A cold war has erupted between two buildings on a New York City Street - only, the weapons are art and the soldiers: ad execs. Warfare began when a lone fighter spelt the word "'Hi" in the window, using the infamous yellow Post-It notes - her letters dwarfed by the imposing nature of the building.

• Sticky note war between New York City buildings showcases creativity and visual appeal.
• Trend spreads to neighboring businesses, attracting global attention and free marketing.
• Illustrates the impact of small gestures in engaging a wide audience.

Soon however, the trend had caught on, spreading like wildfire across the two adjacent buildings with office workers writing back with sentences such as "HELLO FROM THE OTHER SIDE" and "IF YR READING THIS ITS TOO LATE". Then things started getting creative and by the following Friday another group of nearby businesses had followed suit and the letters had evolved into full blown works of art. Features included versions of Keith Haring, Apple Logos, the Snapchat logo and many other well-known images reworked with Post-Its.

Whilst most corporate giants might see the gimmick as a waste of time and resources, 3M the company behind the infamous sticky notes - saw it as an opportunity for some free marketing, even sending special task-force boxes to the individual agencies including Cake Group, Harrison and Star, Getty Images, Havas Worldwide and Horizon Media to name a few.

With it's own hashtag #canalnotes the trend soon spread worldwide and had even garnered its own Geo Filter on Snapchat.  The trend continues despite calls from building landlords to remove the unapproved artwork.

It's hard to believe this movement is totally organic in its creation and it's great example of how small things can make a big impact.

Why Sticky Notes?

Sticky notes, also known as adhesive notes or Post-it® notes, offer several advantages that make them popular and widely used in various settings. Here are some reasons why sticky notes are beneficial:

• Versatility: Sticky notes are incredibly versatile and can be used for a wide range of purposes. They are ideal for jotting down quick reminders, making to-do lists, leaving messages, organizing thoughts, brainstorming ideas, and much more. Their flexibility makes them valuable in both personal and professional environments.

• Easy to Use: Sticky notes are user-friendly and require no special skills or training. They have a self-adhesive backing that allows them to stick to different surfaces, such as walls, monitors, documents, notebooks, and desks. They can be easily removed and repositioned without leaving residue or damaging the surface, offering convenience and flexibility.

• Visual Appeal: The vibrant colors and compact size of sticky notes make them visually appealing. They can be used to add visual cues, highlight important information, or categorize different tasks or ideas. The eye-catching nature of sticky notes helps draw attention and ensures that important messages or reminders are noticed.

• Enhanced Organization: Sticky notes provide a practical way to stay organized. They can be easily moved around, grouped together, or rearranged to prioritize tasks or ideas. By using different colors or sizes, it becomes easy to categorize and visually distinguish between various notes, aiding in effective organization and productivity.

• Collaboration and Communication: Sticky notes are excellent tools for collaboration and communication in team environments. They can be used during brainstorming sessions, meetings, or workshops, allowing individuals to contribute ideas, share feedback, and organize thoughts collectively. Sticky notes promote active engagement and encourage participation from all team members.

• Portable and Compact: Sticky notes are lightweight, compact, and portable, making them convenient for on-the-go use. They can be easily carried in pockets, bags, or notebooks, ensuring that you have a handy tool for capturing thoughts or reminders wherever you go.

Takeaway

The use of sticky notes as a creative and playful form of communication between buildings in New York City showcases the versatility and visual appeal of these adhesive notes. The trend not only sparked engagement and artistic expression but also became an opportunity for free marketing and brand promotion.

First Seen: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/postit-note-art-war-takes-over-new-york-city-20160521-gp0i81.html