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There’s good advertising that makes you convinced you can’t live without the product or service. Then, there's excellent advertising that proves it’s a form of art, just like these mind-bending and clever billboard ads.

And then, you've got hilariously bad advertising. When you see one, you know it. Whether it’s product placing that has gone wrong, a slogan that sounds way off, or an overall design that gives people second and third thoughts, these are the ad fails worthy of the prize.

So let’s buckle up for a fun ride which is basically a masterclass on how not to “create and produce an ad,” as compiled in this list by Bored Panda. Take notes, kids, it’s about to get heavy.

#1

This Ad For Graduation Photography

This Ad For Graduation Photography

box_cardinal_peanut Report

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    #2

    I Pass This Billboard Everyday And Everyday I Think He’s A Vampire

    I Pass This Billboard Everyday And Everyday I Think He’s A Vampire

    fitygrands Report

    There are so many ways an advertising campaign, a billboard, a print ad, and a commercial can go wrong. But one of the greatest faux pas is “false advertising.” The term refers to ads that use misleading, dishonest, and plain “false” assumptions in their content in order to promote or market products and services.

    One should remember to respect the consumers who, as a result of the ad, may feel lied to and fooled. Such negative ads rapidly create a very bad image of a brand, and it can lead to various biases about it.

    As a result, sales immediately suffer and it takes ages to gain back consumers’ trust in the brand. Thus, false advertising is one of the most dangerous mistakes you can make while advertising your product and it never, ever pays off.

    #3

    This Ad Placement

    This Ad Placement

    vadge Report

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    Luisa Vasconcelos
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This looks like my phone, everything I even think about something, out of nothing come all the advertising.

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    #4

    I Used To Be Able To See The Towel On Her Head

    I Used To Be Able To See The Towel On Her Head

    mikaelstein Report

    Another form of unethical advertising is ads that employ misrepresentation of a product or a service in a way that use a subliminal message to fit the brand's hidden agenda. These kinds of ads often use deception and manipulation to make consumers want their product or service and believe they can't live without it.

    For example, Reebok launched an infamous “Cheat On Your Girlfriend, Not Your Workout” ad campaign back to 2012 and received immediate backlash. Initially, the ad was intended to motivate consumers, but in turn, it spread the wrong message and encouraged infidelity.

    #5

    This Guy Must Be Feeling Pretty Great On This Ad

    This Guy Must Be Feeling Pretty Great On This Ad

    ErickJail Report

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    Robert T
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is that a bus in your pocket or are you just pleased to see me?

    ArhomR
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I heard of prosthetics, but this is taking it too far.

    Billy The Kid
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    LMFAO!!! he looks exhausted. If it were me i would be FUMEing!

    Mary Peace
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would love to have seen the expression on the face of the worker who had to fit the exhaust pipe, when he looked at the back of the bus.

    Iara Ra
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Probably done on purpose. People in the state of Minas Gerais are pretty funny

    Znaya
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You will always remember the extremely bad advertisements or the ones that have sexual connotations :)

    DuchessDegu
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know him, he's a Brazilian TV presenter (Serginho Groisman), I've even been in the audience for his show in the 80s! He probably thinks this is hillarious!

    Emerald Fallow
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's in a place..............if ya know what i mean......................................

    Shirley Heyn
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe he is just passing gas. . . under, over, around and up, rather than out back and up???

    Mike Rodrick
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is that a periscope in your pocket or are you just glad to see me?

    Grace Skerp
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is that an exhaust pipe in your pants or you just glad to see me?

    John L
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't know about you, but I was taught that advertisement for "advertisement's sake", can get you into serious trouble.

    Jo Choto
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    para transformar sua vida? Yes, I think his life has been transformed.

    Sum Guy
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd stand next to the bus whenever I can and smile like a creep

    Albert
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The pissing muffler. Now go pee anywhere without getting arrested for exposing yourself.

    Bruna Stephannie Ferreira
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is in Brazil. He hosts a late-night show called Altas Horas and actually has a sexologist at every show.

    Robert Odom
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Guess he didnt need ed pills and gives a new saying HARD AS A ROCK.

    Arthur Rufus
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He should see a doctor about the burning sensation he has down there.

    Jb Dean
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is that an exhaust pipe in your pants or are you just happy to see me? 🤷🏻‍♀️

    Nightmare.wsmpf
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    like what this mans girlfriend says ¨that so big u sure u bring that in bed u said it was only a few inches not a few feet also that will not fit¨

    Sweetie Cake
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “yeah umm good day sir” “wait don’t you wanna talk?” “yeah no thanks see ya”

    Amanda Geyer
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are you happy to see me or is that an exhaust pipe in your pocket?

