The Best Super Bowl Ads Recap ‘09

The Super Bowl ads this year, like most years are hit or miss. I decided not to waste time and list the bad commercials - but instead just focus on the good ones. I looked at them for creativity, humor and if it hit it's mark.

Careerbuilder.com - the recapping of the stages of grief at a job really got their message across loud and clear, in a very funny way. It made me laugh every time I saw the koala get punched in the face, "Oh My."

Monster.com - really strong commercial they made their point with no fluff at all. It was very direct and clever.

Hulu.com - with Alec Baldwin, dead on seriously funny. He sold me on hulu.com

Audi - with Jason Startham, executed and shot very well, kept me visually engaged. It was like a mini-film that clearly was on target.

Hyundai - car competitor bosses angry over Hyundai winning the car of the year. They made a statement with just a little bit of gloating. 

Coke Zero - (Mean Troy) - good update on the Mean Joe Green Coke commercial from the 1980's - I really liked the twist to it.

Doritos - (Crystal Ball) - all I can say about it is "stupid funny" but I liked it. It was unexpected and made me laugh.

NBC - (LMAO) - for a second during the commercial I didn't see which way they were going with it but then it all came together -Kudos to NBC.

Doritos - (Power of the Crunch) - Doritos brought their A-Game this year. Ludicrous idea that made for a good commercial.

Teleflora - I know, I know a lot of mixed reactions to this commercial but I found it funny. A very clear point they made - Don't buy boxed flowers! Does your loved ones care if she/he gets flowers in a box? I don't know but now this commercial will make them question it.

Cheetos - this was another commercial, I heard/read that people thought was creepy. Cheetos has been using this advertising campaign for almost a year now. It does have this mischievous slant to it but it is unique and effective for their brand. To me it seems it is targeted to a younger male demographic and maybe that's why people were on the fence with it.

Coke - (Heist) - different styled commercial for coke. It came across as whimsical, fun and creative. Point, point and point.

 

Economic Downturn Affecting Inspirational Target

Going into a Target store has never been a laborious task for me in comparison to say, going to a mall or even a supermarket. I have always walked through the store looking for inspiration and ideas. Their signage, gift cards, bags and store displays have always kept my designer's eye interested and engaged. Even back in September 2008 - when Target temporarily opened Bullseye Bodegas across New York City. I was curious to see how differently they would market themselves in this bodega styled shop.

But recently, I began to wonder how Target was doing in this economic downturn? And how this economy would affect their design and marketing efforts. Funny thing is the same day I wondered this I received a direct mail piece from Target for $10 off any electronic or home purchases of $100 or more. There is a Target store less than five miles from my home and this was the first time ever that I have received a coupon from them. I took this as a warning sign - of things to come. Hopefully they can weather this horrible economic state and continue with their design for all mantra - Great design, Everyday, For everyone.

Above are some of Target's self promotional items that I have collected over the years. Included is the coupon mailer I received from them.

Starbucks Inaugural Sleeve

I almost missed this today, Starbucks put out simple inaugural coffee sleeves with presidential quotes on them. They are definitely on top of their game and it's these subtle little things that really show you how they use design to give their customers a unique experience. Hate them or love them you have to give them credit for putting out something to commemorate this day. This really makes you appreciate good design + marketing.