“Can’t Stop a Badger” Ad Series

This ad series ran consecutively throughout 2023 as a part of UW–Madison’s multi-year “Can’t Stop a Badger” marketing campaign.

Creatively, the ads tell a story of the UW’s vast educational opportunities through visual and messaging juxtaposition. Intentional in the way they use wit, scale, and color, the effect is to create a set of ads that is at once deeply rooted in UW–Madison, yet unconventional in presentation. For example, to create the “Roots & Wings” ad, the photographer built a clear box to “plant” the beet sourced from a professor’s lab, creating a striking practical effect.

The impact has been notable. Our feedback from up the chain of command, across campus, and from consumers is that the ads are visually striking, while still aligned to the UW brand.

Kudos to the collaborators on this project: Art Director Danielle Lamberson Philipp, Photographer Bryce Richter, and Co-Writer Preston Schmitt!