Canvas's clever OOH campaign: When "design flaws" become headlines
- Studio318
- Dec 10, 2025
- 2 min read
Canva recently reminded the creative industry in an impressive way how effective out-of-home (OOH) advertising can still be, and did so in what is probably the most typical Canva way: with humor, strong visual appeal and a wink to all the designers out there.
In collaboration with their new creative agency Stink Studios, Canva launched a playful poster campaign at London's Waterloo station. All 14 advertising spaces were transformed into oversized, real-life versions of classic design feedback. Think phrases like: "Make the logo bigger" or "Shouldn't that be in 9:16 format?"
The result: an ironic homage to Canvas's own design features, especially the "Magic Resize" tool .
But that was more than just a funny idea. It was a clever branding move.
By transforming everyday frustrations of creative professionals into oversized, public jokes, Canva succeeded in:
to showcase their product live and visibly
to emphasize their brand personality
to generate enormous attention both online and offline
As Tom Carey , Creative Director Europe at Canva, said:
"It's about showcasing the power of Canva with a playful spirit and a touch of British humor."
This campaign is not just a marketing success; it is a prime example of how to cleverly combine familiarity, creativity, and a clear product feature .
Why this is important for marketers
Familiarity sells. Canva has connected with its target audience through shared design experiences.
Product-based storytelling works. They didn't just advertise Magic Resize, they demonstrated it.
Out of sight, out of mind is not dead. If it's done well, it will remain unforgettable.
A fresh reminder: The best ideas are often the simplest.
Are you looking for content strategies that combine creativity with clarity?
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