24 Print Ads So Clever, You’ll Actually Want to Look Twice
April 8, 2025
In a media landscape oversaturated with ads, it takes something truly inventive to break through the noise—and that’s exactly what the clever print campaigns featured in Business Insider’s roundup accomplish.
Titled “24 magazine ads so clever they stopped readers from turning the page,” the article celebrates a rare breed of advertising: the kind that’s witty, visually striking, and instantly memorable.
These ads do more than promote a product; they surprise, delight, and tell a story in a single glance—something that’s becoming increasingly rare in a world of scrolling and skimming.
The featured ads range from humorous to profound, each one a masterclass in creative messaging. From Life Buoy’s unforgettable image of a pug disguised as a loaf of bread (a shocking but effective reminder that “you eat what you touch”) to Volkswagen’s brilliant use of a mountain goat in poodle attire to represent the dual nature of its luxury off-road vehicle, these campaigns push boundaries.
Even minimalist concepts, like the Van Gogh Museum Café’s cracked coffee cup, prove that subtle symbolism can speak volumes when aimed at the right audience.
For marketers, copywriters, and creatives alike, this list is more than just eye candy—it’s a reminder that good advertising doesn’t interrupt; it engages. It invites a second look, sparks a smile, or plants a message so cleverly that you can’t help but remember it.
As attention spans shrink and competition grows fiercer, these standout ads remind us that originality, emotional intelligence, and great visual storytelling still have the power to pause a page-turn—and maybe even earn a place on someone’s wall.
