Tobacco Head

There’s probably no consumer product that has done more to ruin the moral credibility of the advertising profession more than cigarettes.  After all, there aren’t any more credible arguments that can be made against the dire health warnings issued by doctors, governments and just about everyone else who DOESN’T SMOKE.  But people still do it.

There’s no denying that nicotine is one of the most addictive drugs out there – but it’s the advertising and the image created around the act of smoking that has drawn people in for generations.

Just to be clear – I don’t smoke.  I have never smoked (other than an occassional, celebratory cigar) and have instilled the fear only a father can in my kids about the dangers of smoking.  But as an advertising professional who is absolutely fascintated with pop culture, history and the art of marketing – I’m not sure there is anyone who enjoys vintage cigarette ads as much as I do.

That’s where Andrew Lindstrom, writing his wellmedicated blog, comes into this post.  Back in February of this year, he put together a classic blend of 40, vintage tobacco ads.  Some are humorous, most are an accurate representation of the state of American culture at the time of their creation and some are … well, they’re beautiful.

Here’s a gallery of some of my favorites and here’s a link to Andrew’s blog and to his entire photostream of vintage tobacco ads.

Enjoy, just don’t breathe too deeply.

Bookmark and Share