Although complex fantasy-filled billboards are eye-catching, these persuasive portrait ads are powerful and compelling despite their simplicity. The human face is capable of expressing multiple personalities and emotions at the drop of a hat. They provide the ideal vehicle for propelling evocative messages and branding humorous dispositions.
Up close captures are no longer exclusive to seductive lipstick spreads and perfume ads. With the advancement of photo manipulation techniques, it is possible to exaggerate expressions and create chimera-type mash ups. Whether its transforming famous dictators into edible masterpieces or masking up profiles with clever typography, the possibilities are endless.
Consumers can't help but stare into the expressive eyes of these provocative profiles. There are also great examples of ads where eyes and other bodily parts have been significantly cropped, resulting in a more intimate image. These persuasive portrait ads demonstrate that sometimes the simplest compositions are the most enduring ones.
85 Persuasive Portrait Ads
From Criminal Revealing Campaigns to Face Tattoo Fundraising:
Shiori Mine — May 15, 2012 — Marketing
83
Adult Worker Ads
These Stepping Stone Ads by Extreme Group are a Bit of a Shock
82
Controversial Support Bra Ad
Running Free
81
Cocky Condom Campaigns
These Durex XXL Ads Pack a Big Punch
80
Provocative Political Makeout Ads
The Bennetton ‘UNHATE' Campaign Unites World Leaders
79
Abbreviated Anatomy Advertising
Mercedes-Benz Brake Assist Plus Ads Make Feet More Effective
78
Spoofed Milk Campaigns
The Funny or Die Milk Ads Address the Idea of Sexist Advertising
77
Erotic Game Advertisements
These Phantasm Ads Feature Naughty Boy Thoughts
76
High Heel Hairdos
The Alto Palermo Mall Ads Feature Purchasable Hair Styles
75
Identity Crisis Photos
Simon Winnall Captures Creative Conceptual Images
74
Laundered Granny Campaigns
These Vernel Max Ads Enfold You in Comfortable Clothing
73
Puzzle Billboards
McDonald's Sort Your Head Out Campaign
72
Big Mouth Hamburger Ads
The Jaw-Dropping PampaVerde Extra Big Burger Print
71
Face Tattoo Fundraising
Uwe Troschel Sold Off Sections of His Mug Shot
70
Tradable Soccer Ads
Diver & Aguilar Released Their First Set Inspired by the Team FC Barcelona
69
Political Pencil Campaigns
The Cicero Magazine Pencilhead Ads are Clever and Creative
68
Surreal Snake Neck Campaigns
Amuse Fashion Socks Ads Invite the Creative Wearing of Wool
67
Age-Exposing Eyewear
These Mitchell Eye Centre Ads Suggest a Younger Look
66
Tear-Jerking Advertisements
The Calgary International Film Festival Billboard is Sad and Funny
65
Violent Car Campaigns
The Lamborghini Aventador 2011 Ads Have an Agressive Message
64
Windblown Shockvertising
Pretty Fast Delivery Makes Ugly Pictures But A Great Point
63
Masked Pet Adoption Ads
Cezar Martini's Uipa Adoption Ads Will Make You Want a Dog
62
Steaming Nostril Ads
The Tabasco Garlic Pepper Sauce Campaign is Extremely Hot
61
Upside-Down Celeb Ads
The Gossip News Campaign by Soul Fast Advertising
60
Dual Personality Campaigns
The Pizza Planet Ads Show Two Sides to Each Slice
59
Unmanageable Mane Campaigns
These Stihl Tools Ads Promote Implements for Big Jobs
58
Blindfolded Victim Ads
The Instituto Crianca Nosso Futuro Campaign Focuses on False Promises
57
Emotionally Expressive Sports Ads
The Nike ‘Make it Count' Prints Show Athletes Fighti
56
Child Beard Campaigns
These Boy Scouts Ads Capture Young Ones with Fierce Facial Hair
55
Saccharine Cigarette Ads
This Kiss Superslims Campaign Likens Smokes to Sweets
54
Masking Censorship
World Press Freedom Ads
53
Backwards Body Branding
The Reebok EasyTone Turn Campaign Keeps Everything Aligned
52
Groomed Fast Food Ads
The McDonald's McCafe a.M. p.M. Campaign
51
