Semiotics

Denotation:

• Emma Stone
• Portrait
• Black and white photo
• Retro styling (hair and makeup)
• Long flared eye lashes
• Large Revlon logo at the right on the ad
• Revlon Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara displayed at the bottom right corner
• The mascara is the only thing in color
• Copy at the bottom of the ad that explains the properties of the mascara

Connotation:

• Wearing this mascara will give you long luscious lashes
• Wearing this mascara will give you beautiful eyes
• This mascara will give you longer and stronger lashes

Myth:

Wearing this mascara will transform your eyes by giving you full lashes and doe-like eyes.

Denotation:

• Kraft macaroni ad
• Classic Kraft blue colored background
• Orange "smiling" macaroni noddle
• "You know you love it."
• "Outgrow outgrowing it."

Connotation:

• Kraft is recognizing that their macaroni is a childhood favorite but at the same time they are marketing to adults by telling them to that it isn't just a food for children
• Kraft macaroni is a suitable meal for children and adults

Myth:

Kraft macaroni is just for children.

Denotation:

• A couple, both actors: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard
• Using their Samsung tablet 
• Woman getting ready and singing along with music coming from her tablet
• Man eating lunch, watching motocross videos
• Video chatting
• Man using the tablet to record his audition tape
• Tablet being used for gaming
• Tablet being used for more video viewing: animal and exercise videos
• Couple gets distracted watching The Princess Bride on their tablet that they miss their event
• Product shot
• "The Samsung Galaxy S is the world's most entertaining device."

Connotation:

• Both men and women will enjoy this product
• It is useful for staying in touch with your significant other, even if they are only across the hall
• The tablet is perfect for video, movies and gaming
• The tablet has a great speaker for playing music
• The tablet will bring a couple together and keep them entertained

My Favorite Super Bowl Ad

This year's Super Bowl commercials were far from the sexy and silly ones of Super Bowl's past. Most of the commercials were more on the heartfelt end of things (Hello, Budweiser puppy and the Toyota one with the dad and his daughters) or dealt with some very serious subject matter. The Nationwide commercial with the young boy telling audiences about all the things he'll never do because he died was very...shocking. It took me for surprise and the ad seems to have caused quite a stir with others.

The commercial about domestic violence was also a bit startling. Hearing the real 911 call was chilling but I have to say that I really appreciated the they this put out, especially during the Super Bowl. With the NFL's dealings with, or lack thereof, with a few domestic violence scandals that came about near the end of last year, this was the perfect platform to make a statement and spread awareness for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Favorite Ad Agency

As a regular consumer of beauty products I always have my eye out for the latest and greatest product. As it is for many others, often times it's the ad campaigns that sells me on the product even before I've had a chance to see it in person.

One company that has always done a exceptional job with their campaigns is MAC Cosmetics. I've always been drawn to their visuals whenever a new collection is launched. The agency behind some of MAC's most popular campaigns is Plus, a New York based boutique ad agency.

Plus has helped produce some of MAC's most stunning campaigns to date! Each ad is beautifully put together to tell the story of that month's collection.

Plus also does work for AMC, Nike, Starbucks, Sephora, Volvo and many others. They keep things fresh, current and modern all while staying true to each company's story.