I chose the activity "Shot with iPhone, drawn on iPad," which was initiated by Apple as a global creative campaign. The purpose of this activity is to encourage people to use their iPhones for impactful photography or to create art with the iPad. The official will regularly select works for advertising, subtly enhancing the audience's artistic appreciation while motivating creation and promoting consumption.
The visual strategy of this event is highly contrasting. Photography is real and high-definition, silently recording breathtaking natural or cultural landscapes, with an undoubtedly authentic and objective tone. In contrast, the secondary artistic creations based on these photos are full of imaginative freedom, shifting the tone to be more free, subjective, and romantic. The only commonality is that they both perfectly demonstrate Apple's confident essence.
This event is not only an art exhibition but also a successful commercial marketing campaign. It vividly showcases the interaction between different Apple products and successfully stimulates consumer demand.
Firstly, it attracts professionals or enthusiasts. By inviting international illustrators to create, it clearly addresses professionals, showcasing the advantages of its own products as tools. Secondly, it targets ordinary Apple users. Although most people initially purchase iPhones and iPads just as regular tools for watching shows or playing games, when they see such impressive works created using the same tools, they may feel a sense of longing. Additionally, the bright colors and distinctive styles of illustrations in this event easily attract young people. Even those who are not Apple users might stop to take a look.
However, the limitations of the event are also obvious. The first is the elderly population. Most of them do not use Apple phones or like overly avant-garde styles. Then there are some ordinary users, who may feel intimidated by such professional events and think they have nothing to do with them. Moreover, Apple products are not cheap, especially since the event emphasizes collaboration between two devices, which could inadvertently increase the barrier to entry.
If I were the art director, I might consider shifting the focus more towards ordinary people and objects, such as setting up a children's graffiti section. The pure and simple strokes of children can touch more people. Or focusing on unique local styles, such as Chinese ink painting or European oil painting.
