It's always been fun to get that small comic strip out of chewing gum packages, and these Bazooka Gum ads highlight what little has changed about this tradition in the past generation -- or perhaps how much things have changed.
To demonstrate, the studio at the School of Visual Arts, New York, juxtapose two freebee cartoons in each print, including one that might have been found in a 1952 wrapper and another from 2011. Both are formatted identically, feature two comparable characters and deal with the very same situation. The differences are subtle, but each illustrated boy wears a slightly modernized outfit and the socially informed friend delivers Information Age advice. According to the Bazooka Gum ads, texting a girl replaces flowers and video games replace playing outside, but this sweet snack hasn't changed at all.
Contemporary Comic Campaigns
These Bazooka Gum Ads Highlight Generational Changes
Trend Themes
1. Evolution of Nostalgic Advertising - Opportunity for brands to create campaigns that highlight the changes and similarities in generational traditions.
2. Digitalization of Traditional Products - Opportunity for companies to update and modernize classic products to cater to the Information Age.
3. Shift in Consumer Preferences - Opportunity for businesses to adapt their offerings to align with the changing interests and behaviors of modern consumers.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - Opportunity for candy and gum companies to tap into nostalgia and create innovative marketing campaigns.
2. Advertising and Marketing - Opportunity for advertising agencies to develop creative strategies that bridge generational gaps and resonate with diverse target audiences.
3. Toys and Entertainment - Opportunity for toy companies to leverage the shift in play patterns and develop products that cater to the digital preferences of modern children.