The Search for Inspiration

I’ve got “green” on my mind. This actually has nothing to do with St. Patrick’s Day. Can’t say it has anything to do with Pantone proclaiming emerald as the “Color of the Year,” either. In fact, I can thank a redhead for getting me stuck on this idea.

Sunday night’s Grammy Red Carpet was a little toned down compared to years past. CBS issued a strict dress code for attendees, hoping to limit wardrobe malfunctions and heavy fines. Many celebrities abided by the decision, while others found small loopholes (I’m looking at you, Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry and Kelly Rowland). Florence and the Machine vocalist Florence Welch slightly skirted around the mandate by flashing some leg, but that’s not what caught my attention.

Welch wore a studded, emerald green Givenchy gown (custom designed for her). The dress is the perfect fodder for a “Love it/Hate it” debate. I happen to love it on her, but the Twittersphere and Facebook-land took to referencing their favorite reptilians. Think Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Godzilla, the dinosaurs of Jurassic Park, etc. Because of Welch’s bold fashion choice, along with the power of social media, I’m now crushing on strange green creatures. Yet, a reminder that inspiration can be found in surprising places.

Just for fun, I visited Promo Marketing’s search engine and typed in different key words, including: “reptile,” “turtle” and “lizard.” Turns out, they can add an interesting twist to promotions:

Alligator Squeezies Stress Reliever from ALPI International
You can run, but you can’t hide from … stress. Your clients are no exception. Help them defeat one of their biggest adversaries with the Alligator Squeezies Stress Reliever from ALPI International. They can squeeze it, throw it or stomp on it—all while looking at your company logo. Note, this alligator doesn’t bite back.

5” Custom Sand Lizard from Artistic Toy Manufacturing
Lizards can heighten the creep factor for some people. However, a plush lizard makes that nearly impossible. Bring business to your party or wildlife protection and preservation campaign with the 5” Custom Sand Lizard from Artistic Toy Manufacturing.

Pencil Top Stock Eraser from LarLu/Display-Tec
It’s not easy being green and sometimes it’s not easy when you make a mistake. The Pencil Top Stock Eraser from LarLu/Display-Tec is a fun way to start over and get it right.

The next time you’re tempted to bash your head against your computer screen until a brilliant idea magically appears, observe your surroundings and catch up on current events. Most importantly, keep an open mind! For instance, like the reptile angle, but don’t want to be quite so obvious? Try these ideas:

Jonathan Corey Performance Mock Turtle from Atlantic Coast Cotton
Dress up your business-casual look with this short sleeve Mock Turtle from Atlantic Coast Cotton. It comes in white, bimini, black, butter, charcoal, ivory, navy, red or sage, and is available in sizes S through 3XL.

Pecan Turtles from Maple Ridge Farms
Treat your taste buds to Maple Ridge Farms’ ivory gift box filled with 12 Pecan Turtles. Foil-stamp your logo or promotional theme in one of six colors.

(Editor’s Note: Still have green on the brain? Check out Michael Cornnell’s St. Patty’s Day post and Colleen McKenna’s emerald-inspired post.)

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