Advertisement for Martini's turns readers upside down

Cute killed this ad for Martini's in the Myrtle Beach Sun News. The creator decided to turn things upside down to stand out on the page, thinking the target audience would play along and flip the newspaper upside down to read the ad message. Sorry, but ad readers won't play that game. Too bad because the ad had potential. The image of the martini with the toothpick piercing the olive instantly hooks any martini lover. The incentive for 50% off dinner with purchase of one at regular price is very tempting for diners looking for options. Unfortunately the ad dies of suffocation-- too much copy. My advice: skip the gimmicks and keep the message simple.

Print ad: big shout for Sheryl Crow tickets

So many ways to promote ticket sales for a concert. Live Nation used a handbill look for this notice in the Toronto Mail and Globe to push ticket sales for Sheryl Crow live in concert May 26 at the Molson Amphitheatre. The b&w format suits the photo of the popular artist with her "in your face" stare. The funky fonts frame her face and lead the reader to the details below. No missing this ad if you are a Sheryl Crow fan and you live near where she's playing. Actual newspaper ad was bigger than shown here. Click for a better view.

Banner ad sells great looking legs

Lots of eyes will stop on this print ad in the New York Daily News for Laser Hair Removal. Designers maximized the space in this vertical ad, cropping the image at the waste to focus on her long, shapely legs. And the headline: Stop Shaving, Start Showing. Many women may say "you had me at hello" but Sleek Medical goes on to make the offer irresistible with 50% off, book your appointment today. Call or visit online today.

Wow, a lot of guys will stop and look too.

Click the banner for a state fishing license

Fishing season is here and I find myself needing a license...thinking I need to make my way to the sporting goods store to buy one.

Then I'm scanning the Memphis Commercial Appeal's website and I see this 300x250 banner directing Tennesseans to "Get a License" online.

So I click on it and guess what? I discover (like thousands of others) that Take Me Fishing works for other states too. Turns out that it takes just a few minutes to buy a fishing license on line.

I like the ad for its clean look, sharp image and simple message. Check it out.

Gopher has got to go

Ever been face to face with a gopher?

Spotted this print ad in the North County Times (Oceanside, Ca).

Harp Pest Control uses this washed out graphic of a grim gopher to make a bold statement to homeowners who are ready to call for help. This photo is worth a thousands words. "Gross" might be one of them. For many of us it will be worth the $45 to keep this photogenic rodent from showing up in our nightmares. Can't tell if he's grinning or growling. What do you think?

No style points for the layout and quality of the photo. Effective? Probably. It gets the attention of the target audience, offers a reason to call Harp instead of the competiton, and the info needed to call. I would add the web address.

Ad for boxing match delivers knockout punch

Okay sports fans, looking for something to do? Pickup a copy of the Riverside (Ca) Press Enterprise this weekend and your eyes will stop on this black & white print ad promoting the upcoming World Welterweight Championship. Designers want you to call Soboba Casino or go to their website to buy your tickets. Powerful ad with strong marks for attention, interest, desire and action.

I'd make the phone number bigger but don't tell that to the four guys in the ad. They already look like they are ready to take me out back.