Design School Newspaper Advertising That Pops!
Print isn't dead. Especially not in India, where newspapers continue to hold the attention of millions every morning. In the middle of classifieds, political opinion, and flashy retail promotions, education ads quietly compete for attention. And sometimes, one just pops.
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| Image Source: Bennett University Design School |
Bennett University’s recent design school advertisement is a strong example. It brings focus to how print media still shapes perception — especially for creative disciplines like design.
This post breaks down the visual and strategic elements that make design school newspaper advertising effective. Whether you're a graphic designer, educator, or marketer, this example offers more than just inspiration — it gives a lesson in getting noticed.
The Silent Impact of Print in Education Branding
While digital platforms are growing, newspaper ads retain their charm. Especially in tier 2 and 3 cities across India, parents and students still rely on printed information to explore academic options.
Design schools don’t get many chances to impress. A well-made newspaper advertisement can be that one shot to build recall and trust. Print allows space. It creates pause. It also comes with built-in credibility.
What Makes This Bennett Ad Work?
Visual Hierarchy
The logo placement, the bold “School of Design,” and the model holding brushes — it’s all working in sequence. The eye travels naturally from top to middle to bottom.
- Strong university logo at the top
- Clean, modern headline in bold sans-serif
- Direct call-to-action in orange
- Central visual: a confident, smiling student
- A color gradient that doesn’t shout
Font Choices
Fonts are critical in design school newspaper advertising. This ad uses a mix of clean sans-serif fonts and stylized headlines. The keywords — “B. Des”, “Admissions Open 2025”, “Global Pathways” — are highlighted with good contrast.
Color Palette
Dark plum background with accents of orange and white. This is bold but not flashy. It suggests creativity with seriousness. Not candy-colored chaos. That’s a big win for design education ads.
The balance between warm and cool tones is subtle. It feels polished. That builds confidence in the brand.
Content That Speaks to the Right Audience
Clear Program Offerings
Three vertical segments:
- Fashion Design
- Communication Design
- Game Design
Each has a short description. No jargon. Just enough to spark interest. It tells the student, “You have options.” But it doesn’t overdo it.
Industry Credibility
The ad mentions faculty from NID and NIFT. That’s a big deal in India’s design community. For students and parents unfamiliar with the field, this sends a clear message: this school is connected.
International Linkages
The inclusion of Kent State University and global study pathways in USA, France, and Italy makes this ad stand out. It subtly introduces global exposure — a dream factor for design students — without overwhelming the page.
QR Code and Application Info
A newspaper ad needs to work fast. QR codes now bridge the gap between offline and online. This one is clear, prominent, and positioned near the application details.
It creates frictionless action. See it, scan it, apply.
The use of WhatsApp and multiple contact numbers also reflects an understanding of how students and parents seek quick help.
How Graphic Designers Can Learn From This Ad
Use of Space
Whitespace gives breathing room. The sections don’t crowd each other. If you’re designing education ads, don’t treat the space like a brochure.
Consistent Iconography
Icons below the course list add visual markers. They’re simple but effective. They add structure without drawing attention away.
Balance of Image and Text
The central visual — a student with brushes — is both aesthetic and contextual. It doesn’t just decorate the layout. It tells a story.
What This Means for Education Brands in India
Design schools often market themselves as cool, future-forward spaces. But in their ads, they sometimes lean on clichés — over-the-top visuals, tech buzzwords, generic taglines.
This ad avoids all of that.
It speaks in plain design language. Its tone is confident, not loud. It looks like it belongs in a premium section of the newspaper — which boosts its credibility.
For smaller institutions trying to compete with big names, this kind of restraint mixed with clarity can be a winning strategy.
Quick Checklist for Better Education Print Ads
- Keep headlines tight and relevant
- Stick to a strong two-font system
- Use real, relatable visuals
- Place call-to-action near contact info
- Use consistent icons for visual breaks
- Leave enough white space
- Add QR or WhatsApp contact
- Mention faculty and placement support
- Include global tie-ups where possible
- Stick to visual alignment and grids
Final Thoughts
Bennett University’s ad works because it respects the reader’s time. It respects the medium. It respects design.
For graphic designers, it offers a quiet but powerful example of how to combine aesthetics with messaging — especially in education advertising.
If you're crafting your own design school newspaper advertising, remember: You don’t have to shout. Just make every visual count.
