11 Brilliant Ads That Don't Need Any Copy

    Great art direction doesn't need words. The last two smart ads are new, for a Brazilian bookstore.

    copyranter
    by copyranter

    BuzzFeed Staff

    1. Via China, 2009.

    Via copyranter.blogspot.com

    Hilarious.

    2. Via The UK, 2008.

    Via adsoftheworld.com

    I would bet, having been in these meetings before, that the ad agency (JWT London) presented the ad without the copy line — because it definitely doesn't need it. Kit Kat probably got nervous.

    3.

    Via copyranter.blogspot.com

    One of my favorite ads ever.
    BUT again, it doesn't need the "Really Sour" copy line.
    Probably the stupid gutless client again.

    4. Via Thailand, 2010.

    Via copyranter.blogspot.com

    Insane, but it works.

    5. Via Spain, 2006.

    Via creativecriminal.blogspot.com

    Just "Sugar Free" would have been fine.
    But since this is translated from Spanish, that may be why the unneeded "It's" is there.

    6. Via Panama, 2011.

    Via adsoftheworld.com

    7. Via India, 2009.

    Via copyranter.blogspot.com

    Amazingly, disgustingly funny.

    8. Via Israel, 2006.

    Via adsoftheworld.com

    I LOVE this ad.
    Unlike with many, many other overdone ads where "hot" is the reason to buy, this one shows only a slightly exaggerated scenario, and so is much more powerful.
    It reminds me of the great Mad Men print ads of the 1960s.

    9. Via France, 2007.

    Via adsoftheworld.com

    YOU DIDN'T NEED "PROTECTS"!!!!!
    (Probably the client again).

    10. Via Brazil, new ad.

    Via adsoftheworld.com

    Delightfully simple new ads for the Floriano Bookstore in Floriano, Brazil.
    I GUESS the copy line is needed here, but it's just an afterthought.
    It's the visuals that rule.
    Second ad below.

    11. Via Brazil, new ad.

    Via adsoftheworld.com

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    And, just the opposite, here are 10 Brilliant Ads That Are Just Words.