These Hilariously Altered Billboards Show The Comedic Side Of Vandalism
Graffiti has shapeshifted over the decades, garnishing both respect and disdain. On one end, graffiti can be an eyesore and a symptom of metropolitan decline. On the flipside, graffiti is the use of free expression in one of the most public ways, especially when it appears on a billboard. Simple word alterations can change an ad into a political statement about obesity, unrealistic beauty standards, even an economic crisis. Alternatively, vandalized signs can become facetious jokes about controversial issues -- including graffiti itself. However you feel about graffiti, you're bound to bust a laugh over at least one of these cleverly vandalized billboards.
Someone Proved This Billboard's Point
It is so great when a point can be proven this succinctly. It should be recognized, however, that the person who added "No we won't" could have been a woman trying to spite the men in her life. If it was a man, though, then hats off to him for living his truth.
Although, if it was a man, we can't be sure that he wasn't being completely serious. That's the thing about vandalism; unless the person is caught in the act, no one can be sure who it was or what the precise meaning is. All we know is that it's funny.
This Person Made Use Of An Empty Billboard
Billboards exist for one reason: to sell something. It may a product or an idea, but it always is intending to persuade us in some way. Seeing an empty, light blue canvas is quite refreshing when we're used to being bombarded with advertisements.
This artist took the open space as an opportunity to point out what we're all so used to. Had the artist not mentioned it, most people probably wouldn't feel the joy of a momentary break from being sold to.
Coca-Cola Got Called Out
Coca-Cola and companies like it tend to capitalize on the emotional appeal of a familiar brand. This billboard is a shining example of how a word like "Love" is used in advertising to suggest that a feeling of love with comes of consuming a product.
The graffiti artist essentially broke the spell by adding one simple word: Profit. In doing so, they remind us that companies driven by profit, and love comes from people, not things.
Coca-Cola Got Called Out AGAIN
Just like the last advertisement, this one hits Coca-Cola's "Love" campaign. However, this one goes a step further by calling out the crisis that their sugary sodas help promote. If Coca-Cola really "loved" its consumers, or makes them feel loved, then they wouldn't have the sole function of negatively impacting health.
Especially for impressionable children, soda can be a huge-- no pun intended-- contributor to obesity. The graffiti seems to be saying that Coca-Cola loves obese children because they're good for revenue.
This Billboard Set Itself Up For Trouble
This Yellow Pages advertisement didn't mean that the reader should literally yell, but rather used the command as a play on its name. However, they did set themselves up for someone to take the billboard literally, and they replied in a clever way.
The irony of answering the implied question (what do you want) with the answer LESS ADVERTS (short for advertisements) is a funny way to turn the message on its head. Plus, if finding what you desire is so easy, why do we need advertisements anyways?
This Artist Turned A Billboard Into His Own Advertisement
The original billboard advertised buying local in order to create jobs. As an alternative option, this graffiti artist suggests creating jobs by doing graffiti! It is a clever idea considering that vandalization requires someone to be paid to restore the property.
Apparently the artist's signature is the "1 Death" symbol written in unique lettering. While it seems pessimistic, perhaps the individual believes we are united in our mortality. If you have one life to live, you might as well use it doing something you enjoy, right? (Plus, it creates jobs.)
His Wild Expression Made Him An Easy Target
There's so much going on here to unpack. First of all, can we acknowledge that the advertisement is for advertisements (on TV, due to hit in July!)? Next, he appears to be overly confident about his television presence, because most wouldn't be that thrilled about starring in an infomercial.
The overzealous expression somehow warranted him being turned into an Italian pizza maker with a long mustache. Why the graffiti artist wrote "get another job" is a mystery. Maybe they just want their pizza deliverers to have that kind of enthusiasm.
Lennon's Widow May Be In Trouble After This
It seems that the original sign was intended to indicate that John Lennon's music is being sold at the establishment. However, the sign is so vague that we really can't be sure of what the billboard designer's intentions were.
Lennon's death is a sad event in history that left his wife Yoko a widow. However, it does it fact mean that Yoko is now "available." While the graffiti does make light of a dark scenario, we hope Yoko isn't getting desperate phone calls because of it.
