Our industry changes constantly, so it’s important for us to never stop educate ourselves so we stay ahead in the game. One way to do this is to read. Nearly everyone in the office has a bookshelf and we wanted to share our favorites with you!
If you have any books to add, please share in the comments below.
DESIGN
Grid Systems in Graphic Design by Josef Muller-Brockmann
This book is THE Bible for creating and using grid systems. Though originally released back in 1961, it never goes out of date. Brockmann’s crystal clear frameworks and ideas for conceptual problem solving are unmatched even to this day. A must read for every designer.
BRANDING
Buy-ology: Truth and Lies About Why We Buy by Martin Lindstrom
This a super interesting book written by a branding expert with a career of experience working with some hugely popular brands, products, and organizations. In this book, he conducts proprietary research using fMRI scanners to test his hypotheses of the effectiveness of recognizable brand images and other marketing tactics on his subjects. It’s interesting to learn how our brains react when we are exposed to various ads, images and products.
WEB DEVELOPMENT
Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited (3rd Edition) by Steve Krug
This guide is for web designers and developers to help them understand the principles of intuitive navigation and information design. Now in its 3rd edition, Krug includes mobile usability along with updated examples from his previous editions.
CULTURE
Strengthsfinder by Tom Rath
Instead of trying to fix every one of your flaws, this book speaks to why you should focus on your strengths. Using its in-depth analysis and online test, you can figure out you and your team’s power qualities, and how to use this knowledge to create a more productive, happier office environment.
STRATEGY
Hey Whipple, Squeeze This! (Fourth Edition) by Luke Sullivan
Every sentence in this book is a quip of wisdom in itself. But, put together, it becomes an immersive guide to building your advertising skills up from the pun-loving beginner level to 21st-century Shakespearean + idea ninja status. Hilarious, smart and full of industry insights, it’s a go-to read for all ad nerds.
Juicing the Orange by Fallon and Senn
Creative legend Pat Fallon co-wrote this book on the power of creativity in business. With examples from BMW, Holiday Inn Express and Citibank, it’s a powerhouse of amazing campaigns that made their mark. They cover the importance of research and positioning to building creative ideas. Every chapter is a real-life lesson on how to only leave bankable creative ideas in your wake.
ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT
The Knowledge Executive by Harlan Cleveland
Cleveland’s discussion focuses on the following: the control of leadership when more, not fewer, people have access to much more information than ever before; the control of access to information and control of who shall benefit from its use; how to ensure the fair distribution of information and fair access to it; and the global ramifications resulting from these developments.
Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
The novel is set during World War II, from 1942 to 1944. It mainly follows the life of Captain John Yossarian, a U.S. Army Air Forces B-25 bombardier. The novel looks into the experiences of Yossarian and the other airmen in the camp, who attempt to maintain their sanity while fulfilling their service requirements so that they may return home.
“I used to give a copy of this to my Production Managers when I was Producing. It describes the workplace and its people perfectly.” – Stephanie, Director of Accounts at Swim Creative
CONTENT/MEDIA
Social Marketology by Ric Dragon
An informative as well as an entertaining glimpse into the rapidly evolving world of social media is presented using compelling examples of how consumers react to current and historical media campaigns.
Everybody Writes by Ann Handley
Whether you’re the content creator, account manager or the CEO, everybody writes. Handley gives expert guidance on the process and strategy of content creation, production and publishing, with actionable how-to advice.