ten challenges of a creative career

when it comes to the world of advertising, there is so much to be grateful for: Blendtec’s: “Will it Blend?,” Volkswagen’s The Force, and, of course, the Old Spice Guy. but the industry has its issues just like any other. so while many were enjoying the mingling and merriment of The Copy Lab’s launch party last week, i ventured into the crowd to get the inside scoop on what ails the average creative.

yes, call me “debbie downer,” but after surveying guests of all ages and experience levels for the majority of the evening, i was very pleased with a roundup of results that i believe honestly reflect a broad spectrum of areas in which many struggle. some had to think long and hard, while others jumped right in, venting fervently about problems they were currently facing. maybe you can also identify with these ten issues:

1. developing a thick skin and a good sense of humor to combat negativity and criticism
2. spending more time in meetings than you have to actually get work done
3. getting enough work as a freelancer to support yourself in such a competitive industry
4. trying to maintain your own voice and sense of style
5. having your work “revised” by clients or CDs to the point where you don’t even recognize it anymore
6. dealing successfully with the creative egos of coworkers in order to produce great work
7. there’s less time to do great work because clients are not paying as much as they used to but still want great work even more quickly
8. determining what to put in your book so it actually reflects your style and not just work clients force you to do
9. trying to keep up with innovations in portfolio appearance (i.e. digital vs. keeping a physical book)
10. women can be very catty and competitive with other women, making it difficult to find support, encouragement and guidance when trying to make career moves

do you see anything missing that should be added to this list? we’d love your feedback. stay tuned for future posts full of tips to help you overcome these challenges, which will hopefully lead to improved work, a better environment and an overall happier career.

by
kendria smith

for more information on our membership and events, visit The Copy Lab.

jenna explains it all: advice for advertising creatives

jenna livingston

jenna livingston, award-winning senior copywriter at R/GA and purveyor of creative prowess and recreational mayhem (did you miss out on “Gosling Easter?” Google it!), took some time out on wednesday night to celebrate our official launch.

in typical fashion, jenna charmed our guests with her warmth, ease and sense of humor as she shared the story of her career and some insightful tips for creatives—check  them out below and sign up now to secure your spot in her october 24^th alternative advertising workshop, where you’ll get a glimpse of her eclectic portfolio and the inner workings of an experiential campaign. sign up now and bring your burning questions: www.thecopylabnyc.com/Events

jenna’s ten tips:

1. 10% on your 401k.
2. try not to burn bridges. you don’t know where people will end up and your enemy could end up being your boss.
3. the more people you know, the more chances you have of hearing about job opportunities and or even getting some freelance work.
4. go to ad parties and make friends with reps and have them take you out. you’ll network, meet important people and maybe even find a boyfriend or girlfriend.
5. find a mentor or two you like and respect. someone you feel comfortable showing work to and can give you advice on how to better your book.
6. go on job interviews in other cities even if you aren’t interested. you’ll meet people and keep in touch until you are ready to move, and they move somewhere you want to work
7. try people out – it’s ok to pay people to do work for you. from writing copy to making an app, you’ll get a feel for if you like working with someone and get something good out of it for your work.
8. do side projects. always keep your book fresh – especially if the work you’re doing at your agency isn’t portfolio-worthy. always good to have something in your back pocket.
9. keep in touch with people. build relationships.
10. join The Copy Lab. network. build your book. build your skills. build your career!

by
kendria smith

for more information on our membership and events, visit The Copy Lab.

The Copy Lab cocktail

for those of you who enjoyed a glass or…three (shhhh!) of our custom cocktail last night, our host cadi storm was kind enough to share the recipe for her delicious creation:

the brainstorm

• Jose Cuervo Tradicional Silver
• guava reduction
• pineapple juice
• orange juice
• fresh lime juice
• dry cajun seasoning
• sea salt
• cayenne pepper
• ice

combine cayenne pepper, cajun seasoning, and salt in a bowl. dip rim of glasses in fresh lime juice, press into salt mixture and fill glasses with ice.

in a blender, combine equal parts guava reduction, orange juice, pineapple juice, tequila and a splash of lime juice to taste. pour into glasses and serve.

cheers!

ps- big thanks to nick ceglia for coming up with a brilliant name for our drink!

for more information on our membership and events, visit The Copy Lab.

The Copy Lab launch video

thanks to all who came out to celebrate our official launch last night! it was a blast and there’s much more to come. keep your calendars clear for our first workshop: alternative advertising with jenna livingston on october 24.

for more information on our membership and events, visit The Copy Lab.

launching your copy career

kelley granger

when i swapped an editorial career for one in copy, there were so many things i didn’t know–what does an attractive portfolio look like? how does SEO work? what’s an effective subject line made of? how do i make a “voice?” from simple to complex, the list was diverse and endless.

since i was no longer a student and already out in the working world, i felt like i had no place to pose these questions. having an outlet for answers–for all the things i wanted to know then, and the things i still want to know now–was one of the driving forces behind the creation of The Copy Lab.

each event on our calendar was inspired either by a copy conundrum i’ve faced or questions raised by kim and her students throughout her experiences teaching and writing. (we’re open to any and all topic suggestions, too.) plus, each one has a built-in networking element so you can pump up your contacts and future job opportunities.

we want this to be a forum for discovery, friendship and learning, a place to bring your passion and leave even more excited, with a notebook full of inspiring ideas and the email address of a new connection. meet with us regularly, recognize faces, become friends, make connections, link each other to jobs, inspire better work…the potential is limitless.

i hope you’ll join us in the experiment and come toast creativity and community at our launch party october 3rd!

see you then!

kelley granger
co-founder, The Copy Lab

for more information on our membership and events, visit The Copy Lab.