Ambient Media

Here are some great examples of ambient media campaigns I thought i would put up. The first is a pretty standard concept of altering the aesthetics of a bus stop (which reminds me of the eco-busstop from the Global Cities exhibition), to make it look like a changing room in a football stadium. The execution of this concept by TBWA on behalf of Adidas is excellent and really brings the idea to life; I also really like the way people may sit down and be completely oblivious to the way they look in such surroundings. Imagine an old couple sitting down having a natter in the Ajax changing rooms.... it definitely brings a sense of fun to an otherwise dull setting, and i think this is an example of how advertising can really enrich the surroundings of the general public.



This is another piece of ambient media that is really simple but so effective. The campaign was to find a Playboy 'reality' cover girl, and invited women on a beach to lie down and have a photo taken on a towel that has been laid out as a cover. This idea interests me as it creates a notion of the magazine coming to life, and making it real to people. People can immediately relate to it as the visual is there in front of them, and this notion is perfect for the concept of a reality cover girl- familiar, resonant and easily visualised

Rock On Gorilla

This is the best thing on tv at the moment. Don't ask me how it sells chocolate bars, but it gets people talking and it makes me chuckle.

Dove Pro-Age Campaign

This is on a similar theme to the vaseline ad, in that the advert makes a wonderful statement about the beauty of the naked body. This Dove campaign has a more topical edge to it, and acts as a commentary on the growing trend of a more conscious advertising industry- Dove are currently campaigning for 'real beauty' rather than the superficiality that they feel discriminates against the people in this advert. I love the music they have selected in this, the flamenco audio gives a defiant and passionate tone that corresponds perfectly to the poses of the models. There is a real sense of pride conveyed here and i admire Dove for stepping out and doing something different- so different that the advert is immediately watchable.

'Skin is Amazing'- Vaseline

I love this advert produced by BBH London for Vaseline. It is one of those ads that is inspired in its concept- to make people realise what an amazing gift the organ of the skin is. This is acheived primarily through the way this piece is filmed- the way it respectfully yet honestly treats the naked subjects of the film is something to greatly be admired. The scale of the images that are created using this huge number of bodies is also something to be marvelled at- there is something natural and comfortable in seeing all these people united together. I imagine it would have been a phenomenal experience to be involved with the filming of this advert, and it inspires me that such a simple idea as exposing the skin in its most natural state can produce a captivating piece of motion work.

Some Rugby Banter

With the World Cup coming up this month i thought i would put up some pieces that caught my eye...



Bit of background for anyone who doesn't know the craic about New Zealand. In the build up to every World Cup, New Zealand are consistently billed as one of the favourites, expected to reach the final at the very least and in most cases to win the whole thing. However they have consistently bottled it, or 'choked', most recently to their fierce rivals Australia at the last World Cup- hence the banter here about a choking kiwi. For those in the know, this concept and visual result in a very funny piece of design. For those who don't know rugby, it results in a very long winded, uninteresting explanation and a writer who feels like a twat.



With World Cup fever taking over France for the next month and a bit, the city of Paris felt that this ad would remind everyone just what the city was famous for, with brilliant results. Despite the unsettling image, i do think this is a fantastic piece of design, appealing to those who may not care very much for rugby but still want to enjoy Paris. A very funny visual and bit of topical design. Nice.

Onitsuka Tiger

This is a brilliant series from Onitsuka Tiger trainers. The images that they have created recently are incisive pieces of work, really rich visual images that are so rewarding for the viewer- from a simple object like a shoe they have produced various images that are beautifully created. The tag line 'Made of Japan' says so much about the whole campaign as well... these are not just objects manufactured in a country, but they are carefully created works that contain a small piece of Japan inside them. This is a spot on piece of design, from concept to the perfect execution of an inspiring visual.

Romeo & Juliet

A modern interpretation of Shakespeare's 'Romeo & Juliet' from the mind of Baz Luhrman. I love the style of this film and the way that it has been updated to modern times, while retaining the Shakespearean diction of the play- it makes for an almost overwhelming piece of film. Stylistically it is a great work of editing and camera angles, and i really respect Luhrman's bravery in undertaking such an intimidating work. A fantastic example of creative interpretation.