Words of Wisdom From the Original AdMan

If you’re a creative communicator and you haven’t read Damn Good Advice (for people with talent!) by George Lois, I highly recommend getting your hands on a copy.

Lois was one of the original AdMen of the 60s. Considered a prodigy in the industry, It’s been said that he inspired the character of Don Draper on MadMen. You may remember him for the “I Want My MTV” campaign and the iconic Tommy Hilfiger branding. He’s been in the advertising business since 1959 and has seen it all. He offers up 120 of his best pieces of advice and he presents it in the most reader-friendly way possible.

A few of the things I liked about this book in particular:

1. He uses ‘real’ language. He writes the way he speaks: directly and with humour. He mixes slang with a bit of cursing, which give a refreshing air of authenticity (which this “geriatric millennial” loves!).
2. It hits you with the realities of agency life and does not sugarcoat the ad industry. Lois gives superb advice about how to survive and thrive and how to keep your ego in check.
3. Almost every other page contains a super concise case study. You get the chance to quickly learn about what clients want and what made his campaigns successful.
4. You’ll be able to finish this book in one day or less.
5. PICTURES. Written for creative marketers, Lois provides oodles of images from all kinds of campaigns over the last 45 years.

If you pick it up, let me know what you think!