Not All Crimes Are Evil
At this point, graffiti does seem kind of fun. We can't speak on behalf of the ones doing it, but as viewers, the vandalism definitely provides some entertainment. The image of a man behind bars proves that the billboard was intended to get graffiti artists to take their defacing more seriously.
But this message being printed on a large, white surface with empty space, is kind of like when the teacher told the class clown to take school more seriously. It's just so much more fun to laugh your way through it.
Car Lovers May Disagree With This Sentiment
Opposed to spray paint, this person took a more thought-out approach. Patchwork can be seen around the image of the biker and the "Go by bike" phrase, indicating that the artist enlarged prints and glued them onto the billboard.
The biker seems to be riding over the car, literally trumping it. Meanwhile, the logo "arrive exhilarating" becomes mocking. In all honesty, driving a Toyota isn't really all that thrilling. Riding a bike, on the other hand, gives you endorphins, and endorphins make you happy.
Cannibalism Isn't Funny, But This Billboard Is
Sometimes being clever requires very little effort. As they say, work smarter -- not harder. That's definitely the case in this act of vandalism, where by simply omitting two letters the meaning of this advertisement completely changed.
Joking about cannibalism is one thing, but doing it right over the McDonald's logo makes it downright witty. Especially considering that McDonald's has maintained a wholesome image, despite controversy about what their products actually consist of, the irony is too good.
What Exactly Are McDonald's Fans Lovin'?!
"I'm lovin' it" just took on a whole new meaning. You can't go wrong making fun of McDonald's; they're just too popular. Most people living in a first-world country know what a McDonald's is, and probably know something about their ingredients, backstory, and near dictatorship over the fast-food chain industry.
That being said, when someone says that a food item must have crack in it, it's to imply that it's too good to be just normal food. That's what makes this joke so funny. Whatever they put in their food, McDonald's is the king of creating addictive items.
This Could Actually Be A Smart Business Plan For McDonald's
Before someone pasted the word "Bypass" on there, it probably said "Double Patties." At just 99 cents, that meat must be made from magical cows if there's any profit to be made. Many people don't think so far as to question that, though, because for some, it's just about getting a meal they can afford.
Unfortunately, too many highly processed, highly fattening foods can lead to severe medical issues that may require double bypass surgery. Luckily, you can get the surgery in the McDonald's drive-thru for just a dollar.
Seriously Though, What Kind Of Meal Is That?
Speaking of diabetes, what in the world kind of diet is being presented here? In what universe is an ice cream cone stacked high with vanilla ice cream as a side? Apparently in a world where it'd have to be topped with chocolate and candy to constitute being an entree.
Let's not forget a milkshake to chase it all down. It's like this meal plan came straight out of Candyland. Luckily, an artist utilized the Burger King logo to illustrate what would result from said diet.
This Clever Artist Made Superheroes Real
The sign could have just read, "Only you can prevent wildfires." By trying, and failing, to be clever, the Smokey the Bear billboard inadvertently made itself susceptible to joking vandalism. Someone could have written anything in that blank space.
Fortunately, someone came along and wrote a very quick-witted remark. It only makes sense that Aquaman would be able to take care of the forest fires. The person who created this vandalism may have even scored Marvel a new movie idea.
This Controversial Issue Got A Little Comedic Relief
Abortion is one of the most difficult issues to talk about. That's why this artist decided to change the billboard's message altogether and make it about abduction. It's not regarding human abduction, but rather implies that we've done the abducting on aliens.
The twist on abortion and alien abduction is a perfect illustration of graffiti for comedy's sake. The artist removed the viewer from the awkward position of being a judge, and put them in a new position of someone looking at a funny joke about nothing.
It's A Good Thing She Didn't Go Into Work
It seems that the woman pictured is nervous about whether or not she remembered to take her birth control pill. Usually these advertisements are underscoring the nuisance of taking a daily pill in order to promote other contraceptives.
In the midst of trying to sell the viewer on changing their birth control, they forgot to mention getting dressed in the listed morning routine. Now that she has to go back and put on clothes, maybe she can take her pill after all.
