The UK science fiction magazine SFX has become well known for partly covering up its title lettering, so at first (and second, and third) glance you would be forgiven for thinking the magazine consisted of racier content. Launched in the mid 80s in south Australia, the more suggestive elements of the image went unnoticed for a number of years. what could possibly be wrong with this image? Squint and shake your head and you may see it (looking daft while doing so is also a distinct possibility) Coca-Cola's risque artworkĪ glistening Coke bottle surrounded by ice and sporting the tagline 'Feel the curves'.

Keen not to lose out on the visibility of this lucrative partnership, the cigarette brand decided to make the most of a legal loophole.įorbidden from plastering the car with the Marlboro logo, the brand opted to stamp a rather peculiar barcode on Ferrari's racing cars.Īt first glance, this may look like an odd decision, but the barcode bore more than a passing resemblance to the Marlboro logo when flashing past F1 spectators at home and on the track. When the EU banned tobacco advertising in July 2005, Marlboro was a sponsor of Ferrari - one of the most successful Formula One racing teams.

By one definition, it is: 'The use by advertisers of images and sounds to influence consumers' responses without their being consciously aware of it.' Marlboro - a blur of ingenuity The definition of subliminal advertising is quite broad.

Subliminal messages in advertising