TANK | reading

Throughout this year I mentored a number of undergraduate students all whom had the same question for me at our last meeting – what books shall I read for inspiration?

I’ve also had conversations with clients and shared our learnings from the different books that have shaped our thinking and have forged our belief that our ability to think laterally, strategise with logic and solve problems creativley is our greatest strength as a creative services firm.

Before I go into the list, I’d like to add that I find inspiration from everywhere – some books below may not be directly related to brand strategy or design, but have formed my thinking in these areas. This list is by no means complete. I will update it again soon, but it should be enough to keep you going until then.

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No Logo - Naomi Klein

This book changed the way I look at design and branding – intelligent and with substance.

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Cosmos - Carl Sagan

About life. I never knew science would have such a profound effect on me, until I read Carl Sagan.

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It’s not how good you are, it’s how good you want to be - Paul Arden

It’s all common sense and learnings by someone who has lived and worked the advertising world. Inspiring. It is as relevant to a graduate entering the industry as it is to a marketing director of a multi-national.

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How to be a graphic designer, without losing your soul - Adrian Shaughnessy

A great book that covers everything a designer needs to know to set out into the big wide world of graphic design. from folio preparation to winning new business.

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On Brand - Wally Olins

The guru on branding. Probably the best branding book around.

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Building Strong Brands and Brand Leadership - David Aaker

Heavy, text-book about strategy and branding concepts, which managers need to deal with.

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Brand Innovation Manifesto - John Grant

A new way at looking at marketing and branding. Helpful stuff for coming up with brand ideas, strategic planning and cracking a brief.

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Profile - Pentagram

A look into how multi-disciplinary design studio Pentagram, works.