It has arrived!

Returning to Nottingham yesterday, imagine my excitement when I unlocked my flat door and felt resistance as I pushed it open - my copy of Mark Shaw's Copywriting, the book I blogged about here, had arrived!

Even just from briefly flicking through its pages, I feel its going to be an interesting read, and that makes me quite excited. Here is a small snippet from the first chapter that has caught my attention so far:

"The best way to write copy is to focus completely on the true nature of the target audience so that your messages are crafted with them in mind. This will produce compelling copy and your reader will feel at home with your writing. Using a clever play on words, a pun or a quick witticism is becoming less important than being able to craft a well-constructed, stimulating message."

It might seem like it is stating the obvious, but clear and simple advice is often so easily forgotten, especially as a student. Working solo on projects and trying to do everything yourself, wanting to impress your tutors and peers; you can get overloaded and lose the ability to see each part clearly and might neglect a certain aspect, there's no point in denying it.

I look forward to curling up on the couch and giving it my full attention.

The art of copywriting

Today I was talking to India, one of the designers at Jupiter who happens to have graduated from Trent in 2004. She mentioned this book, written by Mark Shaw, one of the founders and the chairperson of Jupiter.

This book has really grabbed my interest. This past year, I've come to understand more clearly that it is an important aspect of design and a useful skill to gain at least a basic knowledge of.

In my head I can't help but remember my first encounter with Ben and Jerry's ice-cream years ago. When I read the packaging of their products, the language and tone of voice they used was so refreshing and fun. Ben and Jerry's immediately became my ice cream of choice (and still is). I love their quirky personality, and love it even more when its on offer at half price!

Its obvious now that copywriting really helps to bring the design together. And that the written language is just as important as the visual language in conveying a solid personality.

I have fowarded Mark Shaw's contact details on to my tutor to see if a guest lecture for the course can be arranged. Apparently he lectured at Trent for the art and design college as a whole, but I don't know many people in my year group who attended. They were probably like me: not realising how interesting and beneficial it would be. Or maybe there wasn't enough awareness raised about the event. C'est la vie.

Either way, the Book depository offers the book at a good value price with free p&p.

My copy is on order!