On becoming Vacation Dad
A few years ago my kids came up with a nickname for me whenever we go on family trips together. They call me “Vacation Dad.”
The em dash—one of the best tools in my copywriter belt
When a comma is too pedestrian, a period too abrupt, and a semicolon too ugly, the em dash is always there for me—the best tool in my copywriter belt.
Puns: the good, the bad, and the ugly
I’ve always been a fan of the double entendre—any phrase that contains double meaning. Problem is, they often get confused with puns. So, what's the difference? And why is one more elevated than the other?
Wearing our true colors
As parents, we’re always looking for ways to hand down our values to the next generation. After all, beliefs are what define us. The question is how do we go about it?
Refreshingly simple
Being on the writing end of content development, I can’t help but observe the steady amplification of language. Exaggeration is the rule. What if we could travel back to a better way?
Changing the picture
A good copywriter writes a headline that adds to the picture.
A great copywriter writes a headline that brings new meaning to the picture.
A genius copywriter…
Mission possible
Businesses often struggle to come up with a memorable mission and vision statement. Something to keep in mind before you get started: they’re not the same.
The problem with “Copywriter”
I love what I do, but the title for it has always been a problem:
Freelance Copywriter
The art of the redirect
A few months ago my son got caught tagging a utility pole with graffiti. After thanking my neighbor for catching him, I had to consider the best way to handle the situation.
Portmanteau, bro.
If you’re in the business of naming, you’ve probably done this without realizing it.
The seductive power of simplicity
I have a habit of rewriting billboards as I drive around. Actually, it’s more of a tic. I would probably do it regardless of my occupation.
Driving without a creative brief
There’s nothing like a crisp, one-page strategy brief to set a copywriter up for success. Unfortunately, not every client has the time/resources to prepare one. In lieu of, there are 6 key questions I ask to ensure I’m on the right path.
A professor offers one final lesson
When I think about the greatest influence on my career as a copywriter, it’s not an advertising all-star or agency founder. Actually, I’d have to go back to the 4th grade, to an old man on my paper route.
How to conduct a can’t-miss interview
Ever wonder why certain people come across really authentically on camera? Some of it has to do with who they are. But there’s also another side to it. The person you don’t see on the other end of the conversation.
It’s just a headline, right?
Actually it’s more than that. It’s the start of a conversation. If you don’t leave room for people to join in… Then… Well… They won’t.
5 ways to destroy the rut you’re in
Right around my 20th birthday I started to grow up. I’m not sure what brought about the transformation or why the delay. Maybe I just needed a couple decades of sleepwalking through life before seeing what I was actually capable of.
You mean everything
Last month, I had the privilege of speaking to local professionals at AMDG Architects’ Speaker Series.