Pretty in Print: Shanghai

For this week's feature of Pretty in Print, I will be sharing stunning ads from Shanghai, China. They show some aesthetics that are distinct to eastern cultures, making their ads quite refreshing, especially in the realm of art direction. I think these ads are effective, showing a universal message that a global consumer market can appreciate. A good ad translates. It not only appeals to its specific geographical market, but it draws in all.

Shanghai is China's largest commercial and financial center with a population of over 23 million people. The city is a beautiful blend of modern and traditional Chinese culture.  With a culture that focuses on the pursuit excellence and innovation, Shanghai undoubtedly presents many creative pieces of advertising to reach out to its many consumers.

Here's a few of my favorite ads:

1.     Hitachi Brand: "World of Wind"
        Y&R Shanghai

Pretty in Print: Germany

I am a little late on this one. Pretty in Print is my bi-weekly feature. I highlight creative print ads from a certain country. This week I am looking at some of the best from Germany:

1.   TUS Haltern: Souvenirs
Scholz&Friends, NRW

"You can leave Haltern with souvenirs. But not with points"

Pretty in Print: Brazil

Hello! This is the second feature for Pretty in Print. Two weeks ago we looked at the beautiful art in print ads from Russia in Pretty in Print: Russia.

 Today we are venturing to South America to the land of white-sand beaches, wild rain forests and bustling cities. That's right-- Brazil.

These are what I think to be some of the most captivating creative pieces of print advertising straight out of Brazil:

1.     Zoo Safari: Lion

        DDB Sao Paulo

Body Art in Ads

"The Church says: the body is a sin. 

Science says: the body is a machine. 

Advertising says: The body is a business. 

The Body says: I am a fiesta."

-Eduardo Galeano, Walking Words

1.     Ford Environmental Conservation Award

        JWT, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Animal Selfies

Monkey see, monkey do?

I know a gorilla is not a monkey... same idea though!

Animal Selfies for National Geographic is an advertising campaign from Sao Paulo, Brazil for National Geographic and stock photo agency Diomedia. This photo series came out last Spring, but it is absolutely adorable so I will share it with you now. It says one thing that may or may not be for the better: selfies are NOT going away.

Think Small

Nothing is small in America. Big burgers. Over-the-top mansions. Wanting more and taking more: over-consumption is the cornerstone, unfortunately, of the country I come from. America the great.

That's why Volkswagen's ad from the 1960s is brilliant. While everything else about American culture was trying to be more, they showed that less could be more.

Think small.

These cars were built by the Nazis, looked like bugs, but became iconic to post-war (World War II) Americans. Cars were the symbols of masculinity and power. How was Doyle Dane Bernbach (DDB) able to make this product succeed in America and change the status quo of cars forever??

Pretty in Print: Russia

I'm starting a new bi-weekly feature: Pretty in Print. Advertising can be so beautifully designed in its most traditional form. Even with the plague of social media marketing and the obsession with new technologies, good art direction and copy are the fundamentals for an ad. Print advertising can be the most effective medium for getting your message across.

Today we are going to Rossiyskaya Federatsiya, the land of contemporary creative cities and charming historical towns. Advertising agencies in Russia have created gorgeous pieces that capture the country's identity and display each brand's authenticity.

My favorite print advertisements from Russia:

1.     Museum of Architecture: Discover the Full Story
        Saatchi & Saatchi Russia

Halloween Ads: Then & Now (Then)

Halloween is quickly approaching. I'm busting out my vintage Singer sewing machine to get going on making my costume. I'd tell you what I'm being, but it's a surprise!

In honor of the holiday tradition let's #tb to Halloweens of the past with these beautiful and sometimes unintentially creepy vintage ads.

Enjoy!