When I was a junior, back in 2019, I did so many job interviews, and one question all the creative directors loved to ask was:
«What’s your favorite ad?»
Suddenly, your mind goes blank—kind of like when someone asks you your favorite song, and all you can think of is «DES-PA-CITO.»
So, to save you that kind of trouble, I’ve put together a list of 5 ads that’ll make you look great at any job interview.
You’re welcome.
1. Spotify – Let the song play (2020)
Spotify wanted people in the U.S. to use their streaming service during one of the moments we all love to listen to music: while driving.
To do so, they built a campaign around the insight that we all tend to linger in the car until our favorite song finishes.
A strong insight and a great cast of actors resulted in a campaign that is both funny and beautifully executed.
2. Mixta – Rock, paper, scissors (2010)
In the vein of «Never Say No to Panda»—but even more absurd—Mixta, a Spanish lemon-beer brand, built its brand identity around the art of the absurd.
Chinese cats, flying pigs, and mean penguins were some of the main characters featured in their ads, making an entire generation laugh.
But most importantly, we still remember them to this day.
This is just one example of the many, many ads they created throughout the 2000s following this theme.
3. IKEA – Lamp (2010)
Storytelling is everything. It doesn’t really matter what you’re showing—as long as you do it the right way.
A sad song, smart framing, and a rainy day can make you have feelings for almost anything… even a lamp!
IKEA knew this and didn’t hesitate to play with our hearts, building tension and waiting for the perfect moment to release it.
The result? A good laugh and a perfectly delivered message.
4. Budweiser – Too Heavy Too Light (2010)
If you want to use the “exaggeration” trick in your campaign, the rule is simple: go big or go home.
Budweiser decided to go big to promote their beer Bud Light—which is neither too heavy nor too light—and created a multi-subject campaign with different scenarios, each more fun than the last.
5. The Independent – Litany (1998)
One of the greatest examples of good writing.
In 1998, The Independent launched this provocative and highly awarded campaign that still resonates today.
With a black-and-white treatment, slow piano music, and a voice enumerating restrictions in a warning tone—accompanied by images depicting the prohibited actions—this commercial holds our attention from start to finish.
In advertising, many creatives and brands have chased provocation, but only a few have truly mastered it. This ad is one of them.
Now tell me, which is your favourite ad?
Are our phones listening to us?
Storyteller
What is a copywriter?
Storyteller