    Raabh Aquino
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is from Brazil. The man's name is Serginho Groismann, a TV host. He had a talk show and sometimes they had a part of the show dedicated to answer audience's questions about sex. (later this became a show on its own lead by a female host, Fernanda Lima) It was a late night show. This is why it's even more hilarious to us hahahahah! The disturbing thing is this is a bus ad for a University!

    Nancy Romans
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    are you glad to see me or is that a bus exhaust in your pocket ?

    Naomi Cline
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Either that or we are watching him at the urinal - look ma, no hands!

    Colin Mochrie At Its Finest
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lil' John uses that as a periscope. Big John is proud of his lil' counterpart

    Aksa
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    As a graphic designer AHAHAHAHAHA THAT WAS ON PUROPUSE

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    #6

    I Think She Should Go To The Hospital Instead Of Booking A Flight

    I Think She Should Go To The Hospital Instead Of Booking A Flight

    MariaDmnd Report

    The sportswear brand acknowledged the ad was offensive and pulled it, as many consumers were boycotting the brand. They wrote an open letter that stated: “This form of advertising shows a dishonest and disrespectful attitude towards women and your company should be ashamed to have even placed this ad in various places thinking it would be perceived in any other way.”

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    Moreover, the Federal Trade Commission deemed the campaign false advertising in its unsubstantiated claims about exercise benefits, and Reebok was made to pay a $25 million fine.

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    #9

    A Bag Of Apples With A Character On It That Got Poisoned By An Apple

    A Bag Of Apples With A Character On It That Got Poisoned By An Apple

    Red_Rolo09 Report

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    general kenøbi
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just wondering —does anyone know what language this is/ what country it’s in?

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    Another controversial ad example that made a tremendous negative impact on brand image was the series of ads by Protein World released 5 years ago in London Underground. One of its posters asking "Are you beach body ready?" caused public outrage and even sparked vigilante acts of vandalism.

    There were 378 official complaints regarding the body-shaming campaign filed to the UK's Advertising Standards Authority. Moreover, a petition to have the ads removed was launched, and demonstrations followed.

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    #13

    I’m Certain They Could Have Used A Better Slogan

    I’m Certain They Could Have Used A Better Slogan

    BeaulaGoo Report

    #15

    If You’re Going To Use The Dumbbell As An “I” Then You Don’t Need Another “I”

    If You’re Going To Use The Dumbbell As An “I” Then You Don’t Need Another “I”

    BassAckwards31 Report

    In 2017, Dove released an ad clip on Facebook for Dove body wash where a black woman was pictured removing her top and morphing into a white woman after she used the product. Such portrayal was not only horrendously racist, it promoted “whitewashing” and sparked a well-deserved outrage.

    Coming from a powerhouse like Dove, which, according to their slogan, champions "real beauty," the ad seriously damaged the brand's reputation.

    #16

    I Followed This Bus For 4 Blocks To Wait For It To Pull Over To Share This Beautiful Work Of Art

    I Followed This Bus For 4 Blocks To Wait For It To Pull Over To Share This Beautiful Work Of Art

    Germantoast33 Report

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    #17

    Finally, A Shower That Works With My Broken Neck

    Finally, A Shower That Works With My Broken Neck

    dinglehump Report

    #19

    The Implication That This Tooth Has Genitals

    The Implication That This Tooth Has Genitals

    Dylflon Report

    #20

    Sometimes The Answer Is In The Box Too

    Sometimes The Answer Is In The Box Too

    lukeglenn Report

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    Chris Hardtke
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Do you really need to cheat by going outside the grid AFTER you took 6 turns to your opponent’s 3?

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    According to the Online Marketing Institute, “bad commercials often try for a quality that the good ones have, and fall short of the mark, or else lack it completely.” And one of the worst things you can do as a brand building an ad campaign is treating your customers like fools, which “means talking down to them and trivializing their values, beliefs, or experiences.”

    #22

    The Brazilian Vaccination Mascot Looks Like KKK

    The Brazilian Vaccination Mascot Looks Like KKK

    alan04eu Report

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    chi-wei shen
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even though it looks creepy you have to take into account that there is no KKK in Brazil and most Brazilians wouldn't think about KKK.

