Dear Jancy: Is it possible, particularly for a junior, to avoid projects that one would have a moral objection to doing? By this I mean cigarette ads, political PSA's that you disagree with, or a political group whose ideology you're opposed to.

What does one do in these situations? Try to weasel out, flat-out refuse, or just do it anyway and make peace with it later?   

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Dear Jancy: This is probably a no brainer but I can't seem to find a definite answer. What is the proper attire for an interview as an art director? Full suit an tie seems stuffy and not stylish. I know some say that you should always wear a 3 piece but I would think something more edgy or stylish shows you watch trends and can work with multiple pieces. Am I way out of the ballpark here? Does the work (portfolio) need to speak more than the dress code? Maybe that is why I am having a hard time getting hired. A definite answer is really appreciated.   

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Dear Jancy: For 20 years my life has been filled with indecision and anxiety about my future, now I am incredibly excited because I believe advertising is my calling. The problem is that I am a sophomore at a very good university in the southeast but am stuck majoring in communications. I feel like finishing up my degree here might be a waste of time, time I could use going to a place like Miami Ad School. Do you think dropping out and getting started on my advertising goals is a good idea?

I appreciate the insight!
  

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Dear Jancy: The greatest number of unused 'billboards' in any city are blank rooftops. If you were to draw a 5 mile radius around any airport you would clearly be in view of the surrounding rooftops. This means thousands of people every day, in every major city, look out airplane windows at blank billboards! In a time when every conceivable space is converted to profit (including above the urinals in some restrooms!), hockey boards, stair risers, etc. I wonder why this possibility has not been explored.
It seems to me these ads could either be a deluxe permanent display for a given product (eg Pepsi) or a shorter term project for special events (eg The Royal Winter Fair). The concept would be to lease the roof from the building owner and sell the space to advertisers. The options could include either nighttime illumination or a more limited and less expensive unlit daytime exposure only. In this day of heated roadways and solar panels, the challenge of melting the elements can be met and if the ads were elevated (say 12 inches above the surface) they would overcome such interference.

On some occasions (eg Atlanta) I have noticed individual businesses that have painted their names on their roofs. in such instances there is a clear 'message to the sky' that is clearly communicated.

Anyway, I am curious to hear your reply. If this is doorknob thinking I know you will give it to me straight!!!! On the other hand, who could be our first customer? Mississauga is loaded with flat roof buildings!

  

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Dear Jancy: I'm a NYC copywriter with 15 years agency experience at creative shops. Won a few awards, did really well. But then I left for a few years to have kids. Now I want to get back in the game as a freelancer and I feel like I'm starting over again. Aside from contacting old CD's and my headhunter (who calls only twice a year with freelance work) how else can I get my name out there? Do I e-mail my work to creative recruiters at agencies? What's the best route for a freelancer to drum up work?
  

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Dear Jancy: I am in my second year of a three year diploma in Graphic Design. I am feeling the pull towards advertising but my portfolio needs work.

I am working on strengthening my portfolio, although I am more of an ideas person. Is there any way that I can get into an intern position sooner rather than later even if my portfolio is on the weak side?
  

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Dear Jancy: I've worked in advertising for over 20 years as art director, associate cd to VP CD at a consumer promotions agency. I'm no longer with them and am trying to get back into an agency proper as an art director. My work had been recognized (merit awards) for outdoor and newspaper early on in my career but nothing since. I feel that my creative potential has not been tapped and strongly believe that I can contribute in a big way. The portfolio currently carries produced work only and no concepts as it felt wrong somehow, for someone of my experience, to include them. Your thoughts would be most appreciated.
  

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Dear Jancy: I understand that now, in most cases, art directors work in tandem with copywriters, but is it possible to be both? Not to say one would ignore suggestions to their work, but is it possible for someone to be both an art director and a copywriter? If it is, then would they bring both aspects to bear on each project, or would they be assigned visuals on one piece and text on another?

  

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Dear Jancy: I am currently studying advertising (communications) in a well known good university here in Brazil. In about a year I should be graduating and I'm considering moving to Canada. I'm concerned about whether I'd be able to find a job there with my Brazilian degree. Should I consider further studies in Canada or should I just go looking for a job? If I were to continue my studies, where would be a good place? And is there any way (suggestion of where/how) I could start looking for a job before moving up there? I am fluent in English and also speak Portuguese, French and Spanish with a little knowledge of Italian. I'm not exactly sure which area I'd like to work in, though lately I've been leaning towards copywriting. Thank you in advance.
  

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Dear Jancy: In your opinion, what is the best Canadian College to take an advertising program at?
  

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Dear Jancy: For nearly 10 years I worked on the post side of things as a producer - effects and animation, with a loyal roster of clients. Primarily work came to me and I managed it. Now that I'm trying to get a small prodco off the ground, I find it incredibly hard to get agencies to give us a glance. I realize the market is inundated but any suggestions on how to break through the clutter and become a resource rather than an annoyance are much appreciated? Are unsolicited e-mails of new work looked at? Facebook posts? Do you actually cull the library for reels when looking for new talent? Can one request an information interview at an agency to learn more about how each like to receive promotional material? Thanks much.   

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