Throughout the past few years, the biggest buzz of the ad industry has been the death of traditional mediums; these billboard trends, however, prove the naysayers wrong. The year 2012 saw a resurgence in many traditional mediums, with billboards and posters on the forefront.
The key to keeping billboards alive is updating them for a modern audience, which can be seen with such things as the festive unwrappable art ads by Leo Burnett, or the ongoing board-fueled war between Audi and BMW -- in both of these cases and most others, it's a matter of taking advantage of the physical shape and placement of the billboard itself.
If you're looking to spark innovation on your advertising or marketing team and encourage them to think outside of the box -- or rather, the board -- check out our Billboard Trend Report and deep-dive into 2012's most interesting billboard trends.
Top 100 Billboard Trends of 2012
97
Superhero Costume Evolution Charts
The Avengers Infographic Show the Fighters' Change in Style
96
Phone-Enabled Violence Campaigns
Interactive Billboard by NCDV Allows Texters to 'Drag Him Away'
95
Handmade Colossal Movie Posters
150ft The Dark Knight Rises Ad in Manhattan Generates Mad Hype
94
British Olympics Statistics
London Games 2012 Infographic Shows Brief History This Host Country
93
Social Media Comparison Infographics
Go-Gulf.com Compares Statistics of Major Websites
92
Word-of-Mouth Marketing Charts
The Viral Marketing Cheat Sheet is Your Guide to Hitting it Big
91
Clever Science Campaigns (UPDATE)
Science World Billboards Teach Funky Facts
90
Connect-the-Dots Campaigns
The Jessie Ware 'Devotion' Billboard is Artistically Interactive
89
Teenager Comparison Infographics
Best Educational Degrees Compares Kids from 1982 and 2012
88
Life-Saving Tool Charts
The WD-40 Survival Guide Infographic Shows Tips for Disasters
87
Defaced Billboard Marketing
African Angel Scratch Advertising Immediately Gains Donations
86
Women Empowerment Charts
The Cougars Infographic Shows What the Modern Day Mom is Like
85
Refrigerator Lifestyle Charts
The Fridge Infographic Reveals Your Personality Based on Food
84
Engaging Unauthorized Ads
Underground Supporter Posters Express Enthusiasm for the 2012 Olympics
83
Meaningful Phrase Infographics
The '30 Dr. Seuss Quotes' Graph will Make You Think Twice
82
Animal Advice Charts
This Pet Infographic Shows the Best Choices for Those Living in Tight Spaces
81
Headset Progression Infographics
'The Evolution of Headphones' Shows Past and Modern Headphones
80
Social Media Network Infographics
John Lanigan Shows How Visuals are Prevailing Online
79
Bamboo Billboard Gardens
Urban Air by Stephen Glassman Aims to Beautify and Clean Cities
78
Work Productiveness Charts
Productivity Infographic Shows How to Be More Productive at Work
77
T-Shirt Stereotype Charts
Fibers Shows Different Types of People Based on Clothing Choice
76
Airborne Jetpack Advertising
The Skydive Dubai/Go Fast! Billboard Features a Flying Man
75
Unwrappable Art Ads
The Leo Burnett and Arc Worldwide Art Institute of Chicago is Interactive
74
Miniature Block Billboards
The DLKW Lowe LEGO Mini Billboards are Adorable and Effective
73
Fatal Death Statistics
The Cardiac Arrest Infographic Highlights Heart Problems
72
Digital Dater Charts
Dating in a Virtual World Infographic Shows the Statistics of Online Love
71
Cunning Contraceptive Campaigns
Manchester City Council Promotes 'Any Plans Tonight' Website
70
Cancer-Combating Crotchvertising
This Awareness Campaign by Y&R has Testicular Fortitude
69
Grotesque Graphic Branding
A.Le Coq Packaging Markets a Beverage that Will Mangle Your Senses
68
Travel-Packing Infographics
Backpack Infographic by REI Shows the Correct Way to Carry and Pack
67
Chopstick Dragon Sculptures
Cafe Asiatage Promotes Grand Opening With a Wooden Beast's Roar
