67: Industry legend Steve Harrison on writing “the most provocative advertising book in years”
We flogged an old, precious ad book on Amazon for three grand and just about covered a one-way ticket t’Blackpool (cheers privatisation) to nab one of the most outspoken voices in ad land: copywriter, Creative Director and author, Steve Harrison. He’s bagged more Cannes Lions in his discipline than any other Creative Director in the world, and his book “How to do better creative work” became the most expensive ad book ever sold. His new, updated version of "Can't Sell, Won't Sell: Advertising, Politics and Culture Wars" has turned up the heat and promises to be “the most provocative advertising book in years”. He not only shoots the breeze, but scary Birds, the big problem with big agencies, the juggernaut band-wagon of social purpose, class and the diversity conversation, and the vanity and entitlement of our industry to think we can set a cultural agenda. In fact, we had to stop and reload a few times to take aim at industry leaders, publications, Soho pub-goers, and Peter Crouch. What an episode. ///// Follow Steve on Twitter and LinkedIn Bung the updated version of Can’t Sell, Won’t Sell in yer’ basket Check out How To Write Better Copy Here’s his biography on Howard Gossage And here’s How to do better creative work (but good luck getting your mitts on it!) Here’s his pod with Dave Dye And the talk we mention by Hans Rosling Steve’s book recommendations are: More Bull More by Jeremy Bullmore Factfulness by Hans Rosling /////