Science World Hair and Snot Ads

Chances are, unless you're a scientist or a doctor, you had no idea that you grow about 121 feet of hair each day.  You also probably had no clue that you swallow approximately a liter of snot every day. 

Creeped out yet?  That's what Rethink Communications, the designers of these unusual ambient pieces, were banking on.  The notable ads combine strange facts with stand-out visuals to draw passers-by in:

The best part of the ads is that they offer no explanation, but rather a call to action.  Audiences can visit Science World to find answers to why the human body does weird things.  It definitely appeals to the curious cat in all of us!

Memorable Coca Cola Ad: Everybody Wants a Sip

Who could resist taking an ice cold sip of Coca Cola? That's the message the beverage company wanted to get across with this memorable ambient ad.  Check out the piece below, in which straws extend from seven different windows just to get a small taste of the refreshing soft drink:

The ad communicates a few things:  First, when it comes to Coke, everybody wants a taste.  Second, sharing is caring!  And third, it's better to have just a sip of Coca Cola than to have none at all.

I love the seeming sense of urgency and attraction the straws are feeling toward the bottle of Coke; it tells the consumer that the beverage is highly sought after.  Kind of makes me thirsty!  I know what I'll be drinking with lunch today ;).

Because McDonald's Fries are Iconic

Although I'm a huge fan of its burgers (my mouth is watering just thinking about a Quarter Pounder with Cheese), chicken nuggets, and iced coffee, in this unique ad, McDonald's relies solely on the power of its french fries.  And why shouldn't it?  After all, the company with the "golden arches" does boast the "best fries on the planet."

The original outdoor ad, in which fries light up the sky, is a part of McDonald's bigger Best Fries on the Planet campaign.  The "Fry Lights" can be seen from up to three miles away, enticing anyone nearby to stop through for a late-night snack.

Let's just hope the magnificent lights don't confuse Batman!

Oscar's Digital Campaign: There's a Little Bit of the Movies in all of Us

Considering the less-than-positive reviews the 2012 Golden Globes received from critics and audiences alike, it's no wonder that the Academy Awards has already begun promoting its February 26 event.  And I'm absolutely loving the campaign which is best summarized by its tagline:  "There's a little bit of the movies in all of us." 

The digital campaign, dubbed "Celebrate the Movies," features iconic stills from more than 80 films in Oscar history.  It will be showcased on the Web and on New York and Los Angeles digital billboards.  It's particularly effective because it tells audiences that great film is a piece of all of us.  The goal here is to appeal to a broad audience.  Take a look at some of my favorite versions of the ad:

Nominations were announced this morning on Oscar.com -- you can view the full list of nominees here.

What do you think of the Oscar's fresh digital campaign?  Will it help bring in better ratings than this year's Golden Globes?  Share your thoughts below!

Look Down to Experience Your Next Vacation

Why don't more travel companies utilize the pull-down meal trays on airplanes for advertising?  Check out this genius ad:  Golden Holidays placed logo labels onto meal trays on select Malaysia Airlines flights help the audience "experience" their next vacation.

If this ambient campaign doesn't make you want to do something crazy, I don't know what will.  There's something exciting about looking down at your lap and seeing a holiday waiting to happen.  Plus, if you're on an airplane, chances are you're already in "vacation-mode" anyway.

My only concern? The rock-climbing sticker plus bad turbulence might equal a few panic attacks. Hopefully nobody's afraid of heights!

Barbie's Favorite Color? Pantone Pink 219C

Ever thought about what Barbie's favorite color might be?  No need to speculate; one printing company's got an exact answer:  Pantone Pink 219C.  Pantone Inc. worked with Mattel to create this one-of-a-kind logo toy, which promotes Barbie's enduring style and Pantone's vibrant color chips.

While anyone can purchase the doll online, design firms across American recently received it as a promotional gift.  Barbie's unique gown and shoes are printed with the words "PANTONE 219" -- nobody will be confused about which color she's wearing.

I love this collaboration.  Barbie fanatics will embrace Barbie's pretty-in-pink look, and designers will adore the Pantone reference.  Definitely a win-win!

Ditch the Annoying Friend; Get Park Assist

Anybody who's ever had to back into a tight parking spot knows how annoying it can be.  I can't tell you how many times I've kicked passengers out of my car and ordered them to stand outside and make sure I'm maintaining a safe distance from the vehicles parked around me.  But even with help it's not easy or pleasant, and that's why the image featured in this ambient advertisement is so familiar!

One car company wants us to know that all the hassle is no longer necessary.  This clever ambient piece is actually an advertisement for the Nissan Micra, which features Park Assist.  Now you can say good-bye to that annoying guy standing outside!

I love that the ad was attached to cars to look like someone was actually standing behind them.  Below the side mirror is some information about the Nissan Micra, as well as a call to action:  "Come check it out as of January 1st at your nearest dealer."  Very cool!

L.L.Bean Celebrates 100 Years with a Giant, Traveling Boot

What would you do if you saw a giant shoe driving down the street?  If you're on the East Coast, you may get to see the startling sight yourself.  To mark its 100th anniversary, retailer L.L.Bean debuted a stunning ambient ad -- a 13-foot-high vehicle that's shaped like a boot. 

The "L.L.Bean Bootmobile" hit the road in conjunction with the launch of a special-edition boot that "closely replicates the first pair introduced by [founder] Leon Leonwood."

According to The Boston Globe, L.L.Bean "was founded a century ago by Leon Leonwood (L.L.) Bean after he returned from a hunting trip with cold, wet feet."  The company started off selling just one item -- the Maine Hunting Shoe -- which remains a staple product.

The creative promotion will culminate when the "Bootmobile" makes its way to New York City's Times Square today.

A Scented Car for your Tree

If you're a procrastinator like me, your Christmas tree is probably still up (even though we're well into January).  My tree's filled with cool decorations, but none as innovative as this awesome Hyundai promotional Christmas ornament!  After all, who doesn't love that fresh, new car scent?

I particularly like the copy on this direct marketing piece:  "Rather than a scented tree for your car, here's a scented car for your tree."  Hyundai's ad puts an interesting twist on a traditional product.

It's humorous, it's intelligent, and it's effective.  Nice job, Hyundai!

How Many Passengers Fit Inside a Mini?

While the idea of a "clown car" -- a tiny vehicle that can hold more passengers than you thought possible -- is not new to automobile advertising, Mini took a fresh and creative approach with this ambient ad.  Take a look at how the car company used a subway exit to show its vehicles are not as small as they appear:

This ad is particularly spectacular because it makes unusual use of the otherwise ordinary metro staircase.  Plus, it references a humorous notion that we're all familiar with --  a tiny car that can hold a large amount of people.

It gets the consumer thinking:  Maybe there's more room inside of a Mini than I thought!  Very effective.