From the Subliminal to the Absurd
Posted in advertising, online marketing on April 21st, 2010 by fubarrioA 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
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
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
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
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
This last picture shows up on floor coolers in retail outlets.
Tastes Creamy!
In summary, until proven otherwise, I think we have to assume that sex still sells
Coke Bottle’s Classic ‘Hourglass’ Shape is a good sample.
oh yeah, sex does sell
Coke bottle, perfume are nice samples
That’s funny. I heard that the army is looking for a few good tits.
When I read and see your post. I got smile! it’s funny! Sex sells? hahaha!
Thanks you sharing this information with us, Tits store pictures are nice.
Everybody think about sex, and marketers know that
Inconsciensly people like ads where there are implicit sex content…
Males this about sex every 52 seconds! Its proven!
Very Good Post! Coca-Cola is a classic exemple! =)
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.
Yeah the store called tits is awesome. I’d take my girlfriend there:)
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.
Coke Bottle’s Classic ‘Hourglass’ Shape is a good sample.
Tits rules! I want to visit this store, and watch wat sells they!)
I love the original coke ‘hourglass’ shape , i think this is a symbol of coke, anyway, nice and new information for me.
very good shots! thanks for sharing! South America…I never been to….
I had no idea that there was such blantant display of sex in Latin America. I really enjoyed you walking us through these pictures.
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
The shape is very humorous . The writer has good observation of things around. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Sex still sells, that’s reality. Some people may be ignorant about it but that’s the truth.
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.
I agree that ads are main toll to generate business but sex should not be used in that.
Is it bad that i have giggled liek a little boy at every one of them images. lol
I really hope “tits” means something totally different south america…
Really good post, i love seeing examples of creative advertising
well yes nice bottle design for coke is a sample.
and nice pics as well.
well i think if you can afford paid advertisement then it is the best option to go for.
oh yeah, sex does sell
did we have any doubts that sex sells????
Lol thanks for sharing your pics from south america. Sex definitely does sell.
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.
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?
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?
yeah, the ice cream tastes good, i wonder how the girl tastes