66
Mass Destruction Statistics
Nuclear Bomb Power Infographic by Maximilian Bode Shows Deadly Truth
65
Audacious Poster Advertisements
These Retro Style WPA Ads by Dan Cassaro are Noteworthy
64
Style Comparison Charts
The Become Career Infographic Compares Geeks and Hipsters
63
Peeling Skin Billboards
The Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration Campaign is Made Up of Curious Cou
62
Coffee Consumption Charts
The Pouring in Your Cup Infographic Spills the Beans on Caffeine Intake
61
Late Night Reflective Billboards
Cossette Creates a Creative Advertising Ploy for McDonald's
60
Web Influence Infographics
The 'How Has the Internet Changed Education?' Graph is Revealing
59
Energy Efficient Infographics
‘One Block off the Grid' Solar Power Statistics Shows Sh
58
Gender Driving Comparison Charts
Creditplus Cars Makes an Infographic on the Battle of the Sexes
57
Solar-Activated Billboards
Nivea Sunscreen Advertisement Can Only be Seen With Sunlight
56
Worldwide Pride Parade Charts
This LGBT Infographic Shows How It's Celebrated Around the Globe
55
Climate-Based Fashion Campaigns
Burberry Digital Weather Billboards Alert Brits to the Temperature
54
Costly College Charts
The High Price of Higher Education Infographic Reveals School Tuitions
53
Banksy-Inspired Ads
This IKEA Street Art is Reminiscent of the Anonymous Artists
52
Chic Advertising Apartments
The Billboard House from Apostrophy's is Large and Livable
51
Sweet-Issuing Billboards
The Mr. Kipling Cake Dispenser in London Uses Experiential Marketing
50
Traveling Hair Removal Promos
The 'EWC Jitney Bum Bus' Offers Beach Goers Complimentary Waxing
49
Worldwide Bailout Charts
Plain Green Infographic Reveals Staggering Numbers of Loans
48
Spinning Billboard Swings
The Kolotoc 'Merry-Go-Round' Project is Amusement via Advertisements
47
QR Code Statistic Charts
JumpScan Infographic Shows Insight About Quick Response and Its Usage
46
Worldly Food Picks Charts
The 'Who Eats What?' Infographic Shows the Globe's Eating Habits
45
Pug-Promoting Methods
Interns Create Semi-Mobile Advertising & Use a Dog to Appeal to Consumers
44
Career-Seeking Infographics
'Where the Start Up Jobs Are' Statistics Gives Advice on Job Hunting
43
Night-Only Ads
McDonald's Reflective Billboard Comes to Life in the Dark
42
Legislative Loophole Art
The GE Gallery Graffiti Art in Sao Paolo Gets Around Red Tape
41
Tweeting Clothes Dispensers
Billboard Vending Machines Award Tweeters Who Compete for Soft Shirts
40
Scent-Emitting Bus Stops
McCain Ready Baked Jackets Campaign Offers Smell of Baking Food
39
Toxic Home Goods Statistics
This Poison Infographic Reveal Tips on Harmful Household Products
38
Bald-Headed Ad Space
Bald Logo Sells the Headspace of Bald Men to Companies for Ad Placement
37
Intergenerational Poverty Ads
Girl Hub in Nigeria Promotes Speech Without Words
36
Mix-and-Match Marketing (UPDATE)
The McDonald's ‘Come As You Are' Diversity Proj
35
St. Patty's Day Graphs
The ‘Raise a Tax' Infographic Asks You to Spend Wisely
34
Billboard Auto Battles
Audi vs. BMW Presents Aggressive Marketing Techniques
33
Fat-Tracking Charts
Obesity Infographic Shows the Dangers and Prevalence of Obesity in America
32
Size-Promoting Billboards
The Volkswagen Up! Outdoor Campaign is Creative & Cute
31
Pesticide Produce Charts
The Dirty Dozen Infographic Lists Top Foods with Toxic Chemicals
30
Digital Dating Charts
Internet Dating Infographic Digs the Dirt About Online Hook Ups
29
Obscene Street Signs
This Middle Finger Stop Sign Aims to Stop Lawbreakers
28
Work Environment Graphs
The Workplace Wellness Infographic Shows Details on How to Improve Jobs
27
Motion-Activated Digital Displays
'Perception' Interactive Billboard Engages & Excites New Yorkers
26
Iconic Literary Charts
Jared Fanning's Book Infographic Illustrates the 10 Most Read Books Ever
