Good Stuff from Joan Eisenstodt

A lively discussion has taken place among a few colleagues about a re-launch of a publication read by many in our industry.  We have puzzled over the image on the cover of the first issue: a white male.  His back faces out and thus we can't tell how old he is - he could be anywhere from 18 to 45 .. unless he's had his hair touched up nicely.  He appears to be looking out a window.

Images, in marketing, are often what draws people in .. or keeps them out.  We all have an immediate reaction to what is shown.  It's why ad agencies are hired and focus groups are held to determine what best represents the brand being marketed.

 In this case, the image puzzled me since it is directed to a global audience and to an industry in which (in the US) the make up is mainly women. 

How do pictures - images - turn you on or off when you see marketing?  How much time do you/your organization spend thinking about what images (photos, symbols, etc.) will best reflect your brand or the message you want to convey?