Advertising as Art

There has been a lot of debate in the art world about what constitutes art. When advertising entered into play, the definition of "art" has been questioned even further. Typically, when one thinks of art, they think of paintings, sculptures or ballet. I chose the following five ads according to this stereotype. Three look as if they are paintings, one has been designed on photoshop and the other is made of a collage of yellow paper that forms a black plane in the center. These of course are not the only forms of advertising I consider to be "art," but I feel as if there would be little hesitation about these particular five. I believe that art is about passion, creativity and individuality. If your advertisement have those three key elements, then I would most likely consider it a work of art.

Ads that are Socially Irresponsible

The following three ads are socially irresponsible because they all degrade women by solely portraying them as sex objects who will do anything for guys. Society needs to set a positive image for young girls that will teach them to be strong and independent women who are able to stand on their own and make a difference in the world.


Paris Hilton Carl's Junior ad


Nando's Restaurant Ad


Jim Bean

Ads that are Socially Responsible

The following ads are very socially responsible and are examples of what a good message advertising can set for people in our society. The first Ad is for Dove Campaign for Real Beauty and it stresses the importance of teaching young girls to loves themselves for who they are before the beauty industry does. It is a powerful and well done spot. The second is a very funny spot that talks about how important it is for father's to be involved in their children's lives. The third is a truth ad to prevent smoking. I was very moved by this ad and found it to be extremely powerful.


Dove Campaign for Real Beauty: Ogilvy and Mather


Public Service Announcement: Be an Involved Father


Truth Campaign: Body Bag

Strawberry Frog

This ad done by Strawberryfrog's Amsterdam office, is really funny and different. I really like how it indirectly gets its main message across that the Chevrolet is very calm, safe and reliable, by having it sit next to the crazy dancing car. The dancing car is what makes this commercial funny and interesting. The dancing car is key because it shows how other car companies besides Chevrolet are wild and unruly, and that only with a Chevy will you have no problems.

AMV/BBDO

AMV/BBDO in London has done some great campaigns for "The economist." The have begun to stray from the typical straight-laced and traditional ads for "The Economist" using only red and white. This new ad "shockingly" ads black and grey into the mix. Also, you definitely haven't seen teddy bears on an Economist ad before. I really like the copy in this ad, but I'm not so sure about the visual. Although I think all the stuffed animals are very cute, I'm not sure they are appropriate for the audience that reads the economist. In some ways I think the visual might turn people away, especially if they don't read the copy.

Modernista!

Modernista! in Boston has done some exceptional work for car companies like Cadillac and Hummer. Their campaign for Cadillac CTS with Kate Walsh has been very successful. I really like the tv commercial she stars in to promote the Cadillac CTS. In these Cadillac ads, Modernista! is skilled at using great copy as well as visuals. this particular, print ad of Kate Walsh walking away from the red CTS is ok-nothing special, but that is not the point. The point of this print ad is to jog your memory of the tv commercial of her in this same car and it definitely does this job. Another really cool thing Modernista! has going for them is their really awesome website that is seamless with Google. I look forward to seeing what else they come out with in the future.

Mother

Mother's London office takes a totally different approach to their beer advertisement for Stella Artois than Ground Zero did for Beck's. Mother is trying to compare Stella with paradise, old-time glamour and the feeling that you are on a vacation. I like the look of this print ad a lot. The visual elements of this ad remind me somewhat of the print campaign Arnold did for Amtrack.