How Do You Convey ‘Speed’ in a Static Outdoor Ad? Paint It in Mere Minutes

LONDON—BBH London has created a new campaign for Western Union, the cross-currency payments service, which comprises a gigantic mural of a painting created in just minutes by professional “speed painter” artist Dave Sharp.

The campaign is designed to drive awareness of the speed with which people can send money abroad using the brand’s app and website.

The artwork, titled “smile” will be copied from the original and emblazoned at outdoor locations across the country, with a 22-foot-tall version appearing in Camden, London.

The cheery disposition of the subject, BBH said, has been designed to communicate that people can put a smile on a loved one’s face when they transfer them cash (because isn’t happier when receiving money?).

The speed painting was carried out and filmed in South London, and the resulting video has been turned into a visually arresting social film, which has been launched across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter.

Founded in 1851, Western Union remains popular with many who send money back to families in their home countries.

“This campaign is a tribute to our customers in the U.K. as they continue to support their family and loved ones. We are proud that our digital money transfer services offer fast, convenient and reliable ways for them to connect with their loved ones around the world, 24/7, and ultimately put a smile on their faces,” said Keerthy Bamrah, head of U.K. marketing at Western Union.

Ewan Paterson, BBH creative director, added: “The idea behind the campaign is simple. We wanted to put a smile across the whole country echoing what Western Union does around the world, by helping people to send money to their family and loved ones in a faster and more convenient way.”

CREDITS:
BBH creative team: Adrien Raphoz & Grant Codron
BBH creative directors: Ewan Paterson & Pablo Gonzalez De La Peña
BBH strategy directors: Saskia Jones & John Harrison
BBH business lead: Patrick Farrall
BBH account manager: Eddy Yan
BBH account executive: Amelia Lloyd
BBH producer: Tom Burns

Film Credits
Production company: Global Street Art
Producer: Lee Bofkin
DoP: Auberon Hall
Post production: Global Street Art
2nd Camera assistant: Alberic Hall
Editor/editing house: Auberon Hall, Global Street Art

Print Credits
BBH producer: Tom Burns
Artist: Dave Sharp
Media agency: Media Hub