Nothing to Fear
If I have learned one thing over the past few months, it’s that seeking advice from creative directors, or anyone else in the advertising industry, is not NEARLY as terrifying as I imagined it being. More recently, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Mo Solomon (at Blackjet in Toronto) and Rob Schlyecher (at Spring in Vancouver). Both occasions were job interviews, but it didn’t feel that way at all. It’s become more clear to me that creative directors don’t hire just because you have good work; they are testing YOU. In a nut shell, if you have a personality similar to dust, you’re not going to have a good interview. Half the time I was talking with Rob and Mo, I forgot I was there to get a job. I probably spent a good ten minutes gushing about my dodgeball league to Mo (who was either very interested, or is a stellar liar).
What’s amazing about getting into advertising is that a CD has the chance to see more than your work, and fall in professional love with you, and the same goes when we see past their title (they actually DON’T have scales or breathe fire). To young creatives applying for work, or just trying to reach out for advice: do it! And don’t send a generic email while you’re at it. Make them want to take time out of their crazy schedules to have a conversation with you. The more interesting you make yourself seem off the bat, the more you’ll have to talk about. There’s nothing like getting feedback by someone who’s been living and breathing advertising for years.
P.S. Rob and Mo are both AMAZING professionals who I felt truly lucky to meet, and they’re extremely welcoming toward young talent. Even though they’re never going to read this- thank you both!
