Eye Opening

Joe Alexander has a great collection of work that not only sells ideas, but Inspires, shocks, and challenges the viewer. The following ads are just some examples of his amazing work, look here to see more.

Inspiring

Its a good feeling when you walk away from an ad and feel inspired, moved, or in awe. The following pieces done by Joe Alexander, a former writer at the Martin Agency do just that.

How to Judge Advertising Campaigns

I'm reading the book "Hey Whipple, Squeeze This" by Luke Sullivan, and I'm sure many of you read and or own this book of great advice for those of us in the business of ads. I take this quote from page 4, of the chapter "Salesman don't have to wear Plaid" This is a quote by Norman Berry, who was a CD at Ogilvy & Mather:

"I'm appalled by those who [judge] advertising exclusively on the basis of sales. That isn't enough. Of course, advertising must sell. By any definition it is lousy advertising if it doesn't. But if sales are achieved with work which is in bad taste or is intellectual garbage, it shouldn't be applauded no matter how much it sells. Offensive, dull, abrasive, stupid advertising is bad for the entire industry and bad for business as a whole. It is why the public perception of advertising is going down in this country (Sullivan,4)."

Breaking the Mold: Dove Evolution

A classic now, this video shows how models are transformed from somewhat normal looking human beings to the "beautiful" figures we see on glossy magazine covers and ads all over the world. This video exposes the almost disgusting ways in witch the perfect face/ hair/ skin etc. are created. This was a great way for Dove to not only stand for something, and expose something new to it's audience, but really establish a good and honest advertising campaign.

this is an excerpt taken from Dove's current home-page. that sums up the campaign idea, and goal:

"At DOVE, we want to help free ourselves and the next generation from beauty stereotypes. It’s this message that’s at the heart of our campaign for real beauty and self-esteem fund, and it’s why we continue to create thought-provoking ads, confidence building programs, and messages that embrace all definitions of beauty. We’ve reached over 3.9 Million lives through the Dove Self-Esteem Fund so far. Our Goal is to reach 5 million by 2010. Won’t you help us? (http://www.dove.us)

A thing of Beauty

Some images from the DOVE Evolution campaign spanning across web/print and tv.

Tired of being ranked next to car salesman because trustworthiness, the branded folk are gathering together to make a difference. This blog stands as a place to share with others, and the world ways that advertising is doing good. Campaigns that reveal truths, not claim false results, or promise 3 easy payments of 59.99. This kind of advertising has a soul, and yes. It really exists.