Ad Books

These are books that we've actually read, rated, interviewed the authors of or sometimes simply reviewed - if you fancy a peek we've included excerpts so you can 'taste' the writing before deciding if the book is something for you. Browse before you buy!

Dabitch wants the ABCD3D book for Xmas!

Submitted by Dabitch on Sat, 09/20/2008 - 13:42

I want this book pretty dang bad, ABC3D is as much a work of art as it is a pop-up book - each letter moves and some turn into other letters when you manipulate them, like C which turns into D with a snap. Bring your budding typographer up right, have them practice their ABC's with this book. Or simply treat your inner child to a brilliantly (and stylishly) executed book idea.

Marion Bataille is graphic and book designer who lives in Paris. The footage shows a hand-made mock-up of the actual book which will be published 14th Oct. 2008. In stores soon, folks! (You can pre-order at Amazon if you, like me, can't wait!)


Jonathan Salem Baskin - Why did you write "Branding only works on cattle?"

Submitted by Dabitch on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 12:12

I haven't read the book yet, hence it's unrated (if you have read it feel free to share your views). But I did have the opportunity to ask Jonathan Salem Baskin Why did you write "Branding only works on cattle"? the start of a whole new conversation about branding. He replied:


Alex White - "Advertising design and typography" - the new bible book for budding designers.

Submitted by Dabitch on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 14:36

When I first spotted this book, I thought I had died and gone to heaven. I'm a total sucker for those heavy hard cover tomes of design that you can read cover to cover and then flip through over and over and over again. This is exactly that kind of book, it's jam packed with over 1,500 advertising examples that reinforce the message Alex is trying to get across.

Sure, Alex will spend some time talking about research, clients, the market and such but it's his points on design and type that shine. Not so strange considering Alex White is an accomplished designer himself, he simply knows what he's talking about. Alex also clearly loves it as he spends the last part of the book showing off great examples of how typography sets the tone for any design, happy like a kid in a candystore.

This tome is really a must have.


Hey Whipple, one more time! The third edition of Luke Sullivan's guide to creating great advertising

Submitted by Dabitch on Tue, 01/08/2008 - 17:02
book: 
Image of Hey, Whipple, Squeeze This: A Guide to Creating Great Advertising (Adweek Magazine Series)

A lot has changed since the first edition of the now staple creative diet book "Hey Whipple, Squeeze Tthis", not just that Dick Wilson who played Mr Whipple has gone to squeeze the big fluffy clouds in the sky at the grand age of 91. There's also the galloping development of the web and the myriad of new media areas. So how does the grand old classic "idea" apply to these new solutions? Don't worry, Luke knows.

“Luke Sullivan writes just about as relevant an advertising read as you can get. It’s a perfect lesson in advertising for newcomers – and a familiar and highly painful reminiscence for those of us entrenched in this noble and often crazy profession.”
–Lee Clow, Chairman, TBWA/Chiat, Chief Creative Officer Worldwide
“This is a business that is changing like crazy, but Sullivan’s advice is timeless.”
–Mike Hughes, President, Creative Director, The Martin Agency
“Luke’s reflections on the advertising industry make me wish I could do it all over again. Except for that ‘scab’ story in Chapter 10.”
–Bob Barrie, Barrie D’Rozario Murphy

Lets do an excerpt. My favorite way to check out a book is to slap it open and read a bit. If I fancy it, I buy it. The third edition of this book doesn't just have two new chapters but old chapters have been updated as well as the examples were getting a little dusty. Check out chapter eight inside for your test read.


Paul Arden on God

Submitted by Dabitch on Wed, 12/05/2007 - 15:09
book: 
Image of God Explained in a Taxi Ride

The man who always said "God is in the details" has lost religion and thus put out a book on the subject. A book short enough to read in one single cab ride sitting. A book which has it's own myspace profile. A book full of those little brilliant napkin scribbles that'll never happen.


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