Taxi Montreal

Mini Cooper

This ad reminds me so much of the minimalist approach that Volkswagon took. It is highlighting the fact that it is small, something that isn't always considered positive, and making it a good thing. It is focusing on the car and not using sex or a GPS system to win over consumers and that makes it appealing. In the over exposed, fast moving culture we are a part of it is refreshing to see ads made that don't try to shock us and that focus on the small things. Small should stop being viewed as a small thing, especially in terms of a cars when the environment is in trouble, and this ad is a step in the right direction.

Wongdoody LA

Gossip Girl

This Gossip Girl campaign encompasses the show perfectly. All it takes is a scandalous picture and a tag line like "a nasty piece of work" to make the week until the next episode practically unbearable. Not only does this drive people who watch Gossip Girl religiously like me crazy but it attracts new viewers from the same age group. If I saw this ad and hadn't watched Gossip Girl before, I would definitely start. I think Gossip Girl and Wongdoody have a bright future with this campaign.

Venables Bell & Partners SF

Orville Redenbacher Popcorn

This campaign for Orville Redenbacher is clever. They found a way to take on the competition without being tasteless or immature. Their competition is other snack foods and in their ads they show how much larger their portions are while still managing to be 100 calories. They make Pac Man out of popcorn eating the small, fewer amount of crackers. Weight is a growing concern driving people to eat less but this ad shows them that they can still eat just as much and consume the same amount of calories they would if they ate only a couple crackers. The ads are simple and to the point but aren't boring. I would look at this ad and automatically know what it was trying to portray even before reading the copy.

Mother NY

Target

These Target billboards were put up after Labor Day weekend in Times square and would later be turned into bags. The ads are very bright and colorful which catches your attention and the fact that they take up this much space in a place as busy as Time Square makes them seem important. Target is one of the brands that doesn't need to put words or products on their advertisements, just that Target sign and you know exactly what it's for and I think thats a rare accomplishment that most brands strive for. All of these designs are fun and appealing and if you saw this ad and then saw it on a bag you would be more inclined to buy it because you recognize it. I like that they are doing something new with their advertising that engages the consumer and obviously spreads the brand.

Droga5 NY

Puma

I had a smile on my face the entire time I watched this ad. This commercial titled "Hardchorus" was released February of this year for Puma posing the question what do you do when Valentines Day falls on Match Day? They made it possible to send this video to people to show them how you felt on Valentine's Day. This ad connects soccer and romance by having soccer players and fans sing love songs that they would sing in the stands to the team. The large group of men is so into it that you can't help but love every minute of the ad. They made the ad interactive by allowing viewers to dedicate it to someone through email or facebook with their own personal messages. I think men can relate to this ad because they know the familiar feeling of having to choose between their girlfriend or wife and watching the game with their friends. The truth behind it is what makes this ad so great and with any luck gets someone out of trouble on Valentine's Day.

David&Goliath NY

Kia

I like this Kia "A New Way to Roll" campaign. It's simplicity is what make's it work. The rows and rows of robots, sheep, and pawns make the car stand out and seem special and different. It is breaking the social norm and doesn't look like everything else. You automatically know where to focus your attention in this ad and I like that it's straight to the point. This ad reminds me of a lot of the Volkswagon ads in the way that it doesn't dwell on all of the different appliances and advantages of the car it just shows that it's something special in itself and in it's simplicity. Things like robots are controlled by other people and obedient and this car is different and new and breaks the repetition.

Secret Weapon LA

Jack In The Box

I have come to realize that fast food restaurants that have a face to identify, like McDonald's Ronald McDonald and Jack In The Box's Jack, with are much more memorable. I think this spot is hilarious. It is a common known fact that 24 hour fast food restaurants are a late night destination for stoners and that's what makes this ad so funny. The best part by far is the end when Jack tells him to order thirty tacos. The largest target market for fast food is teenagers and I think this ad would appeal to them. Not only is the subject of the ad a teenager but the humor is boyish as well. Not to mention, tacos for 99 cents are completely in the teenage and college budget.

Rethink Vancouver

Orkin Pest Control

I think this is a clever campaign for Orkin pest control in Canada. Their copy "pests have nowhere to hide" is portrayed by all of the objects and appliances in the room virtually being wallpaper leaving no hiding places. They are highlighting their reliability and efficiency. There is an ad like this for each room of the house, showing that there are no limits and that they can get the job done anywhere. I like the thoughtfulness of the ad. There are no people or pests, the picture and copy say it all and I like that about these ads. They give the viewer credit for their intelligence and don't throw a picture of what they do or what they catch in their face. They make a clean, simple, to the point ad.

Modernista Boston

Cadillac

I remember seeing the Cadillac ad with Kate Walsh on television for the first time, and hearing the line "The real question is when you turn your car on does it return the favor?" and thinking what a great line that is. This campaign was a good move for Cadillac because I always associated Cadillac with old women and this campaign is sexy and edgy. By using Kate Walsh and a seductive script it brings youth and excitement to a brand that has been around for a long time and because of that attracted a much older crowd.

