Final

This final assignment has been a challenge but intriguing one because it was done in a format that I have not done or even worked on before. It was an interesting, often confusing process but a necessary one because a graphic designer has to be able to operate in all forms of media including video which we did for our final project.

Speaking of which...

For the final project we were required to make a video promo along with a companion piece for the Graphic Design/Visual Communication option at Cal State L.A. Me and my partner Brett have finish the the assignment and we are quite proud of what we have done.  First the video promo is a fast-paced and energetic video that highlights the Cal State L.A. campus and shows the camaraderie, diversity, instruction and friendly environment among the students in the Graphic Design/Visual Communication. Our companion piece is a flier talking about what this option provides in terms of camaraderie, making friends, developing partnership, etc. that will be handed to students during freshman orientation at Cal State L.A.  All that is left to do is show it on Monday and hope that everybody likes it.

video:http://vimeo.com/38655489

2 Cool Ads

While browsing the web I decided to look for bus shelter ads.  Here are two that I found interesting.

This is a really funny ad for Je*s Jeans.

I have to admit it's kind brilliant: following the arrow down to see the copy thus exposing your butt to people is really funny and a clever idea for advertising jeans.


Another cool and interesting ad for Caribou Coffee at a Minnesotans bus stop.
ColleMcVoyCaribouCoffee.jpg

This really grab your attention. From what I know the Advertising Agency: Colle+McVoy of Minneapolis, MI made these real working ovens of these bus stops. They have real heaters and working clocks. What an awesome idea and what a creative display! Colle+Mcvoy really went all out for this.

While looking at many different kinds of advertising I have come to the understand that there are many different forms of advertising (print, T.V., electronic, etc.) that can be direct, efficient and compelling. One of them is outdoor advertising.

Outdoor advertising is any type of promotional display placed outside in public like billboards, bus stops, arenas, buildings, etc. The whole point of outdoor advertising is that it's trying to communication a message to the viewing public. Of course like any advertising medium one of the main aspects is that it grabs people's attention.  The ability to do that rest on the shoulders of very creative and hardworking individuals who take the time to know the products, have a sense of marketing, understand the target audience, etc. They are the ones who take mind-blowing visuals and turn them into an compelling ad for millions to see.

For example, here is an ad I came across the web:  http://www.billboard-outdoor.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/billboard.jpg

 

The visual aspects of this billboard is remarkable. The whole 3D look is impressive because it's goes beyond the normal measures of illusion and depth in advertising. The idea behind it (Gain's scent is so great that people are willing to climb the billboard just to smell the t-shirts that hang from it) is terrific as well and really fit in with the product its promoting.  This is just one of many examples of effective outdoor ads that succeed in getting its message across and gaining the public's attention.

Since taking Art 445 Advertising Art Direction I have notice that some of the best advertising does not limited itself to just print ads.

For example kiya1.jpg is what I believe is just really great advertising.  To have the bench resemble a kit-kat bar is awesome.  It's drawing attention because the color of the bench is just so similar to that of a normal bench that at first you don't really notice anything unusual.   Then looking at it closer, you see what kit-kat logo and suddenly the top part of the bench resemble a giant kit-kat bar. It's creative, innovative, interesting, and just really cool.  Advertising agencies who make this kind of ads are truly thinking outside the realm of normal and put out some really fantastic ads that really capture the public attention.

Another example is godsend.jpg from www.freemaninstitue.com/billboard.htm.  You know how people ask God to give them a sign? Now image your surprise one day when you drive down the street and you happen to look at this billboard. You first reaction would probably be what the hell? Then you become curious (and maybe a little weirded out) about this and want to know what it's all about.  This is good example of what advertising is about because it's not just enough to have people look at the ad then go about their day and forget about it. It has to get people interest enough in wanting to know more about it.

That I feel is the end result of successful advertising.

The next assignment is about making a 2 to 3 minute video that highlights the ascepts of the graphic design/visual communication program at Cal State LA as well as creating ads: one online and one offline.  I was a little confused as to how this video related to advertising but then I realized that the kinds of videos that showcase and highlight one's work and/or education program are in fact advertisement of sorts.  They are trying to "sell" the quality of their product to people who might be interested and want to know more. A big part of what makes these kinds of videos convincing is the mood/tone it sets and the messages it sends.

For example what i feel is as an good ad  is a commercial for the Art Institutes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzbnLFsAdwQ.  This 31-second video is effective in that it draws attention to certain items: food, furniture, apps, etc. These items are purposely blank because the commercial is asking who will create these blank white items? The answer of course is the viewer who wants or might want to pursue a career in  food cuisine, interior design, apps, and/or fashion design.  This commercial does it's job of showing just enough images (the blank items, the students working, making, and creating display of visual art) to make the viewer interested about this school and what it has to offer. The message I believe the commercial sends is that if you attend the Art Institutes, you can create the visual art that can be display in the future.  It's a powerful message especially if one really wants to pursue a career in the arts.