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.

3 comments:

  1. This is great! I love the simplicity of the design. I am surprised that there aren't any images but the lack of images is what grabs your attention and makes the viewer read the message to figure it out. The play on words makes it memorable. Great find!

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  2. Thanks Marcy! I agree; although visuals enhance a design, they weren't necessary in this case.

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  3. Excellent billboard! It is just shocking enough that I will not have an easy time forgetting it!

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