Books! Read some.

When it comes to advertising books the choice is endless. Some are written by world renown agency owners and creative directors, while others are by sucky scam marketers who don't know jack. But it's worth getting your nose in a few. I'll spare you the tripe and get straight to the gold. If you haven't read any of the following, get on the case as soon as you can. 

The Advertising Concept Book.
No question about it - this is the ADVERTISING BIBLE. Pete Barry you genius. It will teach you more than any university course can. And it's something you can revisit again and again. I'll continue going back to it throughout my career. It basically covers everything you need to know about crafting ideas to executing them, using some of the best examples the industry has to offer. It's a little dated in the fact social media and online marketing have evolved since it was published, but the core principles around generating ideas remain timeless.

100 Visual Ideas, 1000 Great Ads.

This book is an epic collection of adverts from the one they call Joe La Pompe. The masked avenger is famous for unmasking advertising copycats, hated by exposed creatives around the world. In a similar fashion to his website the book lists 'things, themes or characters' commonly used in adverts, then shows how they've been executed in 10 different ways. Darth Vader and humanised fruits/vegetables are good examples.

Hey Whipple, Squeeze This.
Clichéd and old but definitely gold. Read this to feel depressed about how the industry used to be.

Guerrilla Advertising.
I wrote my dissertation on unconventional methods of advertising so this book came in handy. It's an amazing collection of stunts, ambient ads and street propaganda from all over the world. I need to dig out my dissertation for a laugh...I mean re-read. 

100 ideas that changed Advertising.
You've probably seen the series '100 ideas that changed...' before, except this one applies to us. It's a study of how advertising has come to be what it is today. Showcasing some fine examples to illustrate the points being made. An interesting read that'll make you sound clever around the office when you start pulling out facts.

How to make it as an advertising creative. 
If you're a student you need this. If you're working in the industry you need this. If you're between jobs you need this. Basically buy this. It gives you tips on building a portfolio, getting a job, working freelance, moving between agencies, working abroad, running your own agency, and finally when to retire. It has your entire career mapped out. Another book I'll revisit time and time again. 

E!
One of the most entertaining books about the scandalous behaviour that happens inside an agency. I believe it's fictional but it's clearly inspired by some true events. Again it'll make you jealous that you missed out on the golden era of advertising.

Others.
For on the bog inspiration. You know the ones that are good to read while
taking a shit. If you're struggling to see, the book on the left is 'Baked In' - I'll trust your eyesight on the other two. Enjoy.