Advertising has always contained some form of suggestive content to sell their product. As a matter of fact, a book titled "Subliminal Seduction" by Wilson Bryan Key was published way back in 1973 that claimed advertising back then used hidden, sexual imagery to manipulate the consumers' subconscious to influence purchasing behavior. While some of the photos he presented as evidence were as unlikely as finding an image of Jesus on a cereal box, after reading it, I agreed with his overall assertion of suggestiveness and innuendo.
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| Can you find the phallic symbol in this image? |
While thumbing through an issue of MARQUEE, a 1970's Canadian film magazine, I came across a full-page ad that instantly struck me after seeing the name of the company. Of course, my perverse mind spun into its usual humor by association mode, but I think you'll find it easy to follow my twisted train of thought.
Here's the original ad from a company that looked like the Toronto version of Frederick's of Hollywood:
And with that in mind, I reworked the ad and applied the idea into one that advertises books by H.P. Lovecraft.
I don't know about you, but after finishing this I felt compelled to run down to my local Barnes & Noble!
That ad's a bit cheeky!
ReplyDeleteGood one!
ReplyDeleteWould diverting the reader's attention in this manner be considered a bum steer?
DeleteFantastic stuff! This fun faux ad reminds me of those bygone days when I'd see a page of book covers and crave each and every one. The model ain't bad neither.
ReplyDeleteAs I discovered when reviewing books in the 1970s-90s, the cover artwork was sometimes rather more interesting than the text it urged you to purchase.
DeleteRip: I was particularly attracted to the Groff Conklin anthologies with the Richard Powers covers in the back of the Warren mags.
ReplyDeleteSteve: Especially in the 80s and 90s when horror novels flooded spinner racks. And you're right-- I was suckered into more than one stinker because of a great cover.
ReplyDelete