I find that the best print adverts are the ones that keep things simple. Usually, there will be one fundamental idea that they need to get across – but just saying that idea on its own would be remarkably boring, and so they need to get your attention by being witty, interesting or visually appealing (and ideally, all three). This is a remarkably daunting challenge and one that’s incredibly easy to get wrong. There are so many adverts out there that it’s easy to get lost in the noise, so a great print ad needs to stand out and be noticed. Sometimes that’s by being brash and loud, and other times that can be through the unexpected – embracing a minimalist design that contrasts with the adverts around it.
Creative print ads are the ones that are clever, quirky and fun – but that present their one main idea in a way that’s easily understood. To help give you some inspiration, I’ve collected some of my favourite examples of interesting, unusual and clever print ads that I think do a great job at getting their idea across.
Of course, if you know of any other print ads that you’re a fan of and that you’d like to share, I’d love to hear about them in the comments!
JVC
Source: http://adsoftheworld.com/media/print/jvc_choose_later_skate
Spy Museum
Source: http://www.bestadsontv.com/ad/58527/Spy-Museum-Be-Wary-of-Everything-2
Volkswagen Tiguan
Source: http://adsoftheworld.com/media/print/volkswagen_tiguan_water_pump
Harley Davidson Book Club
Source: http://www.bestadsontv.com/ad/57624/Harley-Davidson-Book-Club
Volkswagen Electric
Source: http://adsoftheworld.com/media/print/volkswagen_electric
Duracell
Source: http://awesomeinspiration.net/post/30927987025
Zoobiker: End The Traffic
Source: http://www.bestadsontv.com/ad/56978/Zoobiker-End-the-Traffic
Volkswagen: 21st Century Beetle
Source: http://adsoftheworld.com/media/print/volkswagen_beetle_emoticon
Digital Will Never Be Vinyl
Source: http://adsoftheworld.com/media/print/vinyl_records_pixels_1
New York Lottery
Source: http://www.bestadsontv.com/ad/58611/New-York-Lottery-Thoughts-Car
Volkswagen Climatronic: Different Temperatures On Each Side
Source: http://adsoftheworld.com/media/print/volkswagen_climatronic_dual_zone_couple_2
LG Vacuum: Library
Source: http://www.bestadsontv.com/ad/56685/LG-Library
Braun: Precision Prevails
Source: http://adsoftheworld.com/media/print/braun_cruzer_super_beards_batman
Ikea Assembly Service
Source: http://adsoftheworld.com/media/print/ikea_assembly_service_shelf
Which of these is your favourite? Do you know of any other creative print ads that should make the list? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
David works for Radley, who specialise in beautiful shoulder bags. He enjoys studying graphic and UI design.
