Outdoor advertising presents a very interesting paradox. On one hand it is very advantageous because it is the one medium that doesn't have to be invited into the home--it cannot be fast-forwarded or flipped past. But on the other hand, it is very short-lived and must captivate the viewers' attention within a matter of seconds, usually while they are in motion. However because it is so fleeting, outdoor ads are often very fun and creative.
The first billboard is for the YMCA and it is purely a visual ad, using no words. It is a simple driveway basketball hoop. The message of this ad is so overly-simplified yet so effective, proving that more often than not, the simplest ads are the most powerful.
The second outdoor ad is for the 7-11 Slurpee and is the exact opposite of the YMCA ad in that it uses only copy. They have taken the instantly recognizable form of the Slurpee and have simply filled in the shape using copy about the Slurpee promotion. In this way they have caught the fleeting attention of the passerby and made them think of the Slurpee shape but have also stopped the viewer with a few minutes to spare who has time to read what the ad is actually about.
The next billboard ad is for Adams Outdoor Advertising and again uses only copy. Although not as visually appealing as the Slurpee ad, the message of this ad can be understood loud and clear. It catches the viewer's attention by using common phrases with the word "ass" but then make it acceptable by censoring the first S with an asterisk. Ads with curse words are kind of like fart jokes, a little bit tasteless but nonetheless funny and eye-catching. And they don't bother with any of the usual ad "fluff" with the white copy on the black background.
The last billboard is for Coca-Cola and is just a fun, amusing way of promoting the product. The straw leading from the classic, glass Coke bottle to the sunglasses model is a clever way of demonstrating people's obsession with Coke and how far they are willing to go get it. The only thing I dislike about the ad is the "refresh on the Coca-Cola side of life" copy as it really has nothing to do with the rest of the ad.
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