Favorites

Over this semester, seeing ad after ad, I've realized how two sided advertising can be. There are those ads that are boring, plain, or irresponsible, and then there are the ads that are new, amazing, and can actually do good things for the world. Now, if the industry of advertising as a whole, took a step forward in doing less of the bad stuff and more of the good stuff, it could make a huge difference in the world. After all, people see about 5,000 or more ads a day, imagine if most of those ads were beautiful and promoted a great message as opposed to just annoying people. If advertising agencies could do more good work like Droga5 did with Unicef in the Tap Project, so much could be accomplished. I know this is definitely easier said than done, but having our generation learn all this information, and then sending us out to work in the industry could be the start of a new time in advertising. Here are some of my favorite ads of the semester.

Funniest -



2nd place -




Best Classic Commercial -




Most Artistic -



Most Original -




so many great ones -- these are the few that won in my book!

Definitely Irresponsible

http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2009/12/02/2009-12-02_catholic_league_slams_peta_ad_featuring_joanna_krupa_holding_crucifix_over_nude_.html

I saw this ad the other day, and it really shocked me, as I'm sure it did many other people. It really surprised me that an organization like PETA would go to this extreme. It seems like they could do so much without having to go to this. The fact that they used a cross in front of a naked model can be very offesnive to Christians who see the cross as a symbol of forgiveness, hope, and redemption. Whenever i think of PETA now, I'm going to automatically have a bad feeling towards them. Obviously this was a risk they were willing to take, but I think here the risk outweighs the benefit greatly. Catholic league president Bill Donohue calls PETA a "fraud" and says "The fact is that cats and dogs are a lot safer in pet stores than they are in the hands of PETA employees." If this ad gets a reaction like that from anyone, it is definitely irresponsible.

Small Independents

1. Taxi - Toronto, Canada

Advertising for a dating website can be a hard thing to do. Most dating advertisements are cheesy, pathetic, or just plain ignored. Taxi has gotten past this problem with this campaign. This ad is a great example of nontraditional advertising. Taxi has done a lot of great work, mostly known for their work with Viagra, that has gone outside the box, and this is another great example of that. As they did with Viagra, here they found a way around an awkward product/service, and made it less embarassing.


2. Modernista - Boston

Modernista is known for it's great work with Hummer. The great thing about the Hummer campaign, as well as this ad in particular, is Modernista has given Hummer a personality. Hummer is not just another large car, another big truck that goes through tons of mud, but Modernista has given Hummer a real manly, strong image. DDB started this idea when they gave Volkswagen a personality and changed automobile advertising. Because Modernista is a small independent agency, they are able to go out of the box in a category of advertising that can often be formulaic.

3. Ground Zero - LA

Ground Zero has aimed this ESPN advertising at the correct target market, the hard core male fan. A lot of agencies that have dealt with ESPN have taken this approach. Unfortunately, Ground Zero didn't do anything too revolutionary with this ad. It seems that ESPN advertising is just about targeting the hard core fan, and Ground Zero seems to just follow this formula.

4. David and Goliath - LA

David and Goliath is an agency that wants to break out of the ordinary and fight the big guys. This nontraditional piece really follows that idea. The great thing about this ad is it isn't at all what you would expect. It targets a new audience, and in a completely different way. This ad does not need to be flashy, or in your face, but this simple and smart ad gets the job done.

5. WongDoody - LA

This ad, is another great example of reaching the target market. People who watch this show, mostly teenage girls, watch it because of all the scandel, the hott guys, the hook ups, the drama. People who watch this show know that their parents wouldn't approve of them watching it, and that makes it so much more fun to watch. Just like the Axe commercials can be seen as innappropriate, but are great for the market, this adcan be seen as innapropriate but is perfect for the target market. I think this whole campaign is great, and WongDoody simply used quotes as the copy with an image from the show, but the idea was great.

6. Secret Weapon Marketing

Secret Weapon Marketing only has three clients at a time, meaning they have more time to concentrate on each client. The Jack in the Box ads have always seemed more annoying and dumb than humourous. These commercials remind me of the freecreditreport.com commercials, you either think it's funny or you don't. I do think the amount of time they are able to spend on this client has helped them get a wide variety of ads and storylines throughout the years.

7. Droga5 - NY

Droga5 has done a lot of interesting work, including this ad for puma. This ad simply doesn't appeal to me. I wouldn't stop flipping pages to take a closer look. However, Droga5 does take a new twist on athletic shoe advertising. While Weiden and Kennedy have done very active, energetic, and inspiring work for Nike, which is also what we see with many adidas ads, Droga5 has taken a more quiet and fashionable approach. Droga5 has made Puma seem more stylish and fashionable with the still pose, the use of the model, and just the overall atmosphere of the ad. Droga5 is consistently doing new and different types of advertising as a small independent, and this is an example of that.

"Party Cardis"

"New party cardis on sale this week at Old Navy! But are they too much fun?"


what?

Why did they have to ruin the ad completely with that last line? Usually I stare at these mannequin ads and just wonder where the hell this idea came from, but this one I actually laughed once! But then they added... "are they too much fun?" What?? What does that have to do with anything? And why would an article of clothing be too much fun? Sometimes it's best not to overthink things, and just leave things alone.

