Human Troofs
‘Human Truths’ has become a part of our vocabulary and essential to creating great campaigns. So each day I wrote a human truth that reflected that day’s activities and interactions and I hope to continue writing them everyday. Also so one day when I’m working on an account I can pull out my old little black book and say “I have the truth!”
Monday : People like to bond over negative things. “I have too much homework” “I’m so hungover”.
Tuesday : Most people think they’re creative but hate to prove it.
Wednesday : People like talking about themselves.
Thursday : Human truths are normally cliche.
Friday : People care about at least two or more things.
Saturday : People will eventually get tired of doing the things they love. (aka sorry NY but goodbye).
Best, Tylynn Burns.
The NY Aesthetic
From neon signs to art quote installations, this has become a common theme amongst the hundreds of the SOJC’s advertising students’ Instagrams. To be an industry where we promote creative individuality, in some shape or form we have conformed to a certain “aesthetic” that goes against one of our top core values. From all black attire to white walls with green leaves to coffee cups in front of clever quotes, we have lost our sense of self in my opinion. We have been taught that collaboration is key but in times with high tensions surrounding job hunts and nearing towards graduation, competition can get the best of us. And instead of building upon our own unique craft, we take from others to better theirs and then claim it as our own.
But I do believe that our time in New York gave us an opportunity to appreciate who we are as creative thinkers and to recognize that we will all have different paths to success. Now whether you took advantage of that opportunity or not is another discussion, but being who we are I am sure you all did, and I know I did. We can’t mirror our successes with our classmates or even alumni. We are all going to succeed no matter what if you uphold that mindset. So to those still awaiting jobs, or those who wish you could swap internships with your friends, (even though I’m not that important) I look up to all of you, and I am so proud to be a part of a community where I’m constantly learning from those around me. So with that being said f*ck an aesthetic!! Stop conforming and live lifeeee, let advertising be a flourishing career, not a lifestyle.
Best, Tylynn Burns.
Dope Environment + Genuine People = Great work
This is a simple equation I’ve derived from my week in New York.
Whether it was 72andSunny’s waterfront view of Manhattan or Wieden + Kennedy’s open gym (+ open bar), I was enamored by the tasteful design of each agency’s office layout. Surroundings are integral to the creative process (i.m.o.), so it was really cool to see the unique architecture that each spot had to offer.
You know what they always say- who you’re with is always more important than what you’re surrounded by. Is that even a saying? Either way I found it to be true for each agency.
Every -and I mean every- person that spoke to our group was genuine, selfless, and nice. It’s no coincidence that they are where they are because of this.
When these types of people work together in environments that stimulate creative thinking, big ideas are on the horizon.
Nate Richards | 5.14.2017
BE HUMBLE (kendrick voice)
Passion. Effort. And Talent. This week I was told by a friend that “He is who is humble shall be praised and he who is praised shall be humbled”. This quote really sparked a conversation with myself and I began to ask myself how people within the industry stay humble even though they are making materials that affect millions of people and that millions of people are watching. They have the power to shift culture, whether its in a positive or negative way; the power is in their hands. With this question constantly in my head, I began to ask professionals in the industry and asked them the question “How do you stay humble and motivated?” I received a range of answers from “IDK I just do naturally” to “I don’t! I want to move out of the industry and try something new.” In the middle of those two answers, I think the most powerful and beneficial answer I received was “Passion and effort override talent. Yes, there are talented people everywhere but if advertising isn’t your passion and you don’t give 100% effort everyday then why are you in this industry. We have the power to shift culture and make change! That should be your motivation to stay motivated and humble. People look to you for solutions to their problems. BE HUMBLE (Kendrick voice)”
Two Up,
Zach Cross
INSPO
Inspiration can come from anywhere. There is not one exact place where someone can be inspired. Different people are inspired in different ways. Some are inspired through music and sports while others are inspired by walking through Times Square. Same goes with creativity! Creativity is sparked from all facets of life. Sleeping, eating, hiking, sports etc. Don’t be afraid to be creative and don’t fear being inspired by other people. Be inspired while being inspiring. INSPIRATION
I: INDIVIDUAL
N: NETWORK
S: SPARK
P: PARTICIPATION
I: INNOVATION
R: REALIZATION
A: ATTITUDE
T: TOUGH
I: IMPACT
O: OPINION
N: NO
TWO UP
ZACH CROSS
In and of itself, advertising is a service industry. The work, the clients, the agencies; it’s all about the people. It’s about creating content that makes brands and people better and refined.
