Diary of an Adman: How I Rediscovered Freedom, Fun and Creativity by Starting My Own Advertising Company

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Summary: GREAT BOOK ABOUT ADVERTISING AND LIFE
Review: Like the author, I have worked in the creative side of advertising for 20+ years and feel the same frustrations he did before he started his own company. That was he was able to venture out and chase down his dream of independence provides hope for us all, I suppose. There are many stories, impressions and advice-based advertising lessons but I think what I enjoyed most was reading about how the move allowed him to create a unique balance of family/work that lets him do more for both. I may not be able to leave my job today and do what he did. But this book certainly gets me thinking about what my next "big" move will be and whether I want to forever work for someone else. The tone of the text has an easy-going pace and relaxed humor, but it's not lightweight at all. Rather, the writing provides a good study and solid foundation for all of us "creative types" who are ready to spread our wings more not just in the office but at home with our spouses and children, too. I shared this book with others at the agency where I work and everyone took something good away from it, from our "rookies" to a few seasoned vets. I think this is an excellent book for anybody in advertising, and other businesses, too. After all, when we hit 40 and start to wonder about "what if", it really doesn't matter what we do for a living--it matters what we decide to do with our lives.

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Summary: Inspiration to dream
Review: Toward the end of Chris Epting's book, he muses as to whether the reader will come away with any kernels of knowledge or wisdom regarding what he's input, in diary form, of a copywriter, author, photojournalist, historian, lecturer, star gazer, husband, father, mentor and friend who has struck out on his own, after 20 some years under the corporate thumb. By then it's too late to wonder. By then the reader is so filled to overflowing with enthusiasm about the possibilities in his or her own life that finishing the book and having at it is the prime concern and goal. This is a fast, thoroughly enjoyable read that mixes the balancing act of intertwining family and work life with a road not taken first hand account of a trapeze act without benefit of net. And in between the day by day account of Mr. Epting's own first year, we get juicy tidbits of corporate gossip, historical ad biz references, and a forty year old's Doogie Howser-like philosophical musings on all manner of life's bits and bobs. Going through your own mid-life crisis? Don't go nuts, focus it into some form of your own life's calling to something like this. Have you got what it takes? Have you considered all it takes? I doubt Mr. Epting even considered this book or his life as either template or blueprint, but what he's done in "Diary of an Adman" is give the reader an inspiring journey, a steeping stone, if you will, to find their own opportunity to do what Chris Epting seems most to enjoy... to dream.