Fun Advertising

This event, sponsored by T Mobile, is such a great way of advertising. This approach is completely nontraditional, completely innovative and interactive. While this display is so fun and entertaining, T Mobile still gets their name out there. Millions of people have viewed this video on You Tube, and T Mobile's name is clearly listed as responsible for this event. I wish this happened everyday, everywhere. I want to have 5 minutes a day where everyone does this dance in unison. I think the world would be a better place. This is one of the few great ads that changes people's attitudes about advertising. Advertising here is fun and entertaining, not in your face and annoying.

Large Independents

Dentsu- London

This ad, by Dentsu, is for the National Express transportation system. The thing I don't like about this ad is the use of the side by side. You often see side by sides with cleaning products, laundry detergent, etc. However, Dentsu does use side by side in a different way, in a humorous way. This ad does remind me of other airline advertising, such as the American Airlines ad that shows different signs in the airport with sentimental sentences. However, that ad is sentimental and sweet, while this one is funny but kind of mean! I understand the humor, however, I prefer the sweet ads for airlines, the bottom half of this ad could have been removed.

Weiden & Kennedy - Portland

Weiden & Kennedy has truly created art with this campaign. This campaign is one of the great campaigns they have done that have estalished them as a great agency. This ad, along with others in this campaign features beautifully written copy. It is truly inspirational. This campaign is similar to the work that Weiden & Kennedy does for Nike in the fact that it is not directly about the product. Weiden has a talent for making their ads inspirational, beautiful, and leaving the viewer with a positive feeling. Weiden does not attack you with the product, but makes it about something more, which they have done in this case with the sense of adventure in Levi's.

Bartle Bogle Hegarty - London

BBH's ad for Levi's is a classic. As opposed to the work that Weiden & Kennedy has done for Levi's, this older work by BBH does not focus on adventure or inspiration. However, this ad breaks ground. It is something completely new for it's time. This is what makes it so great. Just like when DDB put out the "Think Small" campaign, it was something never seen before, a great kind of different. This ad, was also great different, and the fact that it went out on a limb and did something risque is what makes it so great.

Richards Group - Dallas

The Richards Group takes this opportunity to make a usually boring client, more exciting and fun. They have created a sense of wonder and imagination in a fairy tale environment. This ad reminds me of the Clorox commercial where the bath tub becomes a whole different world filled with mermaids and creatures. Ads like the Clorox one as well as this one, create a world of possibilities and succeed at giving the client an appealing sense of wonder. This ad makes Michaels less about sales, prices, and picture frames, and it really is able to give Michael's a personality.

Doner - Canada

This ad, which was created to advertise a $500 off offer for college students, is great at hitting it's target audience. College students would be the ones who really appreciate this because they would really understand it. This ad would not be successful if it were aimed at a different targent audience. For example, the Axe campaign, done by many agencies - mainly BBH , is perfect for it's target audience but it is not necessarily attracting old women. This ad shows the importance of understanding your market, and I think Doner does a great job of capturing their target.

Cramer-Krasselt - Milwaukee

Cramer - Krasselt takes a new twist on speeding signs with this ad. I think this ad is extremely clever, and is able to really get someone's attention and really make them think.. maybe I am going a little too fast. I think this ad, kind of like the Truth campaign, is very effective because it lays out the facts, however harsh they might be. Sometimes people need to see a glimpse of the consequences in order to stop their actions. For example, many people seeing 1200 body bags laid out on the street in the Truth campaign commercial, might see that and realize that if they continue smoking that could be them. In the same way, this ad showing people how their medical bills would just continue to increase as their speed increases, might make them realize it isn't worth speeding, and I think Cramer-Krasselt has done a great job getting that message out there.

MDC

MDC is a holding company full of great creative agencies. They are based in Toronto, Canada, and consider themselves a partner, taking majority stakes.

1. Crispin Porter + Bogusky - Miami

Crispin Porter & Bogusky is an incredibly admired agency that has done tons and tons of great work. This ad for the Mini Cooper, succeeds in making giving the Mini Cooper a personality, much like DDB did with Volkswagen. This commercial seems to be imitating many fast car commercials as it shows the Mini Cooper zooming through many twists and turns. However, instead of a long, sleek design, it is a little funny looking car. This commercial aims at putting the Mini Cooper up there with the fast and the sleek cars, and aims to make the Mini Cooper the car that you want to speed through the twists and turns with. I think this is a really cute ad, and I think it succeeds at giving the Mini Cooper that fun and cute image.

Vitro Robertson - San Diego

This ad, for Land Rover, is very mediocre. First of all, the copy is just a cliche saying. There was nothing very creative about the copy, it is sort of just there and bleh. Also, the angle of the picture is not very flattering of the car. It is an awkard angle, it doesn't highlight any great aspects of the car, and it just isn't a great picture. The awkard picture mixed with the bland copy makes this one of those ads I would skip over, I wouldn't remember, and is just another car advertisement.
Cliff Freeman And Partners- NYC



I love this ad. This ad is fun, catchy, and simple yet brilliant. Cliff Freeman really made the cakes exciting by making them come alive... literally. The fact that the song gets stuck in your head doesnt' hurt them too much either. This ad reinforces what Baskin Robbins is partly known for - ice cream and cake. And I can bet that when people want ice cream cake they are going to easily remember this commercial. It's just so fun and cute, and this is probably one of the main reasons I'm sad to see Cliff Freeman close its doors.

