Close. But No Cigar.

Introduction

Challenging the romanticism attached to cigar smoking.

Client

Bismarck Burleigh Public Health

Service

Campaigns & Advertising

Smoky background
Smoky background

The Challenge

After learning of increased cigar smoking among college students for social and celebratory purposes, Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health connected with Agency MABU to help raise awareness of the hazards of cigar smoking through a digital media campaign.

Close. But no cigar. Static ad of man and woman in cloud of smoke.
man smoking cigar with bad teeth
Man smoking cigar, woman pluggin her nose surrounded by smoke

The Solution

With a difficult audience to reach (male adults, ages 18-24), the campaigns’ success relied heavily on a creative concept that would:

  1. Capture attention

  2. Resonate with the audience

We focused on the appeal of cigars and set out to debunk the intrigue and romanticism often associated with them. Through several brainstorming sessions, the ‘Close, But No Cigar’ campaign was conceptualized. Scripting, storyboards, and animatics helped bring it to life as three motion graphic ads.

The Outcome

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Clicks

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Impressions

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Views

Video Ads

Agency MABU logo


Marketing & Advertising Business Unlimited, Inc. (dba Agency MABU)
425 North 5th Street, Ste 300, Bismarck, ND 58501
701.250.0728 | 800.568.9346

© 2026 Agency MABU

Agency MABU logo


Marketing & Advertising Business Unlimited, Inc. (dba Agency MABU)
425 North 5th Street, Ste 300, Bismarck, ND 58501
701.250.0728 | 800.568.9346

© 2026 Agency MABU

Agency MABU logo


Marketing & Advertising Business Unlimited, Inc. (dba Agency MABU)
425 North 5th Street, Ste 300, Bismarck, ND 58501
701.250.0728 | 800.568.9346

© 2026 Agency MABU