This Welcome Sign Became A Lot Less Welcoming
One hot topic these days is the massive debt that many people, especially college grads, seem to have no other choice but embrace. It's hard to make out who the billboard was put up by, but that would be pretty hilarious if it was in front of a bank or a private loan agency.
While the billboard was initially meant to be sincere, any pleasant feelings upon reading it are now immediately squashed with the reminder that debt just may be an unavoidable part of aging.
An Old Joke Was Made New On This Billboard
Remeber the old "your mom" jokes? If not, just know that they were big enough to land a television show on MTV called "Your Momma" around the time MTV stopped being music television. Essentially, you say something mean with the introductory phrase "your mom(ma) is."
In this case, the phrase hit the billboard as another example of a pointless joke created for the sake of making someone laugh. Because the kid carrying a gigantic hot dog wasn't enough.
Whatever The Point Was Supposed To Be, It Was Squashed By Humor
The true genius of this sign is how many ways it can be taken. From a philosophical perspective, the graffiti artist could be saying that they don't have a conscious, proven by their act of vandalism. Thus, they do not hold themselves prisoner or otherwise police themselves like the original sign might be suggesting.
However, the more literal interpretation is downright hilarious. The word "ain't" emphasizes the sass, while the words being written in large, capital, black letters seem to shout a response back.
The Truth, Revealed
Everyone loves the little lizard in the Geico commercials. He's one funny character, but in the end, he's only trying to get your money. Does that make him a crook? No. It makes Geico the thieves.
This billboard tells you the truth. If you want to save money, get rid of your car and get a bike. Use public transportation if you need to. Just don't give your money to Geico and you'll be fine.
Sorry, Kids
We're deeply saddened to see the epidemic going on with children everywhere. We had no clue this was going on every 20 minutes. Is anyone doing anything to help prevent this?
We don't want our children running around with a mustache! That isn't very fun at all when you're young. Having to constantly keep up with it isn't a responsibility that a child should have to deal with in their youthful years. It's no fun.
That Sounds Like Fun!...
Well, now we've seen it all. The day has finally arrived for folks every where to properly let out some steam. A festival revolving around passing gas sounds like a clown convention.
What's the scent like at a thing like this? Is it so bad that it's good, or will you pass out without a gas mask? We have so many questions, but we're glad it's happening. Best of luck to everyone that attends this.
The Ultimate Question
It had to be asked. The question that rests on the minds of millions. Science and blockbuster films can only provide so much closure. Someone has to know the truth and whoever vandalized the sign knows who would.
Someone who would know about dinosaurs would have to be God, right? If not, then who? Asking about the prehistoric creatures is a good call, because what else matters? We deserve to know the truth and God has the answers.
A Brave Decision
Some of the greatest fast food fries there are come from McDonald's. They're perfectly salty and crispy, especially if you ask for a fresh batch. Not many can compete with their taste.
That's what makes this vandalism so surprising. Never have we ever heard or seen anyone turn down McDonald's fries. It's almost a myth. We almost think this is just a joke and not how someone seriously feels. Either way, it's still cleverly executed.
She Wants To Know
There are few better feelings than eating a perfectly made flan dish. The dessert is a Mexican treat that hits the spot every time, but it can be an acquired taste.
If God had one prepared for you wherever you were heading next, we're sure that you'd want to get there sooner! Dessert lovers know how hard it is to resist a properly prepared flan. It's like striking gold in food form that will keep you smiling.
You Forgot Something!
This isn't really a billboard, but it's so good we couldn't leave it out. Besides, it acts as a billboard in that it wants to get a message out there.
All this safety sign man is trying to say is that you left your lunch. You don't want to go through the day after seeing everyone else eat and you've starved. That's not fun and your stomach will dislike you. Go back and get your lunch!
What Is McDonald's Doing?!
We always wondered what kept us coming back to the hot and spicy chicken sandwich from McDonald's. At first, we thought it was how they seasoned it or the spread put on it.
We now see that we were dead wrong. It's the pigeon that keeps us coming back for more! It all makes sense now. There's always an insane amount of the feathery animals posted outside of the fast-food chain. That gives Micky D's the easiest route to their source.
Batman Can Help
If there's one person that we would trust to have power in politics, it's Bruce Wayne. Mr. Wayne, or Batman, is a man of ethics and he has a great moral compass.