Kirshenbaum Bond - NYC

Kirshenbaum Bond's ad for Wendy's is creative in a not so creative way. It defeinitely isn't like most fast food commercials. However, they go to the stereotypical white guy boy band rappers. The first time I watched this commercial, I was kind of just staring at it in shock. I had to watch the commercial a second time, and the second time I was actually laughing, I'm not going to lie. It reminds me of the v dub commercials with the awkward guy with the accent and his strange female assistant, both trying to look cool, but failing miserably. Even though this was a pretty stupid commercial, it kind of works. This is the type of ad that would get sent around from youtube because many young people are attracted to this type of humor.

Havas

Havas is the second largest advertising group in France. The largest aspect, Euro RSCG made a prescence in America when its headquarters were moved to New York in 1997. The three agencies that make up Havas are Arnold Worldwide, McKinney, and Euro RSCG.

Arnold Worldwide - Boston

Arnold Worldwide is one of several agencies that have worked on the Volkswagen account. As DDB made groundbreaking ads for Volkswagen with the "Think Small" campaign, Arnold followed in their footsteps to keep the unique personality of Volkswagen intact. However, this commercial just isn't exciting to me. First of all, I don't think this ad needed to be a one minute spot. If I saw this ad on tv, this would be the time I would get up to go the bathroom or switch channels. There is not enough going on to keep me interested. In comparison with the Volkswagen "Night Drive" ad and many other Volkswagen ads, this one doesn't seem to keep up. Other Volkswagen ads have focused more on how Volkswagen is different, but in a great way, and I think this ad loses some of that because they take a humerous route instead,which doesn't exactly make me laugh out loud.

McKinney - Durham

Mckinney's ad for Sherman Williams paint definitely goes beyond what one would expect for a paint advertisement. This campaign shows similar images but with different places in the home. This ad may not be the most eye catching or out of the box advertisement, but I think it does its job. The color chosen, and the way the color serves as the background for the ad and as the wall color gets the message across. The ad is simple, yet effective. I also like how Mckinney makes this ad about more than just paint, but more about life. Unlike many of the paint ads you see on tv, such as the lowe's ad where the parents are painting the room green and the kids come in reading, this ad isn't obvious or too "out there." I appreciate the simplicity, and I think it is effective for the target. Not everyone is going to be interested in looking at a paint ad, and if you aren't it doesn't annoy you but if you are it intrigues you.

Euro RSCG - Buenos Aires, Argentina

This ad just screams "BORING." Not only is this almost a replica of the Mastercard campaign by McCann Erickson, but it is just too easy. It seems like the creative team got together and said "Oh, let's just make the picture blurry so it looks like we're moving really fast..." And everyone else just said "uh okay," and everyone moved on with their lives. I feel like nobody took the time or effort to sit down and say how can we make this ad innovative and really make it something that will make a difference? I'm very unimpressed, and actually upset that agencies don't do more innovative work. Eh. bleh. boring.

Publicis

Publicis is a French holding company and agency that currently ranks #3, competing with Havas, and has a very large impact worldwide.

1. Publicis - Venezuela

This ad, by Publicis in Venezeula, is definitely a visually appealing ad. However, I don't really understand the point of the visual. Yeah I understand that straws have to do with drinking, but I don't really understand how using that many straws to create that image would make me want to purchase Nestea. I think Publicis' idea of creating a strong visual image was a good strategy, however, it seems misplaced. I guess I'm just not crazy about this ad. Although it may grab my attention, it confuses me more than intrigues me, and I don't find myself attracted to the product. As opposed to ads that use this technique such as Weiden & Kennedy's large gatorade installment, this ad doesn't resonate, and just doesn't make enough of an impact.

2. Saatchi & Saatchi - Singapore

This ad, by Saatchi & Saatchi, for ESPN shows just how widespread yet similar of an audience ESPN reaches. The thing about this ad that I love, is for once an ESPN ad shows the fans and not the athletes or the announcers. It really gives the target audience that feeling that they are a part of something great, and something that is bigger than just one fan. It gives fans that sense of community, the sense of belonging, and makes a great use of visual space.


3. Leo Burnett - New Dehli, India

This Leo Burnett ad for Mcdonalds is possibly one of the creepiest ads I have ever seen. If someone who has a fear of clowns saw this ad, I think they would be very afraid. Besides the creepy factor, this ad has nothing to do with what Mcdonalds is about. Mcdonalds is not about Ronald Mcdonald, and it is not about a baby Ronald Mcdonald. (As if the real size Ronald Mcdonald is not scary enough) I think Leo Burnett was trying to take a different approach to fast food advertising, but did it in the wrong way. Kind of like the Burget King ads tries to make use of the King himself, they are trying to make use of Ronald Mcdonald but they miss the target. There is nothing about this ad that makes me want Mcdonalds. In fact, now when I see a Mcdonalds, I will think of this ad, get scared, and probably go to Wendy's. Try again Leo Burnett.

4. Fallon worldwide - Minneapolis

I love this ad. I have never said I loved a bank ad, but I love this ad. I may be a sucker for something cute and sentimental, but I think Fallon did a great job. Fallon managed to make a banking commercial that gives people a warm and fuzzy feeling inside. Most people don't like banks, they may feel that banks are all about money, but Fallon shows that Citi is truly different than these other banks. Fallon sends the message that Citi cares about you, about your family, about your life, and not just about your money. I think the visual, the music, and the message are really beautiful and really capture a great moment. The fact that Fallon is changing the way banking is seen is revolutionary. It is no longer about money, but it is about captured moments and beautiful parts of life.

