Between relentless revision cycles, AI-induced anxiety, and marketing trends that pivot faster than we can say “Web3,” creative burnout is hitting hard. The good news? There’s one tool that can help teams cut through the clutter, chaos, and corporate jargon—humor.
At a recent virtual session hosted by DolFinContent, CEO and marketing strategist Eliott Wahba shared a powerful reminder: humor isn’t just for comic relief—it’s a creative force that fuels innovation, collaboration, and resilience. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways (plus a few marketing fails you’ll definitely want to avoid).
The Case for Creative Comedy
Humor is everywhere—you just have to look for it. Wahba opened the session with a story about his coffee machine flashing the code “ER-OH” repeatedly. At first glance, it was just a machine error. But the accidental irony? It summed up how brands often communicate: cryptic, robotic, and unintentional.
Creative teams often pour their energy into campaigns, only to see the end result become stiff and uninspired. Why? Because we’re sprinting through deadlines, weighed down by admin tasks and approval chains that strip the spark from our work.
According to DolFinContent’s internal insights, the vast majority of creatives want to produce bold, original content—but they’re buried under production overflow, reactive requests, and “quick wins” that ultimately cost long-term impact.
But there’s hope—and it comes with a punchline.
“Our sense of humor is the best superpower we have to make sense of everything.”
—Eliott Wahba, CEO of DolFinContent
Marketing’s Biggest Creativity Killers (And How Humor Helps)
Wahba shared four major forms of creative tunnel vision—each one a barrier to breakthrough ideas. Here’s how humor can pull us out of the rut.
1. Technology Myopia: The Shiny Object Syndrome
Every year, a new tool claims to be the future—Generative AI, mixed reality, quantum computing, and now virtual influencers. But these shiny objects often distract more than they deliver.
Fix it: Use tech with intention. Strategy comes first—then tools. Great brands like Chubbies or Canva don’t just chase trends; they make trends work for their voice and audience.
Don’t do this: Remember the Florida furniture brand that used an AI chatbot—and it ended up promoting IKEA? True story. Lesson: Always human-proof your tech.
2. Creative Myopia: The Sea of Sameness
You’ve seen it: minimalist logos, beige Instagram grids, and ads so safe they practically disappear. While AI can amplify productivity, it also risks homogenizing creativity if everyone uses the same prompts and templates.
Fix it: Be distinct. A study from CreativeX found that ads with bold, unconventional humor had four times higher engagement rates than standard corporate content.
Don’t do this: Don’t let overzealous review cycles water down bold ideas. Wahba noted that a joke only hits if it still has its edge—don’t smooth it into a beige blob.
“Creativity is an investment. If you want to stand out, you have to take risks others won’t.”
—Eliott Wahba
3. Customer Myopia: Losing the Human Touch
Marketers obsess over the “customer journey,” but how often do we walk that path ourselves? Whether it’s endless pop-ups or a checkout process longer than a CVS receipt, brands are missing empathy.
Fix it: Create for humans, not personas. Ask: Would I actually enjoy this experience? If not, your customer won’t either.
Don’t do this: Don’t hide your unsubscribe link like it’s the Ark of the Covenant. If your customer feels tricked, they’ll remember—and not in a good way.
“Humor reminds us there’s a real person on the other side of every screen.”
—Eliott Wahba
4. Silo Myopia: Death by Committee
If you’ve ever seen a brilliant idea die in a 14-person Zoom call, you’ve experienced this first-hand. Legal wants it toned down, finance wants it cheaper, and suddenly the campaign has no soul.
Fix it: Encourage open creativity and fast iteration. Give your team space to pitch raw, unfiltered ideas—before the suits swoop in.
Don’t do this: Don’t let every decision become a group project. Some of the best creative decisions come from small, empowered teams.
“Fear kills creativity. Humor can kick fear out of the room.”
—Eliott Wahba
Humor Makes Teams Stronger
The benefits go beyond marketing. Humor strengthens workplace culture. Teams that laugh together work better together. They trust more, stress less, and innovate faster.
Want to bring more humor into your marketing (and culture)? Try this:
- Define your brand’s funny bone: Are you witty, playful, dry, sarcastic? Choose a tone that fits your identity.
- Start small: Try a clever subject line, a fun LinkedIn post, or a punchy line in your next ad.
- Empathize through laughter: If you can poke fun at a shared struggle, your audience will feel seen—and stay engaged.
- Listen for laughs: What memes or jokes already circulate in your niche? Tap into those shared inside jokes.
“You don’t need to be a comedian. Just be human. That’s already refreshing.”
—Eliott Wahba
Humor Isn’t Optional—It’s Essential
In a sea of generic content and fleeting trends, humor is one of the last true differentiators. It gives your brand personality. It builds connection. And most importantly—it makes work worth doing again.
If your team’s stuck in a cycle of sameness, it might be time to add a little comedy to your content strategy. At DolFinContent, we help brands find their voice, reignite their creativity, and make campaigns that people actually want to engage with.
Whether you’re drowning in deadlines or dreaming up your next big idea—we’ve got your back. Let’s Chat.
.png)
.png)
.png)
