New York Lottery "Car, Skier, Tub"

This set of print ads, that will also be used for an outdoor campaign, is another example of a great use of a minimalistic approach. Created by DDB New York for the New York lottery, each ad shows classic examples of lottery winners dreams; a luxury car, a jacuzzi in a beautiful landscape and the having the means to enjoy a skiing holiday. These scenes are juxtaposed with absurd musings on random topics. It is only when the consumer reads the tagline "What would you think about when you wouldn't have to think about money?" that the message is finally communicated.

Creating an ad for a lottery can be remarkably easy, the product you're attempting to sell is entirely desirable and there will always be a demographic who will continue to play each week in attempt to realise their aspirations. However, the tagline appeals to those who may not currently play, offering the viewer a life free from the worries associated with money. Ray Oranges created the artwork for this campaign and I feel the clean lines of his design allows the user to easily imagine what situation they would like to be placed in given they won the prize.

Marks and Spencer "Believe in Magic and Sparkle"

Some major brands released their Christmas 2013 advertising campaigns in the last week, so it makes sense to start taking a look at them now, however far away the holiday is. Marks and Spencer spared no expense in this television spot, showcasing stars like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Helena Bonham Carter and David Gandy. Created by an English agency, RKCY/Y&R, tv spots began airing on the 7th of November. The tagline, "Believe in Magic and Sparkle", is demonstrated throughout the ad with nostalgic nods to children's stories and fairytales.

The advert is beautifully shot and engaging, with a coherent and sweet story line. However, the biggest triumph is the way in which the stores merchandise is displayed. M&S is attempting to reach younger demographics in their clothing offering, and each piece featured in the ad is covetable and on trend. Changing potential consumers perceptions, coming into the Christmas season, will benefit M&S radically.

IKEA "Kitchen Party"

Looking at the IKEA "Undercover" ad yesterday reminded me of one of my favourite ads from the last few years. "Kitchen Party", created for the UK and Irish markets, was a hugely successful ad, made prominent by the use of Jona Lewie's 1980 hit "You'll Always Find Me in the Kitchen at Parties", covered by Man Like Me. Man Like Me feature as the advertisements protagonists and quickly spiked in popularity as a result, becoming ASOS.com's house band.

The ad was created by Mother London, a London based creative agency. The campaign won a Gold award at the British Arrows in 2011. IKEA also brought out a feature length music video of the ad that is featured below. The ad is humorous, aspirational and creative. IKEA's products are featured heavily and the Youtube video even allows users to click on a product in the video to be directed to the featured product's information. This ad will definitely be one of my favourites for years to come.