The Ginger Bookshelf: Reads that Inspire and Inform
On the heels of National Book Day, we offer a glimpse into the literary minds of the Gingerinos. In celebration of the written word and the power of knowledge, we’ve asked our team to share their favourite industry-related reads that inspire and inform their work every day.
Artifacts: Fascinating Facts about Art, Artists, and the Art World by Phaidon
For Deisys Tejeda, Art Directress at the Ginger Agency, a favourite book depends on the moment in life that one finds oneself. But Artifacts: Fascinating Facts about Art, Artists, and the Art World is one book that has a hold on her currently.
“It combines statistics, fun facts, and quotes about/from art/artists that can give you really good insights without going too deep,” Deisys said. “This book is light and real.”
Brand Journalism by Andy Bull
At a time when hiring journalists to write content for a brand was an emerging trend, Brand Journalism by Andy Bull helped set the foundation for a second career for Ginger’s VP of Content & Communications, Erin Hatfield.
“This book was really the roadmap for how I could translate a decade-long career in print journalism into meaningful, strategic work in content and communications,” Erin said. It showed me how good storytelling and using journalistic techniques, coupled with public relations, content marketing and strategic planning, is one of the most meaningful and impactful things a brand can do to grow its reputation and build trust.
Extra Bold: A Feminist, Inclusive, Anti-racist, Nonbinary Field Guide for Graphic Designers by Ellen Lupton, Farah Kafei, Jennifer Tobias, Josh A. Halstead, Kaleena Sales, Leslie Xia, and Valentina Vergara
Extra Bold: A Feminist, Inclusive, Anti-racist, Nonbinary Field Guide for Graphic Designers is a read that Kaelyn Merrithew, a Designer with Ginger, said she highly recommends and not just to designers.
“I’m always trying to be more aware and inclusive in all aspects of my life, so when I discovered the book, I knew I had to read it,” Kaelyn explained. “This short book packs a big punch of information for creating design that can be enjoyed by all, as well as terminology and introductions to lesser-known trailblazers of the design world.”
Obama: An Intimate Portrait by Pete Souza
Peter Joseph Souza is an American photojournalist and the former chief official White House photographer. His book Obama: An Intimate Portrait, which reproduces more than 300 of Souza’s most iconic photographs of the former president, has a constant place on Mike Bourgeois, Ginger’s Agency Content Producer’s coffee table.
“It reminds me that beautiful, powerful, inspiring moments are all around us,” Mike said. “Pete Souza’s ability to capture life, both the good and the bad, with such grace, is such an inspiration.”
The Brand Gap by Marty Neumeier
A book about left-brainers and right-brainers bridging the the gap between logic and magic, The Brand Gap, left a mark on Ginger’s VP, Client Services, Amanda Masters.
“I found this book impactful in understanding how business strategy and creativity intersect in defining a brand,” Amanda said. “I really resonated with how the author explores collaboration in a variety of marketing settings that can multiply efforts and results.”
Lovemarks by Kevin Roberts
Finally, for Ginger’s President, Sarah Martell, although it was difficult to choose just one book, she landed on Lovemarks by Kevin Roberts because, she said, it shows how important emotional connections are in building brands.
“Making a brand special is about connecting with values, creating deep feelings of love and respect with customers,” Sarah said. “And I couldn’t agree more.”