Villainous Vixen Timepiece Ads
The Nicolas Guerin TechnoMarine Watch Campaign is Wicked
50
Everyday Person Fashion Ads
The Maison Martin Margiela Ad Campaign for Spring/Summer 2012 is Chic
49
Musically Inspired Campaigns
The Terra Sonora Ad Can Make Anyone a Star
48
Jaw-Growing Gum Ads
The Stimorol Infinity Gum Campaign Never Loses Flavor
47
Multi-Emotional Ads
The UGC Theaters Campaign Promotes More Movies
46
Face Squashing Ads
The Harvey Nichols Sale Campaign Encourages Participation Not Admiration
45
Moody Baby Marketing
These DBI Federal Childsurance Ads Urge You to Care While They're Cute
44
Drunken Youth Ads
The Hans Brinker Budget Hotel Campaign Has Party Animals in Mind
43
Cork Cage Hat Ads
CCSVI 'Brave Dreams' Campaign Aims to Unblock MS Sufferers' Veins
42
Fragmented Facial Collages
A Creative Campaign by 4Creative London for '7 Days'
41
Human-Hybrid Eyewear Ads
The Oxydo Tell Your Story Campaign Focuses on Creative Self-Confidence
40
Eventual Artistvertising
The Adorable and Funny 'Civita Art School' Ad Gives Future Hope
39
Road-Reporting Apps
The iPhone Pothole Season App Campaign Helps People Avoid Messes
38
Bandaged Author Ads
The Avelar Machado Antiquarian Booksellers Campaign is Good as New
37
Frozen Tongue Campaigns
The Yashida Ice Works Ads Look Uncomfortably Painful
36
Criminal Revealing Campaigns
The Toronto Crime Stoppers 2011 Ads Expose Wrongdoers
35
Mocking Athletic Apparel Campaigns
Nike Spoof Ads Get a Non-Conformist Makeover in Unswooshing
34
Hitler-Esque Burlesque Ads
The Viktor Rydberg Cabaret Campaign is Tasteful Yet Revealing
33
Dead Playwright Print Ads
The Church End Brewery 'Shakesbeer' Campaign is Fashionably Old
32
Secondhairy Head Ads
This Image Hair Group Campaign Treats Crown and Chin as the Same Charge
31
Scaffold-Fashioned Shades
Ray-Ban 'Never Hide' Prints Promote Unsurpassed Sunglasses
30
American Leader Atheneum Ads
The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library Campaign is Illustrative
29
Anti-Online Predator Campaigns
The Rebecca Project for Human Rights Fights for Vulnerable Girls
28
Grotesque Piercing Promotions
The Nippon Paint Advertisements Will Shock You
27
Delicious Dictator Ads
The Amnesty International Campaign Cuts Away at Oppression
26
Graphed Affluence Advertising
Sunday Times Rich List Ads Plot Prosperity Across Each Celebrity
25
Marveling Manga Marketing
The Blaze Integra Campaign Features Astonished Anime-Inspired Models
24
Speech Bubble Buddy Ads
This LG GW300 Campaign Puts Friends' Faces into Callouts
23
Devastating Recruitment Ads
The Creative School and Suit School Strikes an Emotive Chord
22
Fashionable Phone Facials
The Armani/Samsung Campaign Puts a Face to the Brand Partnership
21
Massive Shaving Murals
Gillette Artistically Features The World's Biggest Shave
20
Eagle-Eyed Ads
Washin Optical Campaign Shows How Precise Your Vision Can Be
19
Oceanic Nasal Sprays
The Otrivin Sea Water Ad Campaign is Nasally & Grotesque
18
Sad Kid Clown Ads
The Mariana City Hall Campaign Addresses a Terrible Crime
17
Paradise Deodorant Ads
Become One of the Freshest Places on Earth with the Old Spice Campaign
16
Criminal Health Club Campaigns
Eccotique Spas 'Hand Yourself In' Ads Summon the Fashion Police
15
Squished Face Ads
The Dr. Tint Tinted Windows Ads Feature Smooshed Individuals
14
Fluent Foreign Speaker Ads
The FYNE Language School Campaign Boasts Mini Mouth Men
13
Speaking Smartphone Ads
Reporters Without Borders Creates Print Ads That Actually Speak to You
12
Peeling Facial Hair Ads
The BTC Razor Blade Campaign Promotes Easy Shaving
11
Early Retirement Ads
The SA Lotteries X Lotto Campaign Focuses on an Easy Life
10
Elderly Innuendo Advertisements
The Crosby's 'Bake it Like Grandma' Campaign Serves Up Shock
9
Proletariat Employment Campaigns
