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

Innovation this, technology that. So, what's the story? Startups that ground their message in storytelling bring fresh perspectives to familiar concepts, and have a leading edge in a saturated space.

Maor Ofek

Jan 23, 2025

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

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

Dan Steiner reflects on the creative process, showing how failure, persistence, and self-reflection help shape better writing and fuel a writer’s ongoing development.

Dan Steiner

Aug 26, 2024

Sound Off

Take a stroll through LinkedIn’s quirks with this A-to-Z guide of insights and laughs for anyone in the brand writing world.

Joe McKay

Dec 6, 2024

Sound Off

Copywriter Nida Ahmad shares how Dungeons & Dragons became her creative superpower—transforming pandemic isolation into better storytelling, collaboration, and words that hit harder.

Nida Ahmad

May 15, 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

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

Copywriters tackle problems with words. Contributing writer Dan Steiner also suggests adding the basic principles of math to make a verbal identity really shine.

Dan Steiner

Oct 3, 2024

Sound Off

Explore how Gus Esselstyn's leap from freelancer to solo studio founder redefined his creative and business identity.

Gus Esselstyn

Mar 12, 2024

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

Messaging Director Cameron Leberecht explores whether generative AI is really an effective tool for creativity—or if it's just diluting our ideas.

Cameron Leberecht

Jun 2, 2025

Sound Off

Brand writing, like working in a kitchen, thrives on trust, teamwork, and knowing when to follow the recipe—and when to improvise.

Sam Lightfinch

Mar 4, 2025

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

Gen-Z in advertising is redefining the industry, focusing on collaboration, AI, and creativity while challenging outdated hierarchies and junior copywriter expectations.

Em Goodier

May 22, 2024

Sound Off

Discover how reporting techniques shape compelling brand writing through interviews, research, and fact-checking.

Bill Bradley

Sep 6, 2024

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

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

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

For The People’s former Head of Storytelling, Mat Groom, shares his ten-year journey to embracing brand voice and rebuttals the sneaky excuses that got in the way.

Mat Groom

Jul 15, 2025

Sound Off

Discover how to stay creative when life gets unpredictable with strategies from embracing 'shitty' first drafts to calling on your creative crew for support.

Alexa Dooseman

Mar 12, 2024

Sound Off

A guide to finding your brand’s most valuable asset: the enduring hook that sticks with the brand.

Bo Bishop

Aug 20, 2025

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

Matchstic's Clayton Notestine argues for minimizing excessive adjectives in copywriting to create impactful and concise messages.

Clayton Notestine

Nov 4, 2024

Sound Off

As trust in science declines, Principal & Creative Director of MiresBall, John Ball explores how strategic branding, clarity, and restraint help organizations communicate complex ideas and rebuild credibility.

John Ball

Apr 8, 2026