Good design doesn’t shout. It strikes. The Economic Times Women's Forum newspaper advertisement is a sharp example of how visuals can speak louder than text. Held in Mumbai on June 12, 2025, this forum connects leaders, thinkers, and changemakers across India. But before that, its full-page ad needed to speak to a diverse, discerning audience—and it did.
 |
| Image Credit: Reliance Foundation |
This article analyzes how the design catches attention, holds it, and converts it into curiosity. For graphic designers in Europe and the US, it’s a useful reference in combining cultural cues with universal design principles.
Color Strategy That Works
Red That Commands
The dominant red background doesn’t whisper. It commands. Red, used here as a backdrop, grabs attention without apology. It reflects urgency, relevance, and bold ambition. Not the corporate red of banks or formal documents—this shade leans closer to passion and confidence.
Designers might link this move to color psychology: red triggers action. It’s a smart choice when trying to reach high-impact individuals or corporate leaders who make decisions quickly.
Contrast for Clarity
White typography on red ensures legibility. The high-contrast palette avoids visual clutter. Each text box, speaker label, and name pops with ease. The balance of warm red with cool white and neutral tones in headshots adds a human, grounded feel.
Typography That Talks
Bold, All-Caps Headline
"ELEVATING VOICES. ACCELERATING CHANGE."
This headline uses a bold sans-serif typeface. It’s all uppercase, adding authority and rhythm. The spacing is tight, pushing for immediate attention. You don’t read it. You feel it.
Secondary Fonts That Support
Subtext, such as names and titles, is rendered in a smaller size but still sans-serif. Consistency across font families keeps the layout cohesive. Important positions like "Managing Director" or "Chairperson" are kept minimal to focus on who these people are, not just their titles.
Composition & Flow
Asymmetry Done Right
Rather than a boring grid, this ad embraces broken geometry. Each speaker’s image fits into irregular polygon frames. These shapes push the eye to move around the page, creating energy and rhythm.
The viewer starts at the top center (with the headline), then naturally flows through each personality. Lines and visual markers guide this movement. It’s structured chaos—a good reminder that clean doesn’t always mean minimal.
Balance of Faces & Text
People connect with people. This ad uses speaker portraits well. Each headshot is bright, sharp, and emotionally expressive. Their placement among text sections keeps things from looking too copy-heavy.
Visual Hierarchy in Practice
Design isn’t about making everything look good. It’s about helping the right elements win attention. Here’s how this ad handles that:
- Headline: Most prominent
- Speaker Photos: Second layer of visual attention
- Titles and QR Code: Lower in hierarchy, but still clear
Hierarchy matters. This layout understands that readers don’t always start top-left. Visuals guide them. Motion is implied.
Branding Without Overkill
While bold, the ad doesn’t scream branding. The Economic Times logo and Reliance Foundation badge are tucked in the corner. Even the Orra logo (jewelry partner) is discreet.
This speaks volumes. Let the event and its speakers shine. Logos serve as subtle assurances rather than attention hogs.
Use of Icons and Symbols
A small QR code at the bottom left is functional yet thoughtful. It’s not flashy but doesn’t hide. Placing it here respects the reader’s line of sight and offers a direct way to engage.
This addition modernizes an otherwise traditional print ad. Designers working on print-to-digital transitions will find this helpful.
Cultural Cues with Global Appeal
While this is an Indian event, its design would fit in any major international business magazine. The messaging is universal. Confidence. Voices. Change. The composition bridges geographic and cultural divides.
For global designers, this means something important: you can design for local relevance without isolating global sensibilities.
Lessons for Designers in the West
Use Color Like a Statement
Neutral isn’t always best. If your subject is bold, your palette can reflect that. Don’t hesitate to break out of grey-blue comfort zones.
Respect the Eye's Natural Flow
Use diagonals, irregular frames, and implied movement. Let the reader explore the ad instead of locking them into left-to-right, top-to-bottom structure.
Use Faces as Focal Points
Humans respond to faces. Authentic photography with confident, direct expressions builds trust and curiosity.
Keep Text Tidy and Clear
Don’t decorate your copy. Use clean fonts. Keep hierarchy clear. Don’t fight for attention—guide it.
Inspiration and Resources
Want to explore more visual communication strategies?
Looking for Indian business forums? Visit The Economic Times Women’s Forum.
Final Thoughts
This advertisement isn’t complicated. That’s why it works. It’s structured with purpose, not noise. It invites you to engage, not just observe. It captures the confidence of its speakers and the momentum of its cause.
For graphic designers worldwide, it offers more than a poster. It offers a lesson in composition, hierarchy, color, and intention.
As print continues to evolve, layouts like these prove that bold, focused design will always have a place.
