Welcome to the weekend edition. (#41)

Here are a few things to keep you occupied over a cup of coffee.

As always, links to some of the stories can be found at the end.

Enjoy.

Rodd

ADVERTISING - TV COMMERCIAL

Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. star in a new gin commercial.

The two Hollywood legends have been brought back via AI to star alongside Snoop and Dre (who are not AI) in a new TV commercial for Still Gin.

You can watch it in the links below.

COPYWRITING

Headlines are an art form when it comes to copywriting.

Get it right and most of the hard work is done.

A good headline should create a feeling, an emotion, or an action.

Understanding what will get a reaction from the reader is part of being a better copywriter.

We're all bombarded by ads and messages daily, the ones that truly stand out and connect get the job done.

David Ogilvy said it best - "On average, five times as many people read the headline as read the body copy. When you have written your headline, you have spent eighty cents out of your dollar."

This ad from Harley is a prime example.

THE WRITE STUFF - Copywriting Workshop

Starts Jan 15.

My copywriting workshop is for those who want to hone their skills and craft.

I only take on five people per workshop. There are 3 spots left.

The next chapter starts on January 15.

There's a 25% discount that expires on Dec 15 - that is today - so get in touch if you want to take advantage of that.

Email me at - [email protected]

QUOTE

"Make it simple. Make it memorable. Make it inviting to look at. Make it fun to read." - Leo Burnett

BOOK - COPYWRITING

While we're on the subject of copywriting, I can't recommend this book enough.

There are some great examples from some of the best the advertising business has ever seen.

Get your hands on a copy, you won't be disappointed.

PHOTOGRAPHY

If you're a fan of B&W photography, you might like this photographer.

Hamburg-based photographer Thorben Ecke captures images of his hometown in a minimalist style, blending modern architecture with historical charm.

You can see more of his work in the links below.

CREATIVE THINKING

The science behind using a pen and paper.

In 2014, researchers from Princeton University and the University of California published a study comparing students' note-taking with a laptop and with pen and paper.

While the students using laptops could take more notes, it was shown that those using pen and paper were more successful at integrating and applying the material they learned and overall had a stronger conceptual understanding of it.

The benefits of manually writing down thoughts, ideas, and more are many.

• It's been shown to improve memory.
• It enhances creative expression.
• It can help you process emotions.

No matter where I go, I always have a Moleskine and an Artline pen with me, I always start thinking with pen and paper.

Here are some suggestions for habits or rituals to get into with pen and paper.

• Morning Pages. Made popular by Julia Cameron - I recommend you read her book The Artist's Way.
• Mind Mapping. For idea generation and problem-solving.
• Journaling. A great way to create a constant stream of thoughts, ideas, and more.
• Goal Planning. Writing them by hand brings them to life.

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN YOU HAVE A GREAT IDEA?

You'll feel it in your gut.

You have to learn to trust your gut.

It is, after all, your second brain.

It may not be responsible for generating an idea, but it can sure as hell tell you whether it's good or not.

So learn to listen to it and trust it.

But remember, on some occasions that feeling you have may just be gas.

But that will pass.

CREATIVE CAREER COACHING

What are your plans for navigating your creative career in 2025?

If you're looking for some guidance, advice, or ideas then get in touch about my Creative Career Coaching.

I offer one-off sessions and multi-session programs.

Email me at - [email protected]

That's it for the weekend edition.

See you in the new week ahead.

Rodd

• See Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr, in a new TV commercial with Snoop, watch it here.
• Get more details about my copywriting workshop, here.
• Find out more about The Copy Book, here.
• See more of Thorben Ecke's B&W photography, here.

#inspiration #ideas #creativity