutions the company currently deploys for their film and music industry clients.

“After viewing “Stronger”, we knew that we found our Top Female Artist.  At just 15 years old, Megan demonstrates a maturity and self-awareness that much older, “established”, singer/songwriters  we come across all the time still lack. Megan’s lyrics are honest and from the heart wrapped in soundscapes that are distinctive, current and deeply personal. Megan, is an artist who has already established her own identity and originality both which are coveted but often elude many of today’s artists.” Vince Spagnolo – President Archimedia Studios

In addition to “Stronger” Megan also boasts  very impressive portfolio of original music that has also achieved success in various songwriting competitions.

Media Contact:

Archimedia Studios

Email: spagnolo@archimediastudios.com

Website: www.archimediastudios.com

Facebook : Archimedia Studios

Megan Landry Facebook

Megan Landry Youtube

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Brandon Parsons selected as “Top Male Artist” in Archimedia Studios Contest

(Atlanta, Georgia April 19, 2012) Archimedia Studios announces that singer/songwriter/musician from Harrisburg. PA., Brandon Parsons has been selected as “Top Male Artist” in their recent Archimedia STAR contest. Brandon’s cover of Rihanna’s “We Found Love” was selected from over 400 country, pop and rock video entries. This very gifted Christian Rock artist’s vocal style has been compared to Mac Powell, Jeremy Camp, and Rob Thomas.

Archimedia Star© is the latest service offering from Archimedia Studios, a branding, marketing and public relations firm that , for over thirty years, has been providing solutions to high profile film and music industry clients. Archimedia STAR© focuses solely on advancing the careers of independent, unsigned artists. The company describes their latest innovation as an invitation only offering designed to maximize an independent artist’s industry exposure and profitability by implementing many of the unique  ”fast-track” branding, marketing, monetization and promotion solutions the company currently deploys for their film and music industry clients

“When we first heard Brandon’s arrangement of “We Found Love” it was like we were listening to it for the first time. This was no karaoke cover! We were drawn in and connected with the conviction, passion and honesty of Brandon’s performance. This is the signature of a true artist” Vince Spagnolo – President of Archimedia Studios.

Whether performing as a solo artist and or with his Band (The Brandon Parsons Band), this very talented Christian Rock singer/songwriter writes and performs from his heart. Once he is behind his keyboard, he becomes a communicator that undeniably will touch hearts, minds and souls of his audience!

MEDIA CONTACT:

Archimedia Studios

email: spagnolo@archimediastudios.com

website: www.archimediastudios.com

In order for a graphic designer to stay alive in today’s cutthroat market competition, one has to be diverse and multi-talented. Many designers prefer sticking to their comfort zones. For instance, a logo designer would fear trying out developing code. Similarly, print designers probably wouldn’t fancy learning CSS, PHP or  XHTML to develop websites. Always strive to  expand your design skills and broaden your horizon. The design industry no longer lives in a tunnel of specialized expertise. Today’s “marketable” designer is one who has demonstrated expertise in multiple design and media disciplines.

The music landscape continues to get more crowded. Labels, in todays music Reality TV world, are looking for artists that have, essentially,  already proven themselves and their profit potential. The continued expansion of the “free music”  markets are making it increasingly difficult for the independent artist to produce any revenue. In a crowded market many artists are now being forced to play in local venues for just tips. Not to mention the many music industry “sharks” that are patrolling the waters preying on the vulnerability of the independent artist. The odds are against today’s artist, unless the artist can “differentiate and separate”  themselves from the  competition.

Archimedia Studios is searching for that one artist or band that wants to “STand Above the Rest!”

Country, Pop/Rock, R&B Artist or Band is this you?

• Spending money on recording studios, record promotions but seeing no growth in revenues or career opportunities
• Find yourself working the same venues for little money or just tips
• Have lots of Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube followers/fans but not many record sales
• Just doing Youtube cover songs hoping that a Label will discover you
• Don’t have a website or your website is a single web page or an ad-ridden web profile.
• Using Myspace, Facebook or Reverbnation as your website or primary source of marketing your brand

If any of the above describes the current status of your music career then your brand is positioned as “One of the Many” , with no differentiation from your competition. It is hard for labels, bookers, promoters, journalists, and fans to see that you mean business. Your odds for finding success are stacked against you.

COMPETE IN THE ARCHIMEDIA STAR© CONTEST:

The Archimedia STAR© program is an innovation of Archimedia Studios, a firm that for over 30 years has successfully been providing branding and marketing strategies and solutions to clients in the the film and music industries. The Archimedia STAR© program, is an invitation only service offering designed to maximize an artist’s industry exposure and profitability by implementing unique  ”fast track” branding, marketing, monetization and promotion solutions to unsigned artists and bands in pop/rock, country and R&B.

