Advertising Is Good For You

The office cubicle turns 40 this year

In 1968, the Herman Miller Company introduced "Action Office," the world's first modular office system or, as it's come to be known, the cubicle.

Below: This is the first commercial cubicle installation, 1969

Believe it or not, Robert Propst, inventor of the cubicle, intended it to bring a sense of respect to the individual worker, creating privacy and offering protection from the indignities -- not to mention  the constant glare of the boss -- that the bullpen office configuration imposed on the worker.

As a result, cubicles were a hard sell when first introduced. Today, they account for 60% to 70% of the office furniture market.

Sources: AZ Central, Time and Ambience Dore 
 

No over promise here

B.N. Yanow is a B2B electrical wholesaler.

Source: Bits & Pieces

 

Quirky ads for firefighter boots

Advertising Agency: Lew'Lara\TBWA, São Paulo

Source: Ads of the World

Fresh approach to self-promotion from a freelance art director

Auckland freelance art director, Mari Pettersson, came up with this clever self-promotion piece. She explains:

As a fresh newcomer in freelancing, I wanted to approach some creative directors by delivering them a small poly-wrapped meat tray containing 'a fresh brain' = my business card. The label was personalized for each person. Number under the barcode is my phone number."

Looks a lot like the campaign from yesterday's post yet it's a completely different concept.

Source: Ads of the World

Mister, you've got the biggest caulk I've ever seen

Imagine what the proponents of Subliminal Seduction will think of this ad.

Are you feeling an irresistible urge to visit Home Depot?

Cat poo pillows

Advertising agency, ClemengerBBDO of Melbourne, explains the thinking behind this effort:

 

Extra kudos to the hoteliers who agreed to put cat poo pillows on their guests' beds.

Source: Ads of the World

A for Effort, C- for Photoshopping

I found this B2B ad for decking in the February issue of Qualified Remodeler magazine, but it would have stopped me in my tracks no matter where it ran. While the execution leaves something to be desired, it has a quirky charm.

Want ad for part-time copywriter

"Arabic copywriter required on a part-time basis."

Since an Arabic copywriter is needed, I didn't understand why this ad was written in English. Then a commenter on Ad Blog Arabia explained:

Most of my friends working in the agencies cannot write Arabic copy. Reasons why: they are either Lebanese who think in English, or Asian expats who need someone to translate their English copy. So in both cases, the Arabic copywriter needs to be bilingual, otherwise, he would need a translator. On the other hand Moey, did it occur to you that advertising briefs are written in English???!!! I think that writing this ad in English is rather a smart move, and not an oversight."

Thank you for your insight, Just Me.

Agency: Horizon.FCB/Kuwait

Source: Ad Blog Arabia

Typography: another reason to hire a professional to create your advertising

The importance of choosing an appropriate typeface for an advertising/marketing communication cannot be overestimated. The right typeface adds to the visual appeal of an ad as well as reinforces the main message.

Likewise, choosing the wrong typeface is the kiss of death -- and a tell-tale sign that an ad was created by do-it-yourselfers.

If you think I'm overestimating the power of typography, look at this campaign for Fontasy, a website featuring free typeface downloads, created by Butter, Berlin.

Source: Ads of the World

That's one freakin' strong paper towel

When Duval Guillaume, Antwerp, needed to communicate to restaurant owners the strength of Scott paper towels, the advertising agency came up with this great B2B direct mail idea: a mailing printed on a paper towel, folded, stamped and mailed to restaurant owners.

Source: Ads of the World