Advertising Is Good For You

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Ad campaign for Banco Financiero.

Click here to see two different campaigns for a Brazilian financial journal.

Via Dark Roasted Blend

Watch Tommy Lee Jones overdose on Botox before your very eyes

Click here to watch the frozen, waxen face of Tommy Lee Jones in an Ameriprise commercial.

Bruins goalie Tim Thomas meets Peggy in Discover spot

This Discover Card commercial has fun combining a Stanley Cup-winning goalie, a questionable customer service representative and a Boston cabbie.

Click here to watch Boston Bruins goalie Tim Thomas star in a Discover TV commercial.

LA artist Alex Schaefer makes a statement about the banking industry

Via LA Times

Effort: A+, Execution: F

This is an incredibly ambitious TV commercial for a local Boston bank.

It's got hip music. Computer graphics — the flock of birds is a nice touch. They've got diversity covered; looks like there's an African-American woman, a couple of Latin people and a Muslim woman along with the typical assortment of Caucasians. There's a white-collar customer and one who looks like a construction contractor.

It even has a concept: the small business customer is the star, honored and respected by bank staff.

The creators of this spot tried really hard to make it something special. And I have to applaud anyone who doesn't settle for the expected and instead reaches for the stars.

Unfortunately, I think they overreached. The end result is very odd.

Click here and see what you think of this TV commercial.

Very odd, indeed.

 

SEX! Now that I have your attention...

This is a digital ad for a site that helps consumers find attractive mortgage rates.

The babe in the bra, daisy dukes and ballet shoes is just there to get your attention. The theory being that once the babe catches your eye, you'll feel compelled to read the copy about refinancing.

If this approach sounds ridiculous, it's because it IS ridiculous.

Fingerhut grillz

Years ago, when I was much younger and still living with my parents, Fingerhut catalogs would regularly come in the mail. They were full of welcome mats, salt & pepper shakers and poly/cotton sweatshirts. Unicorns, kittens and bowling were popular themes.

Today, Fingerhut's business model apparently includes extending credit to people with poor credit scores -- and using questionable imagery -- as the banner ad above indicates.

In case you were wondering, THIS is the screen where I saw this banner ad.

The Kardashian Kard: if only it were a joke

The Kardashian Kard is a Prepaid MasterCard and "a fast and convenient way to manage money."

Not to mention that it's an easy way to identify yourself to salespeople as a total idiot who can probably be convinced to buy anything shiny.

The tag line:

Learn more at the Kardashian Kard website.

"Professional cards" are not covered by the Card Act

An article in the Wall Street Journal warns that so called professional credit cards — that is, cards designed for small businesses — are NOT covered by the Card Act. That means those who carry these cards do not benefit from the same consumer protections that other card carriers enjoy.

If you carry a professional card or are considering one, I highly recommend you read this Wall Street Journal article.

That's a fine-looking credit card

Love the name and look of this business credit card, Ink from Chase.

The tag line is nice, too: Make your mark with Ink.

Unfortunately, the TV spot is rather generic.

Click here to watch the TV commercial for Ink from Chase.

Ad campaign for Barclays Corporate

Helping business turn the corner

It's important to remain upbeat in a downturn. It's a chance to re-evaluate, reinvigorate and even thrive. At Barclays Corporate, we're helping thousands of businesses prepare for a brighter future.

To find out how we can help, call 0800 014 1921 or visit www.barclaysturningthecorner.com

 

 

Advertising Agency: BBH, London
Illustrator: Dermot Flynn, ICE9Studio

Found at Ads of the World

Little things mean a lot

Happy Birthday, Nicole!

"More within reach."

That's the new tagline for Ameriprise Financial Advisers. It refers to meeting one's financial goals.

As far as my command of the English language goes, "More within reach," implies "Closer but still not where you want to be." Not exactly a great promise.

Click here to see one of the recent Ameriprise TV spots.