From the Subliminal to the Absurd

Posted in advertising, online marketing on April 21st, 2010 by fubarrio

A big part of my world involves advertising.

Most of it is just text based advertising. Much of it however consists of search engine marketing and direct marketing pieces — like the paid placements you see in pay per click or google adwords.

On a rare occasion I take a client into some light print advertising stuff, but when I’m working in financial services even this is often only boring black, white and gray-scale and utilizing a very small area and I need to put together an attention getter, a benefit or two, and a call to action in a very small space.

There is typically not much room to get very “artistic”.

Regardless, I like to look around at what the other wizards are doing in other spaces/markets/mediums, and one of my favorites is the world of “subliminal advertising”.

While copywriters do it all the time with inferences, and suggestions (get this or you’re a loser and your family won’t love you anymore) the really funny/interesting ones are when the photographers and graphic elements folks get in the mix, as it usually involves the suggestion of sex.

The Coke Bottle

Coke Bottle's Classic 'Hourglass' Shape

Coke Bottle's Classic 'Hourglass' Shape

While there is some argument that the developers of the original coke ‘hourglass’ shape actually knew what they were doing, they’ve undoubtedly benefited from having the iconic bottle shape.

Pierre Cardin Men’s Cologne Bottle

While there are a million other examples, the one that has always cracked me up as being absolutely *blatant* is the pierre cardin men’s cologne bottle.

Phallic inspired Pierre Cardin Bottle

Phallic inspired Pierre Cardin Bottle

The television commercial that they ran in the late 80’s on this one is just classic. Alas, I was unable to find it on youtube. So, unfortunately, you’ll have to live with my description. In short, it is a series of quick, sexy cuts that builds up to a climax that has the bottle “exploding” and gushing forth the contents at the end of the video. Subtle. :)

Sex Sells in Latin America

I spent the last few years living in South America. Below are some classic snap shots I took while walking around town I wanted to share with you.

Ta Ta Stores Punta Del Este Uruguay

Ta Ta Stores Punta Del Este Uruguay

I’ll start slow with the venerable Ta-Ta stores. Ta-Ta in and of itself isn’t that funny unless taken with the next entry

Tits Store

Tits Store

Fun with Food

Photographers and videographers have a lot of fun creating sexually suggestive images and video clips with food elements.
Below are two pictures that I snapped while grocery shopping in Montevideo, Uruguay

Strawberries in the Grocery Store Sign

Strawberries in the Grocery Store Sign

This last picture shows up on floor coolers in retail outlets.

Tastes Creamy!

Tastes Creamy!

In summary, until proven otherwise, I think we have to assume that sex still sells :-)


35 Responses to “From the Subliminal to the Absurd”

  1. mental health Says:

    Coke Bottle’s Classic ‘Hourglass’ Shape is a good sample.

  2. John Philip Says:

    oh yeah, sex does sell

  3. Ishfak Says:

    Coke bottle, perfume are nice samples

  4. Brandon Connell Says:

    That’s funny. I heard that the army is looking for a few good tits.

  5. Jasper Says:

    When I read and see your post. I got smile! it’s funny! Sex sells? hahaha!

  6. ozeeya Says:

    Thanks you sharing this information with us, Tits store pictures are nice.

  7. vincent Says:

    Everybody think about sex, and marketers know that

  8. cancer rectum Says:

    Inconsciensly people like ads where there are implicit sex content…

  9. Myrtle Beach Attorney Says:

    Males this about sex every 52 seconds! Its proven!

  10. Somente Coisas Legais - Divulgue seu Blog Says:

    Very Good Post! Coca-Cola is a classic exemple! =)

  11. Cake Rakeback Says:

    This is great! I had no idea that subliminal messages were so abundant in the advertising world. I am eager to learn more. You’ve found yourself a loyal reader, for sure.
    Thanks, Rake.

  12. Liebe Says:

    Yeah the store called tits is awesome. I’d take my girlfriend there:)

  13. Average cost of insurance Says:

    billboard advertising in highways, tV, radio, News, Magazines are part of the marketing campaign of any product. When the quality of advertisement is good it will amuse and we get convince but if it’s boring it irritates us.

  14. hitittuning Says:

    Coke Bottle’s Classic ‘Hourglass’ Shape is a good sample.

  15. Tobacco lover Says:

    Tits rules! I want to visit this store, and watch wat sells they!)

  16. Shadow Says:

    I love the original coke ‘hourglass’ shape , i think this is a symbol of coke, anyway, nice and new information for me.

  17. Jo Says:

    very good shots! thanks for sharing! South America…I never been to….

  18. Sell your songs online Says:

    I had no idea that there was such blantant display of sex in Latin America. I really enjoyed you walking us through these pictures.

  19. beton amprentat Says:

    You are right …sex still sells products…and not only…
    In our days the music videos, commercials and many things are better sold helped by sex

  20. Cheap Handbags Says:

    The shape is very humorous . The writer has good observation of things around. Thank you for sharing this with us.

  21. Jovit @ Sytek MN Directory Says:

    Sex still sells, that’s reality. Some people may be ignorant about it but that’s the truth.

  22. Telemarketing Says:

    I personally think that advertisement is one main toll to generate your business. Some useful help from a couple of social medias would really you business reach the top.

  23. Carlton Says:

    I agree that ads are main toll to generate business but sex should not be used in that.

  24. Andy Says:

    Is it bad that i have giggled liek a little boy at every one of them images. lol

  25. Andrew Keir Says:

    I really hope “tits” means something totally different south america…

  26. Mobility Equipment Says:

    Really good post, i love seeing examples of creative advertising

  27. Free Scripts Says:

    well yes nice bottle design for coke is a sample.
    and nice pics as well.

  28. Medieval Accessories Says:

    well i think if you can afford paid advertisement then it is the best option to go for.

  29. Suyatno Says:

    oh yeah, sex does sell

  30. Allison Beckett Says:

    did we have any doubts that sex sells????

  31. MMA Training Says:

    Lol thanks for sharing your pics from south america. Sex definitely does sell.

  32. web3.0 Says:

    Let’s all go shopping at the local T*TS store!!

    Most of the sexual content you see in advertising is subliminal because it is a fine line between getting the most bang for your buck (sorry couldn’t resist) and offending people. Sure its designed to get you discussing the commercial aka product. But it can back fire too.

  33. order glasses online Says:

    Some very funny photo’s, it’s amazing these corporations let these slip through the net with no one mentioning the sexual connotations. Or maybe its deliberate?

  34. order glasses online Says:

    Some very funny photo’s, it’s amazing these corporations let these slip through the net with no one mentioning the sexual connotations. Or maybe its deliberate?

  35. Jacky Says:

    yeah, the ice cream tastes good, i wonder how the girl tastes :D

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