The right place

         Just as companies advertise to increase business, companies who create advertisements, or advertising agencies, strive to make their marks memorable enough to earn more business. Simply google in the phrase "advertising agency" reveals hits for hundreds of companies of which the average person has never heard; however, these companies have been around years--some decades--companies like Bartle Bogle Hegarty, AKQA, and BIGPIE.
        Bartle Bogle Hegarty reaches wide in the advertising world: "It has seven offices worldwide - London, New York, Los Angeles, Singapore, São Paulo, Shanghai, and Mumbai." Sign me up! With offices in such interesting, urban, diverse areas, it's easy to see how the the agency can produce such work as a following:

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AXE Apollo - Lifeguard TV Commercial (Full-Length)

This irony is the type of comedic work I most love, and in turn would love to produce some day.

         AKQA has been around since 2001 and seems to be doing pretty well. They have worked continuously on Nike products and with Microsoft on their Xbox software. On the side AKQA has also advertised for products like cars, beer, and phone apps. I don't find this work interesting; however, for someone looking for a staple introduction to the advertising world, a big company that has a lot of history and are able to stick with big organizations can be comforting. If you are seeking a stable job no mater the material this company would be the prefect spot.
         BIGPIE is smaller, different kind of animal than the other two agencies: it is an agency that helps small corporations spread their presence on the web. It may not be the most lucrative form of advertising, like scoring the latest Carl's Jr commercial or Bud Light Superbowl ad, but it is a simple method of advertising that many people can utilize. In advertising, little differences can be as effective as big pushes.
                                             http://bigpie.tv/news/

        Whether your advertising goal is big business, big bucks, promoting small companies, or simply promoting companies that are worth promoting, there is sure to be an agency out there. You just have to learn where to look.

The First and Last Word

"Can switching to Geico really save you 15% or more on car insurance...

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Geico Rhetorical Questions Compilation

        The best commercials force a person to remember. Geico commercials embody this philosophy. To achieve the goal of remembrance they use techniques such as maskots, comedies, and jingles. 

        Maskots give a face to the company. For instance, the Geico gecko gives a face to the faceless world of auto-insurance. Even more, the alliterative animated gecko gives a voice! Geckos themselves don't really have any significant cultural meaning, but the very human animal creates an undeniable connection with its human audience.

        A human audience also loves comedy. "I am gecko, not to be confused with Geico, which could save you hundreds on your car insurance, so please stop calling me!" This simple play on words launched Geico into the American mind. Geico continued their comedic line of commercials by introducing the Geico cavemen: "Geico is so easy a cave man can do it..." an attempt to explain the simplicity of switching to Geico. Following that series is the rhetorical question series of "Can switching to Geico really save you 15% or more on car insurance..." which is then followed by another rhetorical question to which the answer is a hyperbolic "yes". One does not easily forget a good laugh.

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GEICO Dough Boy Commercial - Happier than the Pillsbury Doughboy on His Way to a Baking Convention

          However, even longer than comedic ads have been around, company jingles have populated American airwaves since a time when radio was the dominant medium. One of the newer Geico approaches has been a take on the jingle: a joke of a situation followed by a bluegrass breakdown. "[To Ronny] Ronny how happy are folks who save money switching Geico? [To his friend] I'd say happier than the pillsbury doughboy on his way to a baking convention [enter jingle]" Sure it's still funny, but tied to a melody, the commercial has even more lasting power.


       Through these many techniques, Geico has solidified themselves as one of the most well-known auto insurance companies in America. Their use of mascots, comedy, and jingles make Geico not only the first thing in your mind when you see one of their commercials, but the first thing in your mind when you need to save money on your auto insurance. 

Trial run

My love and hate for advertising lie in the same idea: responsibility! In advertising, I feel one must assume a responsibility for the results of his or her actions, that is, through advertising one can allow another to see a lifestyle that can better the self. For instance, advertisement of healthy eating options by the government allow many children to understand more how healthy diet choices can positively affect their lives.Unfortunately, many people assume no responsibility or keep no connections to their advertisements, such as the results of a young girl viewing unrealistic images in fashion magazines.