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Marc Ecko
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Unlabel: Selling You Without Selling Out MP3 CD – Unabridged, April 8, 2014

by Marc Ecko (Author, Reader), Todd Haberkorn (Reader)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 397 ratings
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“Living proof that you can be a marketing and business whiz and still be a true artist.” —CNBC

As instructive as it is innovative, Unlabel will empower you to channel your creativity, find the courage to defy convention, and summon the confidence to act and compete in any environment.

This blueprint will teach you how to grow both creatively and commercially by testing your personal brand against the principles of the Authenticity Formula.

Marc Eckō shares the bruising mistakes and remarkable triumphs that reveal the truth behind his success, growing from a misfit kid airbrushing T-shirts in his parents’ garage to the bold creator of two hugely successful branded platforms—Eckō Unltd. and Complex Media. As Eckō explains, it’s not enough to simply merge your inner artist with business savvy—you must understand the anatomy of a brand, starting with its authentic spine.

With Unlabel, you will learn how to discover your own voice by overcoming fear and taking action, what it means to deliver on your promises, why failure is essential, how to understand how your product or service makes people feel, and how to recognize if your nostalgia for the past is hampering your ability to envision your future.

Unlabel is a bold and honest approach to building an authentic personal brand and growing a bootstrap start-up into a sustainable business.

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  1. Language
    English
  2. Publisher
    Brilliance Audio
  3. Publication date
    April 8, 2014
  4. Dimensions
    5.25 x 0.5 x 6.75 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    1491518723
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1491518724
  7. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Once a graffiti artist with no connections or fashion pedigree, Marc Ecko left the safety net of pharmacy school to start his own company. Armed only with hustle, sweat equity, and creativity, he flipped a $5,000 bag of cash into a global corporation now worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Ecko is an American fashion designer, entrepreneur, investor, and artist. He is the founder of Marc Ecko Enterprises, a global fashion and lifestyle company. He is also the founder and chairman of Complex Media, the world’s leading provider of fashion, entertainment, lifestyle, and product trends to young male tastemakers. Complex Media Network includes 110+ websites that generate more than 700 million page views and 70 million unique visitors per month. Ecko serves as an emeritus board member to the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Big Picture Learning, and Tikva Children’s Home. He lives in New Jersey, with his wife and three kids.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Brilliance Audio; Unabridged edition (April 8, 2014)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1491518723
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1491518724
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 0.5 x 6.75 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 397 ratings

About the author

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Marc Ecko

Marc Ecko

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Once a graffiti artist with no connections or fashion pedigree, Marc Eckō left the safety net of pharmacy school to start his own company. Armed only with hustle, sweat equity and creativity, he flipped a $5,000 bag of cash into a global corporation now worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Eckō is an American fashion designer, entrepreneur, investor and artist. He is the founder of Marc Eckō Enterprises, a global fashion and lifestyle company. He is also the founder and chairman of Complex Media, the world's leading provider of fashion, entertainment, lifestyle, and product trends to young male tastemakers. Complex Media Network includes 110+ websites that generate more than 700 million page views and 70 million unique visitors per month. Eckō serves as an emeritus board member to the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Big Picture Learning and Tikva Children's Home. Marc lives in NJ with his wife and three kids.

“Marc Eckō designed his future while putting his own spin on history. He’s fearless and he built his brand out of his love of art and pop culture, without being seduced by nostalgia. Marc may have been inspired by Star Wars, but he made it his own—and no one has made Star Wars cooler than Eckō. His unique vision became a global force in fashion. For art and execution, this is the text book I wish I could have bought in college.” -- George Lucas, Creator of Star Wars

“Marc has built one of the most significant brands that captured the essence of a generation. Marc is truly a pioneer and this book is a must for everyone that wants to understand how to be successful in today's cultural landscape.” --Steve Stoute

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
397 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book an interesting and informative read with good storytelling. They find the author's perspective inspiring and honest, describing it as authentic and truthful. The book is punctuated with illustrations and photographs that enhance the narrative flow. Readers appreciate the comprehensive brand awareness and advice provided in an intelligent and clear way. Overall, they describe the book as fun and witty, making it a must-read for entrepreneurs and brand owners.

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ReadabilityInsightAuthenticityVisual qualityBrand awarenessAdvice qualityFun readFlow
83 customers mention "Readability"83 positive0 negative

Customers find the book an interesting and informative read. They say it's one of the best stories they've ever read, well-written, and a great story of success.

