Alert
Posted on
2008-Feb-28
at
03:57
I'm still alive, promise. Things have been interesting, to say the least. I've actually started doing a lot of graphic design work, living off of that for the past bit. Very rewarding. It's something that comes a lot easier to me than writing - although I enjoy both.
I've been working with boatloads of different clients: music festivals, photographers, charities. It's been fun. Just like I did when I was getting into copywriting, I've been immersing myself in things. Reading books, listening to podcasts, checking websites, and let me say: if you've yet to watch the documentary on 'Helvetica', find it. It's great.
The writing is still going on, though. Looks like I'm back at the little agency that could for the next two weeks as they've won some pitches and need some lanky hands to help out with work. Should be good times.
To those who check in - thanks for keeping tabs. I'll be around.
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See
Posted on
2008-Jan-29
at
04:27
Another quick one while I try and go back asleep. My world keeps see-sawing with good and bad. Bad - work at the agency I'd spent so much time at is drying up and they don't seem able or keen to bring me on full-time. Good - I just got signed onto a record label. Yeah, I know.
Ridiculous.
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M'Lord
Posted on
2008-Jan-24
at
01:25
5,000 views? You're all very swell.
I've nothing of much importance to update you on. I'm still jobless, but looks like I'll be back at the agency for a few days next week. Oh, and I've got this enthralling article to write about concrete for a magazine. I'm not joking.
Freelancing is great.
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And
Posted on
2008-Jan-17
at
10:36
As an addendum to the last post, here's something I've just been messing about with. We've got a whole series going. The next big internet thing starts here:
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Antics
Posted on
2008-Jan-17
at
10:18
Before I get into anything, I've just got to say: IHAI really needs to get their password system set up right, not to mention their registration system. The same login can't be used for blogs can't be used for the forums can't be used for academia can't be used for jobs can't be used for sanity. Just saying.
I'm brightening my mood by listening to the latest Interpol release. Counterproductive?
My spirits are slowly rising though. I'm not saying I've buckled down, not yet. But I'm getting there. I've been surrounding myself with quality material. Watching a lot of Human Giant clips, reading some quality blogs, quality books (David Sedaris, mainly), and watching Dexter - a program everyone needs to get latched onto.
I think I dove in too heavily back in October when I restarted my plea to get into this world. A lot of you warned me against it - and come on, I'm 23. I don't listen to anyone. I burned myself out. I was so gung-ho and confident on myself and wound so tightly that it only took one small snip to break me down to pieces.
So I took a step back. Didn't shower for a few days. Just let my mind meddle. And here I am now. Ready for a Friday. Ready to join some pals for drinks. Ready for next week to start so I can start. The only question now is: how to brand myself.
On that topic, I've got to admit that I'm slowly coming to terms with who I actually am. Maybe that's what's leading to the load of frustration I've been having as of late. But I'm an eccentric kid. Now I know what you're thinking: 'we're all different, pal'. But mine... mine's a little off kilter.
Example: I put my hands up in my grade two class photo. I felt the urge to, tried to resist, but the end result had a group of seven year old smiling faces with this odd looking kid flashing gang signs and a teacher with a horrified look on her face. I sprinted from the gym, cried at my desk, knowing I did something wrong.
My whole life has been like putting my hand up in the class picture. I've been doing things because I want to do them, they interest me, I want to see what happens. I need to bring those same ideals to my work and stop harnessing and restraining myself. I close off certain portions of my brain because I think things are too ridiculous or ideas will get denied or shunned, and I need to realize that that's just part of the game.
Another example: I peed myself onstage while dressed in an angel costume. That's just for a laugh, there was really no point to telling you, but hey, I'm being honest here. Why a 16 year old was wearing an angel costume... I'm kidding - I was five, you jerk.
Anyway. I'm finally going to get cracking on everything - soon. The bank account needs me to. But more importantly - I need me to. I need to preserve my sanity. Otherwise, this hypochondria and depression and everything else is just going to bury me under the covers and make me a person I don't want to be.
So. Here's to success, right?
Cheers.
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Stress
Posted on
2008-Jan-16
at
12:23
The past three days (technically two and a half) have been spent in my pj's feeling, well, sorry for my current situation (read as: myself). No work around to get tossed my way at the agency, so I'm back at home watching movies and being unproductive. It took every ounce of my being just to crawl out of bed this morning, really.
Bad attitude to have, I know. I should be doing a lot of things. I should be scouring my Moleskine for ideas that have formed over the last few months. I should take those ideas and turn them into campaigns. Execute those campaigns. Revamp my portfolio. Send out those feelers again. Wait and wait and wait for responses.
I just... can't.
Not to sound like the depressive drone that usually gets nothing in return for his gripes, but I'm lacking something. Maybe it's the persistence I once had. Talent? No! Can't be. But whatever it is, I just can't bring myself to buckle down. Instead, I've watched who-knows-how-many movies, started reading books for the second and third time, and drinking fruit smoothies. Not to mention wallowing away on the interweb.
