#RestartMB – VISA 1500 Sept 2021

Aaron Lemoine

VISA 1500

September 24th, 2021

Assignment 1, Part A

The image above is a billboard from a few months ago outside of a car dealership on one of the major access roads when I had returned home to Winnipeg, Manitoba for the first time since the pandemic had begun. Unfortunately at this time of the photo, Winnipeg was considered one of the epicenters of COVID-19 in North America, so tensions were considerably high for most, and this billboard ad was applicable to all, by managing and connecting people to the province’s pandemic situation. This ad was for the Government of Manitoba’s “#RestartMB” campaign during the pandemic, which was something that was eye catching to all, and was completely relevant during these times. The #RestartMB advertisement positively educates, as well as forms a long lasting impression as to what we as people needed to do. It was also not as normal in the past for the Government of Manitoba to be marketing its efforts, and plans, but this had to be done in order to create engagement, by creating a notion for many to change their acts and behaviors.

This billboard ad provided myself with a sense of direction while learning to live with this virus. What stood out the most was the campaigns slogan “#RestartMB”. The idea of being able to restart at this time had seemed impossible, but it definitely had given me a sense of hope. The big white lettering of “know the facts” had really formed a thought as to what kind of promotional campaigning that the government was doing in order for us as citizens to feel safe and confident when going back to everyday life. The color scheme that represented the different state of emergencies we were currently going through really draws the consumers in. At this point, Winnipeg was in the process of gradually loosening up restrictions, so this illustrational element of color creates an aspiration for everyone.

This ad was clearly designed to create a form of behavior modification towards the general public. This type of advertising really influences people, in hopes to alter what a consumer would feel, think, or do. This type of advertising truly modifies mindsets, and changes our behavior in a time where we were or were not necessarily following the right steps in order for us to restart, and move in the right directions.