I don’t want to be pedantic because I love this community, but as a designer, it’s clear that the ad makes of multiple techniques to differentiate between “makes me want a” and “hot dog”.
- the sizes are different
- there’s a very obvious colour difference
- the font is different
- and “makes me want a” is grouped up in a corner, so the eye knows to go from one phrase to the other.
Unfortunately, the colour, size, font weight and position of “hot dog” draws the eye far more than “makes me want a”. It suggests prominence and that the reader should start with it. It therefore reads
“Hot Dog makes me want a real bad”
Which then does work for this sub…
I don’t want to be pedantic because I appreciate your astute analysis, but as a fan of classic movies, it’s clear that this isn’t an ad, but rather a t-shirt referring to a humorous line from Legally Blonde.
- The line was famously said by Jennifer Coolidge’s character, Paulette.
- Closer inspection of the image reveals that it is printed on lightly wrinkled fabric.
- There is no brand being advertised.
Unfortunately, the composition of the photograph omits the sleeves and neck of the shirt, and the design evokes the imagery and aesthetic of advertisements for 1960’s drive-in theater concession stands, so it is easy to mistake it for an ad.
Ultimately, the main point of your comment, that the phrase is still difficult to read even though the words “Hot Dog” are grouped together, still stands.
Which then does work for this post…