I've lost a lot of things in the last little bit, my mind included. Confidence, though, is the big one. Senior writer at the shop I've been spending a lot of time at has done his darndest to paint thicker skin on me, and it's just not there yet. I've been through some tough nonsense in the last little while that's made me a lot more vulnerable, and I a) don't believe in any ideas I have and b) don't think anyone else will, either.
What's that saying? You've got to love yourself before others love you? Something like that, right? Sounds really Maury Pauvich, but it's true. I've never been my own number one fan. Is anyone? Do people really exude confidence?
I'm just rambling and needed an outlet. It had been a while since my last update, I noticed I was 'promoted' in ihaveanidea's latest newsletter, so I figured it's time for a check-in.
Prognosis: things aren't good. And I'm not really trying to make them any better.
Who's got the world's smallest violin?
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Stick
Posted on
2008-Jan-9
at
09:21
This whole mini soul-search isn't getting off on the footing I'd hoped for, but that's fine. I'll take my time. I've always been a 'rusher', and I'm not talking about my Geddy Lee infatuation. In thinking that time goes too fast, it actually seems to, leaving me worried that I'll wake up at 40 and wonder what the fuck happened between 18 and putting my kids in a mini-van and dragging their ungrateful asses to an overpriced private school while listening to shitty j-pop (it'll probably be popular at the time) and sleeping on the couch while my wife does the pool boy in our bedroom. Oh, dreams.
I've read through my entire Doug Coupland collection in the past week. Eight books in total. I'm amazing, right? Anyway, they've helped me get back into more of a literary mindset, which is nice, although Coupland himself says he comes from a visual mindset while penning his fiction. Just watched a pretty interesting interview with him on the YouTube. It's weird living out West now and realizing that he lives within a 20 minute drive of my current location. Not weird, just... weird.
In terms of the advertising side of things, work is going decently well. I've been somewhat busy with a couple of clients, and I'll be working on some in-house stuff soon. Feels as though my tenure here is almost up, which could be a blessing as long as it doesn't take another few months to find more work. Also, it'll light that oft-flickering fire that is getting my portfolio up to date with mindblowing pieces. We'll see what happens.
On the bright side, though, all the work that I've been doing, although not "book-worthy" has been well-received by clients. That gives me a bit of a puffy-chested pride-like feeling. Sure, I wish everything would be worth the submission to Cannes or whatever (what? there's no category for closed captioning spots? assholes), but hey, you've got to start somewhere.
Anyone catch JPod on CBC last night? How was it? Not to be one of those people that constantly makes mention of not having cable but... I don't have cable so I couldn't watch.
9:30 on the nose now. Time to buckle.
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Fowl
Posted on
2008-Jan-4
at
08:52
I've been doing a lot of re-evaluation as of late. Looking at myself, my progress on the 'road of life' (yeesh), and the way the world seems to work. I know that there's no way I'll be able to figure this ad game out in my first few true months in it, nor will I ever figure out life's little surprises (welcome or not), but I wish that things could be easier from time to time. Don't we all?
I really don't know where I was headed with this tangent.
But on the topic of looking at myself and whatnot, I'm trying to figure out exactly where this need to be in the industry came from. How did YOU, anonymous readers, discover that this was the career path for you? Apart from loving to write and being creative and making people think, I have this overwhelming passion for pop culture.
One of my big sayings when I was younger, and one that still holds true today, is that I remember the insignificant much more than the significant. I can remember what actor played what role in some obscure snuff film more than an anniversary or birthday or SIN number.
I've filled this ol' noggin with so much useless knowledge over the years (did you know Einstein didn't wear socks?). I'm not apologetic about it. Does it come in handy? Sometimes. Bar bets, impressing the ladies (...not really), and just entertaining myself. I feel as though if I wanted to, I could pull a Klosterman and pen some half-assed essays about early 90s teen television shows and assorted bands. But I'd rather not be a best-selling douche who has more footnotes than a dissertation.
So part of the reason why I chose advertising, and I just came to this realization the other day, is that I've got this need to be a part of pop culture. I'd love to create a huge campaign that'll become a cultural staple of sorts. I'd love to create a jingle that'll still be hummed after I'm six feet from the middle. I guess that's why I play music and take it so seriously - I'd love to have a record out that'll get other people excited about music in general. That's why I've started and stopped a few novel projects, and have a sketchbook with intermittent pages containing scrawls for a screenplay that'll get finished by the time I'm 80 and all the references are no longer relevant.
That's my goal, though. Sure, I wouldn't mind just being able to survive and not live paycheck to paycheck. But being a part of pop culture in some form or another - that's it. That's what I want. How I'll get there eventually is beyond me. I hope it's in the connotation of advertising, but I'd settle being known as "you know, that guy who did that thing".