5. Kaplan Thaler Group- NYC

I think this ad fits the mold of advertising. It has the cheesy song, side by side comparison, and attempt at humor. When people think of advertising, it is ads like this that they probably think of. Basically, there is nothing ground breaking about this ad. It may seem hard to advertise for household products such as Swiffer, but this ad is just too formulatic.

6. Team One Advertising - LA

I love this ad by Team One Advertising. I think this ad does it's job for the client very well, while still making a creative statement. This ad, for the Ritz Carlton, manages to elevate hotel advertising which is exactly the goal - to show the elevated status of this hotel. This ad is simple and elegant. The visual is appealing, yet not too much is needed to send the message that this hotel is a relaxing, luxurious atmosphere, different from all others.

5 Commercials Building on Each Other

Ad agencies often use a series of images, or objects, to create a larger picture in the end. This can be very effective depending on the client, and it can make the ad about more than just the product. I love these ads that get a lot of people together, these ads can turn out to be a lot of fun.

Guinness- AMV BBDO London





This ad, for Guinness beer, is unlike all other beer commercials. This commercial makes it about so much more than just the man aspect, or the getting the ladies aspect, or just any of the macho man ordeal that is usually included in a beer commercial. This ad makes use of the domino effect to show that Guinness is worth waiting for. I love how this ad creates a sense of community, everyone is in on this project, and it is so much fun to watch something like that. AMV BBDO has managed to make this ad about more than just beer, and they have given a softer and more clean fun approach to it. The image at the end of the Guinness is incredible. I think the idea of Guinness being something worth waiting for, and the domino effect using so many things building off of each other works very well together. This ad is actually similar to a Sony Bravia ad which also uses the domino effect to create color, and I think the idea of building off of each other has become more popular with ad agencies.

Sony Bravia- Y&R Singapore





This ad, by Y&R Singapore, is a beautiful vision of color which is exactly the message they are trying to send about their televisions. The image of beautiful colors and spools of thread being thrown over a pyramid all comes together at the end of the commercial to show the beautiful array of colors offered by Sony Bravia. I love that this commercial gets the message across without any image of a television, without any mention of size, specifications, or price. This ad has managed to make a television commercial beautiful, and this whole campaign was very well done.

Shelter- The Homeless and Housing Charity, Leo Burnett - London





The use of many things building off of each other, or in this case falling from each other, was a great choice for this client. This visual is very effective in getting the point across that many people lose their homes just as easily as a house of cards can fall. I think the use of a great visual without having to actually show homeless people, can really get to people emotionally. It is also more effective than just one house of cards falling, but shown in this effect was a great and appropriate choice for the client and is another great example of ads using things to build off of each other in order to create a whole effect.

Toyota Prius - Saatchi & Saatchi Los Angeles

The Toyota Prius commercial is revolutionary when it comes to car commercials. Once again, an ad agency has managed to make the commercial about more than specifications and prices. The effect of everything coming to life, being musical, and being happier creates this chain reaction as the car passes along the path. This shows the effect this hybrid car can have on the environment, and makes this a fun and colorful ad. Saatchi & Saatchi used the idea of a chain reaction beautifully in this ad, and it worked perfectly for their intention.

Truth Campaign - Arnold Worldwide - Boston





The Truth Campaign has used the technique of having a lot of items coming together many times to create a shocking effect. In this case, they started placing body bags on the street, one after the other, until there were 1200 body bags lining the street. The technique of visually showing so many of these body bags is what creates the shocking effect, and shows just how big the problem of smoking really is and what the negative effect of smokign really looks like. Using so many of these, placing them one by one on top of each other, is what makes the commercial effective and is another great example of this technique.

macy's

Love this commercial. I think this commercial does such a great job of showing the classic, dependable brand of Macy's and how it has been there for everything through the years and continues today. This commercial builds the image of Macy's to such a great height in such short time. It reminds customers of the value, and I think this is a cute and warm commercial.

The Interpublic Group

1. McCann Erickson - New York

I don't really understand this ad. I understand the fast concept, but why a newspaper? The other ads in this campaign featured things such as a water bottle, which I also don't understand. What does a newspaper have to do with using your mastercard, and why would the newspaper be faster? I feel like McCann could have done so much more with this ad. It is a simple concept of faster and easier process with Mastercard, but I feel like this ad and the whole campaign could have been more creative and just more outside the box than the obvious. I can imagine many people getting lost with this ad and simply skipping over it because it is not compelling or attention grabbing.

2. The Martin Agency
Richmond, VA

I think this ad by The Martin Agency was a cute way to
show what the client is really about. The line reads "The Greatest Stories in the World. Now in D.C." I think this ad is great because even though it's simple, it shows so much for such a wide audience. There is something for everyone. Everyone can see something they recognize and be pulled in with an emotional attachment. Even though this may not be the most innovative ad, and may be a bit too literal, I think it works for the client and the target audience.

3. TM Advertising - Irving

I think this is a great ad by TM Advertising. TM took that extra step in doing something new, and something beyond the expected. They made an impact and this ad really grabs attention in the way it is executed. TM often does things that are more than they need to do, as in their Group Health ads which make a simple magazine page interactive. They do the same here, where they make a simple building sign into a whole exhibit. I really love this ad, and I think it fit the client perfectly while making a statement to it's viewers.

