COVID-19 could potentially reshape people’s shopping habits based on the way that businesses respond to the crisis. Canvas8 spoke to semiotics expert Soma Ghosh to learn how brands are honing their communications to reassure and empower audiences – and win their loyalty in the process.

A virtual Colonel Sanders influencer has been created in KFC’s most recent social media advertising campaign in a tongue-in-cheek takedown of influencer culture. People’s savviness to sponsored posts has seen a rise in call-out culture which leaves brands working hard to innovate around it.

Many brands recognise that evoking laughter is a sure-fire way to get people’s attention – but that’s easier said than done. Canvas8 spoke to Caleb Warren, a marketing professor at the University of Arizona, to learn about the difficulties of using humour in ads and how this impacts brand loyalty.

Vegan brand Emily Snacks has launched its first-ever OOH campaign - right in the middle of lockdown. But rather than shying away from the faux-pas, the self-aware ad makes light of the situation, striking a funny, self-deprecating tone that reflects people’s desire to laugh at the harsh realities of life.