Everyone wants to be recognized, right?
That's what mirrors are for.
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Malaise
Posted on
2008-Jan-3
at
06:18
What a holiday. Spent the majority horking up loogies the size of my fist, unshaven, and feeling like Pigpen. On the bright side, I managed to hunt down a holiday classic on YouTube (Vin Winston's "Claymation Christmas"), so I guess things weren't all bad. I'm not a fan of the holidays, really, but hope that you trusty readers enjoyed yours nevertheless.
Back to the grind today (I think I spit up the grand finale yesterday - here's hoping) and working on some things for my 'main' client right now. It's good to be freelancing and getting tossed work for the same client over and over, as it helps break down some barriers and gives you (well, me) a solid chance at getting inside the target's head instead of starting down the wrong path over and over.
I've got that stuff on the go, and apparently there's some new clients on their way into the shop, which I can only hope will mean either a) more hours for me or b) a possible permanent position. Either way, my bank account will be happy, I hope. To repeat myself as I so often do, it may not be the most grandiose of shops, but the team I'm surrounded by are all fantastic and are doing a great job of being my flotation device as I wade my way into the ad world.
Some circumstances have come up that will likely lead to some big changes in my life coming up, and I'm both scared and excited about it at the same time. Pardon the vagueness, but that's the way it needs to be (for now, at least). It'll lead me to being more in control of my own life and demons that have haunted me (oooh, scary). I'm cutting the parachute, and we'll see if my bony ass can handle the freefall.
It's this event that'll hopefully open more doors than close. Open me up to work possibilities outside my new locale, in new countries - continents, even. I'm doing my best not to be scared of the big picture any more. For the longest time, it's just been "I want to be a copywriter", but now I'm slowly filling in details that'll put a genuine smile on my face, something that I've unfortunately been missing for the past however many years of my life. Boo-hoo, I know.
Maybe this little revamp all has to do with the fact that '08 has strolled in. I spent my night sick on a couch (how exciting) watching 'The Departed' and drinking OJ while everyone else and their sister was out making out with people that aren't their 'better-half' and lying about it when they non-chalantly stroll through the door at 7am. I'm not really one for resolutions, but maybe this year needs to be different. We'll see if I can keep up with my own motivations.
Downside to being sick is the fact that I just didn't want to touch my book (portfolio). I feel the need to clarify with those brackets. I was talking to my mother on the phone and mentioned working on 'my book' and she nearly convulsed and thought she had a Dickens on the other end. I am working on a novel, but that's besides the point. Anyway, I managed to scratch down some new ideas, just didn't execute. I think the aforementioned revolt will help things happen quicker and sooner portfolio-wise, and that's good news.
In summation (I always did this in high school essays), here's to a solid new year. This blogs been around for just under three months, and I've managed to rope in over 4,000 views, which is pretty alright by me. Congrats to my other favourite bloggers: DailyBiz, AgencyTart, and Copyranter for consistently providing solid content and keeping me blog-motivated since I've joined the game, and here's hoping they've got room for one more at the top when the time comes.
See you on the other side.
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Nog
Posted on
2007-Dec-24
at
03:47
Well, looks like I've fallen ill - just in time for Christmas, no less. I walked a bit in the rain following the 80s extravaganza of a holiday gathering, and I think that's what did me in (that and lack of rest, of course). Happy Whatevers to all of you this season. I'm going to go kick an elf in the mouth.
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Malarkey
Posted on
2007-Dec-20
at
09:21
Not to beat the subject of money down like the misbehaving barbie doll it is, but for God's sake, it's ruining what little Christmas spirit I have. At the bar last night, waiting to pay my bill, waitress runs the debit through - declined. Really? I've got enough coin for beer. I always will, even in my darkest of hours. Turns out the bank holds a certain portion of my pay cheques for five days and I can't access money that I've worked hard for. Assholes. This happened to me last year, but I thought I was done dealing with it. I obviously thought wrong.
That's life, I suppose. Any more curveballs you want to toss my way? Want to take one of my testicles? Might as well.
I'm in better spirits today than the last few that've passed, despite this new setback. The sun's out, the week is almost out, and I've got a Christmas party to hit tomorrow night that I plan on wearing the most Cosbiest of Cosby Christmas sweaters to. Looking forward to it.
I'm pretty excited for the week off, even though that won't help pad the account. It'll give me a chance to recharge, work on the book, spend some time playing music and drink even more than I have been (fingers-crossed). Any good movies I should waste a little time on? Books? Charitable causes?
So during our closing beer last night, a coworker pal and I got to chatting about the lack of Christmas advertising, and advertising in general, in our lives thanks to our mutual lack of television. He said he missed it. I mentioned that you can watch spots online, but the problem is, and we both agreed, that it's out of context. Any spot can cut through the clutter when you make the decision to press play in YouTube, its when the ad is sandwiched between a Garfield Christmas and a local lawyer ad that matters. Did it still cut through? Did it have the same impact?
