Welcome to the Future

The way the industry is changing is nerve-racking and exciting.  Digital agencies are on the rise and its interesting to see where they might take us in the near future.  As I walked through agencies such as Big Spaceship and Firstborn, I saw the creation of content that was close to unfathomable. Individuals were working on everything from app development to a camera that recorded movements in a way that looked like a bad acid trip.  It is important to understand the learning curves that come with the rise of new technology and I look forward to staying up with these trends. Stay innovative and keep soaking up information! 

-Spencer Phillipson

Differentiating Factors

Over the course of the week, I was lucky enough to experience nine different agencies. Most were on the larger side, outputting incredible work, with beautiful office spaces. I was asked on multiple occasions to choose a favorite. Each experience was unique, but they were all incredibly insightful. They are the best of the best; I would be lucky to work for any of them. I spoke to a copywriter at McCann who had just recently transferred from Droga5. I asked about differentiating factors between big dog agencies. The insight: each agency has a distinct internal structure that sets them apart. It takes working there to fully understand those differences. 

Allison Pehanick 05.16.17

“Career paths aren’t linear.”

While at BOXED, we had the opportunity to hear from multiple employees about their role in the company and how they got there. Coming into this visit, I was curious about the different perspectives a startup company could offer for an agency bound girl like myself. Each speaker offered a world of insight into the inner workings of a startup company and what it means to be a part of it. While jobs at a startup may not match those that I seek, I came out with a huge takeaway that would be applicable to all my future career endeavors: “career paths aren’t linear”. Steve, a designer at BOXED, was a prime example of a nonlinear career path. He studied animation and became a video game designer out of college. From his animation career in game design he utilized his skills to become a marketing designer at BOXED. While his path was not necessarily spontaneous, it shed light on the fact that no matter the elicit job title, we can apply our skills to anything and everything we put our minds to, no matter the industry. Entering the job market as a strategist, doesn’t confine me to advertising, nor does it limit my reach.

Natalie Wapniarski

What I learned after a week in NYC

After having a few days to settle back into the slower-paced lifestyle I currently live in Eugene, Oregon, I have had a chance to reflect on all that I discovered and cultivated during my week in New York City. Here are my top 10 take-aways:

1. I learned that as an aspiring account manager, I think I will focus on applying to larger agencies versus smaller agencies after graduation. This is because I discovered that smaller agencies are great because employees get to work on many different accounts. However, the thought of managing numerous accounts sounds daunting. I realize now that I might prefer to manage a few large accounts with multiple account managers at a larger agency instead.

2. I realized that living in Greenwich Village is the ultimate goal in life. If I ever find myself living in one of those amazing brownstones one day, I know I’ve made it.

3. It is often easier and more convenient to walk to destinations rather than subway or taxi. Therefore, I quickly discovered NYC is one of the most exhausting cities, jaywalking is real and true New Yorkers wear insoles.

4. Another aspect I discovered is the power of a project manager. Although I do believe account managing is the position for me, I didn’t even know that there was an internal position like that of project managing. As a result, I am going to take this new discovery and hopefully implement it into Allen Hall Advertising, which I think will be extremely helpful in some of the larger accounts we work on.

5. Serendipity has, by far, the most amazing desserts I have ever seen. The crazy aesthetics comparable to Alice in Wonderland don’t hurt in the experience, either.

6. I found out the hard way that nothing is cheap, or free for that matter, in NYC. Whether it’s a pack of gum or a nice dinner, I was swiping my card with great pain, but no regrets.

7. I learned that there’s a large population of Duck alumni living in Manhattan and Brooklyn. I also found that these people have a strong sense of school pride and will do everything in their power to support each other and help newly graduated Ducks assimilate to East Coast life. It’s a pretty special network that I felt grateful to be a part of.

8. Stand on the side of the escalators in the subway unless you want to get run-over. That’s a big one.

9. I learned the importance of carrying around a notebook and jotting down ideas that come to mind. I never knew how quickly ideas come and go, so it’s best to write them down while you can.

10. Lastly, I discovered how many amazing students are in the SOJC ad program and what great talent I am blessed to be surrounded by. I started the trip feeling like a little fish in a big pond. I left with so much more knowledge about the industry, a better understanding of where I see myself after graduation and so many more friends with similar goals and dreams that I do than I ever anticipated. To say this experience was incredible would be an understatement.

Meg Meagher

Lose the Ego

This industry simultaneously puts pressures on not having an ego about our work but also “make award winning work”. Winning awards seems to be the ultimate goal while the spoken goal is make powerful work. Our visit started at BBDO and before our host showed us their reel she told us: 

“Most consumers have probably seen our work - they just don’t know it was our work” 

This one line finally embodied the idea that it is really is about the work and not the recognition. 

Audrey Grimes 5/16/17

Goals

The New York trip made me realize what was possible for my future and my career. I have more drive and passion then I used to. I know now that New York is the place I want to be and I have a better understanding of what I need to do to get there. I will keep fighting and pushing myself so that one day my dreams might come true. Who needs sleep anyway?

Sydney Humble

R/GA

1. Minimum amount of works but tell the story 

2. Define your ideas in three sentences. 

3. Keep it unexpected 

4. Speak your idea in the shortest way and in the focal points 

5. Check and double check

6. Being prepared to offend your idea persuasively 

7. Be simple : it’s not less, it’s about the right one. 

8. Don’t shoot too big just because they give you money. 

9. “No complains. Give solutions!”

10. Be simple!!!!!!

Quyen Tran 

The Subway

Throughout the US, most people dread any public transportation system. However, in New York, the Subway is if not, the most popular transportation option. My favorite part about the subway is that everyone takes. Regardless, of you who are everyone needs to get around the city. You meet street performers, you meet locals, you meet tourists, you meet CEOs or even other advertising executives. Personally, I think it’s the best part about New York despite its flaws and lack of cleanliness. It’s always there when you need it and it’s always there when you don’t. Shoutout to the MTA for getting me to all the agencies on time last week!

-Will Nielsen

Translation

During my visit to Translation on Thursday, I was captivated by the environment and the people that make up this agency. Every single person was cool and personable in their own way. Knowing a few friends that currently work there, I have always looked up to them because of their passion, creativity, and work ethic. Every single person was motivated. When they weren’t working, they were finding time to pursue what they loved. When Matt (Creative Director) presented us some of his work, he didn’t boast about the accounts he’s worked on, but rather he shared us insights on the meanings behind each campaign. The human truths of it all. He said, “How can you create within this confine but make it better?” This to me was more useful than showing the trophies. He was genuine in his character and accomplished in accolades. But most importantly, he was humble in his work. What made me appreciate Matt even more was his minor (as they say in Translation). Photography. He showed us his photos and projects he was working on, all of which were very unique. A cool guy who I hope to connect with more in the future. Translation & Matt, thank you!

- Napat N.