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    #23

    I Only Saw The Left Window At First And Got Very Confused

    I Only Saw The Left Window At First And Got Very Confused

    generationfire Report

    #24

    Let God Arse

    Let God Arse

    KenNCM Report

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    Shazz Winchester
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    took me a minute to figure out the sword is meant to be an 'I' and it's Thursday, not even a Monday #PrayForMe

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    In reality, consumers are humans and a good ad needs a human touch to it to be convincing, appealing, and interesting. Sometimes, though, brands decide to take a shortcut into consumers' hearts by manipulating their feelings, which in turn results in lazy, tone-deaf, and appalling advertising disasters.

    #28

    The Quotation Marks On This Sign Gives It A Malevolent Undertone

    The Quotation Marks On This Sign Gives It A Malevolent Undertone

    sleightlymagical Report

    #29

    This Guy's Frog Legs Featured In An Ad

    This Guy's Frog Legs Featured In An Ad

    MeerK4T Report

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    Creating a good ad is somewhat of a form of art, and although mistakes happen even to the best of us, some are forgivable, and others, not so much. In the end, the sales and brand perception tell it all.

    #30

    Saw This Ad For A Shirt That’s Supposed To Say Saturday

    Saw This Ad For A Shirt That’s Supposed To Say Saturday

    virginmary93 Report

    #31

    "Hide The Pain Harold" Becomes Face Of French Coronavirus "Thank You, Heroes" Campaign

    "Hide The Pain Harold" Becomes Face Of French Coronavirus "Thank You, Heroes" Campaign

    jeancafecreme Report

    #33

    Finally A Realistic Mannequins In Women's Lingerie Store

    Finally A Realistic Mannequins In Women's Lingerie Store

    B_Monster Report

    #34

    This Monstrosity

    This Monstrosity

    Hantook Report

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    Full Name
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Left - right, up - down, backwards, in no direction does this make sense.

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    #39

    This Ebay Advertisement For A Sleep Mask Photo Shopped Out Her Nose And Left One Nostril

    This Ebay Advertisement For A Sleep Mask Photo Shopped Out Her Nose And Left One Nostril

    rosalina888 Report

    #40

    This Really Odd Advertisement For Transit Around My City (Where Did The Bus Driver Come From?)

    This Really Odd Advertisement For Transit Around My City (Where Did The Bus Driver Come From?)

    LoveGhostDotEXE Report

    #42

    Yes, The Earth

    Yes, The Earth

    boring_space_waffle Report

    #43

    That’s A Pokemon In The Bag

    That’s A Pokemon In The Bag

    ungori11 Report

    #44

    This Library Poster

    This Library Poster

    holzdnbein Report

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    Laura Mende
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looking at these ads, i'm sure they're smoking something. Maybe a clichee but a true one. 😂😂

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    #47

    Enjoy A Nice Massage In A Moving Car With Your Eyes Closed

    Enjoy A Nice Massage In A Moving Car With Your Eyes Closed

    colorfl0 Report

    #48

    Probably It's More Convenient This Way

    Probably It's More Convenient This Way

    Bobik42 Report

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    Sum Guy
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is what happens when you get a model who has never seen sugar do your ad

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    #50

    Me And My Clones On The Job

    Me And My Clones On The Job

    doctor_blob Report

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    Thijs L.
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    tbh, with the slogan it does make sense, the slogan says, 1 contact, 1 team, ie. you speak to one person and via them you contact the entire team

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    #52

    Yes, That's How A Scale Works

    Yes, That's How A Scale Works

    yoergo Report

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    #53

    Someone Paid Money For This To Be Their Sign And Logo/Mascot. I’m Convinced This Is Drug Lord’s Money Laundering Business

    Someone Paid Money For This To Be Their Sign And Logo/Mascot. I’m Convinced This Is Drug Lord’s Money Laundering Business

    SoDakZak Report

    #54

    Taste The Feeling

    Taste The Feeling

    dudelsac Report

    #57

    Somehow Spiderman Is Able To Keep A Hot Drink In His Cup While Upside Down

    Somehow Spiderman Is Able To Keep A Hot Drink In His Cup While Upside Down

    Speeider Report

    #58

    A “Save Water” Ad Which Makes You Spit On The Poor Kid’s Face While Brushing

    A “Save Water” Ad Which Makes You Spit On The Poor Kid’s Face While Brushing

    Kapikap0906 Report

    #60

    That Elbow Is The Stuff Of Nightmares

    That Elbow Is The Stuff Of Nightmares

    Abandoned-Potato Report

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    #61

    “Make The Athlete Look Like She’s In Motion”

    “Make The Athlete Look Like She’s In Motion”

    kronograf Report

    #62

    This Cancer Center's Ad

    This Cancer Center's Ad

    jujjyfruit Report

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    Robert T
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well we can see what you were trying to do, but it didn't work, did it!