Same thing goes for award shows, and we got to talking about this, too. When all the judges are sitting around and looking at copious amounts of print pieces, they're not leafing through Cosmo's and Maclean's and Economists. They've got the ads right in front of them. Would the ads be as impressive in their intended surroundings? Maybe. In some cases, I'm sure. But either way, it's something to think about.
Time to shove off and get down to work. But can I ask how many of you lurkers have checked out the majesty of 2Girls1Cup.com? Not for the faint of anything, really. Don't even watch it. Just go to YouTube and search for what's called "reaction videos" to this piece of work. I'm thinking this'll lead to the next huge viral masterpiece.
Speaking of masterpieces, I've got to go take one.
Yeah, I said it.
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Morose
Posted on
2007-Dec-19
at
08:59
On days and off days are just par for the course. I can tell you that today, at least after only being conscious for a couple of hours, it feels like the switch is stuck halfway. Any one thing could teeter it from one side to the other, so we'll see how things pan out. Fingers crossed.
Thanks to those close for their concern. I'll be fine. Tequila shots tonight, though?
I'm nearly through reading Cutting Edge, and if I haven't already mentioned, it's one fuck of a read. Like, reverse cowgirl or some crazy nonsense like that. It's been doing a great job of putting a lot of things into perspective, gives great insights from creatives that matter (not just CDs at top agencies, thankfully), and has samples that I haven't seen before and have left me pretty... inspired, I guess. I hate that word, but hey, if the suit fits.
Unless Sullivan comes out with a revamped Whipple, I'm putting this one on a pedestal until then. Read it if you've yet to.
So I've been at the agency all week (my bank account is currently giving me a foot rub as thanks). It's nearing Christmas, so folks are busy trying to fit in as much as possible before their little break. Me? I'm just filling in the blanks. Shit needs to get done, toss it my way, I'll plug on the meaningless while you plug on the tedious.
I mentioned last week that I don't have cable at my new place. It's been over two months since I've watched TV. Now, for some that might not seem like such a huge deal. But for this kid, I grew up in front of the boob tube. I was actually raised by Sharon, Lois, and Bram (the latter being a little too touchy feely for my liking). Hell, the mannequin from Today's Special is my uncle, I think. Maybe that's where I get my crazy dance moves. Oh, Jeff.
I digress. But the lack of cable means the lack of Holiday-born advertising. No complaints there. I don't have many names (just one, really) on my Christmas list, and I know what I'm getting her, so I don't need to know about all the other miraculous deals that the baby Jesus has brought our way. Although if there's any decent spots lurking around that you think I should be privy to, let me know.
But speaking of good advertising, something that I haven't really talked about too too much in the last little bit, there's a radio spot that came my way yesterday that gave me a chuckle. Rethink's Rob Tarry was behind the pen on this piece for Science World. While somewhat juvenile, it still made me laugh out loud (for the young kids, I mean "LOL").
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Herring Chat
ANNCR - Science tells us, herring communicate by farting. So, to all you herrings listening out there, let me say this...
...hang on...
(EFFORT...)
SFX - pfffft.
ANNCR - Wait, that came out all wrong.
SFX - Pfffft...
ANNCR - My... apologies for the accent. Science World. We can explain.
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It picked up a couple Lotus' last year. Like I said, sort of lowbrow, but that 'pardon the accent' line is what does it for me. I don't have a whole lot of experience penning radio, and it's something I plan on working on over the break, so we'll see if I can squeeze out some gems like this one.
That came out wrong.
Or did it?
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Trials
Posted on
2007-Dec-18
at
08:57
I'm really hoping that this blog doesn't go the way of the LiveJournal and become the outlet for downtrodden ramblings and such. At least I don't post memes, I suppose. But, just in case you were wondering, I'm 84% werewolf, the Saved By The Bell character I'm most like is Lisa Turtle, and I can haz cheezburgr (whatever the fuck that means).
Maybe it's the weather, maybe it's my chemical imbalance (I love blaming shit on that, but it's getting way too easy), or maybe it's a whole lot of other piling shit, but I've been having troubles getting out of bed. Not in the "oh shit, my foot's caught in the sheet again" kind of way, unfortunately.
Don't get me wrong, I'm loving the fact that I actually have work and am counting my lucky stars every day I get a chance to sit in this agency and do some work. But I think I'm having some sort of near-quarterlife crisis of sorts. It's just a buzz word, but hey, I need it to be something.
