IMAGE ANALYSIS: Although we look at print advertisements every day, we often do not consider
the ways in which they affect us. Visual images in ads can influence and persuade us, so it is important to
evaluate them critically and objectively to understand their meaning and effectiveness. Good image analysis involves an examination of the components of an image (layout, text, color, tone) to gain an understanding of the whole.
Select an advertisement image to analyze. To find a print advertisement to analyze, you can search the web using the keywords “print ad” or you could even find and take a picture of a local poster or billboard in your neighborhood. We recommend you choose a print ad that includes text, imagery, and color to best complete this assignment.
Conduct an image analysis: The print advertisement you choose should be directed toward a specific
audience. To identify the intended audience, think about the members of the potential audience for the
advertisement that you have chosen. Who are they? Ads for a beauty product, for example, may be aimed at young people; ads for a deodorant might target adults; a diaper commercial is likely intended for new parents; ads for cruise trips might be aimed at retirees. You can use any academically-appropriate advertisement to complete this assignment, as long as its intended audience is clearly identified. In your analysis, consider how design components within the image (such as layout, text, color, and tone) appeal to the audience and provide and establish context for the ad’s overall purpose.
Your thesis must inform the reader of the specific ad chosen and the plan to analyze it.
Draft an analytical essay that examines the audience, context, and purpose of the advertising image you’ve chosen.
Analyzing the Audience, Context, and Purpose of a Print Advertisement
Analyzing the Audience, Context, and Purpose of a Print Advertisement
Thesis: This essay will analyze the print advertisement for Nike’s running shoes, targeting active individuals who aspire to achieve their fitness goals while promoting a sense of empowerment and determination through the strategic use of layout, text, color, and tone.
Introduction:
Print advertisements have a significant impact on consumers, influencing their perceptions and purchasing decisions. By critically examining the components of an image such as layout, text, color, and tone, we can gain a deeper understanding of the intended audience, context, and purpose of the advertisement. In this analysis, we will focus on a print advertisement for Nike’s running shoes, exploring how it appeals to active individuals who are driven by self-improvement and determination.
Body:
Audience Identification: The target audience for this Nike advertisement is active individuals who are interested in fitness and leading an active lifestyle. The advertisement aims to appeal to both men and women who are motivated to achieve their fitness goals. It may specifically target younger adults who are fashion-conscious and seek products that align with their active and trendy lifestyles.
Context Establishment: The advertisement creates a context by featuring a powerful image of a runner in motion. The use of dynamic photography captures the essence of movement, highlighting the product’s performance-oriented features. The presence of other athletes in the background further establishes a sense of community and camaraderie, reinforcing the idea that Nike’s running shoes are designed for individuals who are part of a larger fitness-driven culture.
Purpose Analysis: The purpose of this advertisement is multi-fold. Firstly, it aims to showcase Nike’s running shoes as high-performance footwear that can enhance the running experience. The strategically placed text highlights features such as cushioning and breathability, emphasizing the product’s functionality. Secondly, the advertisement seeks to tap into the emotional aspect of running by portraying it as an empowering activity. The image of the determined runner combined with inspirational text conveys the message that Nike’s running shoes can help individuals push their limits and achieve their fitness goals.
Design Components:
Layout: The layout of the advertisement is visually striking, with the runner positioned prominently in the center, capturing the viewer’s attention. The use of negative space around the runner directs focus towards the product and creates a sense of simplicity and elegance.
Text: The text in the advertisement is minimal but impactful. The tagline “Unleash your potential” motivates the viewer to strive for greatness while associating Nike’s running shoes with personal growth and empowerment.
Color: The color palette predominantly consists of bold and vibrant colors such as red and black, which evoke energy, power, and intensity. These colors align with Nike’s brand identity and resonate with the target audience’s desire for strength and accomplishment.
Tone: The overall tone of the advertisement is inspirational and aspirational. It encourages viewers to believe in themselves and their abilities while positioning Nike’s running shoes as a catalyst for reaching their full potential.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this analysis of Nike’s print advertisement for running shoes reveals its intended audience, establishes context within the fitness culture, and identifies its purpose to showcase high-performance footwear while promoting empowerment and determination. By strategically employing layout, text, color, and tone, Nike successfully appeals to active individuals who seek products that align with their fitness goals and aspirations. This advertisement not only captures attention but also motivates viewers to believe in their potential and invest in Nike’s running shoes as a means to achieve their athletic ambitions.