Before Illustrator and Photoshop, there was one way would-be creatives did design work on a screen — Etch A Sketch.

No mouse clicking. We had knobs. And we cranked out works of art like this:

OK, for most of us, it was more like this:


So what's up with Etch A Sketch? Right after my review of the book Game-Marketing, I get this email to enter The Red Robin Etch A Sketch A Burger Contest . And you know what? I bought an Etch A Sketch on my way home from work last night. Oh yeah, it's on. I'm a child of the 70's. My skills are old school and my Kung-Fu is strong in the ways of Etch A Sketch.

Red Robin Burgers and Etch A Sketch. It's a WTH connection, but the promotion put a smile on my face. Even if you don't participate, for a second, I bet you thought about getting your kids to enter if you have them. I like a promotion that makes you want to "work" for the prize. Nothing elaborate. And nostalgia is always good for the fun factor. Keep that in mind for your next promo.

So designers, art directors and illustrators, drop the mouse (mice?). This is one of those design contests where you don't have to be afraid of someone taking advantage of your work. Just have some fun and show off your skills.