Random Great Ad(s)

A Few Of My Favorite Things

No, I'm not going to break out into song right now, but a list of my favorite things include horses, sports, and beer (I'm 21 now, its okay to say that), so naturally, one of my favorite ad campaigns are the Budweiser Clydesdale commercials, especially the ones that run on the Superbowl. When my team, aka the Colts, (no, I am not a bandwagoner. If you're really curious ask) are for some ungodly reason not playing in the Superbowl, I mostly watch for the ads. And every year I truly look forward to the new Budweiser Clydesdale ads; thus, they are one of my favorite ads (right up there with 'Got Milk?' but that is too predictable for a farm girl).

The beauty of Budweiser Clydesdale ads, is that they don't really have anything to do with beer. At all. But the audience knows exactly what they are for. It is magic.
Here is a small collection of my all time favorites from the campaign. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

And now, my #1. My eyes might water up every time I watch it. 

These Ads...

So the first thing that came to my mind as I looked at these ads was 'too soon.' I'm sorry, but trying to make light out of a serious tragedy should be left to 1. your private friends/family 2. someone that is actually funny. An example is in 'The Hangover' when good ol' Alan says "Yeah, maybe after 9/11 when everyone got so sensitive." Too soon my friend, too soon.

The Norwegian Blind ads are just not okay. Yes, borderline funny, but just wrong.
Kenneth Cole, why? Horrible PR.
Why on earth would one connect gum to Ghandi? There are sooo many better people/things to use, thats just horrible.
And in the age of America's increasing obesity rates and body image issues, it just isn't okay.

another example (why are there more?!?!) of these offensive ads are the Groupon ads of the 2011 Super Bowl. Groupon You Join the Ranks of the 'Too Soon'

Lego Ads

I think these Lego Ads are super cool!! Star Wars Lego World

3 Outdoor Ads

These copy-only billboards definitely grab your attention. By adding promiscuity, it surpasses the typical ads campaigning to advertisers. A*ams Out*oor A*vertising idea is simple and easy for the reader to read and then think about. It allows the ads to stay in the audience's mind as they continue on their way. 

This is a different sort of 'billboard advertising.' East Coast Trains created miniature billboards and placed throughout London streets. I think this unique advertising would grab the attention of many. Last semester I studied abroad in London, and the streets are inundated with the typical outdoor ads. If I had seen one of these on the street, I definitely would have been interested. 

I think this billboard for Laubach Literacy speaks for itself. Just by using the 'before and after' idea, it gains attention and isn't hard for the reader to understand. If there was more than just the copy on there, it would just be unnecessary. The simplicity really makes this ad successful. 

I really love this ad. Not only because of the basketball aspect, but because of the idea in general. When I'm home with my friends, we're always searching for a place to play, and we normally overlook the YMCA. This creates awareness for the YMCA and the creativity keeps the billboard in the audience's mind, so it helps generate buzz for YMCA. 

This ad for Norwegian Airlines is really cool. They took the back of public transport buses in Sweden and transformed them into the iconic front of London double-decker buses. Seeing something like this in Sweden definitely would grab my attention, and make me curious for what it is for (which is to promote low fares on flights from Sweden to London). 

I think this Durex copy only billboard is hilarious. Although it is very racy and shocking, it is super funny! By maintaining its relevance to the product, it grabs the attention of the target audience in a create and unique way. I give it a 10 out of 10! 

Source: http://adsoftheworld.com/taxonomy/media/outdoor

3 Print Ads

Changing the Product

Milkaboom used the technique of changing the product from milk to a dove to help display their idea that by drinking milk you will feel lighter. I definitely think it is affective in promoting this. By mixing this concept with a bit of exaggeration (because lets face it, you're not going to turn into a bird after drinking milk), Milkaboom does a great job of making milk advertising fun. Simple, clean, and to the point -- my favorite! (and plus its promoting milk, TEAM DAIRY! #FarmLife)

 Playing With Time & Mixing and Matching & Exaggeration

Starobrno, a beer in the Czech Republic, promoted their beer by employing the techniques of playing with time and mixing & matching. By taking a historic scene and changing it up so that the warrior's goal is to open a beer (apparently a giant beer from the looks of that bottle opener), it makes a twist on a classic situation. At the bottom it states 'They All Thirst for Moravian Gold' which ads a bit of exaggeration into the mix. 

Exaggeration

This ad for Mint Z gum is an exaggeration, but it is so simple and applies to everyone, I think it is great! By suggesting that by chewing this gum, you'll gain the ability to craft this intricate pencil. It takes an ordinary, every day object, and makes it fun! 

Source: http://adsoftheworld.com/taxonomy/media/print

Superbowl Ad

Honestly, I was completely disappointed by the Superbowl 2011 ads. Everything ranging from the ridiculously inappropriate Doritos ads to the numerous car commercials that I can't even remember the difference between them. This is why I decided to do my all-time favorite ad, the Budweiser 9/11 Tribute.

Although I've already posted this one, it touches everyone on such a deeper level than any other ad has. Even though its from 2002, it still resonates with me. At this time in America, we were all still suffering though a tragic loss. I think that by addressing the country through this ad, it creates a vast audience. It obviously allows the viewer to identify with the ad, and shows this right in the ad. By showing their regards and respect via these iconic Clydesdales, Budweiser solidifies themselves as an American-hearted brand. It also shows a more serious side of Budweiser. And the brand displays its popularity/success in that it doesn't even need to say anything, simply show horses-with-huge-hairy-hooves pulling a wagon, and people automatically think *Budweiser.*

Even watching this ad today gives me chills. It is definitely my favorite of all time.