CRUEL is an independent marketing agency based in Toronto, exploring contemporary themes through art, marketing, and culture. We find deeper meaning emphasizing the power of human connection, and in doing so, embed brands in the conversation; whether digital or in-real-life, launching a new product, or creating an immersive brand experience.

 

Founded in 2013 as a university lifestyle platform in Montreal, CRUEL quickly became a hub for young people to connect, driven by the surge of social media. By 2015, after hosting thousands of events and launching localized content initiatives, CRUEL transformed into a marketing agency, drawing clients keen on understanding youth culture and younger demographics. In 2016, CRUEL further demonstrated its newly formed marketing acumen by successfully launching Snapple Spiked across Canada through an authentic, grassroots driven campaign.

 

CRUEL's creative capabilities flourished in 2018, winning Campaign of the Year and Brand of the Year for the launch of the 7ACRES cannabis brand in Canada. The arrival of the pandemic in 2020 tested CRUEL's adaptability as a younger agency. However, with agility and a solutions-oriented mindset, CRUEL was able to seamlessly pivot from traditional event marketing to a fully integrated offering, combining Branding, Content, and Experiential to provide increased value to clients. As people everywhere returned to real life, so did CRUEL. This was on display with the LottoMax Dream Drop campaign in 2022, winning several awards, most notably the agencies first Cannes Lion for Experience Design. 

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In 2023, CRUEL has continued to grow, being featured in Hypebeast, Highsnobiety, Vogue, Strategy Online and other publications. By delivering fully-integrated brand experiences that capitalize on contemporary trends, CRUEL is always designing new ways to connect brands to with the next generation of consumers.