Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Air Asia Advertisement

I tried to focus my blogging this semester on design concepts that pushed the boundaries and incorporated various color theories. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud when I saw this advertisement for Air Asia. The text reads “Cheap enough to say, Phuket I’ll go.” At first I thought about how that billboard must have caused a number of accidents from drivers passing by.

In regards to the color scheme, the use of red has a bold, powerful and intense quality which makes the visual stand out. The monochromatic use of two different shades of red offers a professional and harmonious look. The font color and type is easy to read and works well with the background.
I had to investigate further because there’s no way that this company was getting away with changing the spelling of a popular four letter curse word in a billboard ad for all the world to see. Turns out that Phuket, pronounced "Poo-get," is Thailand's largest, most populous and visited island. I personally as a viewer would not have known that you pronounce the word this way, and my mind went to the completely X-rated implication (as I’m sure many people did as well).
The company is definitely playing on a humorous undertone to grab the attention of the public. I would have to say the overall design is very effective in all aspects. It got me to take a second look, and even research the company further. Mission accomplished for Air Asia.