"...I have enjoyed the read and as someone starting a new company his insights are a shot in the arm of perfect timing...." Read more

"...It's a good read that flows well. Ecko is insightful and brutally honest in a way that rings true...." Read more

"I love the formula, it is a fantastic concept and definitely rings true for how to stay true to your authentic self...." Read more

"...How he chose the identity and why. The story is great. Because it seems real. Because it probably is. And it's not hollow...." Read more

57 customers mention "Insight"50 positive7 negative

Customers find the book inspiring and honest. They appreciate the insights into Ecko's business life and challenges of building a brand. The book reinforces creative thought and is refreshingly honest.

"...I found this passage and several others extremely encouraging. Just trust it. scottthrift" Read more

"...This also makes him a good teacher. That the reader is able to glean knowledge that will help him or her makes this book a worthwhile contribution...." Read more

"...That is what this book is about--creating a business that expresses your creativity while still being able to put food on the table...." Read more

"...the importance of these factors through a very honest and inspiring story of success, failure and everything else that goes between...." Read more

20 customers mention "Authenticity"20 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's honest and unsterilized perspective. They find the book believable and refreshingly honest.

"...There is a real sense of history at play here that fortifies the designers focus on authenticity...." Read more

"...It's a good read that flows well. Ecko is insightful and brutally honest in a way that rings true...." Read more

"...is and illustrates the importance of these factors through a very honest and inspiring story of success, failure and everything else that goes..." Read more

"...The story is great. Because it seems real. Because it probably is. And it's not hollow...." Read more

14 customers mention "Visual quality"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book visually appealing with its illustrations and photographs that enlighten and entertain. They appreciate the narrative flow, insights on business and fashion, and the numerous images punctuated by an original formula for authentic success. The book provides a fascinating look at Ecko's past and work, and is inspiring for anyone running a small business.

"...of fun, filled with funny and sometimes touching asides and tons of colorful graphics...." Read more

"...This book was an entertaining look into what it took to get to where he is today...." Read more

"...tells his life story, incorporates his 'equation' and inserts pictures of his past and work...." Read more

"...The book is punctuated with numerous images and a sort of "formula" for authentic success." Read more

13 customers mention "Brand awareness"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book helpful for brand awareness. They say it provides an insightful look at personal brand creation and is a must-read for entrepreneurs. The book shows the path to reveal a brand and oneself with a twist. It's recommended for artists, business owners, or anyone in the industry.

"...his story, using the his life as a curriculum to show us that labels do not matter, that brands are built by people and for people...." Read more

"...It shows the path to reveal a brand and oneself with a twist. The method is very well described and the storytelling is wonderful...." Read more

"This is a must read if you are an entrepreneur (or a creator) or you want to be...." Read more

"Marc Ecko provides an honest and insightful look at personal brand creation...." Read more

12 customers mention "Advice quality"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the advice in the book insightful and helpful. They appreciate the author's transparent approach and clear explanations of his perspective. The book allows readers to unleash their creative side and become business owners they always wanted. However, some readers feel the formulas provided visual support but did not have much meaning on their own.

"Unlabel is a brutally honest manual to how Marc Ecko made his creative business happen...." Read more

"...He's a smart guy and actually very likable!" Read more

"Good book.Less of an advice book and more of a "here's some stuff we did, it wasn't as glamorous as you might've thought" book...." Read more

"...of individual and brand is very relative and Marc does an amazing job of truly defining and capturing what that's all about...." Read more

12 customers mention "Fun read"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book a fun and engaging read. They appreciate the author's witty and insightful writing style. The language is youthful and keeps them hooked as the author breaks down situations. The author is described as smart and likable.

"...Plus it is a fun read. There are some hilarious stories and some uh-oh moments...." Read more

"...This book is also a lot of fun, filled with funny and sometimes touching asides and tons of colorful graphics...." Read more

"...He's a smart guy and actually very likable!" Read more

"...The youthful language kept me hooked as he broke-down many situations he faced in finding himself and creating authenticity...." Read more

6 customers mention "Flow"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to follow and engaging. They describe the story as a mix of truth, turmoil, triumph, struggles, success, popularity, the fall and comeback.

"...It's a good read that flows well. Ecko is insightful and brutally honest in a way that rings true...." Read more

"...past twenty-five years wrapped up in a delicious tortilla of truth, turmoil, and triumph...." Read more

"...Struggles , success, popularity, the fall and the comeback. Everyday issues for any entrepreneur. Fantastic book and very well written!" Read more

"The entire book has a flow, easy to follow and the story telling is superb!" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Scott Thrift
    5.0 out of 5 stars Palm Fronds
    Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Half way through the Kindle edition and I am already deeply grateful for the insights I've gleaned so far from Mr. Ecko's Unlabel.

    What I've been able to see through Marc's eyes is invaluable. There is a real sense of history at play here that fortifies the designers focus on authenticity.

