Flashback: 1965
I am a Mad Men freak. I have a master’s in magazine journalism. And – as fate would have it – I loooove clever marketing. What do all of these things have to do with each other? I give you: the latest issue of Newsweek.
Even if you’re not a fan of the show, the issue is a pretty neat one to flip through. The entire magazine went back to its 1965 roots, which included reverting back to an old typeface, logo, and – to my delight – ad style.
Major companies like Allstate, Johnnie Walker and Mercedes-Benz – among others – played along in the fun and designed special ads that look just like ones you’d have seen in the 60s. You can see all of them here.
I love Allstate’s call to action: “In 47 years, visit http://www.allstate.com” and New York Life’s visual and literal nod to “the more things change, the more we remain the same.” And who doesn’t love a good SPAM print ad?!
To me, brands that can be clever and fun with their advertising – while still being true to themselves – will always win out over ones that take themselves too seriously. As Don Draper would say, it’s not just about what you see on the page – it’s how what you’re seeing makes you feel. And from the issue of Newsweek itself to the brands advertising in it, I feel good. In a 1960s wholesome kind of way.
