OK, there it is... an ad. But, this is the conundrum: I have to look psat that, to see how it works. Finding the signs, and what they signify, to tell us about the product.. and why we should buy it. Things to notice like colour, shapes, the words used, the typeface used, etc etc etc.. I know this sounds kinda weird in all, but all I'm asking is: Why does this ad work? Why does it click? And why does it draw a viewer in? What response does it provoke?
Lets get some feedback
-------------------- From Kat Johnston (previously Katie Wright, for those who can remember that far back) Posts: 530 | From: Brisbane, Australia | Registered: Feb 1999
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It's seduction...a plump meal for a hungry person, and cold beer to a thirsty one. Then of course, there's styrofoam chickens for red headed australian women, ha ha ha.
posted
No, I'm not asking you to do my homework It's actually for an exam. We have to do a semiotic analysis of this ad. we can get any help we want to before the exam...
What I have to do in a nutshell: rip the image to pieces, find each sign, and their meaning, put them back together, and find the overall meaning of the image.
Any help given would be much appreciated.. you guys might pick up something that I won't..
-------------------- From Kat Johnston (previously Katie Wright, for those who can remember that far back) Posts: 530 | From: Brisbane, Australia | Registered: Feb 1999
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Not knowing the company logo (TagHeuer) I am thinking it is the watch they are trying to sell.
First thing I noticed is they are using the great Timex style..Which was that the hands were always set at 10 minutes to 2 o'clock..But theirs is set at 10 minutes after 10 o'clock.
The diamond stainless unit itself doesn't look like it should be on this person. It seems to be something that is worn with dinner or business attire.
Now if it is the watch that is being advertized here, then why isn't the model wearing one?
Like I said of never hearing of this company before maybe they are selling the Clothes..
It doesn't make me run to the Mall to find to Jewelers or Clothing Store.
But what do I know anyway!
LOL
-------------------- Stephen Deveau RavenGraphics Insinx Digital Displays
Letting Your Imagination Run Wild! Posts: 4327 | From: Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, Canada | Registered: Jan 2000
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posted
Stephen, She is intentionally in the kungfu pose to show the strength aspect. She obviously shows some beauty. The watch has been likened to her and, her to the watch. The ad is very powerful in its attempt to grab your attention.......I find one very big mistake asking the question "what are you made of"..... I feel that a very small percentage of people will feel that they are in good enough shape to wear it and the rest are just to ugly. Seems to be asking for a very limited clientel.....Bronzeo
-------------------- "Don't change horses in midstream, unless you spot one with longer legs" bronzeo oti Jack Davis 1410 Main St Joplin, MO 64801 www.imagemakerart.com jack@imagemakerart.com Posts: 1549 | From: Joplin, MO | Registered: Mar 2000
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TagHeuer are well-known for the more classic Swiss Army Watch. Maybe they are trying to "sex-up" their image...the Swiss Army watches are nice, but not that style. Are they trying to distance themselves from that image? Re-inventing themselves? I don't know if they always sold this style of watch...
The Jet Li/Jackie Chan type image is popular in movies- maybe they are trying to appear hip?
I agree with Stephen- she looks like she is either angry or just getting out of a car driven by Schumacher (or getting out of the way of one... )
-------------------- Steve Burke Cascades Inc NS Canada
If at first you don't succeed, skydiving isn't for you Posts: 359 | From: NS Canada | Registered: Jan 2002
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posted
The body language directs my eye to her hands, and they are the entry to the text. The text becomes hard to read as the contrast is lowered as it crosses the watch band, holding the eye there close to the logo for the brand recognition. Although this ad is not particularly beautiful, it still clearly directs my attention to a small element that could have been much larger.
Tell us Katie, what do you see that works in this ad?
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6718 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Who says the ad works? Is there any information to say that this model of watch sold more units solely because of this particular advert? If there is info to that effect then the question is legitimate. If it is the case that this ad sold more watches then... My impression of the advert based on first impression is that the model's facial features & pose have been exagerated by lighting, photoshop or both to suggest a Tomb Raider/Action film type of pose. A person in motion presumably on their way to save us all from some unspeakable doom. (Or possibly a dance party at which they intend to do same) To me, the way in which the image of the watch bleeds off into the bottom of the design infers a feeling of a blueprint or design message... "What Are You Made of?" Like I said, first impressions. I'd like to know if there is really any objective information as to whether the ad was any more sucessfull than 100's that they produce. Oh sorry, you can't ask lecturers questions about a design they like can you? David
-------------------- David Fisher D.A. & P.M. Fisher Services Brisbane Australia da_pmf@yahoo.com Trying out a new tag: "Parents are the bones on which children cut their teeth Peter Ustinov Posts: 1450 | From: Brisbane Queensland Australia | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
One has to consider the demographics of their intended market and their approach to that market.This ad may be pointed towards an oriental demographic group,my best guess is Taiwan as the copy is in english,...If the model is considered chic in that society then the watch may be exactly where they want it,...parralled beside what is currently considered modern and desirable. Possibly the current fad there,...The dark areas around the models eyes are an old contrast effect to draw attention to that area of the picture,as with the wild direction of the hair the lines are in contrast to the lines of the rest of the design.Another artistic illusion is the plane that begins with the lower reflection of the watch. The copy divides the actual watch from the reflection and the placement of the models hand actually is positioned to give the illusion of a plane that is not there some what like a glass tabletop.This illusion gives the copy a sort of base to rest upon instead of simply floating in mid air.
