My Advertisement

The ad I chose to write about is Walgreens Flu Shots “Arm Yourself for the ones you love.” It’s a very simple ad however it gets the message through to viewers. The ad target’s all individuals to receive their flu shots every year. Yes the content and design of the ad follows all the guidelines listed in Marchand’s article. The designer incorporated enough information to inspire viewers without overloading their view. I found my ad in a Women’s Health magazine, however, this advertisement is seen EVERYWHERE. You can find it on billboards, at Walgreens stores, and on commercials. The purpose of the advertisement is for a good cause and the phrases used can be very inspiring for individuals.

Elements of an Effective Layout

In the article “Elements of an Effective Layout,” author Dorothy Cohen uses several analytical tools in order for viewers to understand an advertisement. These elements consist of balance, proportion, movement, utility, clarity and emphasis. I think the most important would be balance and proportion. If I come across an advertisement where the main focus is specifically on one side and the image(s) and text(s) are not proportional with each other, it throws me off. It’s unprofessional like to have an advertisement looking this way. The least important would have to be emphasis. I feel like it just sums up what the other elements together consist of.

Democracy of Goods

The main goal of an advertisement is to get consumers to buy the product making it as fordable as possible. “The wonders of modern mass production and distribution enabled everyone to enjoy society’s most desirable pleasures, conveniences, or benefits.” (Marchand 213) The Democracy of Goods implies that advertisements show off the rich and wealthy knowing that the average Joes will fall for the ad to be “just like them.” I believe the Democracy of Goods is used in today’s advertising. 

Advertising

When thinking about successful commercial advertisements, the first thing that comes to mind is Coke commercials. I don’t recall every watching a Coke commercial and not liking it. They always seem to have a unique creative plot behind to finding of Coke. The commercials follow all the proper elements listed in Marchand’s article; balance, proportion, movement, utility, clarity and emphasis.

On the other hand, there is one company whose commercials I can NOT stand….Geico. I’ve never understood the relationship between the plot of the commercials and the company’s products. Their commercials come off as stupid and unprofessional like to me.