Ad+Parody+Assignment

=**Ad Parody Assignment** =

Create your own parody of a print advertisement, one that will not only get the audience's attention but will subvert the original purpose of the ad. Most good ad parodies are funny, but funny isn't essential here; grim and provocative parodies work nicely as well. The key is to point out a deeper truth, something missing from the ad, or else to turn the meaning of the ad in on itself.

Ideally, your parody should be more than a joke; it should make some sort of critical political/cultural/social statement. Whether the issue is related to the environment, health, labor, media concentration, or another cause, you might want to do some research to bolster your point.

Make sure that the criticism of the product or the ad is clear. Before you settle on an idea, ask yourself: If this parody ran in a national magazine, would readers understand it?

You may illustrate your parody with a sketch or a more professional-looking, computer- enhanced illustration. Regardless of your artistic skills (or lack thereof) please spend some time making the illustration look as good as possible. A written description of your parody is not necessary, but feel free to include one if you think it'll help explain your thinking.

If you are parodying a specific ad, please bring in the original ad and include it with your work.

** There are three basic ways to make a spoof ad: **

** 1. Change the text of the ad, but keep the same image. ** For example, an advertisement for “Cool Beer” could be made to say “Fool Beer.” The “Marlboro Cowboy” spoof ad is an example.

** 2. Keep the slogan but put a spin on it by changing the image. ** For example, beer bellies could be added to some of the hip young drinkers in an alcohol ad.

** 3. Change both the text and the image. ** In this case, students will need to stick closely to the font, colors and format of the original ad in order to make the spoof work.

Examples: [|Adbusters]