FEBREEZE

Description
The advertisement shows a pink/red onion cut into a circular shape against a soft peach background. A Febreze Air spray bottle is positioned to look as if it has “eaten” or removed a triangular section of the onion, creating a Pac-Man-like visual. Small text near the onion appears to reference odor exposure and mood. The Febreze logo appears in the bottom right corner. The advertisement uses clear visual design to communicate the product’s purpose.
Objectives
The objectives of this campaign appear to be:
- To visually demonstrate Febreze Air’s effectiveness at eliminating strong odors (represented by the onion)
- To position Febreze as a solution that doesn’t just mask odors but “removes” them (shown by the missing “bite” of the onion)
- To create a memorable visual metaphor that stands out in print media
Target Market
The target market likely includes:
- Homeowners and renters concerned about household odors
- People who cook with strong-smelling ingredients like onions
- Individuals who want a quick solution to eliminate unwanted odors rather than mask them
- People who appreciate clever, visually appealing advertising
Desired Action & Benefit
Desired action: Purchase Febreze Air spray to use in homes when encountering strong odors. Benefit: The consumer will effectively eliminate unpleasant odors (like onions) from their environment, improving their living space and potentially their mood (as hinted at in the small text).
Value Proposition
The value proposition is that Febreze Air doesn’t just cover up odors but effectively “removes” them from the environment, as visually represented by the “bite” taken out of the onion. The product offers a simple, quick solution to eliminate even the strongest odors (like onions), leaving the air fresh and clean. The creative visual metaphor also suggests that the product works in a targeted, efficient manner.
The advertisement is particularly effective because it combines multiple messages in one simple visual: the problem (strong odor), the solution (Febreze spray), and the result (odor removal) in a clean, aesthetically pleasing design.
KING KHALID FOUNDATION: Can’t Be Covered

Description
This powerful advertisement depicts a woman in a niqab with one visibly bruised eye. The stark black background draws attention to the contrast between her normal and injured eyes. Text at the bottom reads: “SOME THINGS CAN’T BE COVERED” and “FIGHTING WOMEN’S ABUSE TOGETHER,” with the King Khalid Foundation logo below.
Objectives
The campaign aimed to break the silence around domestic violence in Saudi Arabia, challenging cultural taboos by suggesting that abuse cannot remain hidden even beneath traditional coverings. Released in 2013, it sought to spark conversation and drive social change on an issue rarely discussed publicly.
Target Market
The campaign targeted Saudi society broadly, including men, women, opinion leaders, and policymakers. It also spoke to abuse victims, indicating their suffering is recognized, while addressing international audiences by demonstrating Saudi willingness to confront difficult social issues.
Desired Action & Benefit
The advertisement encouraged viewers to acknowledge domestic violence and support efforts to combat it. For victims, it is suggested to seek help rather than suffer silently. Benefits included healthier families, protection for vulnerable women, and progress toward gender equality.
Value Proposition
Rather than selling a product, this campaign promoted the idea that domestic violence is unacceptable regardless of cultural practices. It demonstrated how Saudi society could maintain cultural identity while confronting harmful behaviors, using a powerful visual metaphor that respected sensitivities while effectively delivering its message.
OPEL-TEXTING and DRIVING

Description
This Opel advertisement features a text message bubble against a stark black background that reads: “Your typing whille you drive is asbad as your drivinh whilr yoou typr” – deliberately filled with typos to illustrate the dangers of texting while driving. The Opel logo appears in the bottom right corner along with their German slogan “Wir leben Autos” (We live cars). The minimalist design focuses attention on the error-riddled message, making the point visually without needing graphic crash imagery.
Objectives
The campaign aims to discourage texting while driving by cleverly demonstrating the degradation of typing ability when multitasking behind the wheel. Rather than using shock tactics or statistics, Opel chose to illustrate the problem through a relatable experience – the inability to type properly while driving. The objective is to increase road safety awareness and position Opel as a brand that prioritizes driver responsibility and safety.
Target Market
The advertisement targets drivers of all ages who might be tempted to text while driving, with particular emphasis on younger drivers who are more likely to use smartphones habitually. It also speaks to parents and other concerned adults who might influence driving behavior. By using a simple text message format familiar to smartphone users, Opel ensures the message resonates with its tech-savvy audience.
Desired Action & Benefit
The desired action is straightforward: stop texting while driving. The benefit is equally clear – improved safety for the driver and others on the road. The ad implies that by putting down your phone while driving, you’ll avoid not only typing errors but potentially life-threatening accidents. The unstated benefit is that choosing a safety-conscious brand like Opel means aligning with values of responsibility and care for human life.
Value Proposition
The value proposition is embedded in the message itself: responsible driving is part of Opel’s brand identity. While not explicitly promoting a specific vehicle feature, the advertisement positions Opel as a company that values driver safety and responsible behavior on the road. The clever delivery of this serious message demonstrates Opel’s understanding of contemporary issues facing drivers and suggests that choosing an Opel means choosing a brand that cares about more than just selling cars.
PEDIGREE: A DOG MAKES YOUR LIFE HAPPIER: ADOPT

