Project Details

Oaklins, a global leader in M&A and corporate finance advisory, trusted me to design a print advertisement featured in Quote—the most prominent finance and business magazine in the Benelux region.

The goal was simple: create an elegant, minimalist ad that captured attention and invited readers to learn more—without overwhelming them with text. Instead of cluttering the page with copy, I advised integrating a QR code, directing readers straight to Oaklins’ website for detailed insights on their services, recent deals, and team expertise.

This approach met two key goals:

• Visual clarity in a premium print environment
• Actionable follow-up through digital engagement

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Design Approach

The ad was created to reflect Oaklins’ values: trust, clarity, and strategic intelligence. I took the following approach:

• Minimalist Visual Language: Focused layout with clean lines, balanced white space, and precise typography
• Brand-Aligned Aesthetic: Used Oaklins’ official typefaces, color palette, and logo usage for brand consistency
• QR Code Integration: I recommended placing a prominent, non-intrusive QR code linking directly to the Oaklins website—giving readers instant access to relevant services, transactions, and industry expertise
• Text Reduction Strategy: Replaced excess text with visual hierarchy and digital redirection to keep the ad modern and uncluttered
• Print-Ready Output: Delivered pre-press assets optimized for Quote’s high-resolution print specs

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What We Learned

This project exemplified the design demands of private equity communications in complex financial climates:

• PE readers value insight before style — the design guided decision-making with clear data hierarchy
• Specialist content needs editorial framing — positioning thought leadership (e.g., sector outlooks, valuations) adds weight to Oaklins’ voice
• Consistency breeds trust — this edition aligns with previous newsletters, while evolving with new formats like “Sector Spotlight” pages
• Design can enhance perceived value — especially in sectors like horticulture where deal data must meet storytellingThis ad project was a great example of high-trust creative collaboration in the world of finance marketing:
  • Sometimes less is more — a quiet, confident design stands out more in a busy magazine layout
  • QR codes are underutilized in print — but when done right, they seamlessly connect print with digital discovery
  • Trust with the client matters — Oaklins trusted my creative judgment, and that made space for smart, modern execution
  • Good ad design doesn’t scream—it invites