Corporate image advertising, 1890

  Focus on Image
As graphics and printing processes continue to advance, the image begins to swallow the entire presentation. The Coke ad (center) has no advertising message at all. Not even a headline. Instead, it simply offers an attractive image and a brand name. The viewer makes the association.

Expanding illustration styles, 1900

  Wide-ranging Styles
These images reflect a broad range of styles. Some are created by a new kind of business, called an advertising agency, which specializes in creating both graphics and tag lines. The more ambitious firms try to interest clients in something called an ad campaign, which presents a varied series of ads over a period of time, linked by a unifying theme. In 1930, America's leading agency books a million dollars in revenue.


Circus posters, 1900

  Traveling Shows
America is developing a growing business in travelling shows, which begins with Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, but soon branches out into travelling circuses and early vaudeville acts. Posters are needed to promote coming attractions.


Beer ads, 1900

  Raise a Glass
The first beer ads are just beginning to appear, including the hot (but modestly reserved) new Budweiser Girl.


Fashions, 1900

  Wardrobe Choices
As the Victorian Era comes to a close, over-the-top evening wear is making a final appearance.


Newspaper ads, 1900

  Newspaper Adverts
Color posters and full-page magazine ads are sure-fire attention-grabbers, but the daily business of newspaper advertising continues to rely on black-and-white ads, which are inexpensive, and reproduce cleanly at small scale.