Biggest Print Blunders of 2013

McDonald’s: “You’re Not Alone.”

McDonald’s came under fire with its “You’re Not Alone” ad that appeared on Boston’s mass transit in April of 2013. McDonald’s later pulled the ad when critics said it made light of mental illness. According to McDonald's, the ad was “not approved by McDonald’s”.

Mount Saint Vincent University: “Wall of Women”

Nova Scotia’s Mount Saint Vincent University received criticism in April with its “Wall of Women” billboard, featuring three smug looking men and no women. Though likely unintentional, this billboard left a bad taste in many peoples’ mouths.

D.C. Metro: “Can’t We Just Talk About Shoes”

What is it about transit that brings out the worst in advertising? In a misguided attempt at moving D.C’s transit system forward, D.C. Metro took two steps back from progress with its sexist ad. Posted in D.C’s Metro Center Station, the ad came under intense criticism for implying that women would rather talk about shoes than transit reliability.

Pearl Izumi: “Run Longer”

Many great ideas die with poor execution. Maybe that’s what happened with Pearl Uzumi’s “Run Longer” ad, featuring a runner trying to revive his dead dog after, well.. running it to death. It wasn’t long before dog-lovers and animal enthusiasts wanted blood. Resourceful brands however make the best of a bad situation. Pearl Izumi made this apology shortly after and went on to donate $10,000 to the Boulder Valley Humane Society. Well handled, Pearl Izumi!

Nelson Mandela Tribute Gone Wrong.

Can we chalk this case of mistaken identity to Morgan Freeman’s brilliant portrayal of Nelson Mandela in Invictus? Erected as a memorial for the late Nelson Mandela in the Indian city of Coimbatore, Freedman’s face took centre stage above other notable world leaders, Gandhi, Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King Jr.

US Government’s 3 Billion Dollar Printing Error

Sometimes printing errors are costly – not because they are offensive, but because something went wrong in the printing process. In the case of the US Government, they used too much ink, resulting in 3 billion dollars worth of useless $100 bills. Ouch.

KXL-FM: “We Love You Long Time”

Radio show hosts are known for pushing the limits of social norms. Controversy draws listeners and listeners attract advertisers. When Oregon-based talk radio station, KXL-FM, put this “We Love You Long Time” billboard up in the middle of ChinaTown, it caused a LOT of controversy and was taken down shortly after.

What’s the lesson behind today’s look at print mishaps? Probably more than we can fit into a blog, but here are the ones that stand out to us:

“Edgy” creative comes at a cost: it wedges viewers into two groups – those that get it and those that don’t. Failure to gauge this ratio accurately can and likely will result in public backlash.



Talk to an expert! You’ll likely never be in a position to make a 3 billion dollar printing error like the US Government, but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn from their mistake. An experienced printer looks at the big picture; the creative, medium, inks, materials and the purpose of the print all affect how your creative will turn out.



Most importantly, get feedback from as many people as you can. All of these blunders could have been avoided if at some point in the printing or installation process, someone said “hey.. I’m not sure this is a good idea”. Listen to those around you, because who knows, they might just end up saving your job.

What print blunders have you seen in your daily travels? Contact us to get started on your next print project!





