25 Mind-Blowing Ads from Around the World
Sometimes it’s difficult to get our creative juices flowing. As we work to write articles, style our websites, and engage with people, it’s necessary to be creative. We have to learn to step outside the usual concepts that we’re used to and to truly start thinking outside the box.
The advertisements shown below are some of the most creative. As you look through them, take away some lessons about the creativity that these companies have used to promote their businesses and their products around the world and then ask yourself this simple question, “What can I do to demonstrate that same level of creativity on my blog or website?”
They say that content is king and yet so few people are truly looking to learn, grow and expand the way that they create material for the visitors of their websites. Don’t just laugh at the images below. Take from them the principles that will help you to crown your content the king that it wants to be.
If you want to browse through some more of the most creative print ads from around the world then be sure to visit Ads of the World.
Nabeel | Create Your First Website said:
Whoa great and huge collection of creative Ads!!
These ads are really creative, and think out of the box. No wonder, they must have been paid handsomely.
I really like the Mini ad, as it depicts the Mini as a fun and joyful ride.
I also like the Ronda ad, as it precisely depicts the sharpness of the knife.
Kindest,
Nabeel
Nicholas Cardot said:
Those artists really do deserve to make some profits for making those. They certainly did a terrific job in my opinion. I hope that these graphics inspired you to think creatively as work back at your own blog. I like the creativeness in these ads because it helps to fuel my creativity in creating content, in developing my own theme and layout, and in just simply thinking of ways to grab people’s attention. These ads also inspire me to always keep developing my own skills at design and to keep thinking creatively. Do they inspire you in that same way?
Dimi said:
Wow, the “Don’t talk while you drive” ad is brutal!
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Nicholas Cardot said:
I agree that it is and I almost didn’t include it, but it really does make a strong point. You shouldn’t distract someone who is driving. And so although it is incredibly intense, I also feel that it is appropriate.
Do you feel that it was inappropriate and that it shouldn’t have been included?
Dimi said:
Oh no, I think these are the ads that people should be seeing. Our culture is too sensitive.
Intense measures are needed often times to deliver a message successfully. I just wish we saw these types of ads on the freeway, that would make me put the phone down!
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Nicholas Cardot said:
That’s right it would! I would put mine down. I think that is a lesson that we can learn about being bold in delivering our message on our websites.
Dan said:
That’s so weird, my comment was almost word-for-word the same as yours. :S
Still true though. Yikes.
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Nicholas Cardot said:
That’s funny but I can see that you both submitted them at almost the exact same time. Too funny!
Blog Angel a.k.a. Joella said:
I love these! I often find the best inspiration for website and blog template designs in ads.
Sometimes it happens when I’m just sitting around watching the tube, flipping through a magazine or like in this post where someone is showcasing awesome graphics for one reason or another.
I just don’t have enough inspiration in me to come up with really good original stuff off the top of my head. But something I see will often trigger a great idea.
I never copy or steal other people’s graphics, but they do move me into my own creative space.
Oh God, I sound like some kind of lame graphics geek wanna be! Sigh.
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Nicholas Cardot said:
You do sound like a lame graphics geek wanna be. Will you be my friend? LOL
I agree with what you’re saying. These graphics really inspire me also. I really want to keep learning Photoshop and design so that I can create works of art like these. I absolutely love this stuff. Do you use Photoshop or anything like that?
Blog Angel a.k.a. Joella said:
Okay, I’m gonna sound even lamer when I tell you that I use GIMP.
What’s really lame, (Oh I hope you like puns) is that I have really bad arthritis and walk with a cane.
Get it, Gimp, lame, walk with a cane. LMAO
Sorry, you bring out the somewhat mischievous in me.
And its all true and I do use Gimp. I have worked with Photoshop, but I’m trying to give up my pirating ways. Can’t really afford Photoshop. But I do pretty good with Gimp. I also want to try to learn the fabulous tools online at Aviary.com.
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Nicholas Cardot said:
Ha ha. That’s too funny.
Steve @Erraticblog said:
The don’t talk and drive one is a real eye opener… brutal, but so true. I wish more people would see it.
Nicholas Cardot said:
I do to. When I saw it, I almost thought that it was too gruesome to put on the site, but the message is so powerful that I felt that it was completely appropriate. I hope that a lot more people see it and learn from it. Is that your favorite one in the collection?
Steve @Erraticblog said:
Yes, very powerful. And not too gruesome in my opinion; It’s sometimes necessary to get peoples attention. I had to mention it on my blog: http://erraticblog.com/2010/07/mind-blowing-ads-via-site-sketch-101/
My other fave is “Your kid without sugar”. I wish my daughters could be like this sometimes
Nicholas Cardot said:
Thanks for mentioning that on your blog! I really appreciate that. Did you see the trackback for your article at the top of the comments section?
Steve @Erraticblog said:
You’re welcome and thanks a bunch for the trackback
Nicholas Cardot said:
Don’t thank me. You’re that one that is totally awesome!
Dan said:
WOW! The don’t call while he drives ad is horrifying!
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Nicholas Cardot said:
I completely agree with you but I think it portrays a powerful principle and just as Steve mentioned in his comment above, I hope that a lot more people see it. I had found some other ads in that same series. Maybe I should have brought them into the collection.
Dan said:
For sure. I saw one where someone put a screen onto windshields in a school zone that looked like a bloody kid, and said “slow down”.
