This year has been a creative firecracker of a year in advertising. With Cape Town being awarded 2014 World Design Capital, I’d say we’ve had a pretty good creative year too!
Although there were a lot of outstanding candidates for Business Insider’s 10 Best Ads of 2011, they looked at originality, entertainment value, and success stories to make up the 10 best. Ultimately, the top 10 were the brands and the campaigns that stood out like a sore thumb! And them some!
Just as there was the good, the bad and the ugly, so too will I share the best, worst and in-between ads of 2011. All are winners in one way or another, so lets hope 2012 will be a better year than the last, with positives outweighing the negatives and with abundance of creativity.
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So here it is, my list of the best, the worst and the just ok ads. I will add one everyday to complete the list. Enjoy!
Lets start with no.10 from the best ads.
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From Business Insider’s 10 Best Ads of 2011
one) 10. Canal+ – “The Bear”
Seen so many movies you think you’re qualified to direct them? Well this bear rug thinks he is, and what a fantastically special promotional ad this is for the French TV and movie studio Canal+. The public thought so too – it got 461,000 views on YouTube.
two) 8. New Zealand Transport Agency – “Legend”
The Kiwis have done a sterling job and it shows with 1.4 million views on YouTube. They have managed to bring across the message in a cleverly unique way that is both hilarious and touching.
three) 4. NTT Docomo – “Touch Wood SH-08C”
It’s debatable whether this commercial stays true to its subject, but it is beautiful nevertheless. It is shear design brilliance which is mirrored by its 7.4 million views on YouTube.
four) 2. Volkswagen – “The Force”
This Darth Vader Junior needs no introduction! This commercial racked up 44.5 million views on YouTube. It is brilliant!
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From Business Insider’s 10 Worst Ads of 2011
five) 9. J.G. Wentworth – “Three Story Opera”
Think “Rent” and x10 on the embarrassing scale. Need-cash-now providers J.G. Wentworth really know how to get a faux opera jingle stuck in your head all day!
six) 7. Pert Plus – “Dog Commercial”
Their slogan says it all – “Don’t be an animal. Use Pert Plus”! This ad brings new meaning to the dog box.