I was watching telly last night and in the commercial break I was surprised to see an ad for Kelly’s ice cream (possibly one of Cornwall’s best-known brands), by Devilfish. The new 30 second advertisment is part of a £2million television campaign to market the ice cream nationally. The ad was filmed locally and features some really simple, nice photography. It makes a refreshing change to see a company close to home making the leap to go national, especially in these financially trying times.

Take a look for yourself here…

(Opinion: Deborah Jones – Designer)

This adshel however is quite the opposite of the one featured below. Very much an unsubtle approach in an attempt to grab your attention, and failing to deliver a complete message in the process. In these times, the negative header is controversial for it’s own sake and the supporting copy that completes the sentence (giving it a positive spin) is so small in proportion, there is very little chance of you catching it from a distance or at 30mph. Standing at the bus stop it’s another matter – but how many members of senior management, entrusted with the authority to send their staff on courses, get the bus? A small percentage I would hazard a guess. Sorry to bash local, Devon advertising – but for me, it left quite a pessimistic, bad taste in my mouth. 

(Opinion: Jon Price – Designer)

This ad caught my eye yesterday. I was amused by the unconcious irony in how wholesome and morally healthy the product appears. The pint glasses were quite subtle at first glance, which drew my attention for a closer look. The message is quite clear, but whether the typical target lager consumer would really care where their barley comes from is another matter. It’s often difficult to find clever yet subtle advertising on adshels as there is always an underlying pressure for the viewer to ‘get it’ in the blink of an eye – but this one made me smile.

(Opinion: Jon Price – Designer)

Why not put your feet up, have a cup of tea, read a magazine? The next time your flicking through ‘Ideal Homes’ – Britain’s best selling homes magazine, you might spot one of our newly released retail ads for Laura Ashley. Promoting their elegant tiles produced by British Ceramic Tile, they can be seen in most interior design and homes publications. Be warned though… you may feel inspired to redecorate!