4. DraftFCB

I think this ad is one of those ads that is supposed to be funny, but it is just too cheesy to really get a laugh out of you. Draft FCB does take a new approach to the traditional mac and cheese ads that have lots of cheery kids eating mac and cheese, so it's good they got away from that. However, this ad just doesnt have anything exciting about it, it is just there. Draft FCB has also done some work for Lego and Honda that follows this same type of humor. I think these ads tend to be skipped over, and leave no impact on the viewer.


5. Lowe - Toronto, Canada

I've never been a big fan of the Axe ads. I understand that sometimes sexual reference can be used to sell a product, I just feel like they push the sexual concept too much. In this campaign, they went outside the box from traditional ads to actually place pieces of lingerie in bathrooms with the line "Turns Nice Girls Naughty." I do like the creative choice of the placing of the ads, however, I think it is in bad taste. I think all ads should be classy enough to avoid stuff like this, and to not have to go to this level. As with their commercials, where women are running towards the man once he uses Axe, I think these ads can be offensive towards women and could just be done in a more sophisticated way.





6. Carmichael Lynch - Minneapolis

Carmichael Lynch does a lot of amazing work for Harley Davidson, and this print ad is no exception. The layout itself is beautiful, the copy is wonderfully written, and even the picture seems like the perfect choice. The way everything is put together just makes this a great ad. They really capture what Harley Davidson is all about, as they do with all of their Harley Davidson ads. They were able to make a manly, tough guy, brand into a work of art and I think they do great work for this client.


7. Hill Holliday - Boston, MA

This spot for Dunkin' Donuts by Hill Holiday, takes a cheesy yet friendly approach. The musical commercial is a bit worn out, but it seems to work for this commercial. They show the product used by many people in everyday life, which is exactly where they want to place it. The music is not too "in your face" or annoying, and it creates a happy and friendly atmosphere which will later be associated with the brand by consumers. Hill Holiday does not have many exciting clients, they do work for other clients such as CVS and Bank of America, and this may be why their approach is not breaking any limits. Although not the most creative approach, Hill Holiday manages to keep the commercial friendly and inviting, as Dunkin' Donuts may want to create for their stores.

8. Deutsch - Los Angeles, CA

This ad, by Deutsch, gives adults some light humor in the animated form. The great thing about Dr. Pepper advertising, is they avoid comparisions and competition with other soda companies that many brands such as Pepsi have done in the past. Dr. Pepper stands firm in their brand, especially their diet drinks, and they build around that. This ad supports the Dr. Pepper personality very well. I think the use of animation and humor attracts adults because it is different than a lot of ads out their that are targeted at adults. Also, adults who drink Diet Drinks don't want to be reminded at the lack of taste or calories, and this ad does a great job of reinforcing the fact that it tastes like regular. I think this is a cute ad that goes along with the brand image but is able to show soda advertising in a new and more entertaining light.

9. Mullen - Boston, MA

This ad, by Mullen, is simple yet effective for the client. I love the image itself and the positioning of the copy, it makes the ad so much more inviting than if the copy were simply written out next to a picture of a seal. Also, the copy itself, written in the point of view of the seal, is cute and charming. The copy shows how much more there is to an aquarium than just looking at fish. This ad also invites adults, which are the ones making the family decision to go to the aquarium.


10. Campbell Mithun - Minneapolis

This ad, for Above the Influence, is aimed at encouraging teens to speak out against drugs. I think the layout itself, with the color choices and magazine clip-out looking type is very attractive to teenagers. However, I think this type of ad is overdone. I have seen so many ads that have words coming out of someone's mouth. If advertisers want to reach teenagers, they need to go beyond the color choices and text type. There has recently been one agency that has created an entire website, street art, and much more to attract teenagers. Ad agencies need to remember their audience and do whatever it takes to reach them.

11. T.A.G.

I think this is a very artistic ad for Zune by Campbell Mithun. This ad has a very mysterious and full of wonder "Alice in Wonderland" feel to it, which are great characteristics to transfer to the product itself. The colors, the music, and the images all work together to create a piece of art. This commercial reminds me of the Clorox mermaid commercial, they both use their imagination to go beyond the product itself. This ad for Zune managed to create a beautiful ad without the mention of price, colors, specs, or it's competitor Ipod, and to do it in such an artistic way makes this a great ad.

12. R/GA - RGA Comunicação, Recife, Brazil

When I first saw this ad, I laughed. But not a real laugh, it was more like a ha...ha? laugh. First of all, when I saw this, it looked like the people sitting next to and behind the guy screaming were dead. That just made the ad creepy, and definitely not attractive. Once you realize what is actually taking place, you are not impressed. It just makes me want to say... really R/GA? R/GA is known for great digital work, and this print ad is just simply not their strong suit. This is one of those ads that you would simply keep flipping the pages, and this is one of those ads that gives people an annoyed feeling towards advertising. This ad simply takes up space, and unfortunately, this is not what R/GA would want in their advertising.

WPP

1. Grey Global





Etrade is one of Grey's major accounts, and they have recently done many commercials featuring these and other babies. The great thing about these ads, including this one, is they have taken something that is not usually seen as funny and given it a personality and a face. Although Grey is not one of the most exciting companies, they have many clients and this client has definitely given them more publicity and added some color to the grey.