Description
This Pedigree advertisement uses a powerful before-and-after format to convey its message. The left image shows a solitary man standing on a beach under cloudy skies, his posture suggesting loneliness or melancholy. The right image shows the same scene but with a dog now standing beside the man. The simple text reads: “A dog makes your life happier. Adopt.” The Pedigree logo appears in the top right corner against a yellow background. The contrast between the two images effectively communicates the emotional impact a dog can have on human life.
Objectives
The campaign serves multiple objectives. First, it aims to promote dog adoption, an altruistic goal that positions Pedigree as a socially responsible brand. Second, it subtly promotes Pedigree’s products by connecting the brand with the joy of dog ownership. The advertisement uses emotional appeal rather than direct product promotion, focusing on the life-enriching benefits of having a dog companion. This approach creates positive brand associations while supporting a cause, effectively balancing commercial and social objectives.
Target Market
The target market includes potential dog owners, particularly individuals who may be experiencing loneliness or seeking companionship. The solitary male figure on the beach might specifically appeal to single adults or empty-nesters who have the means and lifestyle to care for a pet. The advertisement also targets people who are contemplating pet adoption but haven’t yet committed, using emotional appeal to push them toward action. By focusing on emotional benefits rather than product features, Pedigree broadens its appeal beyond current dog owners to include potential new ones.
Desired Action & Benefit
The advertisement clearly states the desired action: “Adopt.” It encourages viewers to consider adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue organization. The benefit is equally clear – happiness and companionship, as visually represented by the transformation between the two images. The implied message suggests that adopting a dog can fill an emotional void and provide companionship in lonely moments. By positioning dog adoption as a solution to human emotional needs, Pedigree creates a compelling call to action that benefits both potential owners and homeless dogs.
Value Proposition
The value proposition is elegantly simple: dogs improve human lives through companionship. Pedigree doesn’t explicitly mention its products but implies that as a company dedicated to dogs’ well-being, they understand the profound human-canine bond. The advertisement suggests that adopting a dog is not merely acquiring a pet but gaining a companion who can transform one’s emotional landscape. By advocating for adoption, Pedigree demonstrates corporate social responsibility while establishing itself as a brand that truly understands the value dogs bring to human lives.
AIRBNB

Description
This Airbnb advertisement features a tender moment between a father and baby napping together in a hammock, framed to resemble an Airbnb listing post. The listing shows “California Dream Home” with five stars and “Hosted by Anne,” alongside a “Book Now” button. Below the image is Airbnb’s tagline “Live there. Even if it’s just for a night.” with their logo and “Belong Anywhere” slogan. The warm, intimate photography and Instagram-like framing create an emotional connection while showcasing the authentic experiences Airbnb offers beyond traditional accommodations.
Objectives
The campaign aims to reposition Airbnb from merely a lodging alternative to a provider of authentic living experiences. By showing a deeply personal, emotional moment between father and child, Airbnb suggests their accommodations offer more than just a place to sleep – they provide opportunities to create meaningful memories in spaces that feel like home. The objective is to differentiate Airbnb from hotels by emphasizing connection, belonging, and living like a local, even during short stays. The familiar social media-style framing also subtly encourages users to share their own Airbnb experiences.
Target Market
This advertisement targets several demographics: young families seeking comfortable, homey accommodations; millennial and Gen X travelers who value experiences over traditional tourism; and consumers who appreciate authenticity and emotional connection in their travel choices. The California Dream Home reference appeals to those with aspirational travel desires, while the intimate family moment speaks to travelers seeking accommodations that accommodate deeper connections and relaxation. The social media formatting appeals to digitally-savvy consumers familiar with sharing their experiences online.
Desired Action & Benefit
The desired action is explicitly stated with the “Book Now” button – Airbnb wants viewers to reserve stays through their platform. The benefit is expressed in the tagline “Live there. Even if it’s just for a night” – the opportunity to experience authentic living in desirable destinations, not just visiting as tourists. The hammock scene suggests benefits of relaxation, connection, and creating memorable moments that wouldn’t be possible in conventional accommodations. By choosing Airbnb, travelers gain access to unique spaces where they can feel at home and make meaningful memories, even during brief stays.
Value Proposition
Airbnb’s value proposition centers on offering more than just accommodation – they provide the chance to “Belong Anywhere.” The advertisement suggests that by choosing Airbnb, travelers can experience destinations as temporary locals rather than tourists, enjoying authentic living spaces that foster connection and meaningful experiences. Unlike hotels, which provide standardized experiences, Airbnb offers unique properties where travelers can create personal moments and live temporarily in their dream locations. The emphasis on emotional experience over physical amenities positions Airbnb as selling belonging and authenticity, not just rooms.
5 responses to “Magazine Ads-”
Hi Bridgett, I really enjoyed the thoughtful breakdown of each magazine ad—you clearly captured the emotional tone, target audiences, and value propositions with precision. The Febreze and Opel ads stood out to me for their creative use of visual metaphors to communicate complex messages simply. I’m curious—of all the ads you analyzed, which one do you think was most effective in prompting actual behavior change, and why?
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