AI generated BIC "Pencil Hair Tie" ad

A brilliant AI-generated ad shows a woman’s bun held together with a BIC pen and the line “Twisting hair since 1945.” Simple, funny, and instantly relatable.

Marketing analysis

This works because it flips the pen’s everyday misuse into a feature. Everyone’s stuck a pen in their hair at some point. Instead of selling ink, this ad celebrates a real-life moment that connects emotionally and visually.

Why it works

• Taps into real-world behavior (social proof)
• Uses humor and nostalgia to build warmth
• Minimal text and strong visual = instant understanding
• Reinforces brand longevity with “since 1945”

Examples

• WD-40 ads show household uses beyond fixing squeaky doors.
• IKEA jokes about “how couples argue” while assembling furniture.
• Dove ads celebrate “real bodies,” not just product function.
• Snickers’ “You’re not you when you’re hungry” ties emotion to product.