2. Ogilvy & Mather - Singapore

Although the famous "I never read the Economist," ad came early from AMV, Oligvy & Mather has continued the tradition. The simple red and white color palette makes it immediately recognizable as an ad for The Economist. The Economist ads used to be more about words than images, but this one takes the form of image with no words. Even though there are no words, the ad is still simple. It is one single form, but done in a very artistic way. Not only does the ad feature the product, but it is not direct or in your face, and it makes the product about more than just the product. This ad makes it seem like The Economist is about knowledge and wisdom, not just reading a magazine.



3. Young and Rubicam - Chile

This ad, for Lego, captivates the dream of young children everywhere. This ad makes a simple childhood toy, so much more than it is. Lego ads by Young and Rubicam often attempt to create big dreams with the product to show how far your imagination can take you. I think this inspires children to be creative and it makes the toy about more than just building blocks. Young and Rubicam does a great job in giving meaning and dreams through Lego.

4. JWT - Hong Kong

This ad, for Monster.com is so simple, yet still very effective. As many of their ads show, "Stuck In the Wrong Job?" theme does not even need copy to really get the point across. I feel like this ad would really get to people because they could identify with it. Even though it is a ballerina, people will see it and think "That is exactly how I feel." The ad isn't pushy or overly persuasive like many job search ads can be, but it's blunt and truthful and I think the whole campaign works very well for what it is trying to accomplish.

Absolut Reference?

When I saw this commercial today, I couldn't help but notice the very end, when the words "Pure Hershey's" come on the screen. I immediately thought of "Absolut Vodka." Hershey's uses the word "pure" over and over in this commercial. The use of "Pure Simplicity," "Pure Happiness," and "Pure Hershey's" also mirrors Absolut's famous two word copy. It just so happens that the word "Absolut" means pure. So is this merely a coincidence, or did Hershey's realize the incredible success of the Absolut Vodka campaign and try to mirror it without mirroring it too closely? Even if it wasn't intentional, I don't think there is any way an advertising agency could have created this without thinking about Absolut Vodka. Absolut is one of the greatest ad campaigns of all time, it has been poked at by Smirnoff, and it is bound to get imitated.

Love it.

So I've begun to appreciate ads more and not just wait for them to be over. This is one ad that I really appreciate. I think it's a great way to get the point across. It's sincere and honest. I also thought it was cool that they included product symbolism, the arches one higher than the other in the background. I love the way AT&T has found a way to make it about more than the product, without completely losing the product.

Art?

When we first talked about this topic in class, it was probably the first time I really thought about that question, what is art? And now that we've talked about it, it comes up in my head when I see something and I ask myself, is that art?

So, what is art? who determines what art is? is it all based on individual opinion? I came across this while I was shopping the other day, and if you notice the sign says "The Graphic Tee. This is Art. Wear it." This store is claiming that their graphic tee shirts are art. They are also using that idea as a type of advertising to try to get people to wear it. The funny part about this is, they didn't advertise the shirts as "this is hott!" or "this is sexy!" They have determined that their clothes are art, fashion is art, and that is why people should wear it.

So is this art? Is your child's scribble art? Is Jackson Pollock's splatter paint art? Or is art reserved for Van Gogh and Da Vinci? Dictionary.com has 16 definitions listed for art, but here is the first one, "the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance." So to be art does it have to be beautiful?
I don't think there could be any straightforward definition of art. The definiton of art has become so broad, that if you were to say something isn't art it would seem like an insult.

So, for now, the definiton is subjective. In my opinion, art is something new and original. Some people look at Pollock's work and say "I could do that! That's not art!"But Pollock was the first one to do that. It was original and now, and therefore, it's art.

This topic is basically a never ending cycle.

OMNICOM

1. BBDO



BBDO has many well known Pepsi ads. As they started out, they often based their commercials on trying to prove they were better than Coca Cola by comparing the two. They often directly showed Coca Cola in a negative light. They even went to the campaign of "Pepsi - the choice of a new generation." This ad was one of the ads in that campaign. This ad uses some of the same common ideas used in many Pepsi ads. One of these is the use of a well known figure. In this case, Michael Jackson. In other Pepsi commercials we have seen, Britney Spears, Cindy Crawford, The Spice Girls, and many more. Pepsi also has been known to have music in most of its commercials. This ad features a remix of Michael Jackson's "Billy Jean." One thing this ad does not have is the negative light on Coca Cola. However, this ad serves to promote the new generation campaign by showing young children, a legendary performer, and a youthful energy.

2. DDB



DDB is a company with a long and successful history. One of it's most successful campaigns that really put it on the map, is the Volkswagen campaign. With the first "Think Small" print ad, DDB started a great long running campaign that went against all conventional automobile ads. This ad, by DDB London, for VW Golf follows those same standards that DDB established many years ago. This ad is not about the looks of the car, it's not about the speed of the car, and it's not about the driver of the car. This ad is about being practical. This ad shows the great "everyday" quality about the car. Since the beginning of DDB's Volkswagen campaign, this has been the message they have been trying to get across. It has never been about the sleek design (which is not there), it has never been about the girls sitting on the cars, or the horsepower, it is about real life and real life practicality.

3. TBWA



This ad, from TBWA\Media Arts Lab, is one of the many ads in the "Get a Mac" campaign. These are some of the most well known ads of today, and with good reason. TBWA often finds different ways of presenting a commercial. For example, the skittles ads are often different in a strange way. This ad was completely different in the fact that the product, which is an inanimate object, is being symbolized by a human being. These ads also do not directly attack competition, and never have the "Mac guy" say anything negative about the "PC guy." The PC guy always ends up setting himself up and making himself look bad. This is so clever and really is a new way of presenting a product. The commercial is funny, light, but still really gets you thinking about buying the product in an indirect way.