After spending time in one of the most inspirational cities in the world, and talking with some of the most talented people within the industry, I’ve come to learn that inspiration doesn’t necessarily come from place, but from the people that you choose to surround yourself with. The long lasting network that the SOJC provides, and the friendships that I’ve created within the past two years are what makes me excited to be entering the advertising industry. The talent and growth that I’ve seen from some of my colleagues this week is what motivates me to create my best work. The people are what make doing this crazy thing that we call “advertising” completely worth it.
-kevin camacho
05.14.17
Things Learned
New York is all about efficiency, which as a type A (ish) person, I’ve come to deeply appreciate.
Advertising is a world of people who collaborate, and I think that’s frickin’ awesome.
New Yorkers have a thing for cold brew coffee and pressed juice that costs about as much as my current net worth.
Okay yeah, I’m undeniably a type A person, but I enjoy a street hot dog.
Empathy produces great work.
I found my twin flame in Brooklyn, and it was a two-year-old dog.
The 911 memorials are a reminder to live with love.
Invest in comfortable shoes, and they’ll invest in you.
I will be back very soon.
Mary Beth Carroll
Just a reminder. We all just spent a week together, a week that we’ll remember. Maybe your career was jumpstarted. Maybe you found the friend that will forever play a role in your life. Maybe you met the person who will be responsible for your first job or your second or the best part of your career. Maybe you fell in love with a place or a bench or a window or the view from above. Maybe you saw a piece of art or witnessed some humanity that changed you. Maybe you understood how to be a mentor. Maybe you figured out what you were meant to do. Maybe you saw Nick Offerman. Maybe you realized your ideas had merit and meaning. Maybe your hunch about how things happen was made real. Maybe you found out the west coast is where you are meant to be. Maybe you got the message about investment. Maybe you saw the network come alive. Maybe you fell upon a bigger question or a new perspective or saw the process work. Maybe you fell in love.
Whatever.
It was a week, a good one. That’s life. Onward to making more good weeks.
Deb Morrison
05.14.2017
The Power of Empathy
While at BBDO, the need for empathy in the advertising world sparked discussion during Q and A.
Because empathy is rooted in understand another person through human connection, it’s for a long time been associated with healthy relationships.
Yet, why is it important?
In regards to the inner workings of a large agency, Cody, an account manager at BBDO, said “it’s all about personalities at the end of the day.”
He argued empathy helps cohesion and leaves people feeling confident and understood.
When an agency values empathy to this extent, it translates in their work and connects with audiences on a human level. In this sense, empathy is pivotal to producing smart, thoughtful work.
It was a meaningful answer to a simple question that made me realize BBDO, as well as many other agencies, are creating important work.
With that said, since human emotion is as complex as city planning in NY, bellow is an 11/10 resource to explain what empathy is and how it’s different from sympathy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Evwgu369Jw
Mary Beth Carroll
Realistic vs Idealistic
Coming on this trip always brings such a great experience and amazing memories. However, I often find myself contemplating the reality that we were visiting versus actually living in New York. Maybe that was a benefit and maybe that was a curse.
I think we all get caught up in the new, exciting scenery and buildings that sometimes it is difficult to understand what the difference is when moving out to NYC. I would love to live there, personally, but I couldn’t just jump at whatever opportunity in NYC without realizing there are factors to take into consideration. Cost of living, where to live, taxes, selling thins back home, moving 3,000 miles, etc. Those are all factors that need to be accounted for before making the move.
A professional was there to help me out though. And man, was I grateful. Matt Sorenson, a graduate from last year, gave me some advice on living on the city.
1.) Ask for relocating help. They will give it to you.
2.) You can save, just be smart with money.
3.) Know your budget and oblige to it. It can be easy to get caught up in the city.
4.) Ask yourself if this is really for you, because for some, it isn’t.
I think this is practical advice where you can apply it to decisions revolving around moving to any city and goes back to not jumping at the first job that calls you. Be smart, do your research, and really consider all the factors besides the glitz and glamour that come with NYC.
I do have to say, this was an amazing trip and I am so excited to have built a crazy network across different agencies and professions. Thank you again to those who made this possible. While my bank account is not too happy with my spending in the city, my heart is full.
James McAndrew