As mentioned, I've been rifling through ad books, most recently "Cutting Edge Advertising (2nd Edition". One of the big thoughts that's been circulating in my head is the whole idea of being a hack. I've had a couple heart-to-coal's with the CD here, discussing my worry of not hitting the ball out of the park on various projects, sometimes only hitting a foul tip (that gets caught by the catcher - I'm out, right?). Where's the "skill" that was oozing out of my fingertips and Bics in college? Where's the tenacity that got me this placement in the first place?
It's like things are falling apart, and the glue stick's just not cutting it anymore. Fucking Elmers. I've been doing my best over the last month not to let it get to me.
But circumstances aside, it's just too hard to run these days. I've been tackled and have done everything but scream "Uncle!". Whine, whine, bitch, moan, etc. and so on.
Ah, it'll be fine. Don't worry about ol' Steve. I'm sure I'll pull through. I usually find a way to sweep things under surfaces for a while and can plug on for a bit. That'll give me time to sew the white flag and start handing resumes out at Blockbuster.
Would you like to add a 2L bottle to your new release rental for just 99 cents?
Please?
1 comments
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Scrooge
Posted on
2007-Dec-16
at
01:10
For as long as I can remember, I've never really gotten hyped up about the holiday season. I get slightly claustrophobic among the sea of big and little spenders at the mall. I hate gingerbread cookies. Decorations irk the shit out of me (sometimes literally). I don't enjoy giving OR receiving. Maybe I'm just an asshole.
What's not helping this year is a multitude of factors. Lack of coin, lack of a solid job, lack of a social circle (well, there's a tiny one, and they're all awesome), and maybe even lack of snow. Don't get me wrong, I hate the white stuff (both kinds), but maybe it would help me get in the spirit slightly. Back home, they've gotten what I presume to be a couple good feet of it. Now, since I have poor circulation, I can't stay out long during tobogganing outings, but it'd be good to get a few good runs down.
What's also not helping are spirits around the office that is temporarily housing me. People are stressed. People are jealous that others are gone a week early to hit the beach. Critical paths don't let anyone enjoy the 12 days of Christmas. We're all becoming scrooges.
So, if you've been following along, especially lately, you'll notice the drinking has picked up on my end. Not necessarily a bad thing. I've never been a huge drinker, and it's nice to go out and socialize while downing some sweet, sweet IPA. But it burns a hole in my pocket and my whole Saturday at the same time. Maybe I should start milking the eyes I get from cougars at the bar and score some free pints (and nothing more).
Last night, during one of my groups outings, we hit this skeeze-yet-suave bar on the Island and I saw the CD that I interviewed with just under two weeks ago. Sort of surreal. I thought he dematerialized every evening. But of all the places to go, I don't know why he'd hit this place. Maybe he was like the manthers surrounding the dance floor and wanted to pounce on expecting cougs and naive young'uns. I wouldn't put any money on it.
The Christmas break is slowly approaching, and I've promised myself to be diligent and put together a few solid pieces and get a mailer of sorts ready (maybe revamp the portfolio site at the same time), and get ready for a January promotion session. Still looks like the agency I've spent so much time at isn't really looking to bring on another body, so I've just got to keep poking at the fire.
I still reek of booze and dance-related sweat, so I'm going to go light some candles, run a bath, and listen to some Annie Lennox.
Or Slayer.
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Really
Posted on
2007-Dec-11
at
03:58
Due to our lack of cable, I'm relented to watching Mad Men and Mad About You (kidding) on streaming sites like Sidereel and whatnot. My girlfriend watches the Hills on MTV.ca. My point to this is that she left her window open, and I read that the Hills is sponsored by CampaignForRealBeauty.ca - the Dove initiative.
Really?
Yeah, because the first thing I think of when I think about the Hills is real beauty.
Real, contrived, fake beauty.
Had too many drinks last night and it makes me shiver to think about it. Today's been a day of scribbling ideas and reading up on Neil French, something I should do more often because, you know, he's pretty smart.
Is everyone in the ad biz messed up? Like, medically, or mentally, or whatever? I've self-diagnosed myself with everything under the sun - but the doctor agreed with some of it, so I'm not completely crazy, I suppose. I've always danced around the idea of seeing a shrink, and it seems like a necessity if you're head-crazy and trying to make it in this industry.
The bottle is my psychiatrist for now. And I'll delay laying on a chaise lounge and pouting my problems for as long as possible. I'll talk to the people that know me best. It's their advice that matters most to me, anyway, not a degree on some schmuck's wall.
This Bic idea has been well-received by as many people as I've put it past, and I can't wait to slap some AD on it and post it up here for you folks to gripe at.
While shooting unnecessary shooters last night (the devil's drink... shudder) I thought of another campaign that I know so many would view as sexist and misogynist (word of the hour in today's day and age), but purses, high heels, and dresses need their place in alcohol advertising.
Porcelain, I'm coming back.
