The Culture Question
I’ve always been impressed by Wieden+Kennedy’s rebellious, innovative, risk-taking attitude. After seeing that same spirit in an office 2,897 miles from their first location, I find myself wondering: where does agency culture come from?
Does it grow from the vision of its founders? Does it arise organically from the kinds of people an agency hires? Does the agency curate it carefully, changing process and output to keep the office on brand? Though I’m sure it’s a nuanced combination of these elements, I’m excited to visit agencies this week and observe not only the cultures of the offices, but the forces driving them.
Hannah Lewman
05.09.2017
As I’m sitting in the lobby of the Roosevelt Hotel, Tuesday at 7:30 AM, I can’t help what to think of everything that has happened in the past 48 hours: red-eye flight (PDX to JFK,) 6:30 AM arrival, 18.67 miles of walking around Manhattan (Sunday) + 15 miles (Monday), 2 agencies, and already an indescribable amount of coffee. God I love New York. -TW
Create work with a soul
Talent and intellect oozed from every corner of Boxed. Not only did they all welcome up with open arms and delicious treats, Jackson Jeyanayagam and the rest of the Boxed crew gave us bundles of amazing advice.
One thing he said really stuck in my mind like glue: create work with a soul. I believe that big ideas don’t come from air, they come when brain and heart are intrinsically in-sync. I feel like Jackson was hitting that exact point. Walking through the Boxed doors for the very first time, I had no idea what I was going to gain. But when those doors closed behind me as I left, I gained both insight and inspiration.
Amelia Inouye // 5/9/17
Run until you find Casey Neistat
Living a creative life means that I’ll have to embrace passions outside of the professional world. Running has gifted me perspective, creativity and an awareness of my body and its limits.
I haven’t run since my marathon in September, but this week I will run every single morning. YouTube’s golden boy, Casey Neistat, exemplifies everything I believe a storyteller should be. Casey and his New York based Daily Vlog was half of the reason I ran my marathon in the first place (the other half being fellow runner Steve Prefontaine).
Between all of the fantastic agency visits, the invaluable dinners with faculty/peers and lots of caffiene, I will find a way to find one person in a city of 8.5 million. Some may say that challenge is like searching for a needle in a stack of other needles, but I have some kind of dumb feeling that running into him is all but a certainty.
Being one of the younger members on this trip, I have an added element of freedom and exploration that I’m sure I’ll be chasing for the rest of my professional career. Casey and Pre have gifted me that outlet for freedom and creativity in the form of running. When the sun rises over the Westside Highway each morning this week, that’s where you’ll find me. That’s where I’ll find my network. That’s where I’ll find Casey Neistat.
James Vos- 5.8.17
Stand Tall
Many of us want to work for companies that care, that stand up for great ideas and who do things right. I had no idea that when I stepped into Boxed Wholesale today that I would learn exactly how they “stand tall” and speak up about important issues.
Boxed has an initiative to fight pink tax #RethinkPink. Pink tax is unfair price markups on products for women such as deodorant, tampons and pads. Boxed is offering female products at discounted prices on their website with none of the up-charged prices on these so called “luxury” items. In 37 states, tampon tax is still a thing. It is a state by state issue in the U.S. Boxed educates their customers and the public by showing how women are charged extra for certain products and offers a better option. They are standing tall and speaking up.
I had no clue that this existed. And, I am so glad that companies like Boxed, even as a startup, can educate us all on issues such as this. It’s time to rethink and stand tall.
-Meg Winters 05.08.17
My People
A smart team consisting of 8 individuals with 8 unique perspectives and backgrounds. In the past couple weeks I’ve met and gotten to know this group and its been nothing short of wonderful. Rex Nwerem (Junior Strategist @ Translation) has been an inspiring mentor who has helped guide us to be a confident team of varying focuses - account management, copywriting, strategy, production, and art direction. We’ve come together as one to create something great.
We’re ready W+K. Let’s hear the pitch!
Left to right/top then bottom: Spencer Phillipson, Michael Hibbard, Alyssa Blackman, Kerry Merrill, Blair Barnes, David Choe, Estuardo Perez, Myself.
Blair Paley.
Useful Insights
One takeaway from an insightful W+K recruiter. We are all in the same place in our lives. Relative to the greater industry, we all have the same experience as graduating seniors. Portfolios and resumés blend together. Videos can sometimes be a differentiator. In the end it’s about the talent and the work, but getting noticed should be something to think about. Set yourself apart in a smart way. Do not be obnoxious. It’s obnoxious.
Understanding the recruiter can improve your “hire me” perspective.
Allison Pehanick 05.08.17
Three things from Taylor James
“Find a way to stick out”
This goes beyond trying to find a job. This is life. Sticking out will make you more appealing in the dating world, it will get your work more attention, and it will help you succeed. Being different makes people ask why. It opens the door for sharing a story or thought. Be weird.
“Do more, and share more ideas”
The more you do, the more your name is on. An easy way to make someone want to work with you is to show drive. It means you’re serious. It means you’re not afraid of losing some sleep to help out. One way to do more is to share more. A couple months ago, Natalie Kim told me, “The more information out there, the more everyone benefits.” help everyone benefit and share what you’re thinking.
“Form relationships”
Advertising is about connecting with people so a service or good can be sold (for the most part). If someone can’t connect with those around them, his co-workers, his family, or his friends, then they won’t have anyone around when they need. Relationships are imperative for success. Together we are better. Make friends, and treat them right.
Spencer Kupish - 5/8/17