Frame him a villain all you want, but we're sure he'd be sure to get kids proper education and a safe environment to be in after school. He has all the money one can ever wish for, so he's not going to be petty with campaign funds.
He's Back For More
It looks like people love to have fun with this guy! The facial expression and gestures that he's making are easily manipulated, so we aren't surprised. Last time he offered pizza, and now he wants you to be a better singer.
While eating pizza is always fun, one mustn't bash the prospect of becoming a great singer. Having a voice that allows you to try out for American Idol would be sensational.
Not The Judge!
They just had to get the beloved Judge Judy. What has she done to you? Well, thats a loaded question because she could have done a lot to you in the past.
She might've been the reason your cousin received a ten-year sentence. She might've sent your uncle to prison for ten days. Who knows, but all we know is that she probably didn't deserve this type of treatment. Sorry, Judy, but they got you.
Good Comeback
After reading the original copy of this ad, we love the response. You can tell this is an older billboard based on the language and the type of vehicle. Even way back then, women weren't having it.
Pinching on the bottom isn't welcomed by anyone that doesn't allow it from you, so the company shouldn't be advertising that idea. This should have been what it read originally, then that way, they could have broadened their audience.
Job Well Done!
Who wants to have their fun ruined? Having graffiti removed is like hearing the bell ring while you're at recess. After all the fun you just had, now you have to go inside?
It's the same with street art. No one wants to see their hard work taken away. Whoever did this job probably knows exactly what we're saying. We wonder if they took the time to take this masterpiece down or did they keep it up?
Who Did It?!
No one likes being startled. It just isn't a fun feeling. That's why so many people don't like watching scary movies by themselves. The jump scares can be too much to handle.
Maybe that's why someone wanted to know what startled this poor door. Who would have the audacity to want to alarm a helpless door? It's no fun being scared and we understand. Now, if someone would step forward and reveal what made this door so scared.
Aww, Isn't That Sweet?
They say love is blind and this sign proves it. It's one thing for humans to become attracted to each other, even when they don't know what they see in the other person.
However, rocks falling in love makes no sense. They can't even see each other due to the fact that they don't have any eyes! Finding love in a hopeless place is real and these rocks probably don't have a lick of hope either.
Spoiler Alert!!
Wow, Marley & Me is one of the best, heartfelt holiday movies there is. Owen Wilson does an amazing job with his dog, Marley. It's like a coming of age film, but for dogs.
The last thing anyone wants to see is the poor dog passing away. People also hate spoilers, but we're pretty sure everyone saw that coming. There was no way this movie was going to end on a high note. If it did, it would have been the best movie ever.
We'd Watch This Show
This is the type of show we've dreaming to see. A cop series starring LL Cool J and Batman's sidekick, Robin. There would be no stopping these two and that's a fact.
Who in their right mind would want to go up against these all-stars? We'll tell you right now, no one, that's who. Only criminals would have the courage to do something that dumb. If these guys are on the case, consider yourself caught.
McDonald's Is On A Roll
We're at one point in time, everyone went through a phase where they couldn't resist a McGriddle with cheese. There was some item on the menu at McDonald's that someone at some point in their life was hooked on.
Now that you're older and wiser, you know it isn't that safe for your body to eat at the fast-food chain. We're not saying you hate yourself if you do eat there, but we're saying it probably isn't that smart of an idea if you're watching your figure.
Don't Forget To Pivot!
This is as creative as it gets. Well, all the culprit did was cross out the "C" and add in a picture of Ross' head. It's still clever and is hilarious too.
They should have noted that you have to pivot before using the Rosswalk. When the sign tells you to stop, you have to yell "we're on a break!" Only then may you be permitted to cross the street. Any other way isn't accepted.
What Kind Of Contest Is This?
There's nothing better than seeing the perfect billboard graffiti, and this one fits the bill. A gas station is advertising a contest where you can win free gas for life, but someone with a can of paint got to the sign.
That '76' logo makes the perfect front wheel for a bike, complete with spokes. The vandal is right, folks -- you won't have to buy gas ever again if you bike everywhere instead of drive!