1 comments
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Cough
Posted on
2007-Dec-7
at
02:42
I've a feeling today (in about seven hours) will mark my last day for a while in the agency I've been freelancing at for the past month. There's just not enough work there at the moment for me to be kept occupied, and it doesn't look like getting hired on is an option. That's not a slight to my work, just the pockets of the agency in question.
Mixed feelings are in place. For one, the creative team I've been working with are all fantastic. They've taken my lack of experience in stride and are doing what they can to help get my head organized in this game. Not only has it been solid working with them in the confines of the shop, but they've been great pals in the process, taking me out and letting me fill my stomach with local ales in their company.
On the other hand, they're the only ones who seem to care. Not just about me, but the work that the shop is churning out. By no means am I slagging the work ethic of the other folks who enter and leave those doors everyday, but there's a passion with the creative team that I've yet to see in anyone else, and I can tell (and they've made it apparent) that it's a frustrating experience.
So do I really want to be there?
Well, for starters, you've got to start somewhere, right? I'd rather it be in a small shop like this where I can get my hands on a lot of different projects that will challenge me as opposed to a bigger agency that tosses me in a corner and chucks me brochure after brochure. Also, despite what I just said in the previous paragraph, the other members of the family are still really nice and have been pretty welcoming. But that has nothing to do with the work.
On the other hand, there's a bad stigma circulating the hallways. It seems like you've either got to play the game, or be played. It really is a dog eat dog world, and if you're not prepared to fight back, then you've got a long career ahead of yourself, well, working on brochure after brochure in a corner somewhere while other people get the respect and notoriety you deserve because they a) speak up and b) smooch big buttocks (and bollocks on occasion, too).
All I can do at this point is (you guessed it) keep plugging. If I have the next week off - great (well, for my book, not my bank account). I'll use it to my advantage, get work done, and send out a "hey, I'm still around and have been working hard for the past two months" email to shops again. What's better is now I've got a few more actual contacts I can utilize instead of cold calling.
I'll be sure to share ideas on here as soon as they're developed. I'm going back to the drawing board with Tide-To-Go, working on Dempsters, Bic, one or two charitable organizations (is that a good or bad thing having non-profits in your book?), and I'm even thinking about tackling something for Harry Rosen (why not? He could use the help.)
For now, though, fingers crossed that no matter what happens, it only helps my career along. Despite stigmas, I'm happy to be in this game and doing what I love. I like waking up in the morning and looking forward to heading into work, and here's to that feeling continuing for, oh, say the next 30 years.
Time for a Pizza Pop.
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Shotgun
Posted on
2007-Dec-5
at
01:29
I really need to make a habit of getting these blog entries in before I head to bed. Otherwise I'm left tossing and turning with these bastard thoughts that just won't relent. Getting them out in this provided text field probably won't help much, really, but it can't hurt.
Or can it?
Either way, I had a pretty exciting couple of days. I got an email yesterday morning from a shop had recently opened its doors in town was looking for a writer, and they'd like for me to forward a PDF of my book to them. Since I was at the office, I couldn't make that happen right away and let them know so (but forwarded the URL to my portfolio, along with my apologies for the lack of a PDF). Later in the afternoon, I got a call from this agency to set up a meeting with their well-respected CD. 8:30 am or 5:30 pm? Obvious choice.
So I put my little takeaway together and did my best not to get my hopes too high (but Jesus, in this case it was hard not to). Slept and woke up intermittently in disgustingly hot sweats and woke up at 7 and readied myself for what I consider to be one of the highlights thus far in my disgustingly short ad career.
It was kind of surreal, being brought through this office by this gent who had his shit more together than I think I ever will (but will bust my ass just to get close to that level, promise). Sat down, did the whole "what's your deal" back and forth, and received some feedback on my book. He turns to the first page in my book to see the Pepto ads I put together, and said he really enjoyed them. The fuck? Really? I mean, I like them, too, but I felt like Miss America for a second (You like me! You really like me!). But that's where the praises ended. Kind of.
But you know what, I didn't leave disheartened. I think if I were any younger or had any less experience than I already had in my back pocket, I may have been crushed. But I saw the validity in all of his critiques, took them with a smile, and plan to act on them. The fire was already lit, but he just turned up the butane a few notches, that's for sure.
Really nice guy, too.
The thing that I'm sort of getting worried about, and kind of hate discussing, is my age. So many people, both in and outside of the industry, talk about 23 being young and that I've got plenty of time to get to where I want to be. Not to be rude, but really - fuck that. I know where I want to be and want to get there asap. Sure, I'll enjoy the ride and the learning experience (you never stop learning, right?), but I don't want the fact that I'm 23 years old to hold me back. I know I'm going to go through dozens more iterations of my book (yes, dozens), but just because I'm young doesn't mean I want it or maybe even deserve it less than someone who's 26 or 27.
Saying "deserve" in this industry is bad news. I don't expect silver spoons. I just like to be recognized for effort and determination, is all, and don't worry - I plan on working hard to get to the level I've set out for myself. Handouts are for hacks.
