Creative is as Creative Does

In some recent posts, we have mentioned that one way to be impactful, engaging, and do things inexpensively is to be creative. Well, I recently came across some typically dull things that many of use that have been improved with some creativity.

We all use business cards. Here are a few that are extremely creative and can get through the overload and clutter of the same-old same-old.

Many of us have used bus ads. Here are several bus ads that break the mold. They really utilize all of the textures, functions, and shapes of the bus to make their point. Just don’t stare too long at them, we don’t need anyone getting into an accident.

And below are some miscellaneous ads that really stick out. While many of them are all clever, there are a couple that may not always be in the best taste and appropriate for many cases, especially not appropriate for higher ed. It is often hard to be creative and not cross the line. You’ll know which ones I am talking about when you see them below.

The point is, make sure the creative still communicates your organizations brand while still pushing the creative envelope. And know your audience, who are you trying to reach with your radically creative ideas. With faculty it may be best to communicate with the radically creative ads and with current students it may best to communicate with traditional ads. And last, judge when it is appropriate to be over-the-top creative and when it is appropriate to be traditional. Just like one of those big special effects movies, don’t add the special effects just for the sake of adding special effects – make sure it fits in with the story line.