Communications Design 1: My CeraVe Magazine Ad Project

As part of my Communications Design 1 class, we were assigned to put together a magazine ad for a brand we love. For my project, I chose People Magazine as the publication to feature my ad for CeraVe. I wanted to take some time to share the process behind my work—the research, sketches, and decisions that went into creating an ad that’s both visually compelling and intentional.

Choosing People Magazine

I chose People Magazine because it’s a widely read publication with a clean, accessible design style that aligns with the approachable, everyday skincare message of CeraVe. The audience is diverse, engaged, and interested in lifestyle and self-care, which makes it a great fit for an awareness campaign about skin health and product benefits.

The Research Process

Before sketching or laying out anything, I spent time researching:

• The brand itself—CeraVe’s products, philosophy, and target audience.

• The magazine’s design aesthetic—how they structure layouts, use imagery, typography, and white space.

• Competitor campaigns—how other skincare brands communicate effectively in print media.

This research informed every decision I made, from imagery to copy placement, ensuring that the ad is both on-brand and visually aligned with the magazine’s style.

Sketching and Concept Development

Once I had my research, I began sketching out concepts. I experimented with:

• Layouts that balance imagery and text.

• Typography that’s readable and engaging.

• Visual hierarchy—guiding the reader’s eye from the headline to the product and call-to-action.

Each sketch brought me closer to understanding what worked best for the message I wanted to communicate. My goal was to create a clean, approachable ad that clearly communicates CeraVe’s benefits while feeling natural in the context of People Magazine.

Reflections on the Process

Working on this project reminded me how much thought goes into every detail of a magazine ad—from research and sketches to final layout decisions. It’s more than just making something look pretty; it’s about intention, communication, and guiding the reader to understand the story behind the brand.

By choosing People Magazine, I was able to place CeraVe in a context that makes sense for the audience and elevates the awareness campaign I’m building. This project has been a rewarding journey, and I’m proud of how my sketches and research translated into a polished, intentional magazine ad.