ADVERTISING: KEY CONVENTIONS

 Part 1: Skittles advert analysis

1) What key conventions of print adverts can you find and what are the connotations or deeper meanings of each convention? For each convention, write about how it communicates meaning to the audience. See the Maltesers advert above for an example of how to do this.

•  The picture of the product shows a rainbow made with skittles which connotes colourful where it could be eye catching for the audience which would make them more interested.
• The logo is in the centre and also in bright bold white text, which have connotations to emphasize the audience to buy their product. The logo is plain white which shows purity as their product is originally made from original fruit.
• The background shows that the product is in the sky which connotes that the product can make the audience feel like they are in the sky as it tastes delicious and flavoursome.
• The slogan tells us to taste the rainbow this slogan connotes that the product have different types of flavors which can make the audience be more fascinated.
• The Colour scheme is rainbow and neutral colours - it is noticeable for audiences which also connotes as the beauty after the storm which shows that if you have problems and you ate skittles your problems would be gone or the audiences can make skittles as an escapism as it can bring happiness to them.

2) What is the USP (unique selling point) for Skittles and how do you know? Does the advert use any of persuasive techniques listed above?

-The USP for Skittles is the slogan as it persuades the audience to get more of it as it has a fruity flavour and the slogan tells us to taste the rainbow which means there are a lot of different flavours based on their colours.

Look at the Maltesers example above if you are unsure how to complete these tasks.

Part 2: Advert research

Use Google images to research classic adverts. Find examples for the following and add them to your blog:

1) An advert with a clear brand identity

2) An advert that uses shock tactics or a controversial idea

3) An advert that creates a a strong emotional connection to the audience

Bonus: Can you find an advert that shows women or men in a way they don't normally appear (this is an example of representation in media - subverting the typical representation of gender. We will be studying this next week!)

Extension tasks

If you have completed an in-depth analysis the Skittles advert and some research into classic adverts, do some additional research into creative or powerful print advertising. 

Task: Find an example of a print advert for EACH of the following:

1) An innovative or ‘different’, subversive concept (e.g the porcupine advertising VW car)

2) A foreign advert that you can understand despite the language barrier

3) An advert that subverts gender representations 

Finally, read this excellent Forbes article on seven of the most effective adverts of all time. Which do you think is the best and why?

For me, I think it's the Nike advert as it has a positive message for the audience, also they wanted the audience to try their product as they wanted the audience to be their own personal best. In addition they also pushes people to take risks, where Nike supports us to whatever we want to do which says on their slogan "Just Do It".