- Sara Fida -

Salam, Ok... Lets look at this then start analyzing I'm speechless. This so called "ad" has been done in an hour, ermm maybe less - to be fair ya3ni. Do you see a concept?? Done done and over done with the phone msg trying to tell the reader something. But the funny part is that this ad has been running in an English newspaper while the message is targeting Arabic readers. "our mobile banking services are now in Arabic".. Hmm?? I'm not saying that Arabic readers can't read English, but if they can read English why would they be applying for this service? Design wise. No comment about the red swashes and jumping out text with black shadow. BankMuscat *buzzer*, your new HQ is quality and so should be your advertising! Rating: Layout over all:  1/5 Colours: 1.25/5 Font: Legible 2/5 Concept: (Is there one?)  Execution: 1/5 (for applying the guidelines only) With design, SF.

Here's a nice simple one!   This screams out youtube as soon as you see it... ermm.. that's if you're familiar with the logo ofcourse.  And if you get it, then you are Omantel's target in this ad. Since its an Omantel ad + youtube then = this definately has something to do with speed or fast broadband connection. There you go, I've done the math without reading anything so far, which means this megacom works in seconds. For those who didn't get the ad. You might get the other ad in the campaign that mimics the Google logo. I don't have a picture of that. Will try to find it and upload it. Found it!!.... look at this     Now I'm not too sure if this has been done before. I think it has been, I just don't have anything to prove it. So, for now, this wins.  Simple, creative, straight to the point are the key words we should always look for in an ad. Remember, creativity doesnt have to be complicated.  ...

Right.. back on. Attached below is an official document that I got from ministry of Manpower here in SULTANATE of Oman. I'm embarrassed for them. And I'm also embarrassed as an Omani to see this huge spelling mistake on some official government document. This gets sent out to everyone not only locals.  I didn't know that a document as small as this should to get proof read first! No further comment your honor. I rest my case! With design, SF.

Window displays are a reflection. A reflection of the shop. What the shop has to offer at that season.  Its the same with us as humans, what we wear on the day reflects our mood.  Window displays are a teasers to ur way inside. They either grab your attention at a glimpse and drive you into the store or fail to do so. You're the judge. Usually, for that specific reason, the shop HQ would release a window display design and distribute to all its branches around the world. To synchronize all, and to deliver the same message at the sametime. So, for example Zara windows in Oman should match Zara windows in London. Oh! but thats only if its the same collection. Say, when its winter in Oman, its Summer in Australia, therefore the display wont be identical. Got it? :) Now after that introduction of mine, lets have a look at the image attached below. tape -à-l' oeil  which means flashy or high profile sells fashion from ages 0 to 14....

I like! I like! I like! Look at this piece of art. Was waiting for my fries to fry in the kitchen, while I was going through Times of Oman newspaper. And look what I found or shall I say, it found me! Seriously! it just jumped out and caught my attention. I saw this striking layout. I feel like hugging whoever designed this page in perticular. Look at it !! isn't it beautiful? Compared to the page next to it? Its just clean, elegant with fantastic use of space. It barely looks like a newspaper article! Finally a great use of white space and a smartly-put layout. Thumbs up! I like how the models shadow is overlapping the green block, which means breaking the guidelines, which means taking a risk for a change and doing something different. I like how the text is nicely rendered around the models curves. I like the balance of the whole page. Balance doesn't mean symmetrical, right = left, but its visually balanced - image and copy-wise. See! the...

Alright. Just to let everyone know that I dont look for bad ads to critisize them, but I also look for the good ones to give them some credit. However, the bad ones seem to stand out a bit more than any others. Maybe coz they're just BAD. This is an ad for Hayyak (prepaid phone credit) from Omantel. To be promoted during the Muscat Festival 2011. Lets start with the goods. Love the simplicity of the msg and font. I like how they put a hint of the festival at the back, no clutter, clear blue sky no clouds and a well styled up model. Festival = youth = jeans and jumper that match the climate at this time. Moving along.. Now as soon as I saw this ad, my direct attention was to the frog legs! Isn't his jump weird?! I'm sure they took several shots prior to "frog legs" stage. Aren't there any better ones like the ones below? Something with more of a happy, dance, side shot jump? Something more attractive with closed legs?!! ...

Alright.. Bismillah lets start with a popular ad these days. It's always in the newspaper... The Flexi finance scheme PEJERO. Bonus: The copy in the mupi is not aligned properly. *deep breaths*  Lets now look closely at what the ad is saying without reading the copy - To me as a viewer, it says when you pass by the mupi (where the main msg is) your car turns from a nice red to some sand colour, one. Two, you'll still be crossing old oman in the background, but camouflaged this time. Coz your car will match the background! Wait a sec? are u trying to say my car wont stand out? Crap! i don't want that PAJERO! I tried reading between the lines, I asked a designer friend, but we both still find it hard to link the image with the msg. Is there a catch in the copy? not really. They only talk about what you get from this offer.  I presume what they want to say is that this offer is so "Flexi." You can decide on whether you want your car ...