25
Celebrity Offspring Advertising
Dannielynn Birkhead Follows Late Mom as GUESS Model
24
Cynical City Billboards
'How are You Feeling' by David Shrigley Takes on NYC With One Question
23
Revamped Cyberspace Charts
Internet Explorer 9 Infographic Reveals the New and Improved Browser
22
Bold Billboard Wars
Newcastle Beer Mocks the Latest Stella Artois Ad with 'No Bollocks'
21
Elevator Information Charts
The Skyscraper Lifts Infographic Reveals Mechanics
20
Seaside Party Charts
Beach Party Infographic Shows the Birth of Beach-Goers and How It All Started
19
Fruit Crop Countdown Charts
The Fruit Infographic Shows the Best Seasons to Choose Fruits
18
Retirement Photo Billboards
Prudential 'Day One' Project Collage is Displayed Over NYC Tunnel
17
Seat Belt-Strapped Billboards
The Mumbai Traffic Police Sends a Clear Message of Safe Driving
16
Vacation-Planning Charts
'How to Spend Your Summer' Infographic Gives Tips on What to Do in Summer
15
Singed Sauce Ads
The 'Taystee Chilli Sauce: Burned Billboard' is Too Hot to See
14
Costless Tuition Statistics
How to Get Free Money Infographic Shows How Students Can Spend Less
13
Misplaced Mobiles Statistics
The World of Lost Smartphones Infographic Shows the Real Deal
12
Massive Electronic Advertisers
The AQUOS 90-Inch Screen is Perfect for Big Promotion
11
Eco-Friendly Landscaping Charts
The Green Your Garden Infographic Helps Flourish Your Garden
10
Guerrilla Marketing Trend Report
Stay on the Cutting-Edge of Today's Unique Strategies
9
Lacklustre Art Charts
The Global Creativity Gap Infographic Shows the World's Depleting Innovation
8
Stressful Relocation Charts
The Moving Infographic by Sixt Gives Tips on What Not to Forget
7
Handheld Awareness Ads
'League Against Cancer' Emphasizes Personal Check-ups
6
Gender Discriminating Ads
The Facial Recognition Billboard is a Highly Interactive Campaign
5
Musical Theater Charts
The Broadway Infographic Reveals the Numbers Behind-the-Scenes
4
House-Warming Charts
'A Sweet Welcome' Infographic Shows How Different Cultures Celebrate
3
Text Messaging Statistics
The Benefits of Texting Infographic Shows How SMS Makes Life Simple
2
Print Advertising Trend Report
Explore New Techniques and Examine Innovative Strategies
1
Fatal Ice Fall Charts
This Tablet Infographic Shows the Correct Way to Walk on Slippery Surfaces
Related Ideas
Cartoon Movie Poster Remixes
Ive Bastrash Illustrates Iconic Promo Art in Kid-Friendly Style
Seducing Socialite Editorials
Zeit Magazine 'Die Vermessung Der Frau' Stars Magdalena Frackwiak
Miniature Style Movie Scenes
The Artwork Of Murat Palta is Eye-Catching
Calculated Crime Fighter Charts
The Cost of Being Iron Man Infographic Puts a Price On Superheroes
Everyday Champion Advertisements
The Nike 'Find Your Greatness' Commercial is Empowering
15 Kill Bill Creations
From Eggstastic Film Creations to Blood-Spatter Billboards
Candid Celebrity Outtakes (UPDATE)
The Photos of Cameron Diaz by Terry Richardson are Released
Block-Made Batman Figurines
LEGO Releases the Dark Knight Rises Characters
Anti-Advertising Street Art
The 'Brandalism' Billboards Reclaim UK Outdoor Areas
Clever Science Campaigns (UPDATE)
Science World Billboards Teach Funky Facts
Connect-the-Dots Campaigns
The Jessie Ware 'Devotion' Billboard is Artistically Interactive
Sinfully Sweet Ad Campaigns
In The Raw's Craigslist Personal Ad Campaign Features NSFW Desserts
Vividly Vandalized Wine
The Invivo Wines Graffiti Packaging is Edgy and Modern
Advertising Expectation Drawings
Artists Use Crazy Client Feedback as Inspiration for Fake Ads
Online Cautionary Charts
The 'Teens and Video' Infographic Explores the Danger of Streaming Videos
Billboard-Defiling Doodles
The cARTographyTO Street Art Hacks Into Sidewalk Ads
Fashion Salary Stats