Manpower Staffing Print Ads Feature Real People Off the Street
8
Ethnically Infused Ads
The 'China Times Authentic Chinese Cuisine' Campaign Combines Cultures
7
Foot-Nose Ads
The Dr Scholl's Campaign Fantastically Depicts the Consequence of Smelly Feet
6
Mysterious Democrat Ads
The Liberation Newspaper Campaign Shows but Doesn't Tell
5
Iconic Figure Campaigns
The AudioBook India ads Pair Nelson Mandela with Hitler
4
Fuel-Swilling PSAs
This TARTA Gas Guzzler Campaign Talks Up Public Transport
3
Head-Turning Hospital Ads
Santa Casa de Misericordia de Sao Paulo Ads Will Turn You Upside Down
2
Lipstick-Licking Dog Ads
The Yarrah Bio Campaign Advocates Healthy Habits for Pets
1
Discombobulated Head Ads
The Boink Day Campaign Promotes the Annual Fundraising Event
Related Ideas
Backwards Movie Ads
The LG Home Theater 3D Sound Campaign Shows Every Side of Sound
Litter-Hiding Photography
Davide Bellocchio Has a Strong Sense of Character and Narrative
Vibrant Autumn Photography
The Fashion Gone Rogue Call Me Editorial Stars the Elegant Ilse de Boer
Punk Rock Princess Shoots
Josefien Rodermans Dazzles in the Vogue Taiwan December Editorial
Pencil Tip Sculpture Ads
The Staedtler Where It All Begins Campaign Brings Life to Ideas
Faux Dating Site Ads
The Popchips World Wide Lovers Campaign Stars a Hilarious Ashton Kutcher
Towel-Whipped Ads
The Flavour 'Taste Life' Campaign Centers on Youthful Lifestyles
Beachside Biker Chick Captures
The Valeria Dmitrienko Vogue Taiwan Photo Shoot is Dramatic
Deceiving Vision Ads
The Sivo Lenses Campaign Unveils Scary Situations as They are
Badass Body Art Editorials
Matthew Brooks' the Prefect Guide Editorial is Rockabilly Inspired
Comfortably Rugged Menswear
The Pull & Bear Spring 2012 Heritage Collection is Simply Chic
Bunny-Shadow Alcohol Ads
The Hennessy 'What's Your Wild Rabbit' Campaign Urges Never Give Up
Passport Stamp Ads
The Developing World Connections Campaign Urges International Volunteering
Bottom Bidding Wars
Tina Beznec Presents a Bum Tattoo Auction
Informative Inked Portraits
'Tattoo Infographics' by Paul Marcinkowski is a Graphic Design Dream
Cross-Eyed Animal Ads
The Panasonic Lumix Campaign Shows the Camera's Zoom Capabilities
Apologetic Fast Food Ads
The McDonald's Forgiveness is Never Far Away Campaign is Clever
Fished Garbage Ads
The Surfrider Foundation Campaign Promotes Beach Cleanup Days
Mini Marker Masterpiece Ads
The Sharpie Ultra Fine Point Campaign is Artistically Adorable
Eclectic Collage Campaigns
The Prada 'Real Fantasies' Spring/Summer 2012 Lookbook is Artful
Active Beer Bear Ads
The Lacplesis Dzyvs Discover Real Life Campaign is Adventurous and Surreal
Feather Turbine Ads
The Dow Chemical Company Campaign is Imaginatively Whimsical
Suicidal Animal Ads
The China Environmental Protection Foundation Campaign Urges Human Help
Toy-Mimicking Cookies (UPDATE)
The Oreo 100th Birthday Ad Campaign Celebrates Historical Events
Helicopter Errand Ads
The New York Lottery's Powerball Campaign Shows the Disgustingly Rich
Glass Athlete Ads
The Sprim Sport Isotonic Juice Campaign Refills Players with Energy
Broken Image Fashion Ads
The Harvey Nichols SS12 Campaign Encourages People to Be Seen
Tattooed Head-Twisting Shoots
'This is Not My Statement' by Bartek Sejwa is Expressive
Propaganda Poster Drinking Ads
The UNICEF Tap Project Campaign Promotes Paying for Tap Water
Hero-Inspired Health Ads
The ALCC Vodacom MFW Campaign Shows Nobody's Immune to Cancer
Dog-Sucking Vacuum Ads
The A&A Furnishers Campaign Exaggerates Bosch Product Capabilities
Zombie-Saving Propaganda Ads
The MTV Serbia 'Death Valley' Campaign Fights Police Brutality
Maned Hairbrush Marketing
The Biothymus F Anti Hair Loss Scalp Serum Ads are Sensitive and Silly
Speech Bubble Court Ads