To get back to what happened today, I left re-inspired. I sat doodling and coming up with ideas for the next little while, and will use whatever time I have off from this freelancing gig to slap together new campaigns (not one-off's) and keep pounding the pavement. It's great that my foot's been wedged in a few more doors and my name's slowly starting to circulate, but that don't put food on the table. Money doesn't make the world go round, but it helps keep a roof over my head and my bank account closer to that red line.
I've got to hand it to the people in my life that see what I'm going through. They put up with my obsessing and distress and excitement and all sorts of other emotions spliced from the spectrum. They might not understand the importance of meeting with someone of the magnitude that I met today, or what this agency means to this industry, but they can tell it means a lot to me, and that's what matters to them. And kudos, too, to the people within the industry that I've shared this with. Everyone's been nothing but supportive, and I feel pretty lucky to have that as opposed to haters and other assholes of that ilk.
So I feel a few feet further ahead than I was at 7am this morning, which is good. Like I've said time and time (and time and time and time) again - I've just got to keep busting my ass and getting ideas (and good ones, some bad sometimes, but more good would be preferable) on paper. This is my passion. I know it is. I'm not trying to convince myself of it. I can't describe how excited I am just to be a small, miniscule part of it at this point and can't wait for more.
Cannnn't wait.
But I will.
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Pour
Posted on
2007-Dec-3
at
01:25
I wish I could blame the rain for keeping me up at this time of night. I wish I could easily close my eyes and wake up all nice and refreshed come my 7am alarm call. I wish I could hit the 'tab' key twice to start this entry after entering my clever one-word title.
Lots of things going on in my head at this point in time. Not 1:27 am specifically, but you get my drift. Many of which should and will remain unpublished in such a public forum. Lots have nothing to do with advertising and more with finding my own direction and identity and a whole lot of things I didn't think I'd be dealing with so much of at the age of 23.
Stop laughing, I know I'm still young and have years of this nonsense to go yet.
But to relate this back to the ad world, a big thing in this industry, with writer's particularly, is finding your own voice. Even after writing for as many years as I have been, and believe me, I started abnormally young, I'm still finding little niches and crannies to cradle myself in while I try to assert myself in both verbal and non-verbal manners. It all has to do with my surroundings. Could have to do with the fact I just watched 'Lock, Stock' for the twelfth time, could be that I listened to a lot of sad bastard music this weekend (with female lead vocals, no less), could be that I've been eating an absurd amount of Pizza Hut (gross).
Who knows where inspiration really comes from, but I'm glad it's around, otherwise I think I'd be an empty well. But back to the original topic, how does one really find their own voice, especially in advertising? Is that the work that wins awards? When the creative team truly puts themselves into a piece? Or does it win awards and sell product because they're just finally effectively communicating the USP in a creative manner that hasn't quite been unearthed yet?
I'm being excessively wordy. My apologies.
The goal in advertising, or at least what I've conjured up in my own fucked up head, is to sell products and do so by whatever means necessary, not to promote your own ideals and creative methodologies. When I sit to put together ridiculous menu copy, I'm not thinking about how I would write the novel that I've always wanted to (or at least collection of essays, but nothing like the tripe that Klosterman compiles for a paycheque). I'm thinking about the 34 year old man that's taking his young family out for dinner and trying to ween as much coin that he can't afford out of his pocket so the company benefits and so they come back to the agency with positive results so we can all keep working.
If I truly knew what a catch 22 meant, I'd expect that to apply here. I'll eventually look that up. Fuck, I even own the book - I guess it's just for show.
Can people submersed in this game look at the print ad or a 30 second spot and say who specifically put it together? Well, with Rethink, we all know how easy that is (hi, Mr. Staples), but I'm talking about the less obvious ones. In college, I found it was pretty easy to attribute a piece to its author, but the ad industry's a bit bigger of an aquarium to drift that net through. I don't expect one day that someone'll rip out a page from Mclean's because it's a St. Pierre ad. My ego would love the stroke, but let's be honest here.
So is it important to have your own voice, or just to do a good job at selling? Or really, are the better players in this game the ones who combine those two best?
Sorry for running my own post in circles. Just imagine how people close to me feel these days.
Time to finish Klosterman IV.
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Muffin
Posted on
2007-Dec-1
at
02:20
Agency Tart initially pointed me toward this spot, but something reeking with this much gold wouldn't have gone unnoticed for that long. The gent's initial reaction to her query is what reels me in completely, but even more, I can't remember the last time I've wanted lifesavers so badly.
What a way to end the day.
Oh, muffin top.
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Thanks
Posted on
2007-Nov-30
at
07:58
That little message helped brighten my day, thanks Rebecca.
Here's my review of last week's Lotus Awards. Take it as you will. And remember: I'm an outsider looking in (not for much longer, hopefully). This'll show up sooner or later on ihaveanidea's main site, methinks.