    From drawing up 'Vote for Me' flyers to become the student body president in high school to the advanced maneuvers of 'velvet roping' an empty trade show booth with his brand placed elegantly atop a pedestal; there is a constant affirmation in nearly every page of the sheer value of doubling down on originality.

    More than a rags to riches story, Ecko's tale is loaded with self effacing admissions of the dangerous side effects of success and lessons on how to counteract them with actual stress tested wisdom.

    I've been aware of Ecko only intermittently through the mind stamping Rhino brand and I seem to recall when Getting Up, his foray into video game design came out but I'm someone who has always been suspicious of Graffiti as an art form.

    Miraculously early on in the book I was educated by Marc, that what one mostly sees on the street in the form of 'graffiti' are called 'toys' - a moniker for nascent writers whose pens are cans. This seemingly minor insight clarified a confusion I have held for quite some time, namely, 'why does 98% of graffiti just look like practice?' now I know it's just a bunch of 'toys' and that graffiti, like any art, blossoms only after hours, days and potentially years of perfecting a style before you should manage Getting Up your first time. Wasn't it Voltaire who said 'one must write volumes before signing ones own name'? That idea wasn't lost on the ethos of Ecko.

    Marc possesses that rare quality of a talent who knows he's got it but takes the time to get it right it in seemingly every aspect of his creative and professional life. I've read it non-stop until I decided to write this review. It reminds me of the 'innocence' of the 80's and 90's. An innocence that is, perhaps against our better judgement, present with us now. And without fail we'll look back on this time, today, in twenty years with the same reverence and nostalgia.

    I mean I can hear the Beastie Boys saying "Ali Baba and the 40 thieves" in unison inside this guys garage where everything is possible as he bangs out another custom airbrush design or perfects the 100th palm frond.

    I have enjoyed the read and as someone starting a new company his insights are a shot in the arm of perfect timing. I would not have found out about this book if it wasn't for his upcoming Skillshare class that I fully intend on taking. Can't wait to read the rest of where the journey takes him and what he has to say about it. Well done.

    post-thought: There is some talk in the book referencing a change in the brand name from echo to ecko which I distinctly remember doing second takes on when it happened. I bring it up because there is something beautiful about the fact that Ecko (with the K) is so much more powerful and true and right for the brand than the 'original'. The philosophical underpinning of this realization in their company and also in the reader is a profound example of the power of being okay with moving forward even though you are not and cannot be sure of how the creative evolution of your business will refine itself. I found this passage and several others extremely encouraging. Just trust it.
    scottthrift
    16 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good stories and honest analysis make Unlabel a worthwhile read
    Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    This is Marc Ecko's personal story of how he learned about business by doing. It's a good read that flows well. Ecko is insightful and brutally honest in a way that rings true. It's rare that an artist who has grown into a sizable financial entity would share so much. This also makes him a good teacher. That the reader is able to glean knowledge that will help him or her makes this book a worthwhile contribution. It is more about the less technical side of doing business and how that affects success. Plus it is a fun read. There are some hilarious stories and some uh-oh moments.

    As an artist, this book has energized me and helped me to focus my efforts. Thanks, Marc!

    P.S. I enjoyed the Skillshare class as well. I feel more aligned with my intentions now.
    One person found this helpful
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  • P. Edmon Graham
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great reading for anyone struggling with a creative-based business
    Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Unlabel is a brutally honest manual to how Marc Ecko made his creative business happen. For creatives, unlike almost every other business, there's a pressing need for authenticity and voice while not sacrificing the business side of things. That is what this book is about--creating a business that expresses your creativity while still being able to put food on the table. I'd recommend this book as a counterpoint to Naomi Klein's equally important No Logo: 10th Anniversary Edition with a New Introduction by the Author, which was a book sorely needed in its time but now feels a little naive in its idealism.

    This book is also a lot of fun, filled with funny and sometimes touching asides and tons of colorful graphics. Ecko really put his money where his mouth was on this, very much expressing his aesthetic through the design of the book itself. I'm only taking off a star because there's a few too many pointless asides and because Ecko is competent but not fantastic writer. That's really no reason not to give this a chance however, and I really feel this should be in the library of anyone considering a creative business.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Kylie D.
    5.0 out of 5 stars inspiring and honest
    Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I love the formula, it is a fantastic concept and definitely rings true for how to stay true to your authentic self. It takes everything that people hopefully know about what authenticity is and illustrates the importance of these factors through a very honest and inspiring story of success, failure and everything else that goes between.
    This is not only a book that would appeal to creatives who are thinking of trying to turn their art into a business. I would recommend it everybody, as the lessons Marc has learned through his business apply to all of us - whether we are employees, bosses, leaders, parents or even entrepreneurs.
    A fantastic book Marc, I need to start working on my own formula now.
    One person found this helpful
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  • zeroactiv
    5.0 out of 5 stars The story behind Ecko. The name, the brand, the man. Fascinating stuff.
    Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I've never heard about Marc Ecko before James Altucher interviewed him on the Stanberry Radio podcast. I did recognised the Rhino though. Maybe I haven't heard of Marc before because I was raised in Eastern Europe. Still, the Rhino's visual strength managed to stick with me. It's something described in the book. How he chose the identity and why.

