The ad above's for an Engilsh language school. Simple, direct, stops you, clever.

Advertising appreciation seems to go in cycles for me. For years, it seems as if there was nothing but bland, unimaginative, derivative spoonfeeding breaks in TV and radio.

During those early lean years, I often went to ad awards shows, compilations of primarily European ads that were clever, witty, and often 10 degrees more risque than American/Canadian hypocritical puritanical censors and corporations would allow.

These shows were held in small independant theaters, minimal cost, a good way for a poor boy to spend an evening.

I think the pic above's a fake, or a draft, I can't see Pepsi going for this concept. I like it, though.

Now, however, I've found a bit more interest in the ads, they're becoming clever again, not painting all us consumers with the same assumption brush.

Take the recent cheese TV ad....

2 guys, obviously college roommates. Guy Two is sitting on the couch, spooning mouthfuls in at a good speed. Guy One walks by and sees Guy two.

Guy1...."What're you eating?"
Guy2... "Cottage cheese." (scarcely slowing)
Guy1...."That's a milk carton."
Guy2... "So?"
Guy1...."Cheese doesn't come in milk cartons...."


Nice.

The pic above's a bit tough to make out. It's a lube ad, get it? She does.

There's a site out there that highlights some cool ads, you can scan through the pages here, but it may not be completely safe for work. ( possible boobies )