5-7
Goals for the trip: To take the observations and nuggets of information from last years trip and put them into action.
Recap last year this time I was able to finally see what the advertising industry was really about and feel out how exactly I could fit myself into its playground. Thankfully, I was able to actively listen and feel out the state of the industry and determine what I believed I could ultimately bring to the table, with a considerable amount of work of course. There were loads of things I didn’t know or understand about the “process” and successful work. I had 1 year to whip myself into shape and take all of the information given and build a wealth of knowledge and perspective, I had to ask sharper questions, READ more, and do. This year I headed to New York with new eyes and more greater sense of purpose, a sense of confidence and belonging in the industry. We began with Wieden and Kennedy NY and I thought it inspiring how they iterated their thoughts on a healthy disrespect for advertising and this edgy no rules mentality. A bit confusing, but I understood, don’t limit yourself and assume there is one formula for successful work there are many so play with them. I wished there was time for individual Q and A, but that’s a warm invitation on LinkedIn can’t fix. Go Team.
-t
5 Bits of Wisdom
1.) You can be relevant as hell and boring as fuck
2.) Don’t tell them it’s important, show them why it’s important
3.) Be willing to get your hands dirty
4.) Being a digital agency does not mean you only do social media work. Brick and mortar stores have digital elements.
5.) What you see around in the world is just as important as the data you read on a computer screen. Data isn’t just numbers, it’s the stories behind it.
Thomas Rice 5/16/18
Get inspired outside of this industry
There is such incredible work being created day in day out and it’s important to always explore your curiosity and find other things that interest you. If all you do is watch other ads/branded content, the work is just going to become washed out after a while and originality will fade away… WHICH, is something that millennials are looking for in brands as they can sense the BS pretty easily… But also, make sure you’re keeping up with the ad industry and the work because there’s some amazing and purposeful work being created.
Visiting Red Paper Heart has inspired me of the work I want to create… Maybe not interactive installations (that would be dope), but work that has the ability to be branded, yet makes someone stop what they’re doing and just smile.
Your work has the ability to bring joy to peoples lives… That’s pretty amazing and can really create connections between people and brands.
-Matt Palma
five lessons
1. My personal favorite, YOU’RE NEVER STUCK. Just because you start off at an agency as a media planner or account manager, it doesn’t mean you can’t change your path down the line. We met so many professionals this week that majored in anthropology, psychology, econ, etc. and they somehow ended up working in advertising. Why? Because they didn’t think they had to limit themselves just because of a title or what was written on their diploma. So always remember, you’re never stuck. Go down different paths, nothing is permanent.
2. We’re only human. I get so scared when I interview or talk to professionals in the industry, but this trip really taught me that the person you’re approaching is only human too. They aren’t someone to be afraid of. Most of them have been in the same spot you’re in right now. So ask questions, be confident in yourself, and most importantly, be yourself. They can tell if you aren’t.
3. You’re not going to want to work everywhere and that’s okay. Now is the perfect time to figure out what you want and don’t want in your future workplace. I learned that I prefer the environment in a smaller agency. I also prefer places that encourage a good work-life balance. I’m all about putting in the time to create great work, but I believe taking care of myself is important too.
4. You have more in common with your peers than you think. I met so many people on this trip that happened to be from the same area as me, liked the same music, and wanted to do similar things post grad. Deb talks so much about how this network is going to be important because these are the people you could potentially be working with in the future and she is SO right. So lesson 4.5 - always listen to Deb.
5. It’s okay if you don’t finish everything on your NY bucket list. That just means you’re going to have to go back again. (or at least that’s just what I told myself)
Monica Samson | May 16th, 2018
Reflecting Back in Eugene
Here’s what I’m still thinking about from this amazing trip:
- Participate in the idea smithing process… Don’t spectate.
- Always raise your hand when opportunities come up. Don’t run away from an opportunity, run towards something.
- Remember to be authentic to the heart of the brand.
- Whatever job/wherever you start, be really good at your job.
- Get into the world and kick ass.
-Matt Palma
four hours
I met Rachelle DiGregorio at the Flock panel on Monday night and I knew from our first conversation that there was going to be a lot I could learn from her.
We met for coffee on Friday and after a four hour conversation, my perspective on so much shifted. We talked about the ad program, how to prepare for a career, how to get ready to move to New York, and so many other things.
It was such an open and honest conversation - I didn’t feel like I had to tiptoe around sensitive topics. That’s when I realized this support system that Flock has created is going to make such a large impact on our program.
Rachelle invested four hours of her time to challenge the way I thought about things, make me feel reassured about the steps I’m taking to get to where I want to be, and answer all of the questions I had.
What started out as a conversation with a professional in the industry ended up being so much more. I was able to talk to her about my family, any fears I had about my future, and ask for feedback on things I can improve on. After a while, I felt like I was talking to a friend I had known for a really long time.
This had to be one of my highlights of the trip. I saw how generous of a network we have in New York and it made me so thankful to be part of a community that supports each other no matter where we are in the world.
So thank you x 1000, Rachelle.
Monica Samson | May 16th, 2018
TBWA/Chiat/Day
Visiting TBWA/Chiat/Day was without a doubt the most impactful agency visit of the week. We heard from their Chief Diversity Officer who inspired us with seven of the most insightful tips I have ever heard in my life. These tips can be found below:
1. Prove trust + consistency.
2. Your reputation is the only thing that precedes you when you walk into the room.
3. Be comfortable with the uncomfortable.
4. Know the people you are with every day.
5. You pay for what you don’t know.
6. Focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses.
7. Know how to tell your story, success overrides all doubt.
5.16.18
Will Parker
How to be of immediate assistance.
Understand that the company or agency that hired you already believes in your abilities. Although you have a lot to learn, you have a lot to give, right away. Bring forth a few suggestions when asked that answer the question, but go one step further and present extra ideas if there is a contingency. Use real results that you notice to help inform creative. The only dumb comments are the ones that are not said and kept quiet. More steps posted below:
1. Communicate.
2. Make it client ready.
3. Double check every report.
4. Don’t wait to be assigned.
5. Identify a problem, come with a solution.
6. When you get an ask, don’t do it to a tee, make it creative.
7. Listen/ write down everything.
8. Don’t re-ask. Don’t.
9. Don’t overlook the basics.
10. Present your work with confidence.
5.16.18
Will Parker
Second Day
My second day of this trip, I was inspired by the brilliant minds of the 72 and Sunny team. Glen, one of the founders of 72 preached the importance of letting go of all egos. The first attitude preached was “no white knuckles”, meaning do not hold on too tight to your ideas, listen to other ideas and understand that they can lead to better insight. Listening and being an active member of a team can fuel the ambition of a team because change is inevitable. Surround yourself with energized people when trying to develop the creative process while having one version of yourself. Late nights are not bad because the power of these ideas inspires you to work. Finally, ask yourself; what is everyone else doing? I’m going to do the opposite of that hoping to create waves in the world.
5.16.18
Will Parker