posted
If the ad wants to project the stength and beauty aspect through the model's clothes and action pose, why is it necessary for them to solidify it with dimininshed text? They may sense the point does not come across. The reflection of the watch in a mirror image is fairly clear, but the lack of reflection of the other text and objects leaves a void. The unclear text in the lower portion is wasted.
posted
I like it! It tells the story of a tough sexy lady who is a bit wild, who knows what she wants. The hand directs your eyes to the copy which brings them to the watch. The time says 10:10.(and a bit more) She is a '10' with great taste. This is the message they are trying to convey.
posted
WATCH COULD BE ON HER LEFT HAND...THE WATCH & THE DETAILS ON THE BAND INDICATE ERECTION !
LOVE ME!"THE WATCH" IF YOU PUT YOU HANDS TOGETHER LIKE THE WATCH THE CONNOTATION IS: " ICON WORSHIP " ALSO THE LOCATION & COLOR OF THE LOGO REPRSENTS AN " ORIFICE " PARALELL WITH HER ONEZEE... "ORI" AS IN ORIENTAL
HER FACE... HAVE YOU MET ONE-EYE?
-------------------- james perkins boston, ma Posts: 38 | From: boston | Registered: Jan 2002
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posted
Kook for what this is worth,Tag Heur used to be a a really fine piece,but in recent years have gone the way of Rolex (having the name and the look) and become more jewlery than some finely crafted timepiece. Thats the message they're trying to convey here and in most of their ads...sure,our products tell time and the like,but they are worn by "those in the know" and like the others said,the hip,trendy and beautiful. It also says very subtely 100% strength,100% beauty...other watch ads explain accuracy,jeweled movemnets etc. Having what are you made of? in bold print is a direct challenge to the reader to "step up to the plate" and join the "in" crowd by buying a TAG,in orer to make you want one so you can become the 100% beautiful and strong person they have pictured. The ad isnt about selling a watch it's about selling an image,which is looking good. She's posed like that because she knows she loks good,but does she look good enough to wear a TAG...that kind of thing. ALso,the watch reading 10:10 doesn't signify anything,it's used in just about every watch ad you could hope to see (time set at 10:10) because it puts the hands in an "eye friendly" place for them to be viewed with the rest of the watch and it frames the brand name on top and the movement classification on the bottom and leaves a clear view of the date window. The ad is also very monochrome if you notice,with the model and the watch being very similar in color,and the TAG HUER on the bottom boldly in vivid colors so you can plainly identify which brand it is even though its not very visible on the face. I would also say that this ad is directed at females with the bracelet band and diamond bezel around the face. Just my .02
-------------------- Gavin Chachere Plotter in the garage,New Orleans La.
"Sgts Shugart and Gordon again request permission to rope down to crash site two" Posts: 1223 | From: new orleans.la. | Registered: Mar 2000
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posted
What speaks to me is the phrase "What are you made of?"
Compare the watch and the model.. The watch is made of the model.
The model's rhinestone top = diamonds in the watch surround.
The sexy platinum pants = the sleek platinum finish on the watch
The wild hair and the pose = power and movement, signifying a tough watch that could be taken anywhere, not just a fancy dinner.
100% strength, 100% beauty = reinforces the power and movement but also states while the watch is tough, it's still beautiful enough to wear to a formal event or fancy dinner.
The watch shares the same sexy, powerful attributes with the model.
I also notice the hands on the watch face.. it seems the hour hand is tryin to pull your attention to the model's face, which has been highlighted and darkened in key areas to make you really look at her. The second hand is directing you towards the copy at the bottom.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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posted
The maniquin is not wearing a watch, its not alive its a dummy.
The maniquin is dressed chic with wild hair which appeals to a younger crowd. Younger means a need to feel like they belong to a group or the "in" crowd..
What are you made of? Plastic? or are you a alive.? Or, it could mean are you tough enuf to wear this watch. Teh color seems to be a col blue or grey shade which leads to the cooler feelings. Its a tough world..
Implication are u a dummy for not wearing a watch, Now this watch is really cool. You won't be a dummy for wearing it..
You are alive so buy this watch... Not necessarily wear it.. You would own iot if you want to give the image of living this type of lifestyle...
-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5274 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
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posted
Thankyou for all the responses thus far... keep it up, please!! Im'a takin' notes
-------------------- From Kat Johnston (previously Katie Wright, for those who can remember that far back) Posts: 530 | From: Brisbane, Australia | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted
Time to go home! Can't even spell the word right..
[ May 16, 2002, 08:54 PM: Message edited by: J & N Signs ]
-------------------- Mario G. Lafreniere (Fergie) J&N Signs Winter did show up! Posts: 1257 | From: Chapleau, Ontario | Registered: Jun 1999
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It's actually for an exam. We have to do a semiotic analysis of this ad. we can get any help we want to before the exam...
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