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Maybe I’m jealous of the Magnum P.I.-wannabe’s that littered the Westin Bayshore’s ballroom at the 18th annual Lotus Awards, but I just wish more focus was put on the evolving advertising trends than their choice of burgeoning growth on their stiff upper lips. Nevertheless, there were some winners that stuck out past the fledging facial fashions, and they were the ones who the Publicis Vancouver-developed “Get in and get noticed” theme were directed toward.
Thankfully the décor found in the Westin’s ballroom was slightly more charming than the top-lip thatches. Crisp white tabletops, spotlights glowing with gold, and a backdrop of the cardboard cut-out styled hands found on all of this year’s Lotus materials did their job well of setting the stage for an interesting evening. I just wish the salmon followed suit.
Presented every year by the Advertising Agency Association of BC, the Lotus Awards are a night where BC’s communication industry and convene and rifle through the memorable creative work from the past year. Chair of this year’s awards and the VP and managing director or Publicis Vancouver, Brett Macintosh, started the night noting the growing struggle to reach out to the consumer and the need to be more creative than ever before. While some of the work embodied that sentiment, it seemed like many in attendance thought otherwise.
In front of nearly 1,000 industry professionals, event MC Stephen Tobolosky, known for his “What’s his face” status for roles in (ahem) classics like Freddy Got Fingered, The Glimmer Man, and most recently as “Bob” in TV’s Heroes, reeled everyone in and got things rolling with a stringy speech on the topic of getting noticed. Pretty engaging fellow, but he was kind enough to share the stage and spotlight, with the usual suspects in BC’s ad scene.
This being my first time attending the Lotus Awards, I was expecting a bit more variety in those walking away with the hardware. That’s not to say in most cases the winning’s weren’t warranted, but I could see the motivation levels of other shops go down quicker than glasses of wine while DDB and Rethink employees were close to playing games of rock, paper, scissors to see who should go up to accept their next award. Both shops made strong showings, along with ostensible fan-favourite TBWA\Vancouver who ousted Rethink’s two-year run for “Best of Show” with their work for Vancity that included both traditional and non-traditional elements, such as a bike sharing experiment and wild postings.
While many in attendance stayed stationary for the duration of the event, it was still a celebration of some talented handiwork. With their Vancity pieces also picking up “Best Multi-Media campaign”, TBWA also made off with the “Best TV (>:30) single” and “Best TV (>:30) campaign” for their craftiness for the Vancouver International Film Festival. Rethink’s work for Playland gave Creative Director Ian Grais a solid walking workout with its usual handful of Lotus’, same with their pieces for Bare Wetsuits.
There were some other notable moments, but this time for the little guy. Smaller shops like SmashLab and Hangar18 Creative Group got their moments to shine, the former for it’s inspiring work for Design Can Change winning the Lotus in the “Best Interactive Miscellaneous” category. Hangar 18 was the recipient of the award for “Best Brochure and Catalogue” featuring clever pieces for Unsource Canada. Other underdog winners included Wasserman + Partners, Identica, and Involver Interactive. It was nice to see at least a little diversity in the winner’s circle.
The night also included a heart-stirring tribute to fallen Vancouver creative James Lee. The James Lee foundation received a donation from the Advertising Association of BC that will honour the man’s memory with a scholarship being awarded to a post-secondary student who embodies the hardworking creative’s ideals. It was a great moment in the night, enough to make even the moustaches turn up slightly in a smile.
Once “Best of Show” was announced, all in attendance could finally scratch their itch and get out to the bars and out-of-place mini-burger platters waiting outside the ballroom. The area became jammed with creatives and suits alike lamenting about the lack of a mixed bag of winners. In talks regarding the work from the common players, the phrase “middle of the road” came up more than once.
As a young creative being somewhat perplexed by the reactions (I kind of liked the puking Playland plushies, among others), I can only hope that this is a sign that more shops will be turning their creative notches to 11. Vancouver is undoubtedly on the cusp of something pretty big, and here’s to the smaller shops pulling out all the stops and making bigger waves to push the industry on the West Coast to its limits. That is, of course, if the judges have the nether-regions necessary to choose the best work, not the biggest name. Time will tell.
Spirits, both figurative and literal, were gradually raised over the next few hours as industry talk gave way to the notion of having a good time. Business cards slowly disappeared from handshakes, beers replaced bad feelings, and it was nice to see friendly faces emerge from the Westin, ready to take on the awaiting after party at Vancouver’s Ginger62.
My kudos and high fives go out to the team at Publicis Vancouver for putting on a great event that, unfortunately, more got into than got noticed. All in all, the night left me looking forward to the caliber of work that’ll show up at next year’s event, and for me attending without the “press” tag I had this year. But those moustaches – let’s hope they decide to stay home.
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