The Drunk Women on the Subway

On one late night adventure to Chinatown, a few peers and I found ourselves conversing with two women, who admittedly had been out for more than a few drinks after work, about their lives in New York City. Further into the conversation one of them mentions she works at a small ad agency. Of course that sparked many questions for us about how she liked living and working in the city as we explained we were on a trip with our advertising program. She was - more than - happy to go on and on about how much she loved her job and living in New York City. As we got off at our stop she wished us all the best. Never did I think I would make a - connection -  at 1am on the 1, but that’s show biz baby. 

Annika Minges 5/13 

An Interesting Development

Only some pun intended. On Thursday of the trip, a small group of creatives, strategist and account managers visited Interesting Development, formerly Office of Baby. Not only were they gracious enough to feed us pizza, they took more than an hour to share their insights and experiences from the advertising industry. The unique part about this visit in particular was that it felt like a conversation, not an informational session. They took the time to answer with advice rather than information. Towards the end their Creative Director told us “you’re going to get hired by someone who would want to grab a beer with you, be a human first.” Now that was an interesting development. 

Annika Minges 5.13

Ducks and the Flock

I had no idea how far the Duck Network extended. When we were sitting at Rokkan and almost every employee in the room was an alumni, I realized how lucky we all are to be entering that network. The Flock is another invaluable resource. My first time on the Facebook page was quite a shock. Everyone’s willingness to help other women is inspiring and comforting. It’s nice to know there’s a UO network waiting even after we graduate.

Kim Peoples, 3|16|2019

Rokkan

Stepping into the office, I wasn’t sure of what to expect. It’s a rather plain looking office with regular ol’ conference rooms and regular ol’ desks, but they are anything but a regular ol’ agency. Their work goes beyond what I ever thought was possible. Speaking to Matthew and Chams was such a uniquely insightful experience. They were eager to answer our questions and share their process with us. It was such a privilege to experience Rokkan.

Kim Peoples, 3|16|2019

Remember…

1. Asking for help is okay, and even encouraged. As someone who wants to be able to do everything themselves, I have found the ability to ask for help difficult but essential in being a better creative.

2. This isn’t a traditional job. You will not be there 9-to-5. There is not one way to do anything. Think outside the box.

3. Inspiration strikes from everywhere, sometimes stepping away is what it takes. The best things in life happen unexpectedly.

Kim Peoples, 3|16|2019

TBWA

Being welcomed in with “Hello, Future CEOs” was the dream. If I didn’t love Chiat/Day before, Doug Melville made me love it even more. While I appreciate seeing the creative process behind work done at an agency, getting advice on how to be a better person and professional meant a whole lot more. Not only is Doug so inspirational, he also seems like a genuinely good person to work with. He gave a great impression of what working at Chiat/Day is like without even showing their work. How many people can do that?

Kim Peoples, 3|16|2019

DUGGAL VISUAL SOLUTIONS

 TIP FOR VISIONARIES:

Just because your client/ business partner doesn’t agree with your initial design, remember that you haven’t failed…. you’ve just made another trophy for the shelf. 

Elexus Greene / Lady PiCassa 

Post-New York trip goals

Our trip to New York really opened my eyes about the possibilities within the advertising industry. Speaking with professionals, including recent Duck graduates, also gave me insight about the steps I need to take in order to get to where I want to be. As a junior, I have the great benefit of having a whole year to work hard and set myself up for success once I graduate. Here are a few of my new goals I’ve established for myself since returning from New York:

1. Keep working and updating my portfolio.

This is a given. Generally I update my portfolio after each term, but we all know how much of a pain this process is. Although I know how important it is to really spend time on improving my book, speaking with professionals in New York gave me the reminder and motivation I needed to really drive this point home. Your portfolio is what gets your foot in the door, and it would be a disservice to all of the hard work if it is not shown off in your book.

2. Continue building relationships with peers and industry professionals.

I am not a very outgoing person. It is often difficult for me to reach out to others, especially at “networking” events. However, in this industry, everyone knows someone who will help you out at some point or another. Being at Oregon gives me the advantage of connecting with my current amazing and talented peers, and also the ability to connect with our successful Duck alumni.

3. Save $$$

As I mentioned in my previous blog posts, I’ve got my eye set on New York post graduation. I think it would be a great opportunity to experience living in New York, but the reality is that it can be expensive. To help ease the financial burden I’ll face in the future, my goal is to start saving money here and there whenever I can. Hopefully my future self will thank me when it’s time to pay the New York rent. 

Kelly Kondo, 05.13.2019, #5

Remember to…

1. Believe in yourself.

2. Manage your own career.

3. Learn how to set people’s expectations.

4. Be a good communicator.

5. Stop comparing yourself. 

6. Don’t forget to have fun.

7. Experience = failure. Growth = value.

8. Ask yourself, “Why?”

9. Do the damn thing. 

Miranda Bass - May 13th, 2019