McDonalds Picture Perfect

I was reading Marketing magazine today and found out about the latest marketing tactic implemented by McDonalds. They have installed an interactive dispaly at the highly sought after picadilly circus location where the sign plays a part in pictures taken at the attraction. They include a top hat, thinking bubbles and a birthday cake. The concept is shown below.



I think this is brilliant. McDonalds has given consumers something to use and engage with rather than simply being present. As the area is a huge tourist attraction, people will take photos and therefore produce millions of images within social networks of the McDonald brand. Now obviously, this exercise is not to increase brand awareness but instead to re-inforce the popularity of McDonalds by understanding what people want and giving it to them.

KFC to KGC

What is going on with KFC introducing a grilled menu. Now I know it's an attempt to expand its customer base in a difficult economic period but I have as always seen KFC as the brand with fried chicken at its heart. Whilst other fast food brands jumped on the health bandwagon a few years ago, KFC rebelled and came out with a campaign highlighting the fact it may be unhealthy, it may be bad for you but it's what we love! It just seems as if all that work has been undone in one go.

The Power of Parodies - Eyebrows

Also I just had to share this with everyone, I absolutely love the Cadbury's Eyebrows ad as it does exactly what brands should do nowadays and that is give people something to play with. Instead of saying that cadbury's is delicious and you will get joy from it, give them something they will actually get joy from. This guy certainly has got something from the ad and his version definately gave me a lot of joy. It also makes me think in the creative brief, how important it is to include a position on parodies, whether or not it should be easy to replicate.

Take Courage

I saw this ad and admired its execution. A simple message, brilliantly portrayed. Unfortunately it has been banned as it suggests beer gives you more confidence. Who'd have thought it!

Hello World

I'll start by introducing myself, my name is James Davies and I'm just about to finish my final year studying Advertising and Marketing Communications at Bournemouth University. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Bournemouth and have really found a passion for advertising and communications in what is a very exciting time for the industry.

I have desire to set up a blog to let the world know how I feel about advertising and sometimes maybe other issues that are close to my heart. Advertising often attempts to reflect the current structure and views of 'society' which will provide the main focus for a lot of my blog posts along with comments on existing and upcoming campaigns in the glitzy world of advertising.