Conventions of a print advert

Print adverts usually contain one or more of these features; one key image; logo; tagline; puns; contact information and colour scheme. In my adverts for the newspaper, most of these conventions are adhered to.

This has several conventions used within it, for example the pun - "Need Filling In?" works on multiple levels. It refers to actually needing some DIY done on the house and it refers to catching up on all of the local news stories. Additionally, I've deliberately left a gap before the contact information is given, as this implies that the gap needs 'filling in'. Contact details for a handy man are obligatory as obviously, without them no one will know how to get the service if they want it. The picture adds interest and is relevant to the advert as it is obviously a builder's tool. The colour scheme is blue and white because I wanted something fairly simple for this as it is easier on the eye.

I felt that having a fun, community based ad would be important in creating more verisimilitude in my local newspaper. Obviously there is a main image of the fireworks which I created in photoshop. The overlaying text states the information the reader needs clearly. I chose white for the text so that it would show up well on the black background. I felt that the font had a rebellious 'rocker' feel to it, which matches with the Guy Fawkes plot against parliament/ bonfire night. The colour theme is purple, black and white which seems simple in words, but I wanted it to stand out so that the 'event' would get publicity.

This ad isn't actually in the paper as I couldn't find enough space to fit it in. I also felt that the two adverts above were enough. There is a key image which connotes rehabilitation and relaxation and I felt that making the practitioner a doctor would make the advert seem more credible. Also, the paper would support alternate therapies  due to the nature of its ideology. My audience research indicated that these tree types of ad - practical, event and holistic therapy were the most popular and noticed adverts. These adverts aren't very glamourous, and are also typical of a local, low budget newspaper, rather than a magazine or national newspaper for example;

(Older) simple and practical advert page

Instead of;

A glamourous car - status symbol

A state of the art mobile - care free escapism

A more elaborate form of advertising
It makes you look twice and keep the image in
your mind

See the difference? However, that's okay as it is a local newspaper convention. And although the more glamourous adverts conform to more conventions, it doesn't matter as the product or thing that they're trying to advertise is completely different. I did not try to go for a complicated or elaborate technique of advertising as some adverts (See Virgin Media Radio advert above). However, I have tried to modernise my adverts a little through more contemporary design than line after line of serif text.