University of Colorado Boulder

Designing Breakthrough Advertisements and Commercials Specialization

University of Colorado Boulder

Designing Breakthrough Advertisements and Commercials Specialization

Learn How to Design Interesting Advertisements.

Master the history and craft needed to design advertisements that people notice.

Dan Ligon

Instructor: Dan Ligon

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Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
Beginner level

Recommended experience

3 months to complete
at 20 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
Beginner level

Recommended experience

3 months to complete
at 20 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • How to copywrite, art direct, and design advertising concepts that capture attention.

  • How to design breakthrough advertisements for all static media including posters, print ads, banners, out-of-home, and more.

  • How to concept, produce and write scripts for television commercials, social media influencers, live announcer reads, and everything in between.

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Taught in English
Recently updated!

March 2026

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Specialization - 3 course series

What you'll learn

  • Create more attention-getting advertisements to break through the clutter and stand out from the competition.

  • Master the techniques to become a better copywriter to craft more impactful headlines, body copy, and video scripts.

  • Design and think like an art director by applying and influencing typefaces, visuals, and the layouts of advertisements.

  • Appeal to customers by understanding their needs and tailoring the messages in advertisements.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Copywriting
Category: Intellectual Property
Category: Graphic and Visual Design
Category: Layout Design
Category: Marketing Materials
Category: Typography
Category: Creative Design
Category: Advertising
Category: Writing
Category: Creativity
Category: Customer Engagement
Category: Marketing Design

What you'll learn

  • Design static advertisements for posters, print ads, billboards, flyers, digital banners and more, using proven advertising concepting techniques.

  • Analyze historical and modern advertisements to understand how designers make their creative decisions to create work that stands out.

  • Design breakthrough ads for various media: from large outdoor signs and small print ads, to posters and online banners and everything between.

What you'll learn

  • Create effective timed advertisements for television, radio, social media, and online video using strong concepts, scripts, and clear storytelling.

  • Study the history of classic and modern commercials to learn how timing, structure, and performance create breakthrough advertisements.

  • Create commercials designed to stand out, hold attention, and communicate memorably in fast, time-limited media formats.

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Instructor

Dan Ligon
University of Colorado Boulder
1 Course 255 learners

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