Intel's Visual Life

Still from The Expressionist

I found myself on Intel's Visual Life site and I want to share.  Especially a video called "The Expressionist" which you'll find on the site.  


In it, designer Michael Wolff talks about understanding the visual experience, its importance to him personally and its impact upon his vision as a designer.  He speaks so clearly about the importance of seeing and engaging in the world around us.  And how that ability informs his work as a designer.  The visuals that accompany his comments are simple, sparse and elegant.

Still from The Expressionist

I'm seeing more videos in this style these days.  Basically static camera, every shot well composed, action takes place within the frame, each shot placed with the next to tell the story, sparse ambient music.  


When it works well, with purpose, it really moves you thought the moment in a highly visual manner.  Leaving lots of room for the words to have impact.  A huge departure from the often frenetic pace video used to embrace.  But that was then... and if this is what's replacing it, I applaud.  But do check out "The Expressionist."  It's well worth the 5 minutes.

Still from The Sartorialist

I also watched the piece on Intel's site about fashion blogger Scott Schuman, better known as "The Sartorialist."  He talks about shooting street style fashion, which he does with aplomb.  


And while I find him personally a little off-putting, as opposed to the engaging and fascinating Michael Wolff, he has a keen eye and a great sense of capturing people imbued with that certain something we call style.  And although he directs and poses his people, his photos have that sense of casual encounter that typifies the street.  I especially liked watching him work with the discovered moment and then seeing what he actually shot.


What I haven't talked about is Intel's understanding that it's not about their chip, it's about what you can do with it.  And what better way to show that, than to profile people who personify "the visual life."   I think it's a great way to re-brand themselves.  And the Intel message only appears at the very end, when you're ready to receive it.  Marketing magic.