# Unconventional Combination Campaigns University of Gent Ads Ask for Deviant Thinking By Amelia Roblin | Published 2011-05-13 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/university-of-gent-ads References: [adsoftheworld](http://adsoftheworld.com/media/print/university_of_gent_chick) & [saatchi.be](http://www.saatchi.be/) Thinking outside of the box can be a difficult task when you're confronted with the conventions day in and day out, but in a very elementary way, these University of Gent ads show how easy it can be to practice a little idiosyncratic creativity. Strapped with the slogan, "Dare to think," this college campaign aims to attract students with minds less molded and more explorative. Saatchi&Saatchi of Brussels, Belgium, have taken three entry level examples of experimental ideas, showcasing fictitious items like a 1.21 euro coin, a bull-shaped piece of beef and a chick trapped impossibly within a bottle. Differentiating this institution from competing schools that may value conformity in education, the University of Gent ads serve up some food for thought. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 67% | Activity: 42% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Print](https://www.trendhunter.com/print) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Idiosyncratic Creativity:** Opportunity to explore unconventional ideas and think outside the box. - **Experimental Ideas:** Potential for innovative concepts that challenge conventions and push boundaries. - **Differentiation in Education:** Innovation opportunity for educational institutions to emphasize non-conformity. ### Who This Affects Most - **Higher Education:** Universities and colleges can apply unconventional approaches to attract students with a preference for creative thinking. - **Advertising and Marketing:** Opportunity for agencies to develop campaigns that promote divergent thinking and challenge traditional norms. - **Food and Beverage:** Possibility to create unique products that defy conventions, appealing to consumers seeking unconventional experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Lazy Cereal Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surreal-cereal.md) - [High-Concept Brand Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/legitimate-you.md) - [Celebratory Odd Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ridiculous-design.md) - [Playful Creative Design Billboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-billboards.md) - [Offbeat Fashion Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asos-inspired-by.md) - [Europe-Focused Global Leader Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/step-into-the-map.md) - [Innovative Outdoor Advertising Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/outdoor-advertising-campaign.md) - [Playful Billboard Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dreamies-treats.md) - [Divergent Chewing Gum Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tridifferent.md)