Semiotics: Advertising to your senses

Semiotics are used in advertising to sell to an audience through signs and symbols. These signs are signifiers to something more than what the company actually wants to sell. What's the story behind the product and why should we as consumers buy these products? Advertisements are ridiculous, yet capture everyone's attention.


Outdoor Ad:
One of the popular shows to come back this sunday was The Walking Dead. This fairly large billboard found in Toronto's Union Station. Everyday from February 1st through the 10th, one finger of the gruesome looking hands were chopped off and left laying around near the billboard. Creepy right? I found this billboard was very interactive and eye catching. How often do you see large zombie hands in public?

TV Ad:

One of my favorite commercials that I've seen on TV was for Old Spice Body Wash. Titled "The Man your Man Could Smell Like" The semiotic of this advertisement is trying to sell to women who have men that use their body wash. In this 30 second fast paced commercial, the Old Spice Man tells you all the benefits of their product and how it will make your life better. 

  

Magazine Ad:

Orbit's main slogan is "dirty mouth, clean it up with orbit." With this gum advertisement it shows that no matter how dirty you are, your mouth with remain flawless and sparkling. Whether you're rolling in a pile mud, Orbit will do the trick to give you that clean feeling that you want.