Lest we think that the images we see in ads are the gospel truth, here comes the blog Photoshop Disasters, featuring the most egregious blunders in digital manipulation. It features the so-called flawless retouches that accidentally defy the laws of physics and/or human anatomy. Not only is this blog absolutely hilarious, it serves as a reminder of the extent to which every ad we see is edited.
My heart goes out to Ms. Summer. However, you will see much worse on the site: extra hands, people with eight-pack abs but no bellybuttons, even my favorite here (may be NSFW). It’s interesting to note that, although PsD is a site that is open to all types of ads, photos of Frankenstein women dominate the blog. I definitely recommend visiting this site as an affirmation that, no, no one actually looks like that.
-A.I.
June 28th, 2008
Bon mots abound in copyranter, a blog from an ad copywriter from NYC:
“Jugs missing Caps. Puppies missing Noses. Pillows missing Buttons. Boulders missing Crevices. Ad apparently from Mexico for Mia “seamless” lingerie. Is it a good ad? No. Why am I posting it? DUH—it’s sleazy, and I’ve got a reputation to uphold. Added note: the obvious implants contribute to the seamlessness and seaminess. related: WonderBra ad doesn’t show breasts, bra.” To see the NSFW (not safe for work), NSFL (not safe for life) ad, click here — but don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Copyranter often strikes a note halfway between thoughtful and enraged, which, given the content of some of these ads, makes a lot of sense. I wouldn’t recommend reading his (yes, his) blog if you have a problem with profanity. However, the sheer volume of ads in the archives is worth checking out.
He also says, “In the 21st century, misogyny in advertising is still rampant, rampant, RAMPANT! You wanna know why? Because many, many ad agencies are still basically just boys’ club bastions with hardly a female writer or art director in sight. Women belong at home, supervising the Roomba!” Wow! How thoughtful. And correct.
– A.I.
February 7th, 2008
