# Bluntvertising Advertisers create transparency with brutally honest ads and messages. By [Katherinev123](https://www.trendhunter.com/katherine), Contributing Editor | Published Apr 17, 2011, updated Apr 26, 2011 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/brutally-honest-ads ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.9/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Bluntvertising trend? **Bluntvertising:** Consumers today know false advertising when they see it. Because they’re not bought by superlative statements and ambiguous promises, brands and advertisers are going in the opposite direction with brutally honest advertising. Parodies that poke fun at the truths behind major brands are also grabbing attention by pointing out ironic realities about today’s most popular companies. In today’s brand- and ad-saturated world, honesty may be the best policy. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 8 to Apr 25, 2011 - Published: Apr 17, 2011 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Bluntvertising trend ### Brutally Honest Advertising Brands and advertisers are using brutally honest advertising, as consumers today know false advertising when they see it. ### Intoxicatingly Honest Campaigns Some brands are advocating for responsible drinking in their campaigns instead of using the physical consequence-related ads. ### Ironic Emblems The Honest Logo Series brilliantly showcases ironic creativity that reveals the true content of companies' logos. ## What the Bluntvertising trend means for industry ### For Marketing and Advertising The trends in brutally honest advertising and intoxicatingly honest campaigns will undoubtedly influence the marketing and advertising industry. ### For Graphic Design Graphic designers can learn a great deal from the ironic creativity techniques used in the Honest Logos series. ### For Entertainment Illustrators, filmmakers, and other creative personnel in the entertainment industry can take a cue from the Conspicuous Product Placement series to integrate branding into their works. ## Trend signals for Bluntvertising Trend score 3.9 out of 10, from popularity 65%, activity 46%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 65% - Activity: 46% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Bluntvertising trend 5 featured examples from Jan 8 to Apr 25, 2011. - [Ironic Emblems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/honest-logos): The Honest Logos Series Sheds Light on Popular Companies (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The trend of reworking logos creates new opportunities for graphic designers to showcase their creativity and help brands communicate a more authentic identity. - [Blatant Film Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/conspicuous-product-placement): The 'Conspicuous Product Placement' Series Pokes Fun at Advertising (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Finding creative ways to incorporate brands into movies can open up revenue streams and create new partnership opportunities. - [Intoxicatingly Honest Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/corona-beer-2011): The Corona Beer 2011 Ads Advocate Responsible Drinking (Category: Marketing) Implication: The alcohol industry can leverage these trends to promote responsible drinking and build stronger connections with consumers. - [Blunt Recruitment Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/welcome-to-our-reality): 'Welcome to Our Reality' Pokes Fun at American Military Ads (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Exploring new ways of recruiting and attracting talent by defying conventional marketing tactics through humor and authenticity. - [Brutally Honest Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rhett-and-link): Rhett and Link's ‘Mobile Homes' Commercial Redefines Brevity (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The transparent and brief nature of Rhett and Link's commercial presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the advertising industry. ## 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)