How do you recognize great creative? Try this simple test. Step 1: Look at the work. Step 2: Look in the mirror.

Did you:

Smile?
From in-on-the-joke grins to full-out belly laughs, funny stuff grabs attention and sticks with people. The latest Old Spice television spots do the trick for me. http://www.oldspice.com/videos/ Ditto on the Betty White spot for Snickers. http://www.snickers.com/ads/superbowl.html Closer to home, this billboard we created for the Museum of Science and History still makes me smile. http://www.balcomagency.com/our-work/addys/fort-worth-museum-of-science-and-history-6

Furrow your brow?
Intrigue, the unexpected or a little well-conceived misdirection can sneak through the clutter, too. As long as people can connect enough of the dots, it works. The original Mini campaign had lots of ‘Huh?’ power. http://inventorspot.com/articles/mini_cooper_no_small_advertising_6530
See 23 more surprising ads here: http://www.trendhunter.com/slideshow/hidden-surprising-advertising#17

Squinch your eyes shut like a slapped cat?
It’s tough to shock people anymore, but when you do, the fallout can significantly extend the life of a campaign. Are the shock waves worth it? The debate continues. Here’s a PG-13 collection of shockvertising. http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/top-50-shock-controversial-ads

Raise your eyebrows?
Sometimes pure, unadulterated information can be powerful. The Tap Project campaign for Unicef cuts right to the chase. See a video about it here: http://www.tapproject.org/media/

What campaigns are making your face move these days?