Semiotic in Ads

The use of semiotics in advertising has allowed the concept of using as hidden messages and signs to target a clear message to certain group of individuals. In some cases, the sign can be an exact representation of the thing being signified, while in other examples, it may be associated with it.  

Recently, I came across a piece of ad from Axe Shower Gel that depicted the concept of men relation with their athletic appearance and need to have their "balls" washed. The use of semiotics in this particular ad invokes a certain feeling or idea about the product being sold targeting young men whom are constantly exciting and in need to attract females after  working out. 

Also, in prints ads the use semiotic has provided various ways of depicting a certain symbol to a particular group of people. From newspaper to magazines, the use of semiotic ads in a typical newspaper such as The New York Times would target middle aged men from a high middle class. A fine example would be having Eli Manning the Football player of the New York Giants, on one of the ads as it would target New Yorkers whom are fans of the New York Giants.

The ad provides Manning wearing a Citizen Eco-Drive Watch. The watch has a relation with Manning as both are depicted as being unstoppable and symbolizing to those who wear it too. 

Outdoor ads also provides a sense of semiotics to its viewers. The ability to capture viewers without having to pinpoint a type of ethnicity background allows the creation of billboard ads various types of people all at once. Since the prohibition of cigarettes ads in 1971 in the United States many companies have lunched various ads targeting people to quit smoking. Various billboards has provided a product to help smokers quit. Company such as Nicorette has placed ads behind public buses exposing a men blowing smoke from the bus exhaust pipe and emphasizing the product to help them quit.