Cramer-Krasselt Chicago

Carona

I think this Carona campaign is very successful because every time I think of Mexico and the beach, Carona is the next thing that comes to mind. It has developed such an environment that comes along with it that makes it so much more desirable. When I look at this ad, I want to be on the beach. They always use the bottles to incorporate the beach, for example this one has a full beer as high tide and an almost empty one as low tide. When someone asks me to list beers, Carona is one of the first and when I'm in Mexico I order one just because of ads like this and that is an amazing effect for an ad to have. As much as I like other ads, I have never been influenced by one as much as Carona. Definitely one of my favorite campaigns.

Doner Detroit

Minute Maid

This spot was made to satisfy the demand for nutrition as well as shed new light on Minute Maid as a product. When I think of Minute Maid I think of the classic orange juice and I think it was good that they refreshed their brand image. This spot isn't a masterpiece but it's a good laugh and the slogan "Put Good In.Get Good Out" is catchy and easy to remember. I can say for myself that I remember seeing this ad on tv. In watching this ad and thinking about the other ads I have talked about on this blog I have come to realize that it is much easier to make an artistic and powerful print ad than a commercial. That is why most commercials are light and funny like this one.

Richards Group

Kiwi Shoe Polish

I think these ads are hilarious. The copies are very clever and thoughtful. It doesn't over sell the product and acknowledges the fact that shining your shoes is a minor part of a man's appearance by comparing it to other minor but important things. In saying lines like you will raise your chances from a 0 to 0.001 for dating a super model they are almost making fun of their product but in a charming, endearing way. It isn't saying this is the most amazing product in the world or exaggerating the effects of it like all of the Axe ads where women are drawn to men that wear Axe like magnets. This ad is simple and right to the point and finds the good in the product without making something up.

BBH London

KFC

I have mixed feelings about this ad. While I appreciate the creativity of the handprint making the shape of a drumstick, I have trouble getting past the fact that the handprint is grease from KFC chicken. The thought of licking my fingers after eating KFC kitchen makes me want to cringe. However, I do appreciate the fact that this isn't a picture of a giant bucket of chicken. The copy "Finger Lickin' Good" once again makes me want to cringe but I like the message that even when you're finished eating you still don't want to stop, you just can't get enough. Despite the grease, this is definitely one of the better fast food ads I have seen. It's difficult to market Fast Food and I appreciate the fact that it's different and that it's not trying to be somehting its not and hide the fact that its greasy food unlike Taco Bell's ridiculous Drive Thru ads.

Wieden + Kennedy Portland

Levi's

I really like this Levi's campaign. It does take the form of the stereotypical jean ad where there is a topless model wearing only the jeans but it doesn't carry the same sex factor. The person in the ad is raw and real and that is what Levi's wants it's jeans to be. The jeans she is wearing are baggy and dirty, not form fitted. She is in the middle of a field walking, not in a club or on top of a guy. She is in nature and is free. The ad is adventurous and inspiring. The copy "All I need is all I got" has this strong go with the flow appeal to it. It makes you want to get outside and explore and even though Levi's is a label the superficiality of fashion and brands seems to go out the window. This ad is refreshing in more ways than one.

Dentsu China

I think this ad is very artful. The image of a samurai and the copy "So sharp that it cuts iron sheets like paper" makes this ad very specific to China and not very universal but the company it is advertising for is specific to China so it works. It is a very creative advertisement for scissors. It is obviously a very intricate design which speaks to the quality of the scissors and the precision in which they work. I have to say I would have no idea what this ad was for with or without the copy if the scissors weren't in the right corner but I still really like the ad.

Kirshenbaum Bond

TAB Energy Drink

These ads make women feel good about themselves, and inspire them to be fun and exciting. The copy's are cute and witty and encourage women to go out and have an all nighter at a club and dismiss clothes that don't fit as ugly because they are "fabulous". The women in the ads are young and pretty and are drinking Tab out of a martini class. I think this is a clever way to market a woman's energy drink. The ads themselves have a lot of color and energy. They translate well to their target market, young women. When I saw this ads I wanted to go out and have fun.

Cliff Freeman & Partners

Sauza Tequila

I think this a creative way of saying that the tequila is good quality without blatantly saying that. It's edgy but it works because the ad is for alcohol. If I drove by this the copy "your mom just bought a thong" would catch my attention very quickly and probably make me laugh. That being said, I don't think it is directed at the right age group. Thinking about your mom in a thong is something teenagers would get embarrassed and joke about, not people that are over twenty one. I also don't think it's placement is appropriate. A child driving by could see this ad and get the wrong idea. It is too controversial of a product and ad to have in such a public place. To put this in a men's magazine on the other hand would be ok.

