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
Mary van Ogtrop shares why her copywriting team at Duolingo let go of "content design" and re-embraced the power of great brand writing.
By 
Mary van Ogtrop
Oct 17, 2024
Sound Off
Dan Steiner shares five unconventional writing tips, inspired by a stray paper airplane and life experiences, to enhance your storytelling skills.
By 
Dan Steiner
May 22, 2024
Sound Off
Unmask the impact of "weasel words" on brand trust and learn strategies for clear, confident communication.
By 
Matt Brady
Mar 12, 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.
By 
Brian Link
Dec 2, 2025
Sound Off
Katherine Fischer shares insights from cryptic crosswords, revealing how wordplay, hidden meanings, and puns can inspire creative brand naming strategies.
By 
Katherine Fischer
Jun 3, 2024
Sound Off
Rishi Dastidar reveals how poetic techniques can unlock richer, more resonant brand stories, urging brands to move beyond clichés.
By 
Rishi Dastidar
Dec 2, 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.
By 
Dan Steiner
May 22, 2024
Sound Off
Christina Trifero discusses the impact of internal voice on effective copywriting, emphasizing authenticity in brand messaging.
By 
Christina Trifero
Mar 5, 2024
Sound Off
Matchstic's Clayton Notestine argues for minimizing excessive adjectives in copywriting to create impactful and concise messages.
By 
Clayton Notestine
Nov 4, 2024
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.
By 
Maylis Moubarak
Mar 12, 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.
By 
Fernando Arendar
Feb 3, 2025
Sound Off
Fran Ayala's lockdown hobby refined her creative skills and pointed her toward a career in creative strategy. Here are a few lessons from stand-up that she applies to her work as a strategist.
By 
Fran Ayala
Nov 1, 2025
Sound Off
A survival guide for navigating LinkedIn, gaining professional insights and copywriting inspiration without losing your sanity.
By 
Andrew Boulton
Oct 28, 2024
Sound Off
Discover how reporting techniques shape compelling brand writing through interviews, research, and fact-checking.
By 
Bill Bradley
Sep 6, 2024
Sound Off
Unveiling content design: the synergy of strategy, UX writing, and storytelling in digital projects.
By 
Kendra Rainey
Mar 12, 2024
Sound Off
Discover Austin Powe's approach to making marketing copy presentations as engaging as storybook readings, elevating the art of storytelling in copywriting.
By 
Austin Powe
Mar 5, 2024
portrait of Steve Jobs with an Apple Macintosh computer, photographed by Norman Seeff
Sound Off
Kriston Rucker explores how brands can simplify complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives—without losing rigor, impact, or strategic focus.
By 
Kriston Rucker
Feb 23, 2026
Sound Off
How the most relevant brands are ditching tired storytelling narratives and building connection through micro-moments and real-time cultural signals.
By 
Steve Pearce
Jan 16, 2026
Sound Off
Gen-Z in advertising is redefining the industry, focusing on collaboration, AI, and creativity while challenging outdated hierarchies and junior copywriter expectations.
By 
Em Goodier
May 22, 2024
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.
By 
Dan Steiner
Aug 26, 2024
Sound Off
Explore how Gus Esselstyn's leap from freelancer to solo studio founder redefined his creative and business identity.
By 
Gus Esselstyn
Mar 12, 2024
Sound Off
Hanna Sorbito shares her unique insights on producing great copywriting as a bilingual copywriter.
By 
Hanna Sorbito
Oct 28, 2024
Sound Off
Unveiling the latest trends in non-alcoholic drinks, from sexy ambivalence to wellness vibes. See how brands like Kin and Ghia are transforming sobriety into a desirable lifestyle choice.
By 
Emily Coyle
Mar 12, 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.
By 
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.
By 
Max Maclean
Feb 26, 2026
Rural mailboxes with packages and letters.
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