Here’s a wrap-up of the last 5 of my student, grad and junior tips.
There’s quite a few of these now, 20 in fact, scroll back through my blog to see some of the older ones.
And if you think any, or all, are helpful then feel free to pass on the links.
Tip 16 // Read these books
If you’re tired of reading my advice or just think it’s rubbish then firstly get stuffed, secondly try these books instead.
They are both brilliant. Real primers about how to have ideas.
I’d go as far as saying essential reading for young creatives.
// Hey Whipple Squeeze This by Luke Sullivan
// Cutting Edge Advertising by Jim Aitchison
I’ve read both a few times through my career as a mini refresh.
Tip 17 // Have an opinion
Creatives need loads of drive and passion.
Agencies want people who use that energy to push against barriers and expectations.
It’s what helps you find and grab new angles or ideas.
So show that you have opinions.
Stay informed on the industry, recent work, culture, trends and technology.
And don’t just go with the crowd, think about and form your own view.
Avoid being pig-headed though, it’s not about being right, it’s about seeing and discussing.
Tip 18 // Show your best self
A question I often get asked by juniors is…
‘Does everything in my book need to be real?’.
Your book should show you at your best.
Not the best that you’ve been able to do on the briefs you’ve had.
With live jobs there’s a lot to factor in. Other people’s views, budget or production considerations and even the level of work you get more of as a junior.
So for me, no, junior’s books don’t have to be real.
If you’ve got real stuff that’s great stick it in. If not don’t.
Tip 19 // Never stop learning
I’ve been working in advertising for 25 years. And the industry has changed significantly at least 3 times over that period.
Macs replaced pen and paper, digital advertising came in, then social and content. And now AI.
Change happens quick.
You have to keep up with it, seeing each new channel or piece of tech as an opportunity,
How can you use it to make you and your work better?
Don’t get left behind. Keep adding skills. And show them off in your book.
Tip 20 // Be in the right place
After graduating I’d travel to different cities.
And once there do as many crits as possible.
On one trip I’d already had 12, over a few days, but there was still a few hours before my train home.
So after a few more calls I got one more crit in.
A few months later that last agency rang me to see if I wanted a job.
Finding work is about being in the right place at the right time. But you put yourself into that place.
