When I first came across these ads, since I rarely see any vase advertisements,  I thought they were beautifully done. Using fireworks in place of actual flowers was a smart move, making the ad look elegant and enhances the vase rather than compete with it. The fireworks also go along with their copy that gives the impression that their celebrating their 300th year. 

Repeated Concepts in Ads

"A memory which will never stop screaming." 2002
"Reporters without borders." 2006
"At work, little pains are hard to bear." 2008
"Relief for Sore Throats." 2008
After looking through several ads, I began to notice the same concepts for different issues and by different agencies. One of the difficulties I have in being in this class is coming up with new and creative ways to promote an issue or product. However, the problem I have with these ads (and I'm sure there's more, like the talking thumbs mentioned in class) is that I feel like its been done repeatedly and quite unsuccessfully. Out of the 4, the second one with a hand covering the man's mouth followed by the tagline "Reporters without borders" is working the best. What bothers me the most about these ads is that it's unappealing and outdated, yet it continues to be used. Although there might be a possibility of depicting the "mouth" in an aesthetically interesting way, it might be better to leave it alone for awhile since most of them are kind of creepy. 

Japanese/Korean Creative Advertisements

Here's an advertisement my friend once showed me that I love. If you haven't watched it before watch it! It inspires and stays with you long after it's over, which I think is part of good advertising. It's also a way of thinking outside the box. 

Porsche Ad Campaign

Here's a Porsche Campaign that I thought was conceptual interesting because it's a Porsche ad yet there's no picture of a car. Instead the company selling the speed of a Porsche by showing a cigarette, napkin, and leaf (soft items) going through a sign, pole, and tree trunk (solid) items. It's obviously over exaggerated, but that's what gets people attention. I don't think this is the most amazing ad I've seen, but it's an interesting one. If I hadn't seen the last one with the leaf or if it didn't have logo, it could've been a loitering ad. 

Guerilla Marketing

These ads are fun, eye-catching, and are part of Guerilla Marketing techniques. In Marketing Terms' (http://www.marketingterms.com/) these ads are "unconventional marketing methods intended to get maximum results for minimal resources." It's expected that the ads will spark so much interest that people won't be able to stop talking about it, which therefore spreads through word of mouth. I think this tactic is very effective and transforms advertising into something much more because of its interaction with the environment. It almost becomes like a novelty or memorabilia, something to keep record of.

EC: Graduate Walk-Through

I went to the Graduate Walk-Through reception expecting a lot of great graduate work. Although I did see some interesting work, it was less than I expected. Courtney and Joe, two graduate students I've shared a class with, both displayed samples of their work. Whereas, Courtney chose something more abstract with her Imperfect Die-Cut Study #2, Joe showed his Personal Annual Report and several posters. I liked the different mediums including Silvia's series of Time Wasted: An Experiment Project as well as the video projection showing the same theme. My only complaint is that I wish there were more student work. 

2007 Salvation Army Ads in Canada

I came across this 2007 Christmas ad campaign for the Salvation Army and thought it was very well developed, from the images to the tag line. All three consistently use the same if not similar shades of blue, placement of the figures mixed into the building or furniture with a subtle spotlight, and open space on the bottom so that the tag line and description can be easily read. The color and image work together for an emotional response of being isolated, uncared for, and in need. The ad brings attention to what many people see, but often times shy away from by avoiding the situation. However, this ad forces us to look more closely and reflect on our decision to see or turn away.