4. GOODBY SILVERSTEIN - San Francisco



This ad, by Goodby Silverstein, gives meaning to the NBA Finals. This ad makes the NBA about history, and great legends, not just a basketball game. Also, this ad doesn't just have them standing together, it puts them together in the action of dunking, giving the ad a sense of movement. There is also emotion present in this ad with the presence of some of the greatest basketball figures of all time. This ad isn't just targeted towards the occassional viewer of a basketball game, it isn't for someone who is flipping the channels, it is for the true fan. This ad gets those fans excited and emotionally involved, and that makes this a great ad.



5. 180 AMSTERDAM/180 LA



This commercial by 180 Amsterdam, is a great example of the type of work this agency does. This agency has been daring and brave from the beginning. When the three founders were fired for accusations of talking to Adidas while working at Weiden and Kennedy (the agency for Nike), they decided they might as well talk to Adidas. They created the winning ad in less than 48 hours. This agency has always had courage, and the guts to do something innovative and new. The shapes and music involved in this ad make it great and almost like a dance.



6. GSD&M IDEA CITY - Austin, TX



GSD&M is an agency which started in Austin, TX, has always been producing great creative ads despite losing major accounts such as Wal-mart along the way. This ad is no exception. When you first look at this advertisement, it looks like art. It may remind you of a Jackson Pollock, but either way, it is beautiful, innovative, and artistic. After you notice the beauty, you realize it is an advertisement for a car. GSD&M is able to break that mold of the typical car print ad, with the car shown large in the middle, showing the sleek and powerful design. This advertisement doesn't even show the car, it doesn't need to. It continues the GSD&M creative idea outlet with a new and original way to sell a car.

7. DIESTE HARMEL AND PARTNERS



Dieste Harmel is a great spanish speaking agency here in Dallas. This ad is a great example of how Spanish agencies can still appeal to all audiences. This ad gets the message across with a simple image, no words are necessary. This is especially great for a print ad, since it can quickly grab the attention of the viewer, without requiring too much attention. It can be seen in the midst of a magazine or driving alone the highway, but still memorable. Sometimes simple ads are just as effective, and this agency does a great job with that.





8. LATIN WORKS - Austin, TX



Latin Works is one of the best Latin agencies. One of the best things about Latin Works advertising is the ability to make their ads universal. Although much of their advertising is in the Spanish language, or specialized in latin advertisements, Latin Works seems to always be able to have a universal message in their ads. We see this with their Starburst ads, and also with this ad.


9. MARTIN WILLIAMS



Martin Williams, in Minneapolis, created this ad as a part of the "Not for Sale" campaign. Although Martin Williams may not have as many big clients as DDB or TBWA, this campaign is definitely attention grabbing. Making this concept similar to a "sale," really makes an impact. It brings attention to an issue that many people may not even be aware of, and the way it is done is blunt but effective.

Responsible Ads

Ad Agency - Goodby Silverstein

I've always thought the "Got Milk" ads were clean, simple, and to the point. This ad in particular uses a celebrity, Taylor Swift, to attract young people, which is a main target audience. The Got Milk ads have never been about competition, but more about sending the message that milk is a healthy source of calcium and important to young and growing bodies.






Agency - TBWA USA

I think this ad for Gatorade is a great example of a responsible and good promotion of a product. This ad gives the product meaning and strength. The images and music give the product more than just a drink image. It shows images of fighters, heroes, and people we really look up to, to attach a good image with Gatorade in the mind of consumers. This ad is not offensive, does not bash any other company, can't be taken in a bad way, it is simple and powerful.






Ad Agency - Modernista Boston

Gap advertisements have always been fun and musical, staying very clear from the stereotypical department store or other clothing store ads. The thing that makes this ad repsonsible and great is the fact that it gives a unifying theme. The ad isn't just about a sale, or a new item, it's about love. Only at the very end, does it have a quick line about the product. Of course the product is showcased, but it is not about competition or prices, it is pure, energizing, and encouraging.

Promoting a Social Issue

Ads that promote social issues can really have a great positive impact on society. These ads can bring attention to issues that may not be addressed on a regular basis. Sometimes advertising is the only place people see these issues being addressed, and this shows how seeing tons of ads a day doesn't have to always be a bad or annoying thing.

This ad, by Grey, Melbourne, Australia, is a great example of a responsible and great advertisement for the social cause of driving while under the influence of drugs. It is very clear, yet still clever, and gets the point across simply. There is no need for images because the point is made in text alone.


This ad, by Ogilvy & Mather, China, is a great example of promoting a social issue in a good way. The image itself is the message. It is so powerful, and really pulls at the emotional strings of the viewer. This reminds me of the ad where they put a manican of a woman in the street and had a message about women's abuse. It is images like this, that are right there in the street, that really grab your attention, that are so effective. This ad shows no offense to the issue, no humor, it is sympathetic and serious, but also gets the message across in a great way.



