A wander through words: May

The blank page.

It’s a copywriter’s Everest.

There’s no outcome that doesn’t involve your eventual demise or – worse – a day misspent swearing at daytime TV, eating mountains of biscuits and wondering whether you should just pack it all in and join a cult.

Well, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration.

But fortunately, kick-starting your creativity may be just as simple as just starting. At least that’s what Leo Burnett’s US chief creative officer Britt Nolan reckons. Check out his clarion call to get on with things here.

Creative team-working

Perhaps you’d benefit from a team environment in which to let fly your creative darlings? Andy Bolter is creative partner at Yes&Pepper, and here he explains how your small business team will flourish with a little faith and belief.

Great things happen when you start off small.

A millennial state of mind

Or more specifically, a brand tone of voice that actually speaks to millennials.

Siegal + Gale are global brand consultants, and senior strategist Hannah Post reckons there are a few lessons we can learn from writing approaches taken by mega US brands Denny’s and IHOP. Both good and bad, the fact is for marketers, there are ways to connect with young consumers.

You just have to strike the right balance.

And if you need another reminder of what a millennial is – if you’re not one yourself, that is – here’s Simon Sinek with a classic take on the thorny issues of today’s yoof.

Biting the bad apples… and 12 steps to success

Here’s an interesting column from The Drum’s Andrew Boulton. He turns his attention to the power of bad copywriting – and specifically, what you, me and anyone who wields the word can gather from those examples of what not to do. Note: this is not an exercise in sneering, it’s look and learn.

If there is a copywriting deity, is it in fact Drayton Bird? Here he offers his own 12 point plan that underpins his success. Read it, read it again and read it once more.

Finally, a writing opportunity here, at the DMA

We’re putting together a new brand and content team and we need a junior writer. Someone who fizzes with ideas, possesses a mind that swims with words and knows how to turn a pithy phrase or two.

Apply yourself or send on and share to your social channels or any young up and coming writers you reckon fit the bill.

Here’s the job description.