The Best Use Of Tattoos In Ads

It's one of the most overused and abused creative linchpins in advertising. But occasionally, art directors get it right.

1.

The best ad from a 2010 award-winning campaign for Pilot extra fine pens.

By Grey, Barcelona.

2.

One of a series of 2010 ads for a French organ donor organization.

3.

Ad via Canada was produced just two months before bin Laden was killed.

WHAT DID YOU KNOW, CANADA?

4.

Best ad from a 2008 campaign for the Schick Quattro.

Ad agency: JWT, NYC.

5.

2008 ad for a Charlotte, NC tattoo removal business.

Stop laughing, this is horrible.

6.

Great installation from 2007 to promote the Discovery show, "London Ink."

Second one below.

Ad agency: Mother, London.

7.

8.

Translation: Not all traditions deserve to be preserved. Put an end to whaling in Japan.

Spiritual tattooing dates to 10,000 BC in Japan, according to Wikipedia.

Ad agency: Leo Burnett, Hong Kong.