VitroRobertson

Asics

This ad promotes more than just running. There are two runners and the copy "lacking the breath to speak has a way of making you a better listener" shows that running can be a way to form relationships as well. Finding someone that likes to do what you do. Many believe that if you slow down and listen to someone and don't talk to fill the space you can really get to know someone and I think that's what this ad is trying to convey. There is a clear focus on the shoes in the ad, promoting Asics but there is more to the picture as well making it pleasant to look at. The people also look very fit and have desirable bodies which would inspire people to run.

Crispin Porter Bogusky Singapore

Burger King

...Really? It comes as no surprise that this ad was pulled the day after it was released. I am all for being clear and getting a point through but this ad is so suggestive that a sandwich is not where your mind goes when you look at this ad. It sells sex, not a sandwich. This ad is clearly targeting men but a girl is eating it. In short, this ad is inappropriate and is the reason so many people dislike advertising. There are so many great ads in the world but they are overshadowed by, for lack of better work, crap like this. You would expect more from an agency that worked on the truth campaign.

McKinney

Above the Influence

I have always wondered who was behind the above the influence campaigns and now I know. I think this ad is really creative. The copy "What's the worst that could happen" with the photo of two bugs trying bug spray is very clever. The obvious message is that drugs can kill you. The picture is so bizarre that you definitely take a couple seconds to look at it. I have always liked the above the influence campaign. I think it is an important issue to address that effects a lot of teenagers. Peer pressure is a constant force in a young adults life and I like that one of the bugs is handing it to other bug portraying that fact. The ads have always been good at portraying that without sounding like a Drug-Ed class. The target market is teenagers and the ads are always for a young audience.

Euro RSCG Chicago

Juvenile Protection Association

I think this ad is really powerful. The arm that is made up of demeaning words like moron and fool is both artistic and has a large impact on the person looking at this ad. They are obviously trying to pull some heart strings with this photograph but it is appropriate because of the cause they are raising awareness for. It is a serious issue being advertised so it deserves attention. If I saw this ad in a magazine I would take a second look and pay attention. Nobody likes seeing a little boy cry but in some cases in takes showing someone something that they don't want to see in order to create change. This ad combines reality with art.

Arnold Worldwide

Reese's Perfect

I think these ads are adorable. I was immediately attracted to them for various reasons. The obvious one is that the candy looks delicious but I also really like the format of the ad and the fact that the entire ad stays true to Reese's colors. The best part is obviously the copy though. They are clever and witty and they make you laugh and in turn happy which is a good feeling to associate with candy. They are entertaining. You can create your own perfect Reese's ad on the Hershey's website which demonstrates what a hit this ads are. Definitely one of my favorite ad campaigns.

Team One

NHL Fan Network

Team One made this campaign for the NHL Fan Network. I think it's funny that they brought the hockey game to fans doing things that have nothing to do with Hockey such as making out on the couch or disarming a bomb. It shows the full spectrum of people that are fans of hockey. I wouldn't have known what this ad was for just by looking at it though, it could be for so many different things and I think that's its flaw. A copy would help solve that problem

The Kaplan Thaler Group NY

Trojan

I think the roller coaster is clever, implying that sex and an orgasm is as exciting as a roller coaster ride with the copy 'make one each special'. It definitely is straight to the point with the word orgasm making up the entire ad which I think would make people take a second look at it. There is nothing incredible about this ad but Trojan is a hard client to have. It does it's job in getting attention and appealing to a certain target audience.

Fallon London

Sony Cybershot

I think this is a good ad for a camera. It gives the consumer all of the power, and doesn't tell them what to shoot or a picture of something commonly considered beautiful. The pictures are the person, as said in the copy "you are what you shoot". People don't really get digital cameras like the Cybershot to take amazing photographs, they get them to have memories. It is visually artistic and engaging. I can't say that I think this ad is particularly original because I know that I have seen camera ads like this before but I like it and appreciate its message and artistic quality.

Leo Burnett New Delhi, India

McDonald's

This ad is thoughtful. It is for the opening of a new McDonalds so it showing a a new born baby. The Ronald McDonald face makes it quickly associated with McDonalds, being that he is one of the most well known figures in the world. I really like that this ad isn't a picture of a hamburger advertising cheap prices like most McDonald's ads. The other great thing about this ad is that the copy isn't necessary this ad could translate to anyone with any culture or language. The baby doesn't have a race, being that it is painted white to look like Ronald McDonald and is very clearly states the message. This ad should appeal to everyone.

Saatchi and Saatchi Copenhagen

Quicksilver

I think these ads are very artistic and creative. Usually jean advertisements are of topless models wearing the jeans in compromising positions but this something new and different. It portrays jeans in a completely different way. The fact that quicksilver is often associated with the beach it is appropriate that the animals made in the campaign are in the ocean. Quicksilver is often targeted at young boys and I think this is an ad that would attract them. It is scary and masculine but also young. This ad wouldn't make a grown man want to wear the jeans, but to a ten year old boy this would seem really cool and appeal to them.