Take a breath.

Wake up. Get ready. Eat breakfast. Visit an agency. Rush lunch. Be a tourist. Visit an agency. Get dinner. Continue to be a tourist. Go to sleep. Repeat. 

For the past three days this has been my schedule. It has left me exhausted, however, I have also never felt so inspired in my life. For the past three days I have been exposed to smart thinking and have had the pleasure of meeting people who like to break the rules. Today I received 7 tips that have managed to change my perspective on life. As Deb would say these 7 tips are “on the final.” The final being life. So I thought that I would create my own 7 tips based off of what I’ve learned from agencies and from just being in New York. 

Tip 1: Provoke a conversation. 

People aren’t in this industry to just do normal everyday ads. We are in this industry to make a statement and have the world hear our voices. Take a risk. 

Tip 2: Have some fight in you and be indispensable. 

This industry will test you and that is the beauty of it. Don’t back down, stand for what you believe in and make sure that you have a lot of tools in your toolbox. Everyday someone is working to take your spot so make sure you outwork them. 

Tip 3: Passion Projects –> DO THEM! 

Passion Projects are the holy grail of advertising because they are projects close to your heart. Find what you are passionate about and create something. It might die or it might ignite a fire that can’t be stopped. 

Tip 4: Your path isn’t linear. 

Rarely will you hear about someone having the “perfect path” in advertising. Advertising is a series of twists and curveballs being thrown at you. This may be scary but it can also be exciting as hell. Embrace the twists and curveballs because they might just change your life. 

Tip 5: Never stop the hustle. 

In a place like New York you never stop moving and working. It is a place where you constantly have to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. When you are pushed to be uncomfortable great work is produced. 

Tip 6: Have a personality. 

You probably heard this from your mom a thousand times but “just be yourself.” In an industry as diverse and unique as this one the best thing you can do is find out what makes you weird and quirky and own it. Don’t let others tell you to be something you are not. Screw the haters and just do you boo. 

Tip 7: Breathe and have a little fun. 

Sometimes it is easy to feel like our lives are consumed by advertising and while I love what I do it doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun too. So take a break, take a breath, and go doing something you have never done. This city is a hub of culture, so go explore it. 

Topacio Beerhalter           05.10.2017