Apple's Image

Many Americans have seen this famous ad and can easily identify it as for Apple. This has a lot to do with the pure genius in this advertising campaign. The faceless, all-black person allows for all types of viewers to immediately connect because all can see themselves as this person with no identity. The actual position that the person is in conveys to the audience that the person is dancing at the moment the image was created. This allows for the emotional connection that can be made with such an image because it seems as though this caricature is actually a real person. The all-black face also adds to the curiosity factor in this ad, beyond the more obvious new iPod which is trying to be sold by Apple. The vivid colors also make it really "pop" out to the viewers, increasing the attractiveness in the advertisement.

Apple, at the time this image was originally created, had been known for being the long-time underdog of Microsoft. This new and bright image makes the viewer rethink their previous notions about Apple and can create a totally new perception of the brand. Perhaps Apple was trying to really reach a totally new category of their consumers by these hip and stylish ads. The iPod's introduction to mainstream America also allows for these new ideas to be formed about Apple. The image is as much for bettering the perception of the Apple brand, as it it for introducing the revolutionary new product.

Kobe "Black Mamba" Bryant

Although I am an avid Kobe fan, the power in this image is undeniable. The image is of Kobe Bryant dunking a basketball with one hand. Perhaps the argument in displaying such an image is to show that Kobe is the best player in the NBA.The one-handed dunk alone is quite an impressive feat and the photograph displays this quite correctly. His passion and determination is captured in his face and the totally stretched-out body. Kobe being totally alone in the shot makes it seem as though he just can gotten a break-away or steal in a actual NBA game. The photograph allows for the viewer to feel as though they are actually seeing such a defiant play taking place right in front of them.

The little things in the image really allow for it to make such a strong statement to the viewers. Magic Johnson is in the background, standing up among the Laker's players and coaches. This could be indirectly showing how even Magic Johnson (10 NBA titles with the Lakers) must now realize how valuable and undeniable Kobe's talent is. The tiny NBA logo on the bottom, also adds to the credibility of the photograph, showing that this image was chosen for a reason. The reason being Kobe Bryant is the most dominating player in the NBA. Finally, his stern facial expression also just adds to the overall statement in the photo. It is that Kobe Bryant is determined to be the best and is rightfully so.