ποΈ 14.10.2025
Brand Archetypes 09: The Jester
π 3 min read π§ by Richard Williams
Table of Contents
Brand Archetypes: The Joy Factor of the Jester
When it comes to brand archetypes, most go for the usual suspects: the Hero, the Rebel, maybe the Creator. But letβs talk about the one whoβs not afraid to laugh out loud, break the rules, and steal the show while doing it: the Jester.
The Jester archetype brings joy, cheek, and irreverence into the branding world, and in todayβs content-saturated landscape, that energy is magic. Itβs bold. Itβs unforgettable. And when done right, it sparks real connection (and serious ROI).
Hereβs why itβs time to embrace the mischief. π
TL;DR: Donβt Be Boring π
- The Jester archetype is about being fearless with humour. Itβs the wink in your messaging, the twist in your campaigns, the spark that turns passive scrollers into engaged fans.
- Now, more than ever, that authenticity is a powerful tool for stopping scrolls and winning brand loyalty.Β
Who is the Jester? πβ¨
The Jester archetype is playful, witty, and always in on the joke. They donβt lead with authority, they lead with charisma. Theyβre the ones making you smile, laugh, and remember.
Think:
- M&Mβs: cheeky mascots with a cult following
- Old Spice: chaotic masculinity turned into cultural commentary
- Skittles: full-blown surrealism that works
For these brands, their humour isnβt surface-level, itβs strategic. And it builds real audience loyalty by standing out in a sea of sameness.
Why the Jester Works π§ π₯
Humour is a shortcut to trust. When a brand makes you laugh, it immediately feels more human, more relatable, and way more memorable.
Jester brands thrive because they:
- Spark joy and connection π€
- Break through the noise with boldness π’
- Create shareable moments that travel fast π¨
- Show up as relatable, not rehearsed π
What Jester Branding Looks Like π
Letβs break it down. A true Jester brand:
- Uses witty copy and smart visual cues π¨
- Leans into unexpected formats and lo-fi content πΉ
- Isnβt afraid to be weird if it gets the point across π
- Builds playful, energetic campaigns that invite the audience in π
Take Old Spice. Their ads arenβt just funny, theyβre strategically surreal. Itβs intentional irreverence that drives brand recall and reappraisal.
How to Activate the Jester Archetype πͺ
Hereβs how to bring that cheeky energy into your brand world:
1. Infuse humour into your tone of voice π
Ditch the corporate. Embrace wit.
2. Celebrate the absurd π¦
Weird is wonderful. Push boundaries, but stay on-brand.
3. Make your audience part of the joke π€
Memes, reactive content, inside jokes. Build that cheeky rapport.
4. Play with your visuals π¨
Think colour, contrast, and chaos (the good kind).
5. Donβt overthink it π§ββοΈ
The Jester works best when it feels spontaneous (even if itβs all part of the plan).
Why Now Is the Time to Let Loose π
People are tired of polished perfection. They crave personality, humour, and honesty. The Jester archetype taps into that need and delivers big.
Whether youβre launching a new brand or refreshing an old one, leaning into this archetype can:
- Set you apart in a saturated market π
- Build a loyal, fun-loving community π«Ά
- Turn scrolls into stops, and laughs into likes, follows, and sales π
Want to bring some playful energy to your brand?
Letβs talk: π hello@ourownbrand.co







