One of the key reasons that I am a strong brand designer and consultant is my intense passion for, and loyalty to, the brands I love and those I work for. 

You can pry my iPhone or my Mac from my cold, dead fingers! 

Unless it’s an Omaha Steak, it’s flavorless shoe leather! 

No lady – Diet Pepsi is absolutely NOT okay!!!

But I have a big secret. And with this post, I’m completely out of the closet. My first – and still one of my strongest brand connections is to a freakin’ furry cartoon character. Strange but true. I confess my soulful adoration for Bugs Bunny. Yup. The irreverent nonchalant hare is one of my true heros. Not a brand? Think again. I am one of the millions who have contributed buckets of money to this gargantuan brand franchise (Coffee simply tastes better when savored from my favorite mug…pictured). 

 

Since 1940, this smart bunny – okay I’m stopping right there. Let’s face facts people, he’s NOT a bunny! A bunny is a pitiful, helpless little baby rabbit. Bugs is an intelligent, sophisticated, overconfident wild hare. As I was saying – this hare has warmed the hearts of millions for over 68 years. That’s brand longevity for sure. 

Brand equity? Bugs has enjoyed decades in the #1 position in TV Guide’s all-time favorite cartoon character list. 

Consider this. The dude is a health freak! Constantly seeking his “doc’s” advice. Massive consumer of healthy carrots – and by the way, their nifty orange color is a perfect visual complement to the grey and white powersuit palette. The health craze in this country might just have its roots in the Bug’s brand effect.

And, he’s inclusive! Hangs out and plays well with liberal devils, martians, witches, conservative gun-toting hunters, underprivileged coyotes and overweight pigs. Plus, he’s not afraid to cross-dress! I respect that in a brand.

He’s a great listener for obvious reasons. And he gets to co-brand with one of the coolest brand names ever…Looney Tunes (Sorry iTunes)! He even pops out of their logo when Porky is on hiatus. Cool!

Great brands become stars, right? Bugs has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and he has won an Academy Award!

Great brands crush the competition. Elmer and Yosemite never win!

Great brands speak directly to their audience. Bugs is one of the only cartoon characters who actually turns and talks directly to us. I – of course – talk back, as I can’t seem to stop consulting – even with status brands. And to that point, I just can’t help myself…

 

So, now you know. I am a Bugs Bunny brand zealot. And proud of it!

That’s all folks!

Tags: Brand Zealot, Bugs Bunny, Fun

Written by David Day
David Day | Associates
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This entry was posted on Friday, October 31st, 2008 at 10:19 am and is filed under Branding, Fun. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.