NEW: What The Duck!

Explore the origin stories of the weirdest—and most iconic—brand names, assets, & campaigns

Sep 12 • 

Austin Franke

2

The One Thing AI Can’t Generate: Distinctiveness

In a world of generative sameness, distinctiveness will decide who survives.

Sep 9 • 

Austin Franke

7

2

August 2025

Why Branding Bullsh*t Never Dies.

What brand designers, unsuspecting clients, and design influencers gain from branding bullsh*t.

Aug 6 • 

Austin Franke

8

5

June 2025

Creative Awards Don’t Build Brands.

At this year's Cannes Lions awards, agencies will win applause and clients will lose effectiveness.

Jun 16 • 

Austin Franke

3

4

Boring Ads Can Be Effective Too.

Cringe personal injury lawyers are on to something.

Jun 4 • 

Austin Franke

3

5

May 2025

Brand Love Won't Save Your Soul

Why Brand Love Is Exploitative And Dishonest

May 6 • 

Austin Franke

4

April 2025

"Meaningless Distinctiveness": 20 Examples and Their Backstories.

Lions and Nazis and "Mother McDonald's Breasts," Oh My!

Apr 16

6

I Don't Wanna Grow Up, I'm A...Powerful Brand Asset.

Jingles deserve a comeback.

Apr 1 • 

Austin Franke

3

March 2025

Branding Bullsh*t Is Not Harmless.

My family's 101-year-old restaurant and the consequences of bad advice.

Mar 18 • 

Austin Franke

6

2

Design Has a "Brand Strategy" Problem.

How a Fixation on Strategy is Distracting Designers and Hurting Businesses.

Mar 3 • 

Austin Franke

82

26

February 2025

2025 Super Bowl Ads - Winners and Losers

My controversial picks for the best and worst Super Bowl ads of this year.

Feb 11 • 

Austin Franke

4

2

October 2024

Crossword Puzzle - Guess The Brand Guru

Take a break, have a laugh, and solve a puzzle.

Oct 23, 2024 • 

Austin Franke