The essay aims to analyze an advertisement and identify its messages, whether they are subliminal or not. The advertisement promotes the new Ford Ranger to affluent, young male professionals. The advert was featured in 'Top Gear magazine,' which caters to car enthusiasts. Advertisements like this use powerful denotations, including a brand-new car turning into a dirty, used car. This conveys that the car is meant to be used and enjoyed, and it is considered a desirable toy for men. To convey messages in advertisements, signifiers, such as color, focus, and camera angle, are employed.
The advertisement I have is comprised of two pages showcasing the 4x4 Ford Ranger. In the first page, the vehicle is positioned in the center against a black backdrop, which highlights its features and captures the viewer's gaze.
...The angle of the shot allows for a clear view of the car's length and depth.
A white bold statement above the car reads 'New, but why keep it that way?' and leads to the second page on the right. The background remains black and the car remains in the same position, however, it is now covered in mud. The headlights and fog lights are on, and a white box displaying the 'Ford' logo, slogan 'feel the difference', car model and promotional specifications has been added to the bottom left corner of the advertisement.
Furthermore, the advertisement can be summarized by another slogan displayed in the same font size as the specifications and accompanied by a website URL and a contact number to schedule a test drive. The utilization of color is a potent means of conveying various messages to the audience. This is
exemplified by the persistent black background on the initial page.
The Ford Ranger's shiny silver appearance with a halo around its perimeter signifies purity, encouraging consumers to purchase it. The car is portrayed as perfect for everyone, while also being the ultimate toy for boys. It is said to maintain its cool appearance and fun factor even after use and abuse. The headlights glowing through the thick layer of mud suggest that the car is not just for show, but also for practical use.
The advert seeks to depict the car as suitable for any purpose, through the use of colors. Shapes have a significant role in the ad, with some being curvaceous and feminine, while others are angular and masculine. All the shapes are angular except for the Ford logo. The text, information box, and car are all angular, with their sharp corners expressing a sense of male dominance and power. The car has a box-like bonnet with right angles at every edge.
Placing the power of a car within its structure is not accidental. Advertising heavily relies on strategic placement to capture attention. Poor placement can be disastrous. In my advertisement, the focal point is the new Ford Ranger.
The main focus is on the car, eliciting the desired response of "nice car, wish I had one". The accompanying text aims to sell the car. Minimal text occupies the left two thirds of the page, prompting curiosity about its direction. The positioning of the cars relative to the text emphasizes the car's significance over the text which serves as an add-on.
On page two, the car remains stationary. However, the preceding text has been substituted with a white,
angular box situated in the bottom right corner. This specific element indicates that this particular information in the advert is of lesser significance. Nonetheless, the white contrast and angular lettering imply that it shouldn't be disregarded and still merits reading. Lastly, the car is positioned sideways, showcasing its distinct design and size. Once again, the car appears to be posing in a very masculine manner.
When showcasing this product, the camera angle plays a crucial role in its success. An angle of 45 degrees to the camera is utilized to highlight the car's depth, height, and width simultaneously, making it an enticing prospect for customers. The photo is taken from a position just below the bonnet level, with the windscreen looming over the photographer. This portrayal signifies that the car is dominant and deserving of respect. Essentially, this car is at the forefront of its class.
The primary purpose of utilizing camera angles in this advertisement is to showcase the car's exceptional value. Focus is a crucial technique used in advertising to highlight significant characteristics. The advertisement employs a sharp focus to exhibit intricate details of the car, while a blank background serves to amplify it. This technique effectively captures consumers' attention towards the product or important information. The image conveys sharpness with a halo and color contrast, representing purity and perfection, as well as enhancing the notion of "big toy" - becoming more dramatic, powerful, and exclusive - as a form of never-ending entertainment.
Anchors are employed to connect the picture with the product. In my advertisement, the picture is the product and therefore the anchor is used to sell the product. On the first page, the
term 'new' is used to denote that the product is of exceptional quality and will contain cutting-edge technology. This term is utilized to entice the reader as it is commonly associated with the latest, contemporary item, which comes with the presumption that it is trendy and desirable. The white text box includes information that suggests the company is reliable and self-assured. In order to produce an advertisement, the sender must first determine the intended audience.
To attract a specific demographic for a product, the corresponding advertisement must also be tailored to their interests. In this particular case, the advertisement targets young men aged roughly between 20-30 years old. The word 'ranger' in the anchor appeals to the adventurous nature of the audience, who are more likely to take risks. However, the audience is limited to those in the upper class since the car is brand new and too expensive for the lower classes. Consequently, the advertisement aims to attract richer and more successful individuals.
In summary, the advertisement evokes masculinity, youthful behavior, and a sense of exploration. The angles of the car, the shift from clean to dirty, and the statement "New. But why keep it that way" contribute to this overall tone. The simplicity, uncluttered style, and masculine aesthetic make the product appealing. The designers have successfully incorporated the modern, clutter-free approach into the advertisement.
- Sales Promotion essays
- Advertising campaign essays
- Creativity essays
- Art History essays
- Theatre essays
- Pastoral essays
- Visual Arts essays
- Postmodernism essays
- Symbolism essays
- ballet essays
- Color essays
- Modernism essays
- Mona Lisa essays
- Work of art essays
- Body Art essays
- Artist essays
- Cultural Anthropology essays
- Ethnography essays
- Aesthetics essays
- Realism essays
- Heritage essays
- Harlem Renaissance essays
- Concert Review essays
- Voice essays
- Theatre Of The Absurd essays
- Playwright essays
- Scotland essays
- Tennessee williams essays
- Design essays
- Graffiti essays
- Graphic essays
- Typography essays
- Painting essays
- Photography essays
- Sculpture essays
- Architecture essays
- Interior design essays
- Arch essays
- Area essays
- Tattoo essays
- Pablo Picasso essays
- Vincent Van Gogh essays
- Michelangelo essays
- Frida Kahlo essays
- Renault essays
- Truck essays
- chrysler essays
- The city essays
- Racing essays
- Advertisement essays