Some people might think it’s over the line, but a lot of people won’t change until something horrible happens.
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Nicholas Cardot said:
That’s exactly right. It can take a lot to get somebody’s attention. Do you have a link to that ad that you’re talking about?
Dan said:
I don’t, but I remember it was part of an article on guerilla marketing.
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Nicholas Cardot said:
Okay. Cool.
Onibalusi Bamidele said:
Wow! Really great Post Nick!
I have been to your blog over 5 times today expecting something new and I must tell you this post rocks!
The ads are really powerful and some are very funny that I can hardly choose the one I love most
You are really very creative
, and inspiring.
Thanks so much for the great post,
-Onibalusi
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Nicholas Cardot said:
Thanks, man! I’m glad that this article didn’t disappoint you. Just remember that you’ve got to do whatever it takes to ignite that creative spark inside you. You’ve got to keep creativity in front of you. What do you usually do to ignite your creativity, Onibalusi?
Onibalusi Bamidele said:
Exactly Nick!
Concerning igniting my creativity, I will always remind myself of my goals and I will begin to brainstorm on ways to achieve it.
Thanks so much,
-Onibalusi
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Nicholas Cardot said:
Also, make sure that you’re always putting creativity in front of your eyes. Pay attention to websites, advertisements, logos, jokes and everything else so that you can constantly learn and fuel your own ideas. Surround yourself with creativity and if you work and think about it enough you can develop and ignite that spark.
Onibalusi Bamidele said:
exactly Nick!
That was exactly what I gained from this post. Images can have a great effect on someones live.
Thanks so much,
-Onibalusi
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Nicholas Cardot said:
You’re welcome. I always appreciate the great conversations that you bring here. Thanks for being a part of the community!
Richard Scott said:
I too have to agree that the talk while he drives ad is very visual. I think that stands out the most because it really makes you think. It causes you to see what could happen and to feel what it would feel like if you were on that end of the phone call. What an impact! Literally! Great ad. I’m happy you included it. Sometimes we all need a slap in the face.
Nicholas Cardot said:
It is extremely visual but like you said it really is the slap in the face that we sometimes need. I’m glad that you appreciate it.
Richard Scott said:
Almost makes you think what we could do with our website to create that sort of visual impact??? Hmmm…
Nicholas Cardot said:
That’s exactly the type of thinking that I’m trying to inspire into people! I want people to be challenged to think of new and creative ways to make their sites drastically more excellent! Your thinking is right up my ally! Let me know what you’re contemplating.
Kunal said:
A wonderful collection of ads. I liked the way you have posted them.
Thanks for sharing with us.
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Nicholas Cardot said:
You’re welcome. I’m glad that you liked them. Do you have a favorite ad in this collection?
Ron Leyba said:
I really love the graphics and the idea of “Go Back In Time” “Dinosaurs Alive” advertisement. It made me laugh out loud. That is effective advertising, I guess, because it really captures my attention and emotion as well.
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Jeff B. said:
This was simply awesome! Thank you so much! This will definitely inspire me next time I design another flier. This post was definitely full of inspiration! Keep up the great work!
Nicholas Cardot said:
Awesome! What do you make flyers for?
Andrew said:
That Dinosaurs Alive ad is just scary.
I swear someone has morphed a photo of Nathan Hangan with my daughter.
Wrong! Just plain wrong…
LOL
Nathan said:
hahahaha…no idea how I found this comment, but that’s hilarious. At least you’re thinking of me
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Nicholas Cardot said:
You want us to think of you when we see stuff like this?
Nathan Hangen said:
Well, all press is good press, right?
Nicholas Cardot said:
I don’t know. Let me do a survey of political candidates and then I’ll get back to you. LOL
Nicholas Cardot said:
That’s great! I actually thought of Keith…and told him so…when I saw it.
Linda said:
Wow! Makes me wish I could trade in the master’s in social work for an advertising/marketing degree.
Love the shock and awe–works every time.
Thanks for inspiring me for a couple of minutes–although my subliminal mind will have to weigh in later…!
Nicholas Cardot said:
I completely know what you mean. I’m going to college in the fall of 2011 (gonna cash in on my hard-earned G.I. Bill) and I’m definitely going to develop some skills to create art like this. I absolutely love it.
Ted Thompson said:
I love the Go Back In Time – Dinosaurs Alive Ad, brilliant!
Nicholas Cardot said:
When I saw that ad, I called a buddy of mine on Skype and told him that I found one of his childhood pictures. We had a good laugh.
Dany Vilela said:
Wow Nicholas! Great roundup! And I know what I’m talking about
Dany
@dyvantity
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Nicholas Cardot said:
Thanks! I really appreciate that!
Jorgen @ Personal Branding said:
Great collection Nicholas! Haven’t seen any of these ads, have the run in the US? Or are they only concepts?
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Vinish Parikh said:
Great collection of ads there,some were funny and some thought provoking. Thanks for sharing
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Nicholas Cardot said:
You’re welcome.
BJ said:
I think the Ford? ad is a little bit based on a very old PC game..
T.I.M. (The Incredible Machine)
So sad that doesn’t work on a Mac. I would love to play that simple game again.
Brian Kinkade said:
I was laughing half the time.
These are pretty clever, kudos to whoever came up with the ads, also to you for collecting these and sharing it with us. It made my day!