In today’s data fixated, social media obsessed and increasingly fucked up ad agency universe, in “Ugly Is Only Skin Deep,” Dominik Imseng has not only given us a superbly written and well researched history of the unique DDB, VW “Beetle” relationship of the 60’s and 70’s, he has unequivocally reminded us of that oh so brief golden age of advertising when agencies and their clients enjoyed a mutually beneficial business relationship.
Recommended reading to everyone, but particularly for those who were not even born in the age of “Think Small.” Finally, I will leave you with the words of DDB’s obituary for Bill Bernbach in 1982… He said, “The real giants have always been poets, men who jumped from facts into the realm of imagination and ideas.” He elevated advertising to high art and our jobs to a profession. He made a difference. Amen to that too.