re: Trompe L'oeil
Good points, but I often wonder if advertising works at all. I can recall many commercials which I find amusing, sexy, appealing, obnoxious, or in some other way notable, but I rarely remember the brand name, sometimes I don't even remember the product. For example, I can think of one announcer's very distinctive and elegant voice for a string of luxury car commercials, but I can't tell you which car he's pitching.
If advertising were found to be highly ineffective, do you think the advertising industry would tell anyone?