# Brash Professionalism Formal tactics take a turn as society becomes more open and expressive. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Jul 21, 2014 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/brash-professionalism ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.5/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Brash Professionalism trend? **Brash Professionalism:** Taking personal expression one step further, individuals are revamping formal concepts like resumes and business cards with more shock-worthy appeal. Referencing vices such as alcohol and medicinal drugs, these business tactics blur the lines between professional and private spheres, speaking to a more lax business ethic, particularly among youths. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 26, 2013 to Jul 19, 2014 - Published: Jul 21, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Instant Entrepreneurship](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/instant-entrepreneurship), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Brash Professionalism trend ### Shocking Professionalism Blurring the lines between professional and private spheres by stepping up personal expression in formal tactics such as business cards and resumes ### Visual Self-Promotion Using unique visual presentations to promote skills, experiences, and portfolios ### Edible Business Cards Creating inventive business cards that go above and beyond promotion by adding useful functionalities like edible materials for specific health conditions ## What the Brash Professionalism trend means for industry ### For Graphic Design Aspiring designers can find inspiration in unconventional methods of promoting oneself and creating a standout resume or portfolio. ### For Marketing and Advertising Incorporating creative tactics in promoting brands and products can help them stand out in markets oversaturated with competitors. ### For Healthcare and Wellness Innovative approaches to addressing health conditions such as altitude sickness can be a valuable addition to the healthcare and wellness industry. ## Trend signals for Brash Professionalism Trend score 3.5 out of 10, from popularity 57%, activity 41%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 57% - Activity: 41% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Brash Professionalism trend 5 featured examples from Feb 26, 2013 to Jul 19, 2014. - [Marriage Proposal Resumes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marriage-proposal-resume): Catherine Pelletier Likens Applying to the Right Job to Engagements (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: HR professionals can explore new and creative methods for attracting and evaluating job candidates, including personalized proposals - [Fashionable Self-Promotion Shoots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/my-resume-photo): The 'My Resume' Photo Series Takes a Visual Approach to Branding (Category: Marketing) Implication: There is an opportunity for photographers to expand their business by offering branding photoshoots that showcase professionals’ skills in a visually appealing way. - [Medicinal Business Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/altitude-sickness): Lanfranco & Cordova Made an Edible Business Card for Altitude Sickness (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Marketing and advertising agencies can explore the use of functional and unique marketing materials for their clients, such as edible business cards that offer more than just bran… - [Resume Beer Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/resume-idea): Brennan Gleason Came Up with an Amazing Resume Idea that Involved Beer (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity in the graphic design industry by combining personal branding with product packaging. - [Heady Business Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floyd-hayes): Floyd Hayes Shows Perspective Employers He May Have a Tiny Head but Big Ideas (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The printing and graphics industry can leverage the trend of creative business cards by offering new printing techniques and materials for unique designs. ## 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 Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)