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    #63

    Why Is The Phone Inside The Photo

    Why Is The Phone Inside The Photo

    MrSegwayMan Report

    #64

    All Ye Shall Come To Me For The Healing Of Burgers

    All Ye Shall Come To Me For The Healing Of Burgers

    deadpoolyes Report

    #65

    Someone Didn't Quite Think That One All The Way Through

    Someone Didn't Quite Think That One All The Way Through

    gerald1 Report

    #66

    10/10 Cable Management

    10/10 Cable Management

    RonanAMA2013 Report

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    Your Cousin Vinny
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But wait, the only cable in the picture is for the lamp and it's not even plugged in!

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    #67

    Yes I Am Human With Human Wife And I Do Sleep Like Humans Do

    Yes I Am Human With Human Wife And I Do Sleep Like Humans Do

    lachlantopcat Report

    #68

    This Laptop Stand That Is Very Poorly Photoshopped In And Not Even Being Used

    This Laptop Stand That Is Very Poorly Photoshopped In And Not Even Being Used

    Doeljan11 Report

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    #69

    My Movie Theater Tried Ok?

    My Movie Theater Tried Ok?

    ginseng72 Report

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    Jozie
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    lmaaoooooooooo this nightmare fuel. i mean -- look at frozone 0_0. and where is bob's face ...

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    #70

    Superb Ad Placement At Stuttgart International Airport

    Superb Ad Placement At Stuttgart International Airport

    Spetchen Report

    #71

    Found The World's Smallest Hands While Looking For A WiFi Adapter

    Found The World's Smallest Hands While Looking For A WiFi Adapter

    xK3V1Nix Report

    #72

    Isn’t This Considered Murder?

    Isn’t This Considered Murder?

    Xephia Report

    #74

    An Image Of A Kitchen Pot Rack That I Came Across On Ebay

    An Image Of A Kitchen Pot Rack That I Came Across On Ebay

    CactusBoyScout Report

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    #78

    “How Should We Advertise These Apple Sticks?” “Stick Em In Some Corn Or Something”

    “How Should We Advertise These Apple Sticks?” “Stick Em In Some Corn Or Something”

    OrangeLandi Report

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    Kathryn Baylis
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I believe they’re appleWOOD sticks. Man, forget just one little word, and look at all the trouble you make.

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    #79

    Either The Smallest Golden In History Or The Feeder Is For Storing A Lifetime Supply Of Food

    Either The Smallest Golden In History Or The Feeder Is For Storing A Lifetime Supply Of Food

    goonie_lover Report

    #80

    Art On Netflix For “Seventh Son.” I Laughed Way Harder Than I Should’ve

    Art On Netflix For “Seventh Son.” I Laughed Way Harder Than I Should’ve

    ishipdrarry Report

    #81

    Do Not Look Away At The Road

    Do Not Look Away At The Road

    avidbirdpointerouter Report

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    Radek Suski
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We have a lot of ads like "don't drive and text" along the highways in Germany and I always had to wonder if somebody already caused an accident being distracted by those

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    #82

    This Instagram Ad Celebrating Your Crippling Debt

    This Instagram Ad Celebrating Your Crippling Debt

    MLutsenko Report

    #83

    From Real Lawn To Virtual Golf Course From 1992 In Just 6-8 Days

    From Real Lawn To Virtual Golf Course From 1992 In Just 6-8 Days

    extroverthomunculus Report

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    River Webb
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "you give up and make a garden online instead, thats how useless our stuff is"

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    #84

    Kix Cereal Box Has A Masked Out Spoon To Give The Illusion There’s Cereal On Top

    Kix Cereal Box Has A Masked Out Spoon To Give The Illusion There’s Cereal On Top

    beerguy_etcetera Report

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    Milan
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Big up for designer. This needed a lot of creativity. One day he will get out of his shadow :D :D

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    #85

    "Well I Gotta Use My Free Trial Of Photoshop For Something" Said The Intern

    "Well I Gotta Use My Free Trial Of Photoshop For Something" Said The Intern

    OTOD_tag Report

    #87

    Someone Doesn't Know How Hangman Works

    Someone Doesn't Know How Hangman Works

    TheSexyPizza Report