I have mixed feelings about this contest. In general, I hate design contests. They devalue what professional designers do by lumping them in with any lug who's got a pen and a cocktail napkin. What is interesting about this particular approach is the way PEPSI plans to maintain the brand while allowing diversity on the can design. Also, they've asked certain music groups to contribute, giving them the opportunity to link their identity to a national product.
They provide online Flash tools, or you can download the template and specs and do your own work in Photoshop. I have to admit, the suggestion is kind of fun and a little tempting. Could a design firm or freelancer submit in an attempt to get a little extra recognition? Compelling notion.
Eh . . . but it's still a damned contest . . . The Press Release (and link):DESIGN OUR PEPSI CAN CONTEST
Beginning this week, consumers may enter the Design Our Pepsi Can promotion by going to http://www.designourpepsican.com/. Once registered, participants will have the option of using their own design programs or the tools available on the site to bring their ideas to life. The top designs, as determined by a panel at Pepsi, will be posted on designourpepsican.com where consumers will vote for the winner.
CELEBRITY PEPSI CAN ARTISTS
Some of the world's top musicians are also showcasing their artistic talent on the Pepsi can. The All-American Rejects, Big & Rich and Pharrell Williams have each created unique designs for the Pepsi can that will be in market in the upcoming months. The three special cans will feature a Website address that will take fans to exclusive footage of the artists and will offer information on their new projects. "Pepsi called and said they wanted us to design our own can, pretty sweet," said The All-American Rejects. "We finally saw it the other day and it looks AMAZING! We can't even believe that our design is gonna be on over 500 million of 'em!" "Our very own Pepsi can will be seen around the country and turned up high by millions in the coming months," said Big & Rich. "When Pepsi presented this opportunity to us, we thought it would be a great way to share our love of music with everyone while they're enjoying a Pepsi." "I was intrigued by this opportunity because it allowed me to be creative and innovative, which is something that I try to infuse in all of my endeavors," added Pharrell Williams.
These designs are a part of Pepsi's global brand restyle. The iconic Pepsi globe logo and name lettering remain the same -- just like Pepsi's great taste -- but the background graphics change every few weeks. In its 109-year existence, Pepsi-Cola's look has changed just 10 times, but this year alone, it will change more than 35 times.
I came across this website that creates flip books out of your short video files. I have no idea what the quality is like, but I'm going to order one as a Mom's Day gift for my wife (with a clip of Jordan, of course).
This article showed up on MSN.com this week. 
Wanted to share the work of this artist/animator. His work seems particularly relevant to recent discussions regarding narrative, "moving pictures," and using found objects. He excels in these areas. I really admire his creativity and innovation -- very imaginative, but extremely low-tech (mostly just standard stop-motion technique in building his films).
In honor of our iMovie projects, take a few moments to watch some of these parodies. Your favorite movies in 30 seconds -- and reenacted by bunnies! Narrative at high-speed! 
I have mixed feelings about this contest. In general, I hate design contests. They devalue what professional designers do by lumping them in with any lug who's got a pen and a cocktail napkin. 
