AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today November 9, 2026
Hand-Drawn Ads Gain Traction in B.C. Businesses
Amid a growing backlash against artificial intelligence in marketing, businesses in British Columbia are drawing attention by returning to pen-and-paper advertisements. In response to the increasing prevalence of AI-generated images—criticized by some as 'AI slop'—these businesses are emphasizing authenticity and human touch in their advertising strategies.
NaMì Vietnamese Café: Standing Out with Sharpie and Paper
Kevin Thach, owner of NaMì Vietnamese café in downtown Vancouver, has sparked conversation online with social media posts featuring hand-drawn illustrations of the café's signature banh mi sandwich and frozen coffee drinks. These minimalist sketches, drawn with a black marker and accompanied by handwritten promotional text, explicitly reject the use of artificial intelligence in the café’s marketing. Thach explained, "We will NOT use AI to promote our business ... we're going old school and using a Sharpie and paper!" The Facebook posts featuring these ads have garnered thousands of views, resonating with customers who appreciate a more personal, human approach.
Authenticity Resonates with Customers
The embrace of handwritten advertisements reflects a broader desire for authentic connections between businesses and their customers. Jarrett Vaughan, an adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia's business school, noted that as AI makes it easy for anyone to produce seamless and convincing visuals, imperfections and human touches become increasingly valuable. "When everybody can create a perfect piece of content, when imperfection is effectively non-existent, something that is imperfect or human starts to stand out from the crowd," Vaughan said. He suggests that for small businesses, out-humanizing big brands can be more effective than trying to outspend them—fostering real relationships and brand loyalty among patrons.
AI-Generated Images Face Criticism
The proliferation of AI-generated food images and advertisements has sparked online backlash. Some customers and business owners criticize these images for either being too perfect or failing to accurately depict actual products. Thach found it odd for restaurants to use such visuals, stating, "How can you let that be displayed as your own food? ... I never find it all too appealing or appetizing." This sentiment has inspired other businesses to ditch digital tools in favor of more relatable and imperfect, human-created content.
Graphic Designers Voice Concerns Over Industry Impact
The rise of AI in advertising is also having repercussions for graphic designers. Meghan D'Mello, president of the Association of Registered Graphic Designers, explained that the bulk of professional work for designers has traditionally involved advertising. Recently, job descriptions have pivoted toward "prompting"—working with AI tools rather than creating original designs. D'Mello expressed concerns over the devaluation of professional skills, remarking, "There's a lot of anything that designers can do people claim can be generated by AI—which is unfortunate, because AI can never replace ... the attention to detail that professional designers have been trained to work with." She encouraged consumers to support businesses aligned with their values and urged designers to emphasize their unique creativity and craftsmanship.
Other Businesses Join the Movement
This movement is not limited to restaurants. A No Frills supermarket in Burnaby, B.C., recently promoted its weekly deals using similarly hand-drawn, Sharpie-on-paper advertisements posted throughout the store. This suggests a broader trend among local businesses eager to connect with customers and distinguish themselves in a saturated, increasingly digitized marketplace.
Source: cbc.ca.
