Working in a creative role you often wonder if the challenges, pressures and cultural nuances are the same in other companies. Then Came to the End by Joshua Ferris reassuringly and sometimes scarily confirms this! It tracks the lives of a group of creatives working in a US advertising agency during an uncertain economic climate (sound familiar folks?). The unwritten competition and peer pressure to out-perform and out-create each other is compelling and fascinating. The limited lifespan of the creative comes into its own and younger blood threaten the old school, whilst others hit pre-midlife crisis and consider U turns and drop-out strategies in their careers. My favourite term and concept in the book, which I am sure every designer can relate to, is 'Polishing Poo'. You know, a client gives you a load of badly written copy on a scrappy piece of A4 and expects a great design to mask the poor quality in the final piece. How many times have I been asked to do that?! Three words - Copywriter...Hire One. This book may not appeal to those not working in a similar industry, but it is a great insight into the human condition, office politics and power struggles. Made me want to quit my job and farm Emu though (or something). 8/10. Cheers DD.
