Sound Off

Sound Off is a dynamic platform for original pieces where writers explore a wide range of topics related to branding and copywriting. From passionate rants about industry trends to thoughtful deep dives into the craft of writing, this category encourages a diverse array of voices to share their unique perspectives. Engage with content that challenges, educates, and inspires, sparking new ideas and conversations among our community.

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Sound Off

Explore strategies for brands to genuinely stand out as leaders in 2024, moving beyond "the best" claims to authentic differentiation.

Sid Feddema

Mar 12, 2024

Sound Off

Explore why "human" and other common brand attributes fall short, with Carissa Justice providing insightful replacements to deepen your brand's personality.

Carissa Justice

Mar 5, 2024

Sound Off

Ben Shown, design leader and lecturer, on what a Murphy bed, a birth control pack, and a sidecar motorcycle can teach us about designing better products today.

Ben Shown

Mar 23, 2026

Sound Off

A look at the hangups around taglines in agency branding—and the agencies owning them as powerful tools for sharp brand positioning.

Emily Penny

Sep 4, 2025

Sound Off

Dan Steiner delves into the creative process of writing manifestos, exploring the tension between distraction and productivity in this witty, reflective article.

Dan Steiner

May 22, 2024

Sound Off

Katherine Fischer shares insights from cryptic crosswords, revealing how wordplay, hidden meanings, and puns can inspire creative brand naming strategies.

Katherine Fischer

Jun 3, 2024

Sound Off

Andrew Boulton reflects on why brainstorms don’t work for him, exploring the tension between group collaboration and personal creative processes in copywriting.

Andrew Boulton

Aug 16, 2024

Sound Off

From a disastrously named Australian ute to Tommy Hilfiger billboards and REI’s Black Friday rebellion, this piece explores the mechanics and references of authority — and the intangibles that can’t be taught.

Max Maclean

Feb 26, 2026

Sound Off

A personal reflection on the ethical tension of working in branding right now. Where shaping powerful narratives can mean grappling with complicity, silence, and the values behind the work.

Stevie Belchak

Feb 28, 2026

Sound Off

A sharp analysis of political rhetoric, contrasting Trump and Mamdani to show how language reshapes authority, authenticity, and the very structure of public speech.

Genevieve Ross

Feb 12, 2026

Sound Off

Copywriters often mute their own voice in service of a higher purpose: great brand writing. Natalie Doggett makes the case for bringing individuality back into the process.

Natalie Doggett

Sep 23, 2024

Sound Off

How the most relevant brands are ditching tired storytelling narratives and building connection through micro-moments and real-time cultural signals.

Steve Pearce

Jan 16, 2026

Sound Off

A guide to staying creatively engaged when it feels like the world is unraveling in chaos.

Aurélia de Azambuja

May 22, 2025

Sound Off

Dan Steiner shares five unconventional writing tips, inspired by a stray paper airplane and life experiences, to enhance your storytelling skills.

Dan Steiner

May 22, 2024

Sound Off

Branding isn’t black and white – it’s a blend of consumer psychology and strategic clarity. Nitid Studio rethinks the decision-making process with a science-backed approach to impactful branding.

Fernando Arendar

Feb 3, 2025

Sound Off

Why naming for the now is good, but futureproofing your name to stand the test of time is better.

Stevie Belchak

Dec 13, 2024

Sound Off

Our tools don't just shape how we publish, they shape how we think—dissect the tension between algorithm-friendly writing and the work that readers find the most meaningful.

Shrishti Das

Sep 29, 2025

Sound Off

Unlock the secrets to effective brand humor with Genevieve Edwards' expert tips for creating content that truly makes your audience laugh.

‍Genevieve Edwards

Apr 10, 2024

Sound Off

Writing shouldn't be everything for writers. Discover how hobbies like guitar, photography, and ceramics prevent burnout and bring fresh perspectives to storytelling.

Brian Link

Dec 2, 2025

Sound Off

Senior Content Marketing Consultant Laura Blackwell shares three ways she stays creatively centered and keeps the AI doom at bay.

Laura Blackwell

Jun 10, 2025

Sound Off

PBS’s defunding exposes a harsh truth: polished non-profit branding can’t stop a political takedown or rally public support. Phil Cox makes a case for the power of narrative in this new world order.

Phil Cox

Feb 9, 2026

Sound Off

Next time you need a dose of inspiration, try cracking open a fantasy novel. Turns out, 1,000-page epics are great for creativity.

Claire Barham

Jan 23, 2025

Sound Off

Become the copywriter everyone else knows you are. Unlock your potential with this 5-step guide to conquering self-doubt and showcase your true talent.

Maylis Moubarak

Mar 12, 2024

Sound Off

Neil Whitfield makes a case for embracing American English, breaking down linguistic differences, and highlighting the evolution and cultural richness of dialects.

Neil Whitfield

Sep 11, 2024

Corona Creative photographs to chess players in a public match.

Sound Off

Does specialization within strategy help or hurt projects and their outcomes? Erica Martinez explores how the fracturing of strategy has caused confusion and loss of authority in the process.

Erica Martinez

Feb 9, 2026