A Great Story...

Storytelling is the purest form of advertising. @Hawes and TBWA-Vancouver have produced a spell-binding video that is the giant "kick in the ass" we need as a society. Great stuff.

Just a Great Ad...

When I saw the Tropicana ad online, I immediately passed it around to my colleagues. This is the kind of award-winning, innovative stuff that brings people together and reinvigorates them about the industry.


To Tim Welsh and the creative masterminds behind it at BBDO - Toronto...a job well done.

What's your story?

The road to an agency career can be a long, tedious, soul-searching experience...that or shit luck gets you a great gig. Regardless, the moments that have widdled me down to nothing, or shook me to the bone with anger; my rhino like skin, is now taking form. Tough and unrelenting, I am looking to not step gingerly through a door and into the epicenter of my agency of choice. I want to barrel into the door, smashing it to pieces and show my true desire to not only fit in, but to stand out and become a leader for younger versions of myself.

Throughout my own "Pursuit of Happiness" I have had those moments that right the ship; bring you back to the fearless and unrelenting candidate agencies look for and turn the spirit train 180 degrees. After days and months of non-contact with any industry character, these moments make the search more meaningful.

One of those moments came via a twisted, demented individual, who has made this journey a humbling, joyous and valuable experience. "What's your story? Everyone has one. Find yours and make it awesomelicious." I found my story. It captures my passion, drive and unruly willingness to jump into the deep-end with no water wings. It became my introductory piece.

The response was uncanny. Busy people - people who should care less about a wannabe adman trying to break-in at the industry's most inopportune time - were answering me and sharing the stories they found about themselves.

I met, shared and never expected anything other than a conversation. An offer would have been nice. But let's face it, being able to pick the brain of an agency [insert title here] and having top of mind awareness was a big victory on a small scale.

Another came a few days back. An agency - one I had recently sent my story to - was blogging about the mishmash of people that lurk in the shadows; waiting to send their un-edited, poorly worded attempts to secure the interest as the best possible candidate. Reading was not these prospects forte. That's my For...you can complete that.

I commented on the blog, with a 'thank-you' to the agency. For saving me the humiliation of re-reading what I had passed along. They responded back immediately. Stating my story had been one of the better ones they read. The goosebumps returned.

Finally, the point of all this...find your story. Whatever industry you chose: what's the moment in your life, that made you realize this was your destiny? Find it to pass along, or find it for your own self-enjoyment.

By finding this story, you can create an even greater ending.By finding this story, you can create an even greater ending.

Why Advertising...

The age old question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" is something we all are asked. How we answer is the difference between you and I. Whether it be a somewhat fictional answer of an astronaut (Buzz, Neil - kudos), or the more realistic answer of a fireman or police officer. All are achievable depending on the qualities one aggregates throughout their early years.


So what did I want to be? I had no idea; so I rephrased the question, what didn't I want to be. I knew I didn't want to be, an IBM drone - depicted in Apple's epic 1984 commercial. I didn't want to come and go, with no impression; no footprint (reputation not carbon). I didn't want to be stuck.


I wanted to work for great brands, on great projects with great people. So what better industry, than advertising. Do I know anything about advertising? Not really. Does anyone? Not entirely.


Here's what I do know. Advertising is one of the most lusted after industry. It's not always sexy; it's rarely glamorous; however, it's defining. Which makes it lust worthy. Although, only the strong survive. I am trying to become one of the strong ones. I read articles, follow agencies on Twitter, read blogs...do everything possible to give me an edge on my competition. I care, but is that enough? I believe it will be.


So back to the question of "What I want to be when I grow up" The short answer is sleep deprived, underpaid (to start) and overworked. I can say with confidence and a coy smile, that is exactly what I want.


How many people would answer that...