William Bernbach Quotes

A collection of quotes by William Bernbach.

William Bernbach (1911-1982) was an American advertising executive and pioneer in the field of modern advertising. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of advertising.

Born in New York City, Bernbach studied at New York University and City College of New York before starting his career in the advertising industry. In 1949, along with colleagues Maxwell Dane and Ned Doyle, he co-founded the advertising agency Doyle Dane Bernbach (DDB). This marked the beginning of a new era in advertising, with Bernbach leading the charge in creating more creative and emotionally impactful campaigns.

Bernbach believed in the power of storytelling and the importance of understanding human psychology to create effective advertisements. He famously introduced the concept of "creative teams," where copywriters and art directors collaborated closely to develop innovative and memorable campaigns. His approach revolutionized the industry, and DDB became renowned for its groundbreaking work for clients like Volkswagen, Avis, and American Airlines.

One of Bernbach's most significant contributions was his emphasis on engaging consumers on an emotional level. He believed that ads should not just sell products but should also resonate with people's desires and aspirations. His campaigns often employed humor, wit, and clever wordplay to create a lasting impression.

William Bernbach's visionary ideas transformed advertising into an art form, breaking away from traditional conventions. His impact is still felt in the industry today, and his innovative approach continues to inspire and influence generations of advertisers.