Blog 3: Semiotics

I work at a bar, so I'm surrounded by different drink ads all the time. Don Julio is one of the top tequilas we sell, so this print ad caught my eye.

Denotations:
-bottle of don julio
-black background
-stylized text at the top
-social media links at the bottom

Connotations:
-those with good taste drink Don Julio
-the light makes the bottle stand out from the darkness, signifying uniqueness
-experience can also be linked to power since it takes money to buy higher end alcohol
-social media links at the bottom signal that this is a social drink, other people are talking about it
-drinking this drink will make you smarter, classier, and more sophisticated than other tequila drinkers
-experience signifies wealth, knowledge, and authority
-the message and coloring portray that this is the best tequila available
-it is exclusive, and exclusivity is something to be desired

Myth:
This beautiful bottle contains a drink that will make you stand out from the crowd and make you a more experienced, and therefore better, tequila connoisseur. Owning or drinking this send the message that you are wealthy, knowledgable, and higher than the rest.

As a Gold's Gym member, I found this billboard (outdoor ad) both amusing and an excellent example of semiotics used in the fitness industry.

Denotations:
-strong, muscular arm
-assumed to be a man's arm
-limited texted
-white on black
-just one symbol in the corner
-focal point on arm

Connotations:
-strength, especially for men, is desirable and necessary to be important and manly
-in order to look like this, you must go to the gym
-there are no words needed, because it is understood that you obviously want to look like this
-golds has always had the reputation for catering to body builders
-going to this gym will make you as strong and large as a body builder
-the black on white coloring is simple, conveying the idea that going to this gym is a no brainer

Myth:
This is a beauty and strength driven culture, and going to Gold's Gym will make you strong and desirable.

I own a GMC so I found this tv advertisement interesting. 

Denotations:

-starts with blackness and lightbulb appears out of nowhere 

-large truck in the middle of the scene

-voice over of a man

-lightbulbs surrounding the vehicle

-increasing in number as the add goes on

-truck changes color

-short time with prices listed

-contrasting lighting, limited colors

-truck literally shines in the middle of the screen

-ends with logo and tagline in the center of the screen

-red text, black background

-voice tells a story about innovative thinking

Connotations:

-the lightbulb is connected with the notion of a "bright idea"

-the numerous and increasing number of lightbulbs says that this is one best and brightest idea

-the voice is a man, connecting this truck to other men who appreciate innovation and style

-the opening captures your attention with the light coming out of the darkness

-the black truck signified style and the color change says that you have options to make this truck unique to you

-the "quiet cabin" means that this isn't just a truck, it gives you the comfort of a car and the status of a strong man

Myth:

Owning this truck is a symbol of status and class. This is a truck for those that appreciate innovation, genius, and top of the line style. Driving this truck will solidify your status as a powerful man who understands that this is more than a truck, it's a reflection of yourself.