Inappropriate! (so funny)

Last week I made my tongue in cheek ads for Crystal Head Vodka.  I felt strange using them in my portfolio because I didn't want to offend a potential employer.  Then, I started researching ad agencies internationally (since America is doing such a crap job of hiring right now) and I found out that America is made up of a bunch of sue-happy prudes.  Seriously?  Sex sells, so why can't we blatantly refer to it?  It is one of the most obvious human truths that can be used to sell a product.  Can we really only show Paris Hilton in a swim suit eating a burger or go as far as a girl in a bikini drinking a beer?  That's just pathetic.  

I think we should push Americans to think a little outside of their safe little box?  (Maybe the secret obsession with porn and other inappropriate outlets and bad stigmas would decrease if Americans could say 'sex' without blushing.)

Also, sexual connotations can be hilarious.  Check out this never-to-be-seen-in-USA commercial made in London for Bontust, Inc:

           

 I found it widely inappropriate and shocking too.  But, don't tell me you didn't laugh a little or wish TV here could be that entertaining.  It is brilliantly done and visually pleasing.  And, don't just think that I like it because I am young and naive and trying to be edgy.  Crain Communication's CREATIVITY named this commercial #1 in their list of 'AdCritic's TOP Work" of the week. 

So come on Americans, grow some thicker skin so the creatives don't always have to throw out their ideas and come up with ones that old white people with money approve of.  

Self Promotion

It's the end of the year and all of my work is beginning to find its shiny edges and personality.  I have been in Portfolio Development and we have put together 5 different ad campaigns.  

My hardest assignment was for CRYSTAL HEAD VODKA.  This product is a glass skull filled with supposedly quadruple distilled vodka (through diamonds).  It is sponsored by Dan Ackroyd and is a little hokey.  The skulls are supposed to be reproductions of the 13 crystal skulls that were manufactured millions of years ago.  They are mysterious in that their design is apparently physically impossible.  Legend has it that 7 of these skulls have been found; one rests in the Smithsonian and another in some woman's closet (because it was speaking to her).  The others are yet to be discovered.  Once they unite, they will uncover truths about our existence. Oo0o00. Hear all about it on crystalheadvodka.com.

So, my objective was to raise awareness of this uniquely packaged vodka and direct consumers to the site.  So, by combining the name, the fact that it's legendary and the adage sex sells, I created my campaign.   

The first is a 2-billboard series that reads either alone or as a sentence.  The 'sex sells' portion is only apparent to those who make it so.  (Check out the cool bottles featured in the ads)

Next, I made a Point of Purchase Ad.  For those who purchase the vodka, they take home this 'do-not-disturb- style door hanger:

(Again, only what you make it)

 Let's face it.  This WOULD work in the real world. And it would get a lot more attention than the NON ads that exist now.  

Oh, and don't go try it.  Apparently it doesn't taste good and costs a lot.  Only get it for the awesome container.