Embracing a new
cancer-fighting ethos

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Varian: Ethos™ Therapy

Client
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Varian

Services
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Identity & Naming

Advertising & Conceptual Development

Marketing & Communications Strategy

Strategic Messaging & Positioning

Creative Production

Case study challenge - Strategy by Mortar Creative Advertising San Francisco

The Challenge

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Introduce a new, advanced cancer treatment machine without igniting a features war with competitors.

Strategic Decision

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We’re not launching a machine, we’re establishing a belief.

The A-Ha Moment

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How we fight cancer has changed forever.

Case study creative - Creative work by Mortar Advertising Branding San Francisco

The Creative

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Varian Ethos posters

We took inspiration from the meaning of ethos—the characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community; its beliefs and aspirations—to create our initial marketing materials. So we decided not to rely on the expected route of showcasing beauty shots of the product.

Full video (2:48)  |  Teaser (:15)  |  Cutdown (:39)

Instead, we built intrigue by starting out with messaging, visuals, and identity that spoke to Ethos as being a completely new belief system—a true paradigm shift in how the world will fight cancer from here on out. A turning point in history where human expertise and high technology converge, triggering a moment (The Moment of Ethos) where things will never be the same.

Varian Ethos lookbook
Varian Ethos online banners

Then, it was time to show the metal. We developed print, video, digital banners, landing pages, brochures, mobile, internal communications, and tradeshow materials in Europe and the US to introduce Varian’s revolutionary new Adaptive Intelligence™ solution—Ethos therapy—to the world.

Varian Ethos lapel pin