The Beijing Sports Radio Campaign Has a Competitive Edge
Simple Gesturing Stationary
The Mondolfi 'Enough Said' Cards are Straight to the Point
Tattooed Couple Shoots
The Alena Nikiforova ‘Rock' Series is Seductive
Unstandardized Ethical Accessories
Not Mass Produced Promotes Beyond the Department Stores
Snowy Love Story Ads
Tiffany & Co Holiday 2011 Campaign is Sweetly Enchanting
Manly Artist Ads
The Helldorado Beer Campaign Shows That the Drink is Handmade
Beggar Hood Ornament Ads
The Bucharest City Police Campaign Pleads 'Don't Encourage Begging'
Phallic Weapon Ads
The Lovestore Make Love, Not War Campaign is Destructively Sensual
Steaming Nostril Ads
The Tabasco Garlic Pepper Sauce Campaign is Extremely Hot
Mini Dental Message Ads
The Colgate Pro-Gum Health Campaign Advocates Healthy Mouths
Newsworthy Lingerie Ads
The Vanity Fair Modern Coverage Collection Campaign is Quirkily Sensual
Danger-Avoiding Auto Ads
The Volkswagen Side Assist Campaign Clevery Prevents Accidents
Team-Building Mobile Ads
The Vodafone One Net Campaign is Hilariously Huddled
Tight Parking Spot Ads
The Volkswagen Park Assist Campaign Imagines Scary Car Situations
Blindfolded Victim Ads
The Instituto Crianca Nosso Futuro Campaign Focuses on False Promises
Geographical Alcohol Ads
The Corona Extra Drink Responsibly Campaign Depicts Boozers' Boundaries
Inked-On Buzz Cuts
Hair Tattoos Give Ian Watson a Permanent Haircut
Fairy Tale Dating Ads
The Match.com Campaign Helps Find True Love Wherever
Food Peeper Ads
The LG Fridge Voyeur Campaign Promotes its Door in Door Refrigerator
Cinematic Christmas Ads
The Sky Cinema HD Campaign Depicts Epic Santas
Touch-Worthy News App Ads
The Veja for iPad Campaign Promotes Very Tangible Tablet Events
Distressed Gothic Editorials
The Yuliana Dementyeva Tush Magazine Winter 2011 Shoot is Intense
Fantastical Concept Sketch Ads
The Orange Apple Creative Imagery Campaign is Imaginatively Fun
Shadow Puppet Ads
The Mentholatum Whitening Hand Veil Campaign is Cleverly Reversed
Distracting TV Ads
The Gol Television Football Channel Campaign Depicts Oblivious Watchers
Celebratory Survivor Ads
The Embassy of Israel in Argentina Campaign is Against Terrorism
Origami Animal Ads
The Rexiine House Campaign Asks People to Wear Artificial Fur
Groomed Fast Food Ads
The McDonald's McCafe a.M. p.M. Campaign
Illustrated Boiling Ads
The Pastas La Muneca Noodles Express Lunch Campaign is Safely Tasty
Aged Cartoon Character Ads
The Tounsia TV Campaign Shows That This Network Defies Time
Competitive Drinking Ads
The Gallop Spirt of Sport Campaign is Athletically Alcoholic
Deadly Food Ads
The Down to Earth Campaign Urges People to 'Switch to Organic Food While You Can'
Sinking Alcoholism Ads
The AA Unidade Servico Recupercao Campaign Depicts Suicidal Drinkers
Inverted Landscape Auto Ads
The Mercedes-Benz Airmatic Campaign Drives on Air
Misplaced Object Ads
The Fiat Original Parts Campaign Focuses on the Right Mechanics
Explosive Laxative Ads
The Phillips Milk of Magnesia Campaign Upends Common Eruption Scenes
Dissected Artist Ads
The MASP Art School Campaign Promotes Open Enrollment
Liquid Cuff Ads
The Utah Department of Highway Safety Campaign Urges Sober Driving
Cosmic Fruit Ads
The Criterion Fine Cut Knives Campaign is Out of This World
TV Detective Ads
The Fox Crime India Campaign is Looking for People to Solve the Case
Budding Rebel Ads
The Harley-Davidson Hand-Picked by the Establishment Campaign is Anarchistic
Food-Gobbling Flower Ads
The Ambi Pur Absorbs Odors Campaign Injests Bad Smells
Iconic Stationery Painting Ads
The Faber-Castell Artist Color Pencils Campaign is Creative
Posh City Pictorials
The LUISAVIAROMA 'Firenze4ever' Shoot is a Stylish Fashion Story
Bloody Earphone Ads
