Refresh Advertising

Can you create real emotion from stock video? That was the brief we gave ourselves. Zero budget. Just a stock video membership and a goal to do something impactful for a good cause. Last month was #mentalhealthawareness, and with the constant bombardment of terrible shit we’re all subjected to on our daily feeds, we wanted to remind people that things aren’t as doom and gloom as they seem. No matter what may be going on, “Life is Still Beautiful.” We wanted to create emotion. To mirror the anxiety many feel as they watch the news or scroll their feed. Protests, pollution, dirty politics. Wildfires, corporate greed, “thoughts and prayers.” We set the all too familiar scenes to a heartbeat. The pace of both increasing exponentially until reaching a breaking point. Then…a breath. “Do you know how lucky you are?” Despite everything. All that is terrible in this world. With every breath and every sunrise comes hope and something new to be grateful for. A reminder for us all that behind every shadow is a glimmer of light. We left the video unbranded. Instead we chose to send it to a handful of mental health charities and organizations to use as they saw fit. Counter to the typical objective of our industry, sometimes the message matters more than the maker. Whether it’s for ourselves or our brand partners, using live production, stock, or AI, we’ll continue to tell stories, create emotion, and get audiences to stop and think — regardless of the budget. 

*Attention* Shameless self-promotion incoming: Thanks to Clutch for awarding us as one of their "Best of Clutch 2025" award winners for both Digital Marketing and Web Design. Refresh had 3 campaigns selected as winners among their "top 25" nationwide. For anyone interested in the selection process, winners, and projects: https://lnkd.in/ex_QWUra

We believe the same is boring and boring doesn't sell. Be original. Be undeniable. Kill the status quo.

Know the history, it's important. Brands are like people. They grow, they evolve. Seeing that evolution, learning about the past, will help provide a greater perspective when viewing through the lens of today. It's important to do in life, but just as important when it comes to concepting a new campaign. Knowing where the brand, the industry, and the culture has been, where it is, and where it's heading. That can make all the difference in the world.

"Be inspired. By others, by nature, and by the world around you. It is a never-ending reservoir of inspiration, and it fuels the soul."

No one enjoys being talked at. Don't explain the product or hit them over the head with its features. Tell them a story. Make them laugh. Show them how you solve their problems. Make them part of the conversation.

Choose passion over profit. Act with integrity and stay in constant pursuit of creative excellence. Fame and fortune will follow.

No one ever stood out by playing things safe. Be fearless.

THE MISSION We exist to kill the status quo.   We believe that “same” is boring, and boring doesn’t sell.   Be fearless. Push boundaries. Push big, bold ideas.   Be inspired. By others, by nature, and by the world around you. It is a never-ending reservoir of inspiration, and it fuels the soul.   Know the history. It’s important.   People love to laugh. They love to feel. They love to be inside the conversation. No one loves to be talked at.   Never underestimate the power of a good dad joke, a 90’s movie quote, or a Family Guy meme.   Money isn’t everything. Loyalty. Honesty. Passion. Focus on these things, fame and fortune will follow.   Relationships are everything.   Be excited by what you are doing, the customer can feel it.   Have fun.