Advertising Work - "Animal Magnetism" (Lynx Instinct)

So this work was based on Lynx's Instinct fragrance. It was new at the time of this idea and I remember thinking they could have taken the advertising in such a more fun direction. I started with the name of the product, Instinct, and went from there. It seemed one of the selling points was that it smelled like "real leathers" or something so there's already a whole animal feel going on. Then of course you have to factor in Lynx's usual branding style e.g. women smelling the fragrance and becoming infatuated with the wearer. Throw all those points together and what do you have? "Animal Magnetism" in a can! Here's what I might have done, I'm sure you'll get the concept. Click to enlarge and let me know your thoughts.

In the billboard poster above we see that Lynx Instinct is so powerful that even females from other species are going nuts for the guy!

In the magazine ad to the left there are women who have let their animal instincts take over and are fighting for the alpha male! (The animal pattern clothing is used to draw more attention to the wild behaviour.) 

Below are a series of postcards that would be given out for free as promotional material. They function as coupons as well as a way to advertise with a measurable effect. The idea here being that questionably attractive, famous men have a secret for attracting hoards of women, but what could it be...? Well it's their "Animal Magnetism" of course, given to them by Lynx Instinct! In case you can't identify the famous characters upside down, from left to right they are The Beatles, Austin Powers and Take That (in their 90's fashion.)

In Agony! Volume 7 - (Summer 2011 issue)

VOL. 7 - SUMMER 2011 

Read the original version published in issue 4 of Edify magazine. 

The coming break will be a good chance to recover from a year of hard work on your course. With the weather the way it is at the moment it will be pretty tempting to check out early and start the summer break right away. Try to hold out a little longer. 

Find out when your last assignment hand-in or exam is and plan a party or night out for that evening. Once you know the date you’ll have something to look forward to and you’ll be able to focus on what needs to be done before then e.g. doing the best you can in your studies! After that the world is yours, for a couple of months at least. Enjoy the summer and see you next year! 


Now remember the ‘In Agony!’ twist! Sometimes the advice is already out there you just need to know where to look. So with your response I will also be giving HOMEWORK. This might include anything from a specific song or film, to a book or TV show episode for you to research, which will hopefully shed some light on your issue.

Newlywed22 wrote:

My husband doesn’t seem to take me seriously even after I decided to go to University. We were talking about kids and I think he expects me to put my career on hold to stay home with them. Did I get married too soon?


A: Have you spoken to him about this? My guess is no. Maybe he has these expectations because you haven’t properly discussed the subject. You both need to communicate. Sit him down and hash it out. Decide exactly what it is you do want and give it to him straight. If he doesn’t take you seriously after
that then let him have it! 

HOMEWORK: (Listen) Aretha Franklin – “Respect”

DarkFairy wrote:
I’ve been self-harming since I was about 16. I really want to stop now but I’m not sure what my first step should be.


A: Sounds like you’re willing to change your behaviour and that’s key. The first thing you may want to try is using avoidance techniques, activities that will stop you from being able to hurt yourself, whether it’s going for a run or getting rid of all sharp objects etc. Here’s a top tip for those times when you really feel out of control, wear a rubber band on your wrist and when you get the urge to self-harm simply snap yourself with it! These are all first steps but the best thing to do is see a trained counsellor who can help get to the root of the problem.


HOMEWORK: (Read) uwl.ac.uk - Counselling Service page

Here you can find information on the University of West London Counselling Service and how to get in contact with them. The service is completely confidential and free to all current University of West London students and staff.

ZEDD wrote:
I can’t dance! Help!

A: Dancing is like art, it’s subjective, but if you want to attempt to look like you know what you’re doing you can try moving the bottom half of your body to the beat and the top half to the bass during the verses. Then mix I tup when the chorus kicks in. Although no one will give you praise for it. It’s a lot more fun to dance like no-one’s watching and you might even get some compliments out of it! Just get lost in the music!


HOMEWORK: (Listen) Taio Cruz feat Kylie Minogue – “Higher”

Trainspotter wrote:
I’m hanging out with a new group of friends. We get along great but they all do drugs of some kind and I think I might be making some of them uncomfortable. The stuff they take seems to be safe, should I just join in?


A: Well peer pressure is just about the weakest excuse for taking drugs. Also you can never tell if something is ‘safe’ or not until it’s too late. If you all get along as well as you think then it shouldn’t matter that you’re not into it. If anything it’s probably handy to have someone with a clear head in the group. However, if you’re determined to do something silly then make sure you’re educated. Call FRANK on 0800 77 66 00.


HOMEWORK: (Listen) The Verve – “The Drugs Don’t Work” 


Flat15 wrote:
Our mate has been totally hooked to his computer since starting uni. We think he’s addicted to Facebook. What can we do?

A: Sounds like it’s time for an intervention! If you need to, drag him out of his room, but hopefully it won’t come to that. All of you need to tell him he’s acting like a loser and that he needs to find the fun. Organise a big night out and don’t take no for an answer. Remind him of everything he’s missing out on.


HOMEWORK: (Watch) Smallville – Season 9
Chloe becomes absorbed in her Watchtower duties since Jimmy’s death. Her friends manage to convince her to step out from behind the computer screen and back into the real world. 


I'll give anything a go so send your problems, embarrassing illnesses, secret shames and all the rest, to tezofalltrades@gmail.com with ‘HELP’ in the subject box and leave an alias for how you want to be addressed.