C.R.A.P.

STIHL, an independent Dealer of outdoor equipment, takes pride in providing many services that the big box chain stores just can't match. STIHL is a proud sponsor of a nationwide movement supporting independently owned businesses and the role they serve in local economies.     Their add as seen above demonstrates this idea of keeping business “close to home” by personally wishing their customers a Merry Christmas.  This sends the message to their customers that they care about them.  The print ad makes you look at it twice to understand what it is saying.  It looks out of the ordinary and stands out. The ad confuses the user into seeing a relation that doesn’t exist. Strong contrast between page elements allows the user’s eye to flow from one to another down the page instead of creating a sea of similarity that’s boring and not communicative. The alignment of the ad connects to both the idea of appearing to look like a Christmas tree and the leaf blower.  This repetition of keeping it outdoors creates interest in the ad.  Proximity creates related meaning grouping elements together, whereas separate design elements should have enough space in between to communicate they are different. The ad is visually striking and different, yet all of the elements come together in the sense of being outdoors and in the shape of a Christmas tree. 

I found this MAC Cosmetics ad to be interesting.  I think it was a bold choice on MAC's part to choose a 90 year-old women as their campaigning ad. I believe that this is so different yet visually beautiful.  It definitely grabs the users attention and sends the message of timeless beauty. Why wouldn't you want to buy MAC Cosmetics if you look that beautiful at age 90. I believe this ad was successful in using the C.R.A.P. design principles as read about in the book.