    The story is great. Because it seems real. Because it probably is. And it's not hollow. It's sprinkled with all these real-life situations that a lot of people could probably relate to and learn from. I know I did.

    Read this book! It won't waste your time.
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  • Jobie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Refreshingly Honest
    Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    This is by far the most refreshingly honest business book I've ever read. Read it in two days. I was in the middle of planning the direction of my business in 2014 and thank goodness I read this book before I was done. It's shed light into a few key areas that I should focus on and also some projects that I should just scrap. The last two books that had me this worked up and excited were The Four Hour Work Week and ReWork. Thank you Marc for writing in layman's language and for exposing your flaws.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Shayak Ghosh
    5.0 out of 5 stars Must read for every artist and aspiring entrepreneur
    Reviewed in India on January 5, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    One of the best purchases ever. This book is so inspiring. Mark Ecko isn't scared to admit all the not so glamorous details. And once you start reading it, you just can't put it down. I am finished with one third of the book and will finish it soon. Reminds me of the time I read Shoe Dog. Goes to say that entrepreneur first of all are but human with the same problems. Must read for aspiring ones.
    Not only Ecko was a brilliant artist, he took risks and had the tenacity to see his entrepreneurial goals come through. We all can learn from that. But it now. I am surprised such a well illustrated book is only 519rs for mem. Should have been at least 1000bucks. 5 freaking stars.
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  • Luciano Parisi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Un sogno.
    Reviewed in Italy on September 5, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Non c'è bisogno di commentare il contenuto, perchè è risaputo che M. Ecko è un genio, ma il packaging era perfetto, il libro in condizioni perfette, e all'interno ho trovato molte soprese positive e novità rispetto a quello che pensavo. Lettura stra-consigliata.
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  • Felipe
    5.0 out of 5 stars Eckö
    Reviewed in Brazil on July 12, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Whats your unfair advantage?

    itbut I sensed that we needed something more.

    Talk can be romantic, but talk alone is cheap. Its easy to get wound up in the art of creating the slick veneer of brandspeak, but great brands arent built on snappy copy or slick graphic design. Theyre established through the relentless repetition of promising something and then delivering on what they promised, often beyond expectations.

    Our revenue had eclipsed $100 million, Im in the CFDA, and the Eck? brand was humming. With this veneer of success, its easy to lose sight of WHAT YOU DO NOT KNOW.

    Theres an old Turkish proverb that says, Its never too late to turn around if youre going in the wrong direction. Yes, its good to have a strong point of view, but it cant be removed from some basic realities.

    Find a new paradigm, a new medium, a more creative way to reach your audience. Showcasing is good. Theater and romance are necessary. But dont compete on dollars. Compete on ideas. Maybe you have to do one or two runway shows to prove your chopsfine, get it off your chestbut then challenge yourself to grow outside the lines.

    Its important for youfor all of usto be accountable to our own measures for success, not just the arbitrary rubrics of others. We live in a world that measures wealth by numbers, and schools that measure learning by standardized test scores. Whos testing the testers? Whos measuring the measurers?
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  • D. Yarema
    5.0 out of 5 stars He really shows how success is about learning from your mistakes and that no one can achieve great things alone
    Reviewed in Canada on August 19, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    His branding formula is sound. His story is unconventional but only because he shares his mistakes and humanity without the fear of looking weak. He really shows how success is about learning from your mistakes and that no one can achieve great things alone. He's the anti-Trump.
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  • Dubem Menakaya
    5.0 out of 5 stars This Book Will Unleash the REAL You
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 9, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Having grown up wearing Ecko and seeing it everywhere, this book immediately interested me. Marc Ecko weaves the story of how he developed his passion for art and developed it into a billion dollar message while revealing all that he has learnt about building a personal brand. The lessons and the formula that he shares is really powerful and the book not only gives amazing advice throughout, it is also a really funny and interesting read.

    As well as that, it is an amazing work of art and design. The pictures and artwork throughout the book illustrate the messsages and Marc's journey.

    This book is the best I've read this year and I urge anyone - whether creative or business - to read this, take in the lessons and Unlabel and Unleash yourself onto the world!
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