If water is better sparkling, one could assume the same about milk, no? Honestly, no, but that didn't stop us from choosing sparkling milk as our latest fake product to create real branding for on this week's episode of Can They Brand That? As always, we raise the stakes by doing the creative exercise fully improvised, under a 20-minute time crunch, and LIVE on YouTube.

The result was so silly, it very well could turn sparkling milk into a cash cow: from brand name ideas like Cowabunga, Heifervescent, and Moo Juice to slogans like, "Udder madness," "Moooove over, water," and "Half milk, half magic". And we did it all with the help of loyal commenters in the live stream (This could be YOU! Next time!)

ICYMI, this show exists 1) to champion originality and creativity in a sea of AI slop, 2) to show potential clients the power and value of fun as a consumer-converting strategy, and 3) to offer some much-needed levity to the world.

Teat yourself by watching the whole thing! https://youtube.com/live/5zqNlmAW1oc

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Timestamps

00:00 Can They Brand Sparkling Milk? Intro
05:51 Let the Brainstorm Begin!
14:46 Creative Naming and Taglines
38:42 Mascot O'Clock
42:52 Funded or Done-ded?

Wisdom for the Road

• The creative brainstorming process is way more fun and exciting when humor plays a key role.
• Market research is essential to understand existing products and the competitive landscape.
• Branding should immediately differentiate from competitors so that you pop off the shelf and screen.
• Taglines and names play a crucial role in branding and set the whole brand identity in motion.
• Mascots can enhance brand identity and appeal.
• Fun in branding and marketing is a no-brainer.
• Understanding audience psychographics is key to success.
• Collaboration while brainstorming leads to innovative ideas.
• Bad ideas can lead to solid gold ones in the creative process.

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As the world's first humor branding agency, Semiserious has worked its magic for industry darlings like Clif Bar, Native, Waterboy, Blue Bunny, Yogi Tea, JOI, Alleyoop, The University of Chicago, Hilton, and Pie. But they would never brag about it in their episode description.

Say hi or snoop around: https://semiseriousagency.com/

If Pet Rocks can be a thing…what could we do with sticks? Turns out: a lot! This week on Can They Brand That? we ideated a competitor for the iconic 70s "toy" and then built an entire brand for it…all in 20 minutes. And, of course, we upped the ante by doing it fully improvised, with the clock ticking, and LIVE on YouTube.

The result was a very real brand identity for a very fake product, (and perhaps our early retirement plan): from brand name ideas like My First Stick and Stick Figure to product expansions like Rhode-esque phone cases you can stick your stick in to Family Tree collector editions to slogans like, "we put the log in analog toys," and "toys that branch out," and, "the stick with endless schticks". And we did it all with the help of loyal commenters in the live stream (This could be YOU! Next week.)

ICYMI, this show exists 1) to champion originality and creativity in a sea of AI slop, 2) to show potential clients the power and value of fun as a consumer-converting strategy, and 3) to offer some much-needed levity to the world.

Branch out and watch the whole thing!

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Timestamps:

00:00 Can They Brand That? Intro

03:01 The Super Bowl National Anthem Discussion

06:03 Let the Brainstorm Begin!

09:58 The Pet Rock and Its Legacy

11:58 Introducing the Pet Stick Concept

14:58 Brand Positioning

18:01 Imaginary Play and Product Features

21:00 Stick Accessories and Scarcity in Marketing

23:14 The Concept of a Stick as a Toy

26:02 Marketing Strategies for 'My First Stick'

33:54 Creating a Mascot for the Brand

40:58 Finalizing the Brand Name and Concept

Wisdom for the Road:

• The importance of humor in branding.
• Creative brainstorming can lead to unexpected product ideas.
• Positioning a product effectively is crucial for success.
• Simplicity can be a powerful marketing tool.
• Creating a narrative around a product can increase its appeal.
• Accessories and narrative can enhance the perceived value of a simple product.
• Collaboration can lead to innovative ideas.
• Understanding your target audience is key to branding.
• The concept of nostalgia can be leveraged in marketing.

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As the world's first humor branding agency, Semiserious has worked its magic for industry darlings like Clif Bar, Native, Waterboy, Blue Bunny, Yogi Tea, JOI, Alleyoop, The University of Chicago, Hilton, and Pie. But they would never brag about it in their episode description.

Say hi or snoop around: https://semiseriousagency.com/

After the party, it's the after potty, at least that's the promise of our featured brand on the show this week: glow-in-the-dark toilet paper. Before you get too excited about throwing a rave in your own bathroom, this product is fully fictional…but the brand identity we improvised for it LIVE in 20 minutes is very real (unfortunately or unfortunately; you'll have to watch to decide).

From brand name ideas like Whizz, Go in the Dark, and After Potty to product expansions like a 12 pack of asstrology themed roll (Pee-sces, A-square-ius, and VirGlow) to slogans like, "Light up the room," and "Tinkle, tinkle little star," we built this farcical, bath-tastic brand from top to bottoms—all with the help of loyal commenters on the live stream.

ICYMI, this show exists 1) to champion originality and creativity in a sea of AI slop, 2) to show potential clients the power and value of fun as a consumer-converting strategy, and 3) to offer some much-needed levity to the world.

Find a throne and watch the whole thing!

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Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome to Can They Brand That?

02:56 The Evolution of Marketing Strategies

05:52 The Importance of Humor in Branding

08:55 Let the Improvised Branding Begin!

11:51 Exploring Fictional Products

17:47 Creative Taglines and Brand Names

20:40 Mascots O'Clock

23:40 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

Wisdom for the Road:

• Humor is a key element in effective branding.

• Improv-style brainstorming can lead to unexpected and fun ideas.

• Fictional products allow for more creative freedom in branding.

• Taglines that are directive are incredibly engaging for consumers.

• Mascots can add a playful element to branding.

• Branding should reflect the personality and values of the product.

• Collaboration enhances the creative process.

• Nostalgia can be a powerful tool in marketing.

• The importance of staying true to one's creative instincts.

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As the world's first humor branding agency, Semiserious has worked its magic for industry darlings like Clif Bar, Native, Waterboy, Blue Bunny, Yogi Tea, JOI, Alleyoop, The University of Chicago, Hilton, and Pie. But they would never brag about it in their episode description.

Say hi or snoop around: https://semiseriousagency.com/