As a graphic designer, there is nothing that replaces research and inspiration when it comes to developing new ideas. Looking at work from other designers and artists, new and old, can provide a wealth of ideas and inspiration. Now let me clarify here; I am not suggesting you copy the work of others. I’m only suggesting that you be inspired to create your own.
Even as a client, sometimes you see an ad that appeals to you and you can envision your product as the focus of the ad. Of course your designer will not, and should not, copy the work of another designer, but maybe she can see what element or essence of the advertisement that appealed to you. She can then incorporate that feeling into an advertisement or design for you and your product line.
I absolutely love looking at advertisements from when I was a child or even from well before I was born. Some of the advertisements are comical in their blatant use of stereotypes and obvious male chauvinistic views. Sure, I can laugh at them and shake my head, but part of me has to ask what were they thinking. You can almost envision Darren in his office toiling over a new Ad designs and Samantha, the quintessential housewife, saving the day and Darren.
As a new weekly feature on my blog, and in honor of Throw Back Thursday, I am going to be posting some of my favorite vintage advertisements for my own version of TBT, Advertising Throwback Thursday. My first is a 1960 Advertisement for Prell Shampoo. A lovely bejeweled model with a crown of emeralds placed on sudsy shampooed hair elegantly twisted into a high bun. An oversized perfectly shaped emerald colored droplet of Prell falls from the tilted bottle in the lower right corner of the ad, keeping you on the page.
It would seem the use of emeralds, besides being the color of Prell, was meant to demostrate how luxurious their shampoo is. After all, Emeralds are definitely a luxury not just anyone can afford! But, we can all afford Prell!
So what do you think? Do think this advertisement would appeal to woman today? My thoughts, advertising sure has come a long way, but the fundamentals will always stay, appeal to what your market relates to using caution when it comes to making use of old stereotypes.
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