Welcome back to your daily marketing swipe file. The best ads, served fresh daily, and as tasty as your favorite slice of pepperoni pizza. 🍕Let’s dig in.

Guys, We’re Flattered – KFC

• What’s happening: This playful ad showcases a collage of storefronts from various fried chicken restaurants whose names and branding heavily mimic KFC, such as "LFC," "MFC," and "ZFC." The tagline, "Guys, We’re Flattered," reflects KFC’s tongue-in-cheek acknowledgment of being the benchmark for fried chicken establishments worldwide.

• Why it’s awesome: It’s witty, self-assured, and celebrates KFC’s cultural dominance with humor. Rather than taking offense, the ad embraces imitation as the sincerest form of flattery, showing KFC’s confidence in its status as the original. The creative execution makes it both relatable and shareable, reinforcing the brand’s iconic reputation.

Worn by Supermodels in London and Dads in Ohio – New Balance 990

• What’s happening: This minimalist ad highlights the New Balance 990 sneaker with a tongue-in-cheek tagline that celebrates its wide appeal. From the runway to suburban backyards, the 990 is presented as a universal icon of style and comfort, effortlessly bridging the gap between high fashion and practical everyday wear.

• Why it’s awesome: The ad’s humor and self-awareness make it instantly memorable. By embracing the sneaker’s dual reputation as both a fashion statement and a dad essential, New Balance positions the 990 as timeless and versatile. The clean design and witty copy elevate a practical shoe into a cultural icon, making the message both relatable and aspirational.

A Tribute to Van Gogh – Van Gogh Museum Café

• What’s happening: This brilliantly subtle ad shows a cup of coffee with the handle cleverly missing, referencing Van Gogh’s famous self-portrait with his bandaged ear. The minimalist design pairs a simple coffee setup with a small but impactful visual twist, tying the experience of the museum café to the artist’s iconic story.

• Why it’s awesome: The ad is both elegant and thought-provoking, capturing Van Gogh’s legacy with a clever nod that art enthusiasts will instantly recognize. It aligns perfectly with the museum’s branding, combining culture with a touch of humor. The simplicity ensures the message resonates without overcomplication, making it a tasteful and memorable piece of advertising.

Don’t Let His Dream Die – Save the Children

• What’s happening: This impactful ad depicts a young boy in a desolate environment performing CPR on a fallen astronaut. The juxtaposition of the astronaut—a symbol of dreams and ambition—and the grim surroundings illustrates the harsh realities many children face. The tagline ‘Don’t let his dream die’ drives home the message that poverty and war rob children of their potential and dreams.

• Why it’s awesome: The ad is deeply emotional and visually striking. It uses a powerful metaphor to highlight how dire circumstances can crush childhood aspirations. The astronaut symbolizes hope, ambition, and possibility, making its fall in this setting all the more heartbreaking. It effectively inspires urgency and empathy, compelling viewers to support Save the Children’s mission.

A Lifetime of Smiles – Colgate

• What’s happening: This powerful black-and-white ad features a close-up of an elderly person’s eye, framed by wrinkles that tell a story of joy and experience. Reflected in the eye is an image of people smiling, perfectly aligned with the tagline: “A Lifetime of Smiles.” Colgate connects its brand with decades of happiness and oral care.

• Why it’s awesome: The ad takes a bold, minimalistic approach, focusing on the emotional resonance of its message. By highlighting the impact of a lifetime of smiles, Colgate reinforces its role in fostering health and happiness. The use of wrinkles as a visual metaphor for countless smiles is both touching and deeply relatable, making the ad heartfelt and unforgettable.

That’s a wrap! We hope these bold, fun, and inspiring ads gave you your daily dose of creative energy. See you soon for some more best-in-class marketing goodies!