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

Access provided by Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology

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.

Details to know

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Taught in English
Recently updated!

March 2026

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Specialization - 3 course series

Designing Breakthrough Advertisements: Basics to Begin

Designing Breakthrough Advertisements: Basics to Begin

Course 1, 25 hours

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: Graphic and Visual Design
Category: Intellectual Property
Category: Advertising
Category: Layout Design
Category: Typography
Category: Marketing Materials
Category: Creative Design
Category: Creativity
Category: Customer Engagement
Category: Marketing Design
Category: Writing
Designing Breakthrough Static Advertisements

Designing Breakthrough Static Advertisements

Course 2, 28 hours

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.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Business Communication
Category: Design Elements And Principles
Category: Social Media
Category: Graphic and Visual Design
Category: Online Advertising
Category: Copywriting
Category: Strategic Communication
Category: Marketing Design
Category: Marketing Communications
Category: Target Audience
Category: Design
Category: Advertising
Category: Design Thinking
Category: Digital Advertising
Category: Advertising Campaigns
Category: Marketing Materials
Category: Social Media Campaigns
Category: Branding
Category: Creativity
Designing Breakthrough Timed Commercials

Designing Breakthrough Timed Commercials

Course 3, 27 hours

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.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Advertising Campaigns
Category: Design Elements And Principles
Category: Media Strategy
Category: Electronic Media
Category: Content Creation
Category: Social Media Campaigns
Category: Marketing Materials
Category: Video Production
Category: Design
Category: Online Advertising
Category: Strategic Communication
Category: Business Communication
Category: Digital Advertising
Category: Media and Communications
Category: Advertising
Category: Marketing Communications
Category: Social Media
Category: Copywriting
Category: Video Editing
Category: Design Thinking

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Instructor

Dan Ligon
University of Colorado Boulder
3 Courses298 learners

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