Ad Roundup

Time to take a look at some of the latest print ads that are now floating around magazines and billboards across the globe.

Let’s start with this one, from the United Nations Children’s Fund.

I’m a big fan of this one. Simplicity always works well for print ads, but this one also has a “big idea” behind it. I don’t know if this is trying to make Americans uncomfortable, like “Shame on you for dropping the atomic bomb!” But it makes you stop and think. Which is a rare thing in most advertising today.

There have been quite a few Steve Jobs tribute ads surfacing in the days after the Apple co-founder’s death, but this is by far the worst I’ve seen.

Uh, yeah. So do I. But really? I’m not sure using the Time Machine logo is the best way to pay homage. Also, someone forgot to tell the copywriter that the first letter at the beginning of a sentence is always capitalized, unless your name is e. e. cummings. Eesh.

Now check out this Swedish ad for McDonald’s.

This ad proves Swedish ad agencies are far more creative than ones in America. I’m not sure something as brave as this would ever get published in the US. But I think it’s brilliant and the idea completely sold me. No clue how much 16 Sek is, but I’d probably be willing to fork it over if only to celebrate how clever this ad is.

Since Halloween is quickly approaching, every product wants to be re-branded to customers who aren’t 12 and dressing up as Lady Gaga who still might be celebrating the holiday.

Yes, it is a beautiful ad. But does it have a point? It doesn’t even play off the Halloween theme. Could use some more copy to tie in the Halloween theme with the design. Tell us why Guinness is the true brew of Halloween. (But really, we all know this is the true Halloween drink.) Ads need ideas. This is just the beginning of a concept.

Finally, a new ad from Wilson pines for the days when people actually played tennis, not just pretended to play it.

I can just see every 13-year-old guy saying “But a Wii is basically a racquet, right?” The ad is a bit confusing to figure out at first, but I think it does a nice job with the design. However, I don’t think the copy works hard enough convincing people that real tennis is better for them. I’ve played Wii tennis quite a bit and it actually does make you sore after a while. But it’s true what they say, it’s nothing like the real thing.

Do you have a favorite out of these five? Just don’t say the Apple tribute one. Because we can’t be friends if you pick that one.