CANCER STICKS, a product created by comedian and author Shed Simove, doesn't use any flowery language or scientific statistics to warn smokers of the dangers of smoking. Instead, this cigarette packing displays two words, in large, bold white letters: CANCER STICKS.
By displaying this message so blatantly on its exterior, these cigarettes don't really need any percentages or pictures of blackened lungs to get their point across. Smokers looking to buy a new pack will simply look at CANCER STICKS, and suddenly have these warnings flooding through their minds.
Shed Simove also created this product as part of his comedy career, poking fun at a habit that has led to a lot of early deaths in smokers since the invention of the cigarette. With all the information available to people regarding the dangers of smoking, it's a wonder that people continue to do it; and that's exactly what Simove is satirizing with his CANCER STICKS.
Harshly Honest Cigarette Packaging
These CANCER STICKS Warn Smokers Right Off the Bat
Trend Themes
1. Blunt Messaging - Opportunity for companies to create blunt and honest packaging to address important issues and raise awareness
2. Sincere Satire - Opportunity for comedians and artists to use their humor and creativity to highlight important issues and spark conversation
3. Shock Advertising - Opportunity for marketing to create provocative campaigns that start conversations and catch attention
Industry Implications
1. Tobacco - Opportunity for tobacco companies to create packaging that educates customers on the possible negative effects of smoking
2. Advertising - Opportunity for advertising agencies to create campaigns that highlight important issues and create social change
3. Art and Design - Opportunity for artists and designers to use their skills to create attention-grabbing campaigns that highlight important social issues