The Pedestrian Council of Australia 2012 Campaign Encourages Less Distractions
Adorable Appendage Tattoos
Finger Farm and Finger Fairytale by Hector Serrano Enlivens Playtime
Wrung-Out Cleaner Ads
The Jala PRT Campaign Brings Awareness to Domestic Worker Abuse
Responsible Party Hotels
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Campaign is Light-Hearted and Posh
Plastic-Covered Models
The Charlotte Bos 'Untrustus' Editorial Features Gender-Bending Imagery
Finger Crossed Ads
The Vigineo Home Security Systems Campaign Shows Luck Can't Always be Tru
Reeking Rug Ads
The Champion Sprayon Fresh Carpet Campaign Targets Home Stenches
Insect Typography Ads
Kolner Zoo's The Great Anteater is Coming Campaign is Doomed
Bandaged Author Ads
The Avelar Machado Antiquarian Booksellers Campaign is Good as New
Training Fishman Ads
The Hooked Gourmet Fish & Chips Campaign Focuses on Healthy Seafood
Fruit-Munching Cow Ads
The Binggrae Banana Flavored Milk Campaign is Ridiculously Hilarious
Mafia-Inspired Insurance Ads
The Wustenrot ‘Comes In Handy' Campaign is Spontaneous
Torn Stamp Ads
The Amnesty International 2012 Campaign Writes a Different History
Mom-Celebrating Lotto Ads
The New York Lottery Happy Mother's Day Campaign Pays Her Back
Unwelcoming Womanhood Ads
The Kirira Foundation Campaign Depicts Women as Stony Statues
Spud Caricature Ads
The Wyse Mr. Potato Head Contest Campaign Celebrates St. Patrick's Day
Careless Scratching Ads
The Itchguard Cream Campaign Urges Men to Use Minds Not Hands
Giant Nascar Driver Ads
The PUMA Mercedes AMG Petronas Campaign Makes Formula One Fashionable
Snoozing Fighter Ads
The Ninseikan Karate School Campaign Boasts Hilarious Defence Moves
Evil Bread Ads
The 'Princesa Break Free From Guilt' Campaign Features a Frankenstein Theme
Conversational Maze Ads
The VTR Unlimited Minutes Plan Campaign Allows for Drawn-Out Calls
Fading Youth Ads
The Prince's Trust Campaign Helps Young Adults Get Jobs and Training
Rock Star X'mas Greetings
Say 'Happy Holidays' with Skype Spreads Festivities with Musicians
Toilet Tribute Ads
The Wadih Jreissati and Sons Campaign is a Homage to Bathrooms
Teen Cinema Greeting Cards
Zsu Zsu Illustrations on Etsy Features 'The Breakfast Club'
Haute Harbor Shoots
The Inguna Butane Mojeh Magazine Editorial Shows Serene Sea Shots
Insect Persecution Ads
The Vape Super KO2 Campaign is Inspired by the Death Penalty
Comically Interactive Ads
The Skittles Touch Commercials Reward Viewer Participation
Elegant Onstage Editorials
The Andre Van Noord Quality Magazine Shoot is Stuck in the Past
Gambling Moments Ads
The Quebec Health Ministry Campaign Forces Bettors to Re-Prioritize Lives
Sad Kid Clown Ads
The Mariana City Hall Campaign Addresses a Terrible Crime
Literate Landscape Auto Ads
The Land Rover Meet Interesting Places Campaign is Intellectual
Bioengineering Board Games
Strain: A Family Game Teaches Children About Viruses
Swirling Blender Ads
The La Curacao Campaign Showcases the Appliance's Artistic Abilities
Political Web Boom
2012 US Presidential Election to be Online Ad-Focused
Taped-Up Amnesty Ads
The Red Cross Lebanon Campaign Places Humanitarians Closer to Victims
Giant Foot Ads
The Rowenta Spa For Your Feet Campaign is Surreally Relaxing
Elderly Innuendo Advertisements
The Crosby's 'Bake it Like Grandma' Campaign Serves Up Shock
Recoiling Cone Ads
The Scotchgard Fabric Protector Campaign is Playfully Exaggerated
Adventurous World Sports Ads
The Bank of China 2012 Olympics Campaign Features London's Big Ben
Cozy Plant Life Letters
The Terrarium Postcard Set Helps You Send Your Message in a Simple Manner
Fractured Art Auto Ads
The Volkswagen Phaeton Campaign Advocates Arriving in Better Shape
Lipstick-Licking Dog Ads
The Yarrah Bio Campaign Advocates Healthy Habits for Pets