Hauntings of Manitoba

Are there REAL standards in advertising?

Having a fascination with television ads lately (like when am  not), I came across this book; Advertising to the American Woman.Now I'm Canadian, North American and this book has received 5 stars so I think it's just fine. I am not a reader, but  am intrigued by this book. And so, it got me thinking about the shift in advertising.



Back in the 1900's, I believe advertising was used to sway the public, tell them what to do, who to vote for, etc. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this is how I believe it went. Ads using a lot of words to explain why it s so important that you buy/use the product or supplier - to sex - to all around creativity. But where is the limit? Who decides that ads like this one by PETA is ok?



It doesn't stop here either, countless products, company's and associations advertise this way. What kind of message is this? You or I may find it funny. But others may not, so how is this ok? What are the standards in advertising nowadays?  


I work for a company that makes ads on a daily basis. My job is to take things delivered from their corporate headquarters and use them on all of their stores through their website. We have dealt with heavy restrictions due to new products being launched. We couldn't alter images, we couldn't write new content (for specific products) and other times we could do all of the above. Restrictions and regulations have to constantly be checked with the advertising agency. 


So as much as I enjoy ads like this one: Schick Quatro trim style I can't help but think that these ads are wrong. They aren't cutesy at all, they are disgusting. 


What will kids think after viewing these types of ads? And not just the dirty ones. Have you seen some recent car ads, where the kids are labelling their parents as losers and the only way to justify the problem is to make them buy an awesome all-wheel drive, dvd player included w/ attached headphones, heated seats, etc? Now that's sick!




~Jenn


Photo credit http://winterhymnal.wordpress.com/

What this woman wants

I'm sitting here alone on a Sunday night watching a chick flick, What Women Want. It's one of my favourite movies and is the movie that has driven me into my career path. The movie was filmed in Chicago, what I like to call a mini version of New York City.

A few weeks ago, our class ended the year on a trip to Chicago. I had a great time. I spent a lot of time sightseeing and shopping. The city is extremely gorgeous and although I have always dreamed of living in a big city and working for an advertising agency, I never ever thought it possible.

I am currently working for a great company working on online advertising and marketing for car dealerships nation-wide. And although my position isn't as glamourous as working in a tall skyscraper in a city as vast as Chicago, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to grow and learn.

I understand that you can't expect to graduate and bam, your dream job appears on your lap. I know I have to work towards it. One day I will get there. Whether I move up or move on. I take pride in knowing that I've gotten this far and am curious to see how far I can go.

Chicago taken at the Pier

One regret I have, is not seeing more while in Chicago. I didn't visit nearly enough agencies, especially Sloane Curtis where What Women Want was filmed (the building has been mentioned in more then one movie).

2012 VW Jetta and Fender?

Hauntings of Manitoba

My trailer for my documentary is complete as is the DVD, including a Title menu and Scene Selection.

What I do

Finished my first week as the Digital Marketing Associate for DMT. Since the question keeps popping up, what I do is handle the online (digital) marketing and advertising for Volvo, Volkswagen and Mitsubishi. I am part of a four-person team in the Dealer Performance Division.

In DPD, we take direct calls with the dealers. The dealers are just like any client in the advertising world. Some are hard to work with, others wonderful; some have great ideas, others don't. So basically what my job entails is to advertise and market the dealer's websites, to make them rein over their competitors. It is a lot of fun and a great experience. I have been there a week and have learn't so much about how the digital side of marketing works; keywords, Google Analytics and meta descriptions.

So here are some examples of what I am working with, also known as some of the best Super Bowl ads from this year.




My son's favourite. Star Wars fanatic.

Tv Documentary Class

Sara and I created a mini-metal documentary on two crazy friends Steve St. Amand and Dallas Walker. The two have been friends forever and this movie documents one crazy trip that Dallas made to see his buddy Steve. The trip happens to fall during the week of Metalfest 2011.