This was a fun project. Our client, Joachim Stroink of the Trail Shop, approached us about the Boot It Up fundraiser — happening for the first time in the Maritimes this year — and we were pleased to participate. My creative partner, graphic designer Crystal Oicle, and I were given a pair of Blundstone boots and total artistic freedom.

As the only Halifax ad agency participating in this event, we wanted an idea that would represent what we do here at trampoline. And one thing we do is think … a lot. So that’s where the idea of the brain came in. Our boots depict the left (logical) and right (creative) sides of the brain, which both play an important role in generating advertising concepts for our clients. Each side of the brain has a line written on it to show the different facets of a strong brand; on the left: The strongest brands are built with quality research and logical strategy; on the right: The strongest brands are built with artistic inspiration and killer creative.

Crystal carefully cut the brain’s texture from the leather with an X-Acto knife. Graphic designer Jennifer Snow added her artistic touch with acrylic paints, and graphic designer Jodie Hensen helped mount the flashlights inside the boots, to create the “Flash of Genius” effect.

About 15 pairs of Blundstone boots have been artistically treated by artists, celebrities and ad agencies to create outrageous and unique works of art. The transformed boots are on display now at FRED (2606 Agricola St.) until February 5, when the campaign will cullminate with an evening of entertainment, refreshements, as well as live and silent auctions. All of the proceeds from the $10 tickets, as well as the auctioning of the boots, will be donated to the Learning Disabilities Association of Nova Scotia.

And when you’re at FRED, try one of their mini cupcakes. So good.

Originally from New Brunswick — though she now considers herself a Haligonian — Lindsey Bunin has a combined honours degree in journalism and political science from the University of King's College. She worked as special features editor for The Daily News until the paper's unfortunate closure in 2008. Some of her other publication credits include The Hill Times, Business Voice, Metro Halifax and The Weekly News. Lindsey came to Trampoline as Online Content Coordinator to lend her talents to our clients’ web content and assist in the development of social media strategy. Some of her clients include The Vault Jewelry, Saint Mary’s University, The Chronicle Herald and Nova Scotia Health Promotion and Protection. When Lindsey isn't busy writing or editing, she's usually doing something crafty or exploring the great outdoors with her husband.