List of the Most Famous Print Ads of All Time

Phil Farinacci
April 3, 2023
5 min read

In the world of advertising, print ads have been a popular medium for decades. These ads have the ability to convey a message to the audience in a unique and creative way. Over the years, there have been several print ads that have stood out due to their creativity, uniqueness, and effectiveness. In this article, we will take a look at the most famous print ads of all time.

1. "Think Different" by Apple

In 1997, Apple launched an advertising campaign with the slogan "Think Different." The campaign featured several print ads with black and white photos of famous individuals such as Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King Jr., and Pablo Picasso. The ads aimed to inspire people to think differently and outside the box, which was in line with Apple's brand philosophy.

2. "Got Milk?" by California Milk Processor Board

The "Got Milk?" campaign was launched in 1993 by the California Milk Processor Board. The campaign featured several print ads with celebrities and public figures sporting milk mustaches. The ads aimed to promote milk consumption and its health benefits in a unique and humorous way. The campaign was a huge success and is still remembered today.

3. "Just Do It" by Nike

In 1988, Nike launched its "Just Do It" campaign with a series of print ads featuring famous athletes such as Michael Jordan and Bo Jackson. The ads aimed to inspire people to push themselves beyond their limits and take action. The "Just Do It" campaign has become one of the most iconic ad campaigns of all time and is still used by Nike today.

4. "We Try Harder" by Avis

In 1962, Avis launched an advertising campaign with the slogan "We Try Harder." The campaign featured several print ads with the tagline "When you're only No. 2, you try harder. Or else." The ads aimed to promote Avis as the underdog in the car rental industry and their dedication to providing better service to their customers. The campaign was a huge success and helped Avis increase their market share.

5. "Lemon" by Volkswagen

In 1960, Volkswagen launched an advertising campaign with a print ad that featured a photo of a Volkswagen Beetle with the headline "Lemon." The ad aimed to address the quality issues that the car was facing at the time and reassure customers that Volkswagen was taking care of the problem. The ad was controversial at the time but has since become one of the most famous ads in history.

6. "Share a Coke" by Coca-Cola

In 2011, Coca-Cola launched a campaign with the slogan "Share a Coke." The campaign featured several print ads with popular names and the Coca-Cola logo. The ads aimed to promote socialization and bring people together. The campaign was a huge success and helped Coca-Cola increase their sales.

7. "The Marlboro Man" by Marlboro

In the 1950s, Marlboro launched an advertising campaign with the iconic "Marlboro Man." The campaign featured several print ads with a cowboy smoking a cigarette. The ads aimed to promote Marlboro as a masculine and rugged brand. The campaign was a huge success and helped Marlboro become one of the most popular cigarette brands in the world.

8. "The Most Interesting Man in the World" by Dos Equis

In 2006, Dos Equis launched an advertising campaign with the slogan "The Most Interesting Man in the World." The campaign featured several print ads with a suave and debonair man in various adventurous settings. The ads aimed to promote Dos Equis as a sophisticated and interesting brand. The campaign was a huge success and

9. "Diamonds are Forever" by De Beers

In 1948, De Beers launched an advertising campaign with the tagline "A Diamond is Forever." The campaign featured several print ads with elegant photos of diamond rings and the slogan. The ads aimed to promote diamond engagement rings as a timeless symbol of love and commitment. The campaign was a huge success and helped establish the tradition of diamond engagement rings that is still popular today.

10. "Absolut Vodka" by Absolut

In 1981, Absolut launched an advertising campaign with a series of print ads featuring their signature bottle with creative and unique designs. The ads aimed to promote Absolut Vodka as a premium and high-quality brand. The campaign was a huge success and helped establish Absolut Vodka as one of the top vodka brands in the world.

11. "The Pepsi Generation" by Pepsi

In 1963, Pepsi launched an advertising campaign with the slogan "The Pepsi Generation." The campaign featured several print ads with young people enjoying Pepsi in various settings. The ads aimed to promote Pepsi as a brand that is cool and hip, and is associated with the youth culture. The campaign was a huge success and helped Pepsi increase their market share.

12. "M&M's" by Mars

In 1954, Mars launched an advertising campaign with the slogan "Melts in your mouth, not in your hands." The campaign featured several print ads with colorful photos of M&M's chocolates. The ads aimed to promote M&M's as a fun and delicious candy that does not make a mess. The campaign was a huge success and helped establish M&M's as one of the top candy brands in the world.

13. "Think Small" by Volkswagen

In 1959, Volkswagen launched an advertising campaign with the tagline "Think Small." The campaign featured several print ads with small photos of the Volkswagen Beetle and witty copy. The ads aimed to promote the Beetle as a small and efficient car that is perfect for city driving. The campaign was a huge success and helped establish the Volkswagen Beetle as an iconic car.

14. "I Want You" by Uncle Sam

In 1917, the US government launched a recruitment campaign for World War I with the iconic "I Want You" poster featuring Uncle Sam pointing his finger. The poster aimed to encourage young men to enlist in the army and fight for their country. The poster was a huge success and has become an iconic symbol of American patriotism.

15. "The Coca-Cola Polar Bears" by Coca-Cola

In 1993, Coca-Cola launched an advertising campaign with the popular "Coca-Cola Polar Bears." The campaign featured several print ads with the cute and cuddly bears enjoying Coca-Cola in the Arctic. The ads aimed to promote Coca-Cola as a brand that is associated with happiness and fun. The campaign was a huge success and helped establish the Coca-Cola Polar Bears as one of the most popular brand mascots.

Conclusion

Print ads have been a popular medium for advertising for decades, and these 15 campaigns have stood out as some of the most iconic and memorable in history. These ads have not only promoted the brands but have also become cultural phenomena that have had a lasting impact on our society.

Phil Farinacci
Cofounder

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