Now, the client is even more ancient. Just outside Shanghai lies a jewel, a pearl in the hear of the city of Suzhou. This district is called Pingjiang and parts of it are over 2500 years old. Monkey&Snake was asked by the Tourism Board to create a logo that will represent this wonderful area, a design that would appeal to Chinese and Western tourists.
China’s Specialized
China, the “kingdom of bicycles” has over 500 millions of them, but most are very humble machines. Monkey&Snake is working to change that…
How to sell China in China?
How to sell China in China? A Finnish company has been exactly doing this with the help of Monkey&Snake.
Iittala is a Finnish design company specializing in houseware objects made on the principle of “modern Scandinavian design”.
The Hot Italian
High end specialty boutique in Sacramento California. We did the photography for all of the company’s identity, interiors, exterior, point of purchase, packaging and web site. In this tough economy this business is thriving and expanding. Benefiting from a smart business plan that includes an aggressive commitment to promotion.
A Walk With Franz Kafka
Ariel and I were in Prague for some meetings. Like many places in Europe, the Czech Republic is ancient and uncommonly beautiful. When I travel there are two things that I study closely. First the people, their dress, styles, grooming, behavior…
Korea Today
I was in South Korea pitching a new media plan to a client that we really enjoy working with. The meetings were successful with some major wins for all parties involved.
South Koreans are so much like the Chinese. They are smart, curious and want to move forward. Not saying that the Japanese aren’t but the Koreans are aggressive and fast to react.
Chemistry And Company
We just finished shooting a couple of commercial spots for Fremont Rideout Health Group. Everyone there was warm and welcoming but our presence was a bit conspicuous no matter how low key we tried to keep it.
The best reason to go to work
Raul Gonzo asked me to lighting direct a music video for a local band. I have found that Raul is very discerning when it comes to pro bono projects. Yes I said pro bono. So we shot for 5 long days and got pizza and tacos for pay.
Land of my people.
I have always felt such a connection to Japan for obvious reasons perhaps. I am an American Japanese (third generation, sansai). When dealing with Japanese companies I have done very well communicating, socializing…
A beautiful crafted book
When Cirque Akya approached Ariel Borremans to create a children book based on their own characters, one illustrator was the obvious choice. Bruce Roberts is a friend and the most decorated illustrator in Canada.
Designed in China
We’ve heard it loud and clear: The Chinese no longer aspire to be the factory of the world: They want to be part of the creative action! From October 24th to the 30th, I was at the ICOGRADA congress in Beijing, which was held in China for the very first time. More than 2000 attendees, 97 internationally renowned speakers from 6 continents congregated to discuss the future of their profession–and to admire China’s progresses.
Miki’s Tour
Like most photographers I do not feel comfortable in front of a camera. Funny thing since I do not mind aiming it towards others. But photographers are observers. The camera is a time machine that allows you to study what was. The photograph is an intensely personal observation and proof that I was there. I [...]
Shooting a Scion Commercial for Singapore
The thing about working with extremely creative people is that work does not feel like… work.
Born in California.
For the last two years, Monkey & Snake has been successfully introducing Taylor Brothers Farms brand to the Hong Kong and Chinese market. This fall, with the help of Yat Hing Trading, a talented and dynamic local distributor, the world’s best organic prunes and prune products will be on the shelves of the best food [...]
Moving mountains.
We move ideas like others do nails, boric acid or construction equipment. But unlike those, ideas have no volume or weight, but they can displace mountains faster. Ideas are the fuel of modern society, they are an essential part of human development and progress. Ideas are much more than mere commodities. One cannot box an [...]
What we do, where we do.
It is simple, we are where it is important to be. Our office is Shanghai gives us an unique outlook to one of the most dynamic markets in the world.
We are becoming citizens of the world, finding clients, talents and resources.
It’s not about how it used to be but about how it’s going to be.
Designing in California, printing in Germany and shipping to Japan is part of our daily life. That’s what we are.
The question is will you join us to the party?
If this isn’t the Twilight Zone, It must be Poland
As I have mentioned before, we wear many hats here at Monkey and Snake. Ariel and I were in Poland consulting a client and observing their manufacturing facilities.
On our first day here, I noticed that there was black smoke billowing from the windows of many houses. I asked our host what was going on. He said that those people were burning pieces of tires to warm their homes and cook their meals.
Bragging rights
Yes, we do love to brag but after two years we have accomplished our goals. To be one of the most creative agency, to bring in new clients and gain a foothold in Asia. We have been all over Asia in 2010, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Nagano, and more to come. The future is Asian and Monkey&Snake is part of it!
Is China the next Japan?
The word is out, will China be the next Japan? Don’t get me wrong, Japan is there to stay and I love being there. Nothing beats an evening in an Izakaya drinking with the locals or an afternoon in an open air Onsen, looking at the bamboos growing.