Ads that become their own brand. . .
Ever notice how some advertisements take on a life of their own? How some brand icons become so powerful that you remember exactly how they were marketed?
Take for instance, the Dairy Fairy for Kraft or the Serta Counting Sheep for 
Serta Mattresses. Sometimes all it takes is a little luck and knowledge about what will entice your product’s customers, but usually it takes a huge budget.
However, I find it really interesting to see PINK mini dogs, still selling (or being given away with purchase) at Victoria’s Secret. They change the colors of the small stuffed animal frequently to entice more ladies to collect them. It’s ingenious, not only is the store selling more underwear, now they’re selling collectibles!
What intrigues me even more is that you can still find some of these past brand icons available for purchase online. I found at least one site in just a few minutes of searching.
What do you think - are these effective “mascots” or just branding at its finest?
Filed under: Miscellaneous, Personal Opinions
As one of the creators of Spuds Mackenzie for Bud Light, I have a lot of this stuff in my basement. Back in the 80’s it was very hot merchandise. Recently I was walking down the street and saw a homeless man coming toward me. He was wearing a Spuds t-shirt that I had designed.
I thought to myself how far that t-shirt had come over the last 20 years. Some college kid probably wore it first, then handed it down to a younger brother who got in trouble in high school for wearing a beer advertisement. Then it sat in drawer for years and was used a work shirt to paint the house or cut grass. Finally, it made it’s way to the Salvation Army and then to this homeless man.