The ‘Conde Nast Salaries’ Feature by Fashion Etc. is Revealing
Sultry Socialite Editorials
The Georgia May Jagger Jason Kibbler Photoshoot is Playful Rocker Chic
Olympic-Themed Artillery Bracelets
Peacebomb Upcycles Shrapnel from Laos into Jewelry
Fiscal Olympic Charts
The 'Rising Cost of Hosting the Olympics' Infographic is Informative
Designer Polka Dot Graffiti
The Yayoi Kusama Design Plasters Louis Vuitton on 57th Street
Boozy Olympic-Themed Activities
The 2012 Summer Olympics Drinking Game Chart is Tipsy and Fun
Interactive Disrobing Adds
The Wonderbra Decoder App Lets You Uncover the Wonderful Secret
Tweet-Enabled Treat Dispensers
The BEV Twitter Vending Machine Trades Hash Tags for Iced Tea
Sultry Superheroic Pin-Ups
Chris Stevens Illustrates Comic Book Hotties in Dynamic Poses
Foldable Dinner Jackets
The Burberry 'Packaway Blazer' Merges Practicality With Style
Stress Level Infographics
The GOOD & Acura Chart Explains How to Manage Anxiety
Seductive Victorian Fashion Ads
The Chanel Resort 2013 Campaign Stars a Sultry Cara Delevingne
Hovering Rainforest Villas
The Iporanga House by Nitsche Arquitectos Associados is Lavish
Social Entrepreneur Infographics
The 'Understanding Social Enterprise' Shows a Growing Industry
Dancing Soda Dispensers
The Coke Dance Vending Machine Rewards Participants for Dancing in Public
Mobile Graffiti Canvases
Artist Never2501 Paints Zebra-Like Wasps Onto the Back of a Truck
Free Music Infographics
How Much Will You Pay for Music in 2013?
Psychedelic Pop Art
Veteran Artist Keiichi Tanaami Knows No Boundaries
Secret Agent Soft Drinks
The Coke Zero Skyfall Promo Includes Limited Edition Packaging
Superhero Studded Sneakers
The Converse ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ Chuck Taylor All Star
Belted Boot Accessories
Blixen Creates Pieces to Enhance Your Already-Fashionable Footwear
Humanized Pooch Portraits
The 'Underdog' Series is Cute and Quirky
LED Social Media Frocks
Nicole Scherzinger Lights Up in This High-Tech Light Up Twitter Dress
Rainbow Graffiti Papercraft
The New Mademoiselle Maurice Urban Origami Installations are Crafty
Fashionable Food Brand Ads
The Vanish Power Stain Remover Campaign Keeps Designer Clothes Fresh
LGBT-Celebrating Sneakers
The Nike 2012 Pride Pack Applauds Gay Community Achievements
Personalized Venn Diagrams
A Great Gift for the Person with Everything
Firearm Control Infographics
The 'Gun Violence in America' Chart is a Safety Reaction to Colorado
Digital Content Stats
The 'Data Never Sleeps' Infographic is Startling
Emotional Hero-Exposing Clips
Coca Cola 'Security Cameras' Video Wins Hearts and Awards
Olympic Branding Copycats
The 'Illegal Olympics' Photo Series Breaks All the Rules
Chopstick Dragon Sculptures
Cafe Asiatage Promotes Grand Opening With a Wooden Beast's Roar
Online Shopping Guide Graphs
The 'Unselfish Reasons Why People Write Online Reviews' Infographic
Fantastic Fanbase Creations
The 'Secret Trifecta for Building an Engaged Audience' Infographic
Virtual Olympic Hardware Trackers
Use the Medal Count Website to Keep Track of a Country's Wins
Digital Journalism Progression
The 'Influence Game' Infographic Speaks to Changing News Sources
Peeling Skin Billboards
The Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration Campaign is Made Up of Curious Cou
Rival Football Roster Infographics
The Euro Cup 'Who Are These Guys' Graphs Break Down Competition
Brain Beats Charts
The 'Music and Learning' Infographic Explains Why Tunes Are Smart
Regal Extravagance Infographics
The 'Royal Price Tag' Infographic is Delves Into Spending Habits
Minimalistic Meal Portraits
The Erin Jang 'Food Sketches' Graphically Represent Grub
Nighttime Comic Lights
The Mini Batman Bat-Signal Lamp is Adorably Awesome
Large-Scale Paintball Murals
The Sonice Development GMBH ‘Facadeprinter’ Shoots Out Co