This ad for Partnership for a Drug Free America, by Mckinney, is addressing the social issue of drugs and does so in a good way. It has a simple but scary message addressing the effects of drugs without making it inappropriate or irrespsonsible. This ad, targeted at teenagers, I think addresses the issue better for the target audience. There are so many anti-drug campaigns out there that teenagers look at and laugh or think it is so cheesy or dumb, but I think since this one isn't too in your face, or too cheesy I think many teenagers may look at it and realize how gross it really is.

Irresponsible Ads

Sometimes advertisers lose sight of how much impact their work can have on society, they get lost in the competition or in the ugly jokes, or just in plain irresponsibility. This is a very sad phenomenon because advertising can have the power to help the world if it is done in a responsible way, but it is ads like these that we need to prevent from happening in the future.

Irresponsible:

This ad, by Venables, Bell & Partners, San Francisco, references the big competition between Audi and BMW. These two companies have recently been in a sort of Ad War, with the purposes of their advertisements being to appear better and put down the other. Both companies participated in putting down the other in a series of ads, taking the focus off the benefits of the cars and placing it on the competition. I think this type of advertising is less effective and just simply gets annoying. It seems like they should be trying to think of something creative to really put down the competition without directly saying "bmw stinks." Plus, it isn't just about putting down the competition. It should be more about building your brand.




This ad, by BBH in the US, is a good example of an ad that can be taken in an offensive way, and can be seen as irresponsible. One of the things that can be seen as irresponsible in this ad is the attitude about women. This ad makes it seem like women, billions of women, would go running towards a guy that smells good. Some might ask, are women really that shallow? Of course the aim of "The Axe Effect" campaign is the sexuality, but do women have to be portrated this way? Also, there are tons of women running around in bikini's. Some may see this as inappropriate for public television, and again for the portrayal of women. Although this campaign is based on the idea of sexuality, these ads can be seen as offensive and inappropriate.

When I saw this ad for the Adult Survivors of Child Abuse, by TBWA Australia, I was shocked. I did not think this was an appropriate way of addressing the issue of child abuse. I understand they wanted to shock the viewers and show that it isn't easy forgetting about child abuse, but it seems like they turned it into a joke even with the line of text at the end. There is no sympathy, there is no seriousness, and it just does not seem appropriate.

Artful Advertising

This advertisment, by DDB, Helsinki, Finland, can be seen as art in different aspects. First of all, it is new and original. You don't ever see a cow on a trampoline, it is a new idea. This isn't the typical advertisement showing the product or telling you to go eat at Mcdonalds. They took a new approach, with a simple statement at the bottom, to get their point across. Like art, this is definitely something that gets your attention. If you were flipping through a magazine, this ad would probably catch your eye and you would want to know what the advertisement was. The next time you are driving around thinking of what you want to eat, you might remember this advertisement and drive over to Mcdonalds, which is exactly what they are trying to do. Art has to be something original, eye catching, and have a lasting impression. With these characteristics, this advertisement definitely takes a new approach to Mcdonalds advertising as well as grabbing the viewer. To me, this ad is much more effective than simply showing the food because some people are immediately turned off by the food or they simply skip the ad because it is uninteresting.

This advertisement, from Energy BBDO, USA, is also artistic in the fact that it is original. They have taken a new perspective on the idea of "mist." Although it is an advertisement for Orbit Gum, it is not your typical gum advertisement. By putting a new spin on it, they get your attention. Just as art can take a subject and portray it in a new and more interesting way, this advertisement has taken the simple product of gum and given it a theme. Even the clothes of the girl are artistic in the fashion sense. She isn't simply clothed in a dress, but they have taken it further to incorporate the "mist" theme in her umbrella dress. No words or phrases are even needed, she is simply holding the product. Although this ad doesn't scream at you to get up and buy Orbit, it leaves a thought in your head, and sort of intrigues you. This is sometimes an artistic aim, to get the viewer thinking, and this ad has definitely gone out to a new idea to get it's audience curious.

This advertisement, by JWT, Melbourne, Australia, takes the artistic approach of shock factor and importance. One of the characteristics of art is the fact that it should surprise the audience and get their attention. This advertisement takes an important world issue, and puts it out there on the table in a very blunt way. Art has also been known to address social and political issues as a way of drawing attention to the issue at hand. Many people try to ignore these issues, but this advertisement makes it very difficult to turn the other direction without thinking about it. As soon as you see this ad, you are brought into it, either emotionally or from shock. Either way, the ad has brought you in, just as art should do. The great thing about this ad is it doesn't try to hide anything, it puts it out there for everyone to see.

This ad, by Weiden and Kennedy, US, has so many characteristics that make it artful advertising. One of the great things about this ad, is that it is able to go past the product and create an strong advertisement. Like art does, it captures and unifies the audience. Through the series of images, they create the feeling of power, strength, and struggle. Sometimes art takes a different approach to make a stronger impact, and this is what they have done here. They didn't simply show the shoes or the clothes, but with the music and images, they made you want to get up and just do it by the end of the commercial.






This commercial, by Mother, US, is one of those fun advertisements that makes you start singing along. It has created a fun atmosphere to an object not ordinarily thought of as a fun product, which perfectly exemplifies their new mini inspiron laptops. They have again brought a new perspective to the product, just as art aims to bring a new view or outlook on something. They have also made a great use of color and excitement to really make the ad pop. The main thing about this ad is that it is expressive. The use of colors, the song, the whole fun atmosphere is new and exciting and really gets the audience excited about the product. This ad shows how advertising can be as expressive as art can be, even using colors and bold ideas to bring in the audience.