Hi, little birdies! How old are you? Advertising has old times like every other thing, as you know… Today’s ads didn’t appear as they are now; they have evolved over time. In other words, they didn’t come out of nowhere. Before the digital age, advertisements were only print and visual ones. We are calling it “Retro Ads”. Some of these even shape today’s advertisements. I think there is no need to say more, here it is, retro ads that still influence modern advertisements!
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1) Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola's Christmas ads featuring Santa Claus in red and white cemented the modern image of Santa. The warm, nostalgic visuals connected the brand to the holiday spirit, inspiring other companies to create seasonal advertising campaigns that evoke a sense of tradition.
2) We Can Do It! (1940s)
Initially intended to boost worker morale during World War II, the iconic image of Rosie the Riveter has transcended its original purpose. The vintage poster's bold design and empowering message have been repeatedly revived and adapted by modern brands, often for campaigns centered on women’s empowerment.
3) Samsung (1980s)
The "Digital Muscle" ad uses a visual metaphor of a muscular arm holding a mobile phone to highlight the power and advanced features of Samsung's SCH-2010. The black-and-white design emphasizes strength and simplicity, conveying the phone’s modern capabilities like voice-activated dialing and long battery life.
4) Pepsi (1950s)
With colorful, illustrated visuals and catchy slogans, these ads were quintessential examples of mid-century advertising aesthetics. The bright colors, hand-drawn illustrations, and playful language continue to inspire modern ads that seek to evoke nostalgia or embrace vintage pop art styles.
5) The Economist (1980s)
The magazine's ads were simply white text on a red background, conveying clever and thought-provoking messages. This minimalist, text-focused design was visually striking and continues to influence ads that use simplicity and bold color schemes to deliver a strong message.
6) Volkswagen (1980s)
Volkswagen's "Rabbit Diesel" ad uses a clever visual comparison between a car and a runner to emphasize fuel efficiency. The tagline, "It can run a mile cheaper than you can," humorously contrasts the cost of driving the car with the calories burned by a human, making a memorable point about the vehicle's economical performance. This playful approach captures attention while effectively creatively conveying the car's value.
If We Return To The Present
Indeed, there have been many advertisements in the past that will shape the present. We chose the most six arresting ones from them. These ads also show how the brands improved themselves over time. And that they are very old of course. What do you think? Are you that old to remember these ads? If not, how did you find them? What were your first impressions about ads? We are excited to hear your ideas. You can share them with us via Instagram, E-Mail
