Our reputation is based on our creativity. That doesn’t sound very unique for an ad agency to say but it’s all about how you define creativity. Many creatives lean towards a dramatic visual as the definition of creative. Others lean toward provocative copy. Very few put the two together. Even fewer support the visual or copy to show the advantage of the product. One of the ad giants of the industry once said: an interesting image would be a man standing on his head. I agree it would catch the eye but then what? Unless you’re selling a product that keeps things from falling out of that man’s pocket, it’s just an image that has no meaning.

Take a look at the ad campaigns out there. Whether it be a billboard or a banner ad, I ask you to look for this: Can you identify the unexpected, dramatic element in each ad and determine if it passes the test for relevance? Does the entertainment overshadow or fail to deliver the sales message?

In this list of  “50 extraordinary and attractive billboards,” we could only find a few ads that are entertaining AND relate that image to the product and/or message (see below).

Here are a few of our ads from our Flickr Photostream. We are confident in our ability to use eye-catching creative that means something to your audience.

All ad agencies can claim creativity. Unfortunately for some, creativity simply means entertainment. Open your mind.

Recently, we let you know about a new account win for The Cyphers Agency: Severn Savings Bank.

In order to meet 2010 benchmarks, Severn Savings Bank is looking to increase their loan portfolio and number of deposits over the next 9 months. After listening to their needs, accompanied by in depth market and local research, The Cyphers Agency will conduct 2 separate advertising campaigns. Each will attract different consumer bases: individuals 45-60 and individuals 25-44.

Overall, we look to position Severn Savings Bank as a local financial institution that offers peace of mind for those looking for a smarter banking relationships. Through a complete brand development campaign, the tag line,”It’s Safe Here” helps address consumer fears about making poor banking choices, while the tag line “Toobigaphobia: Fear of Big Banks” with accompanying imagery speaks directly to that fear.

To break it down further, we will approach our audiences with two different ad messages. Our first audience, which is comprised of individuals 45-60, need a local bank that they can trust: personal attention and a true relationship with their relationship manager. “Think of it as a Financial Kinship,” if you will.

The second audience, individuals 25-44 are looking for something a little different. They require a local bank with real people, but they need more than that. Since this audience is always “on-the-go” and quite tech saavy, they search for accessibility and online convenience in a financial relationship. They need “Online Banking with a Pulse.

Every day, we do amazing work for some pretty cool clients. We get to do amazing work, have fun, and create some awesome stuff along the way.

We recently created some designs for a client of ours: Chicken. Yes, chicken! (Okay, okay, The National Chicken Council). Aside from an awesome Facebook page and a sweet Twitter account, we’ve create some merchandise for all those chicken lovers out there. Check out some of our work below, or just go check out the CafePress Shop (and buy some chicken stuff).

Last week, I came across a post on Toxel.com (a favorite site of mine) about 15 Examples of Modern Web Design. Yes, these are all cool looking and provide visual stimulation, but they go beyond just looking sweet. Check ‘em out:

Web technology is expanding exponentially in so many ways, and we should embrace it, especially if it makes life a little bit easier. And that is what modern web design is about. Things like Cascading Style Sheets, or CSS, are enabling web designers the ability to create amazing works of art while still enhancing functionality and site efficiency.

And although CSS and other web technologies aren’t necessarily new, they continue to update and change for the better, allowing increased usability. Their usage continues to enhance design and functionality, two things that go hand. And yes, while the sites above are artistic and beautiful, they are more than just pretty. They connect function with identity, which is just good design.

One of the most expensive media buys a company can make, the superbowl is always paid close attention by hundreds of millions of viewers. And so of course everyone likes to give their opinions on what ads were good, bad, or just weird. We generally have to suspend our opinion on great strategic ads, because the superbowl spots are always more about entertainment that solid ad messaging. But we’ve pulled together a list of some winners and losers below, with the embedded ads. Let us know in the comments section which ads were your favorite.

Winners:

Google – With Google’s first-ever television media buy, it showed everyone how integrated it has become into our lives, and also emphasized all the different things you can do on Google. Add in some warm and fuzzy feelings at the end and you’ve got a recipe for success. However, we were confused that Google released the ad online before it aired during the superbowl. Why ruin the surprise?

Denny’s- There is nothing more captivating than screaming chickens. With an ad message tied well to the promotion, these ads were funny and strategic.

Dodge – This commercial speaks to men, and is enjoyable for women. With grabbing creative, this was an easy favorite.

Doritos – Lot’s of commercials and consistent messaging make Doritos a consistent superbowl success. We thought the ads this year were the funniest yet, and hope they can keep it up.

Losers:

Bud Light – Although the spot was entertaining, there was only one spot! We’re used to seeing several bud light commercials, and seeing much funnier ones than the Lost parody that they aired. Sorry Bud Light, but you set the bar too high, and our expectations were let down. Hopefully you’ll be back in full force next year.

Focus on the Family – This commercial sparked a lot of controversy before the superbowl for it’s strong anti-abortion message, which had everyone poised to pay attention. Yet when the ad aired, the abortion message was taken out, and so the message came across as weak. Without a strong value proposition the ad did little to attract supporters, and didn’t drum up any outcry from the detractors (which is sometimes a good thing).

What did you think about the superbowl ads? Which were your favorites?