Consider this piece by J. C. Lyendecker:

http://c300221.r21.cf1.rackcdn.com/arrow-shirt-ad-jc-leyendecker-1351491823_org.jpg

You've probably seen it around, or one of the many homages to it. It is a really nice piece, and you might even call it a classic. Yet what was to purpose of this modern masterpiece?

To sell shirts.

The message of the piece is, "Use our product, and you too could end up with a smashing blonde like this". Pretty much the same message they use to push Axe Body Spray.

So, what's the point? I know some artists like to grumble pretty vocally about how dull is the subject matter that they're forced to deal with, and how it's beneath their talents. I just wanted to point out that Mr. Lyendecker took a pretty humble assignment, and managed to create one of the great iconic images of our time. Interesting projects are nice, but ultimately, it's up to us as artists to elevate the subject, and give it interest.