Xhilarate

10/17/2024

I spent the morning being interviewed about our work on My Back Yard. Links coming soon.
www.mybkyd.com

10/14/2024

From my friend Russ Napolitano:

In ‘The Book of Those Words’ branding expert Russ Napolitano delves into the humor and awkwardness behind ‘cringeworthy’ words. This unfiltered collection showcases a unique assortment of words tha…

06/06/2024

https://www.facebook.com/100045866303508/posts/1055152376023629/?

We're super excited to share that our friends at Xhilarate have clinched Platinum in the 2024 Crushies for our Brand Refresh!

The Craft Beer Marketing Awards celebrate excellence in Craft Beverage Marketing and Design Worldwide!

Congratulations Russ, Michael and Ryan for pushing your creative boundaries and taking home 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐦 in the 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡: 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐞𝐫 category. We LOVE our new look!

Check out the winners here: https://craftbeermarketingawards.com/2024-winners-gallery/

Cheers!🍻

05/15/2024

Graphic Design USA wrote a nice story about us this month:

A collaboration between branding agency Xhilarate and Zave Smith Photography, Philadelphia now has MyBkYd, a digital platform that peeks behind the curtains of 3 historic markets and connects with …

05/07/2024

Eddie started Urban Exchange 10 years ago with his daughter and cousin. It has grown into a large store filled with fun clothing and accessories. Why did Eddie start this venture? Interview coming soon on www.mybkyd.com

05/04/2024

Team Red, White, and Blue is a non-profit organization on a sacred mission – to heal the invisible wounds of war for our nation's heroes. They accomplish this through a powerful blend of physical and communal activities, bringing veterans together for yoga sessions, invigorating hikes, and adrenaline-pumping challenges that reignite their fighting spirit.

Their crowning jewel is the "Old Glory" relay, an annual cross-country journey where the American flag is passed from hand to hand, state to state, as a symbol of unity, resilience, and the unbreakable bond that ties our veterans together.

This year, I had the honor of capturing the relay's electrifying kickoff in Philadelphia and its triumphant continuation at Yuengling's "Lager Jogger" race in Pottsville, PA. With my camera in hand, I witnessed the awe-inspiring sight of our nation's bravest running the stars and stripes through the historic streets of Philly, bounding up the iconic Rocky Steps, and rallying a thousand-strong crowd of kindred spirits who braved the early morning chill to run purely for the joy of running together.

As a one-man crew without a script or artistic direction, I faced an interesting challenge, how to capture and tell the story of this relay? What is the story here? But in post, when I found the clip of Mike Erwin taking the stage and delivered a rousing speech, I knew I had found the narrative thread to weave this inspirational tapestry – a tribute to the indomitable spirit of those who've fought for our freedom, and the organization that's fighting to heal their wounds.

www.xhilarate.com

05/03/2024

Connor is a mason who grew up in Fishtown and now makes his living helping transform this working class area into a modern urban neighborhood.

www.mybkyd.com

05/02/2024

After a four year break due to Covid, Flashes of Hope has returned to The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. It felt great to be working with these amazing children again.

https://www.zavesmith.com/VIDEO/Hope-in-Black-&-White/1
https://flashesofhope.org

05/01/2024

Chanel is a delightful seamstress working at Viixvii Sewing Studio in Fishtown.
www.mybkyd.com

04/30/2024

Chief/Marketer looks to Xhilarate’s Russ Napolitano for expertise:

3 WAYS TO SAFEGUARD AGAINST ‘BLANDIFICATION’ IN THE AGE OF AI

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) has undoubtedly revolutionized various aspects of our lives, including the intersection of creativity and branding. However, there’s a growing concern that the widespread adoption of AI can lead to “blandification”—a homogenization of creative outputs that lack uniqueness and personality. This phenomenon poses a significant challenge for brands striving to maintain their distinctiveness and competitive edge in the market…

https://www.chiefmarketer.com/3-ways-to-safeguard-against-blandification-in-the-age-of-ai/

There's a growing concern that the widespread adoption of AI can lead to "blandification"—a homogenization of creative outputs that lack uniqueness and personality. Here are three ways brands can avoid such pitfalls.

04/02/2024

I remember when we both had hair.
Moderne Gallery, Old City, Philadelphia

www.mybkyd.com
www.xhilarate.com

03/28/2024

A portrait happens when you listen with your eyes.
Esposito’s Meats, The Italian Market, Philadelphia
From our series, My Back Yard: www.mybkyd.com

www.zavesmith.com