Design : Branding

I am not a frequent fast food eater, and was never partial to KFC, but I do remember when the name of the franchises started shortening, dropping the letters that described the food they were actually selling. It puzzled me at the time, but then I started thinking about the connotations those descriptors put forth. I was even more puzzled when I noticed the letters coming back. Last month my local KFC was reincarnated as a Kentucky Fried Chicken. What is going on? Describe the branding process of a company like KFC and what they have to consider in terms of their customers. Why did they change? Why did they change back? Think about any other companies that have gone through this sort of transformation. Does the power lie in the board room or in the hands of the consumer?

Art History : Appropriation

Every quarter someone asks me why it is necessary for an art student to study art history. Aside from the fact that "art" appears in both phrases, interest in the past, even the past of their own field, alludes them. I have begun collecting examples of art historical references in everyday life to try to counter this apathy. I've included two examples, but there are hundreds more. Grab your camera and walk around SF, or the city of your choice, with your eyes open to the past. Examples can be found on signs, posters, bus shelters, etc. Bonus points for identifying the source and uploading a photo of that as well.