While Barbie has faced criticism for reinforcing beauty standards, she’s also been a model for storytelling across generations. Kids pass down vintage Barbie lunchboxes, dress dolls in 1960s outfits, and craft elaborate playtime scenarios with their siblings, friends, even grandparents—proof that Barbie is relevant beyond her many careers.
For a corporate advertising course, I designed a Barbie campaign aimed at reshaping consumer perception. Inspired by Mattel’s past ads positioning Barbie as a role model, I focused instead on childhood creativity—Barbie as the lead character in a movie written and directed by kids.
My final deliverables included an 8.5x11" magazine ad, a tabloid double-spread, and a billboard. I crafted the outfits and props to match each Barbie "story," handling the photography, styling, and hand lettering myself.
Barbie campaign first-take