Gendered Social Media Infographics
The Jumpthru Study Shows that Females Favor Pinterest and Blogs
Athletic Standing Stats
The 'Canada and the Olympics' Infographic is Patriotic
Carbon-Conscious Infographics
The Understanding Carbon Offset Chart Encourages Awareness
Dapper Woodsy Fashion Ads
The Dior Homme 2012 Campaign is Shot Outdoors by Karl Lagerfeld
Worldwide Gift-Giving Ads
The 'Hilltop Re-Imagined for Coca Cola' Ad Modernizes an Old Commercial
Gift-Giving Drink Dispensers
The Pepsi Vending Machine Gets Gives the Gift of Soda this Holiday
Traveling Hair Removal Promos
The 'EWC Jitney Bum Bus' Offers Beach Goers Complimentary Waxing
Charitable Artwork Dispensers
The Vending Machines by Wieden + Kennedy Raise Money for Schools
Unbelievable Athletic Achievement Charts
The ‘Awe-Inspiring Olympic Records’ Infograph
Tenebrous Director Poster Tributes
Enzo Lo Re Pays Homage to Hitchcock Using Cryptic Graphics
Apocalyptic-Provoking Billboards
'Echoes of Voices in High Towers' Makes Berlin Think Collectively
Long-Distance Endearment Posters
The 'I Love You From Here To London' Print Professes Passion
Smartphone Use Travel Charts
Traveling Infographic Gives Tips on How to Be a Better Traveller
Legislative Loophole Art
The GE Gallery Graffiti Art in Sao Paolo Gets Around Red Tape
Brand Name Parody Pictorials
Top of the Pop by Gan for Harper's Bazaar Singapore Mocks Pop Culture
Celebrity-Focused Cosmetic Tutorials
Makeup by Iman’s Demi Lovato X Factor Clip is Glamorous
Pet Saving Infographics
The 'How To Give Your Puppy CPR' Chart is Revealing
Campaign Reach-Gauging Graphs
The 'Social Impact of Olympic Brand Campaigns' Shows the Pay-Off
Youth Drug Infographics
The GOOD and Column Five Chart Looks at American Narcotics
Precariously Phallic Billboards
The New Auckland True Blood Advertisement is Shocking
Unusual Legal Campaigns
The 'Injury Auction' Aims to Demonstrate the Injustices in Insurance
Celebrity Offspring Advertising
Dannielynn Birkhead Follows Late Mom as GUESS Model
Luxury Vending Machines
Beverly Hills Caviar Releases Lavish Food
Singing Sensation Pooch Costumes
The Lady Gaga Red Lace Outfit is Perfect for a Diva Dog
Photo-Heavy Web Stats
The MDG ‘Images’ Infographic is Enlightening
Business Breach Infographics
'Small Business Security Tracker' Highlights Carelessness
Celebrity-Endorsed Product Launches
The 'Acer Aspire S7' Film Features Megan Fox
20 Izabel Goulart Photoshoots
From Regional Model Retrospectives to Bright Balloon Lookbooks
Eco Wood Logging Infographics
The 'Scandigreen: Why Swedish Wood is So Sustainable' Infographic
Picture Perfect Family Ads
The Telus Optik TV Commercial Gets Real
Spoiled Pet Infographics
The 'Spending on Sparky' Infographic is Overindulged
Viral Dance Advertising
Trend Hunter Editor Jamie Munro Talks Dubstep Music Videos
Inhaler Nose Ads
The Xaria Kid Campaign Promotes Oral Medication for Allergic Rhinitis
Aromatic Mobile Ads
The New Jersey State Fair Cotton Candy Billboards Emit a Sweet Scent
Kid Crisis Infographics
The ‘Child In Conflict’ Graph Tells the Tale Many Areas Face
University Degree Infographics
The ‘Higher Education, Ethnicity, Race’ Graphic Examine
Candid Credit Card Campaigns
NAB Shows its Good Nature by Rewarding People for Their Honesty
Healthy Skin Infographics
The 'Daily Glow' Chart Examines Factors that Impact One's Epidermis
Social Media Gender Infographics
The 'Information is Beautiful' Chart Shows Women are High Users
Interactive Virtual Brand Worlds
Chivas Regal 25 Microsite Showcases the Whiskey's Rich Heritage
Double Digital Manipulation Reels
'Points in Space' by is a Stop Motion Animation With Time-Lapse
Transparent Drink Campaigns
Honest Tea 'Refreshingly Honest' Ad Demonstrates Natural Ingredients
Fatal Ice Fall Charts
This Tablet Infographic Shows the Correct Way to Walk on Slippery Surfaces