# Branded Cutouts Pop culture paper dolls are inexpensive way to engage. By [Katherinev123](https://www.trendhunter.com/katherine), Contributing Editor | Published Aug 9, 2011, updated Oct 3, 2011 | Category: [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/pop-culture-and-internet-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/branded-cut-outs-pop-culture-paper-dolls-are-inexpensive-way-to-engage ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.3/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Branded Cutouts trend? **Branded Cutouts:** Paper doll cutouts may be one way to brand beloved pop culture figures. For example, now, when a favorite television show is over, the viewer can still “play” with her favorite characters via paper doll cutouts or treat them as novelty collectibles. Paper dolls of pop culture icons and characters not only provide brands with a new way of engaging consumers, they are also cheaper to manufacture and market than traditional plastic versions. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 1 to Jul 29, 2011 - Published: Aug 9, 2011 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Branded Cutouts trend ### Nostalgia-based Products Consumers are always willing to embrace products that induce a sense of nostalgia in them. Companies can capitalize off of nostalgia by making reference to major cultural occurrences in their product designs. ### Fine Arts Illustrations Fine arts illustrations are a more favorable alternative to computer graphics in promotional campaigns as North American consumers have grown tired of computer-generated graphics which have over saturated the marketplace. ### DIY Crafts Consumers enjoy DIY crafts based on popular TV franchises in order to demonstrate their fan appreciation. Corporations may consider organizing fan appreciation events in order to generate revenue for specific franchises. ## What the Branded Cutouts trend means for industry ### For Marketing and Advertising Creating branded cutouts is a new way of engaging consumers that is cheaper to manufacture and market than traditional plastic versions. ### For Pop Culture Merchandise Paper dolls of pop culture icons and characters provide brands with an inexpensive way of marketing products to consumers. ### For Fine Arts Illustration Companies can utilize fine arts illustrations to promote their products as a more favorable alternative to computer graphics in promotional campaigns. ## Trend signals for Branded Cutouts Trend score 4.3 out of 10, from popularity 58%, activity 63%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 58% - Activity: 63% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Branded Cutouts trend 5 featured examples from Feb 1 to Jul 29, 2011. - [Paper TV Dolls (UPDATE)](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kyle-hilton): Kyle Hilton Lets You Dress the Arrested Development and Parks & Rec Cast (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Opportunity for businesses to create and sell merchandise based on popular TV franchises to fans who enjoy crafting. - [Campy Character Cut-Outs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mab-graves): The Mab Graves Royal Tenenbaums Dolls Celebrate the Cult Film (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Creating merchandise based on popular films and TV shows can attract a dedicated fan base. - [Children's Classics Paper Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/12-famous-fairy-tales-in-pieces): ‘12 Famous Fairy Tales in Pieces' Revisits Favs (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The advertising and marketing industry can incorporate fine arts illustrations to create captivating and unique promotional campaigns. - [Dunkable Paper Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pret-a-portea): Let Your Teacup Play Dress-Up with Pret-a-porTEA Characters (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for fashion brands to collaborate and create collectible merchandise featuring fashion icons as tea accessories. - [DIY Cult Character Cut-Outs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arrested-development-paper-dolls): Make Your Own Arrested Development Paper Dolls (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Craft supply companies can capitalize on the DIY trend by offering a wide range of materials, tools, and tutorials for consumers to create their own paper dolls and other crafts. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Pop Culture - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Makeup Artist Jewelry Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pandora-x-pat-mcgrath) - [Influencer-Curated Cafe Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kit-keenan) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture)