1st ever Magazine Ad - care to critique?

**Big Dave** · 27th August 2009, 23:40

Here. I will give you the keys.

If the client moans and sighs,
make the logo twice the size.
If they still seem refractory,
show a picture of their factory.
But only in the most extreme of cases,
should you ever show their faces.

AIDAS
Attention
Interest
Desire
Action
Satisfaction

**PirateJafa** · 27th August 2009, 23:43

Originally Posted by MidnightMike

You're right the ad should jump out. But the components shouldn't compete with the main text and Logo...

I find that clear space is quite good for getting attention. It's something that is quite unusual to see in magazines, where usually they are filled to the brim with text, pictures and ads full of bright shouty colours which all just blend into one.

My 2c.

**retro asian** · 27th August 2009, 23:45

Let me guess...still needs more cowbell?

**Big Dave** · 27th August 2009, 23:46

>>I'm trying to stay close to our company "design style"<<

You should have brand rules. In a Bible.

This specify typefaces, PMS colours, logo usage and style points.

Every document produced that carries the logo must adhere to the bible's commandments.

This is a brand.

**Big Dave** · 27th August 2009, 23:49

Here's an example.

**retro asian** · 27th August 2009, 23:54

Originally Posted by Big Dave

>>I'm trying to stay close to our company "design style"<<

You should have brand rules. In a Bible.

This specify typefaces, PMS colours, logo usage and style points.

Every document produced that carries the logo must adhere to the bible's commandments.

This is a brand.

Really appreciate all your tips Dave.

Yeah, I've seen those before. I've got Pantone 032 as our Red colour, Futura and Frutiger as our OK'd fonts and must never lose the red triangles. Our resident graphix designer was supposed to make one, but she's too busy working at a tattoo parlour these days...

**MidnightMike** · 28th August 2009, 00:01

Originally Posted by retro asian

Our resident graphix designer was supposed to make one, but she's too busy working at a tattoo parlour these days...

LOL, maybe she finds it more enjoyable than being a 'Mac Jockey'.

**retro asian** · 28th August 2009, 00:03

Originally Posted by MidnightMike

You're right the ad should jump out. But the components shouldn't compete with the main text and Logo...

We are reaching out to a new market, so our logo is relatively unrecognised.
Nevertheless, I think it looks WAY better with the logo bigger.

My idea for lots of different components was to try and visually explain what our company sells i.e one million different small parts.

Everyone's ideas are awesome. Many Thanks. Lots to think over....

**retro asian** · 28th August 2009, 00:35

Does something like this warm the cockles of your heart more?

For a bit of fun, a Back-of-the-Y type explosion in the background too...

**TOTO** · 28th August 2009, 01:00

Originally Posted by retro asian

Does something like this warm the cockles of your heart more?

For a bit of fun, a Back-of-the-Y type explosion in the background too...

nah, those look a bit too "cheap"

**NighthawkNZ:Me** · 28th August 2009, 06:35

Originally Posted by popa griffin

I hate adds like this.

I just hate adds... and I am a graphic artist

The best tips are;

White space sells... It depends where the add is going, and what its surroundings are... if the advert is surrounded by 30 other adverts in a newspaper then having an advert jump out at you is difficult to do, as they are all trying to do that... One thing if you saw a page of adverts and one was just white space with the website on it you eye will be attracted to that over the other gray or black & white ads... people will be intrigued and more likely to visit...

Less is more. Having too much to read or too much colour on an advert can defeat its purpose. People sub consciously "say bah to much to read" or "wow saw on the eyes" or "WFT" and simply move on with out actually reading or knowing they are doing it...

Over fonted: use 2 or 3 fonts at the most all headings are the same font and size, all sub headings same font and size etc... Make sure the fonts is easy to read, prints well in the media the advert is going on or in,

Branding: Big Dave says. If the the company has adverts in the past (recently) try stick to the branding theme. This way people start to recognise the company and its logo and what they are selling. People will recognise a logo before they realise what the company sells...

Overall all I personally think your first attempt is the best. Has enough white space, its clean, simple and effective. People know what the the company sells and where and how to get it.

Just remember everybody is different... you can't please all the people all the time only please some of the people some of the time. So what I like some one else will hate, others will think its tacky and yet others will agree with me...