In her latest [TrendTalk] column, Louise Marsland talks us through the emojis of language. This is becoming increasingly important to consider as we become a more visual society focused on expressing ourselves as easily - if not creatively - as possible. We may even see them in mainstream media soon...

I also chatted to Gil Oved, co-CEO of the Creative Counsel, ranked by AdReview in 2014 as the largest marketing, media and advertising group in South Africa, about the impact of their recent acquisition by Publicis and so much more.

Rounding out the meatier reads, André van der Poll writes about the need to approach the big data trend with caution. While it's a popular business buzzword that signals exciting possibilities, not much has been written - or even researched - about the African application and our specific technological challenges on the continent.

All good reads to get those creative juices flowing this week.

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