We will not guarantee you success in the music industry but we will give the best chance for success .

To enter you must complete registration form and submit a video link (Youtube or Vimeo) with your music video that you would like to be judged on.

WHAT ARE YOU BEING JUDGED ON ?

• Vocal Ability
• Artist Presence – expression, feelings, attitude.
• Originality as an Artist
• (If Covering a Song) Arrangement and Song interpretation
• Audio Quality
• Overall Presentation and Performance

CONTEST WINNER PRiZE ***

• A Complete Brand and Marketing Analysis
• Development of a customized Brand and Marketing strategy that will;
  • Establish or revitalize your Brand to Stand out in the Industry
  • Broaden your positioning and exposure in the industry
  • Grow and enhance your fan base
  • Expand your fan demographic
  • Increase your marketplace opportunities
  • Grow your revenues
  • Get you noticed!
• Design and Develop a professional website customized to your brand identity
• Design Cover Art for 1 Album (exclusive of printing and duplication costs)

*** The above is awarded at no cost to the artist or band.

*** The Prizes awarded are not cash awards but Service offerings valued at over $5000.00

IMPORTANT!  Contestants must be independent artists and unsigned to a major record label.  If performing an original song (music and lyrics) must be completely ORIGINAL with no royalty infringements.

REGISTER HERE !
[tab name="Contest Registration"]Registration is CLOSED[/tab]
[tab name="Official Rules and Terms of Use"] Official Rules and Terms of Use

NO PURCHASE OR FINANCIAL COMMITMENT IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.  ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

1. Eligibility

Archimedia STAR© Contest Terms and Conditions (the Contest) is open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States , District of Columbia  or Canada who are at least eighteen (15) years old at the time of entry. Entrants, under the age of 18 years old but at least 15 years old at the time of entry, agree that they are entering the Contest with the knowledge and permission of their parents or legal guardians. Employees of Archimedia Studios and other companies associated with the promotion of the Contest, and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates and advertising and promotion agencies as well as the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) and household members of each such employee are not eligible. Entrants must be independent artists and unsigned to a major record label.  If performing an original song (music and lyrics) must be completely ORIGINAL with no royalty infringements.The Contest is subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

2. Sponsor

The Contest is sponsored by Archimedia Studios, Atlanta, Georgia.

3. Agreement to Official Rules

Participation in the Contest constitutes entrants full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding. All Winner’s Prizes are contingent upon being compliant with these Official Rules and fulfilling all other requirements set forth herein.

4. Contest Period

The Contest begins on March 12, 2012 and ends on March 23, 2012 (the Contest Period). Entries that are submitted before or after the Contest Period will be disqualified. Submissions will be accepted for the duration of the Contest using only the following methods: Online Entry.

5. Dates & Deadlines/anticipated number of  Entrants

Because of the unique nature and scope of the Contest, Sponsor reserves the right, in addition to those other rights reserved herein, to modify any date(s) or deadline(s) set forth in these Official Rules or otherwise governing the Contest. Sponsor cannot accurately predict the number of Entrants who will participate in the Contest.

6. How to Enter Online: This method of entry will be available by visiting our website (http://www.archimediastudios.com/corporate/2012/03/archimedia-star©-contest/) and fully completing the registration form.

Limit one (1) entry per person, per email address, and per household for the duration of the Contest Period, regardless of method of entry. Entries received from any person, e-mail address, or household in excess of the stated limitation will be void.

7. Winner Announcement

On or about March 30, 2012, the Sponsor will select a winner from among all eligible entries received. The Sponsor will attempt to notify the winner by email on or about March 30, 2012. If the potential winner cannot be contacted within five (5) days after the date of the first attempt to contact him/her, the Sponsor may select an alternate winner in his/her place at from the remaining non-winning, eligible entries.

8. Winner Notification

The potential winners will be notified by email. The Contest winner (parent/legal guardian if a minor in his/her state of residence) is required to respond back to the Sponsor within five (5) days of the date notice or attempted notice is sent. If a winner cannot be contacted, or fails to contact the Sponsor within the required time period, the winner forfeits any Winner’s Prizes from the Contest and the Sponsor may select an alternate winner in his/her place at from the remaining non-winning, eligible entries. If the potential winner is under 18 or at least 18 but still considered a minor in his/her jurisdiction of residence, Sponsor reserves the right to assign the Winner’s Prize on behalf of the winner in the name of his/her parent or legal guardian. Potential winners must continue to comply with all terms and conditions of these Official Rules, and winning is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements. In the event that a potential winner is disqualified for any reason, Sponsor will award the applicable prize to an alternate winner from among all remaining eligible entries.

9. Winner’s Prize