

NO.09
BRANDING LIKE
IT'S 1984
BUST THROUGH FEAR | 2025
You ever catch yourself vibing to something 80s and think “Damn, that hits different”? Neon lights. Gritty textures. Outrageous confidence. The 80s didn’t ask for permission. It just showed up loud, weird, and unforgettable.
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That’s branding at its best.
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Whether you lived it or just respect the vibe, there’s a reason the 80s still punch through today. People didn’t overthink things back then. They felt things. And great brands do the same.
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Let’s break this down the Bustinator way:
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MAKE ‘EM LOOK TWICE.
In the 80s, you couldn’t miss the signs. Literally. Neon screamed from every corner. Logos had guts. Colors clashed on purpose. People didn’t care if it was pretty — they cared if it made you stop and stare.
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Today? Same rules apply.
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Your branding should feel like you grabbed a highlighter and circled the damn thing. Be bold. Be loud. Look like something. Don’t fade into the scroll.
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BE A DAMN ORIGINAL.
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Back then, you had Madonna. MJ. Prince. Total weirdos — in the best way. And guess what? That’s what people showed up for.
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Nobody’s asking you to wear lace gloves or moonwalk into a board meeting, but you do need to stand for something. Have a voice. Own your story. Let your weird flag fly. The more “you” it is, the more people will remember it.
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BE A DAMN
ORIGINAL.
NOSTALGIA IS A SUPERPOWER.
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Look around — retro’s not going anywhere. Brands are digging through the crates, rebooting logos, relaunching old gear, and dropping 80s-inspired campaigns like mixtapes.
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Why? Because feelings sell.
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People don’t just want a product. They want to feel something. They want to remember. They want to belong. Nostalgia does that. Don’t be afraid to bring a little retro into your brand if it connects to your roots — or just makes people smile.
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TECH MADE US ALL LOUDER.
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The 80s gave us the Walkman, the camcorder, and home computers. Today? You’ve got a freakin' studio in your pocket. You can shoot, edit, post, and build a business without leaving your house.
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Don’t wait for permission. Use the damn tools. Get your brand out there. Be everywhere. Be unmistakable.
MUSIC STILL MATTERS.
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Every big 80s moment had a killer soundtrack. That hasn’t changed. Music moves people. It sticks. It creates emotion that logos and slogans can’t touch.
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If your brand had a theme song, what would it be? Think about it. Use it. Let people feel your vibe.​
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BE REAL — PEOPLE CAN TELL.
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The 80s had a lot of flash, but the real stars were the ones who showed up raw. You could tell who meant it.
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Same deal today.
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People can smell fake a mile away. Don’t pretend to be something you’re not. Don’t say what you think sounds right. Say what you mean. Your brand will hit harder that way. And people will stick around.
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STAY LOOSE. STAY READY.
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Things changed fast in the 80s — music, politics, culture — all flipped on their heads. Brands that made it didn’t wait around. They moved.
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You’ve got to do the same. Stay awake. Stay flexible. Keep your core tight, but don’t be afraid to pivot if the world changes.
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BOTTOM LINE.
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The 80s weren’t perfect, but they were alive. Messy. Loud. Iconic. Great brands today should feel like that — full of guts and soul.
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Build your brand with that spirit. Go big. Get weird. Be real.
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Let people feel something.
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🔥👊💥🚀​
