(During the pandemic) “These Projects Are Ads for Creativity” was an effort to rethink how we used our ad budget. Instead of developing a conventional campaign where we talked about the power of creativity, we handed the keys, and the budget to the artists themselves. The ask was simple. Develop and document a tangible creative project that would become the centerpiece of the campaign.
Through enabling Vans’ family of artists and creatives to go out and make things—drawings, sculptures, music videos, custom shoes, digital animations, and much more—Vans celebrated the power of creativity itself and the diversity of creatives behind the work. What came back was an amazing body of work uplifting 75+ artists and communities globally.
Partners:
Motion Graphics by Violet Office. Edited by Val Thrasher & Mike Spagnoli.
Vans Team:
Jamie Reilly, Rob Teague, David Happekotte, Nick Marx, Jay Melilli, Cor Cormier.
Queer Skate Jam by GIRLI
Music Video by The Linda Lindas
“P.A.W.” by RADKEY
Salvaged Installation by Trevor & Cosmo
Portrait Painting by Coco Davez
Reclaimed Beacon by Surf Ghana
Community Skateboard by Stoked
Serpent’s Parlor by serpentwithfeet
Sewn Quilt by Mikey February
Skate Photobook by Norma Ibarra
Found Sounds by Machina
Animated Poem by Wade Goodall
Illustrations by Chris Martin
Fiberglass Sculpture by Alex Jenkins
Skate Ramp by 66
Wheatpaste Posters by Anthony Coleman
DIY Darkroom by Anthony Acosta
Custom T-shirt by Tony Tafuro
Grip Tape Art by Hyunjun Koo
Vinyl Record by Lee-Ann Curren
Mixed Media Paintings by Rewina Beshue
Custom Durag by MasterPeace
Inside a Balloon Bubble by PamPam x Candice Lo
Natural Dyed Textiles by Karla Almendra
Tufted Rug by Hansy
Handmade Rug by Gaudmother
Ceramic Turntable by Quispiamhabilis
Lost & Found Chair by Kennedi Deck
Painted Skateboards by Eloise Dorr
Custom Bench by Welcome Skate Shop
Fashion Magazine by TOTEM
Cement Sculptures by Chris Johanson
Sculptural Phone Cases by Bailey Hikawa
Painted Pillows by Annabell Lee
Ceramic Vase by Lalese Stamps
Music Therapy by PACT
Animated Portrait by Erma Fiend
Wooden Stool by Start from Zero
Neon Sign by Dani Bonnet