WPP

O.K. I’m going to show some print ads for WPP Group, I think that print ads are great to look at because there’s obviously no sound and no video so it’s completely different in the way that it gets the message across. It’s the subtleties that matter.

Ogilvy & Mather

Durex - Singapore
This is a print ad done for Durex condoms. I may be a prude, but I think this is a little inappropriate. I know advertising for condoms is difficult but if you look at ads done for Durex by other agencies such as McCann, you realize there are definitely other ways. I’m not sure where this ad was published, but unless it was in an adult magazine I think it’s too much. I don’t think any parent should have to explain this ad to their child that might stumble across it looking through a magazine at the doctor’s office or something. It’s funny and creative but in my book, it crosses the line.

Tabasco – Johannesburg – South Africa
O.K. I feel bad for hating on Ogivly, so here’s a print ad that I DO like. It’s for Tabasco. I feel like Tabasco has a very strong customer base and they know who they’re catering to. You either like hot stuff and hot sauce or you don’t. And if you DO, then I think you would get a real kick out of this ad. It’s a great visual and is really entertaining for the eye. Pat on the back for Ogilvy.

Y&R

Land Rover – “Above the Clouds” – London
I’ve always wanted a Land Rover Defender, but for some odd reason they won’t put an airbag in it so that it can come to the U.S.. I think it’s a secret plot coming straight from the Queen of England to ensure that no one will ever be as cool as her haha. Anyway, this is a really cool ad and really exemplifies the “Go Beyond” slogan. And at least it’s the defender and not the range. The defender could go up that mountain just as easily as it goes to the grocery store. Also, nice choice on the red color… the cherry on top.

JWT

PETA – “All animals have the same skin” – Kuwait
Usually PETA has ads that are offensive to some and appropriate to others. I think this one from JWT is exactly what they should have been doing all along. It makes you think about things in a different way, and hopefully will drive people to action instead of offending. I’m really glad JWT toned down PETA and came up with a fantastic compromise.

Grey

Lenor fabric softener – Polonia
You know when you’re flipping through a magazine and you stop and stare at an ad, even though it’s an ad you take a second and stop to really see what’s going on. This is one of those ads. It’s creative and the message is hidden. You have to spend a little bit of time with the ad to put all the elements together. But it’s worth it because you’re rewarded at the end.