When I Grow Up, I Want to Work in Advertising…
Ah, all these kids are after my own heart… :)
For all those advertisers reading out there, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Complexities of Work Intersecting Personal
When you get into advertising, you sell your soul to the devil.* Didn’t realize you sell your opinions too.
I’ve been a huge supporter of net neutrality for a long time here on my blog, with most of my wrath going towards the CRTC. Recent decisions by the CRTC have allowed for UBB (usage-based billing, or if you’re on Twitter #UBB); I’m not going to get all ranty and CAP-LOCKSY on you about this – though I strongly desire to. Many others who are quite more informed than I have done and are doing so, so I shall save you the misery. However, I was tweeting quite a lot today about this. It upsets me, it angers me, and I feel powerless, which makes me feel even more angry and upset. Vicious cycle, you see.
A couple of my Tweeps (that’s Twitter + Peeps for you, Mom) reached out to me to ask how I felt about tweeting about something that directly involves one of my agency’s clients. I have been on this account since I was hired waaay back as a wee Account Executive in June 2009. I understand their concern (curiosity?) but here is my take on this:
First off: I absolutely believe that companies that wish to structure their product offerings how they see fit are perfectly within their rights to do so. This is capitalism; they are running a business, not a charity.
Secondly: My anger is directed at the CRTC. What I am tweeting about is how a commission that was set up to protect the interests of the consumers is resulting in decisions that do the complete opposite. Do these decisions affect my client? Sure. Does this mean I have to support those decisions? Well…
The quote above I wrote today. Working in advertising, you tend to question your moralities every now and then. Are you creating a better world? Would your efforts and resources be used for the greater good elsewhere? Are you truly providing value for the world? I deal with this internal monologue every few months. But I love what I do and view it as the cost of doing what I love. What I didn’t realize was that working in advertising may mean I’m not allowed to publicly share an opinion of mine. As someone asked me, “Wouldn’t it be higher ground to refrain from entering the fray in personal comments?”
My gut feeling tells me no. This is not the time for higher ground. It’s a now or never intersection right now with net neutrality. We need to do what we can to support this incredibly important idea. Right now.
But these discussions got me thinking: How far does that client arm reach?
Are we supposed to also be brand ambassadors in our personal lives, as we work on their campaigns? Can we not separate our business life from our personal? Or are these two inexplicably entwined when it comes to advertising? I remember a coworker of mine at a lunch with me once. She grabbed a Pepsi from the shelf, then thought better of herself and took the Coke instead. “We are working on their campaign,” she explained. “It would be bad if anyone saw I was drinking Pepsi.” I thought to myself, “Really? Why?”
I love my job. I’ve said this a million different ways. I love this industry and I love the work it produces. And we are in the service business, absolutely. My clients are lovely people and I enjoy working with them on a daily basis. But I don’t believe it means I now need to fully support my clients’ business in everything I touch. I will where I can and where I feel comfortable, of course. I think this is perfectly acceptable for most people.
The question really is, then: Should I tone my opinions down in order to ensure good standing in my company and with my clients? Is this another cost of the job; an unforeseen one that I had yet to encounter? Maybe my gut feeling is wrong. Certainly, I can do no harm in taking advice from those who have been in the business longer than I. As my boss put it to me today, “You can have your opinions. Just ensure they’re not recorded anywhere.”
So what do you think? I would love your input on this.
Tuesday Morning Question
Got this e-mail in my inbox this morning.
Smile, thanks.
:D
Publishing is Dead {Video}
I’ve known I’ve wanted to be in advertising since I was probably 14 or 15. I wouldn’t be able to explain to you why but I have always been drawn to the field. That said, I never really pictured myself working in digital advertising when I was younger and thinking of the big, awesome advertising world. Which is weird, now, for me, to think that every job I’ve had since graduating has been a digital job, through and through.
Because my entire career has been on the side of the “growing,” the “booming,” the “emerging” of digital advertising, I really haven’t ever had to face the worries and wonder of the future of traditional advertising or publishing. I often catch myself thinking about what my thoughts on the future of my career might be, if I was on the mass or traditional side. That said, I often wonder about the future of my “digital” career all the time anyway. I guess I’m just a wonderer.
But as Marketing Mag’s Blog framed this, “This popped up recently as a little flicker of light for publishers and those toiling in embattled traditional media outlets.” And I think they’re right. This is a lovely outlook.
Top Ten Favourite Blog Finds of 2009
It’s that time of the year again! When everyone starts rolling out their favourite lists for 2009. And I am not ashamed to admit I am a slave to trends! I hop on the bandwagon so fast, you wouldn’t even see me on the ground. I have no identity or a creative thought in my body! Etcetera.
But I know what you’re really here for. Oh, boy, do I! You loaded up this page in the hopes of seeing a majestic, nay! a magical! top ten list from yours truly. And I shall not disappoint my readers, no! I shall fulfill their every wish, their every whim, because that is how wonderful I am. How good. How kind. How… blah, blah, blah, amirite?
I could go on and on about myself. I do it a lot. I have already done it a lot in two paragraph. Have I ever! So I’ll stop. I’ll stop so you’ll keep reading this. Instead, I will present to you:
Emma’s Top Ten Favourite Blog Finds of 2009! Da-da-da-da!
The latest fad in the advertising/marketing blogroll. Clients from Hell is “a collection of anonymously contributed client horror stories from designers.” Funny and frustrating all at once!
A recent post which is definitely LOL-worthy:
Last night I was sleeping and Jesus came to me in my dream and had this image in his hand. He said that he has blessed this image and this image only for the book. If I use any other image I am going against the will of our lord.
One of my favourite new fashion blogs, BtS is a blog created and updated by Trang, a truly beautiful and fashionable girl. She lives in Florida and sporadically posts what she’s wearing, DIY projects or reviews on collections. She recently won Stylelist & Bluefly “America’s Most Stylish Blogger” contest, beating out several other contestants.
Unfortunately, she does not allowed downloading or reproducing images so I will respect that and not post a picture here. But if you want to see the winning outfits for this contest, check out this entry. Congrats, Trang!
3. AdJoke.ca
AdJoke.ca is an advertising blog that was created by Tyler Turnbull and Paul Crowe in 2007. I have had the pleasure of working with both Paul and Tyler at Publicis Modem here in Toronto and I can say that I’ve seen first-hand how brilliant these boys are. Don’t let my bias distract you though, this is a great blog, filled with hidden gems, strong opinions and good commentary.
Tyler even wrote a great article, The Top 10 Badass Brands of 2009, upon my suggestion. Thanks Ty!
Where would we be without a little friendly plugging? Generation Y Comics is a comic strip created by my good friends Matt and Bryan and it is kinda? autobiographical. I can’t tell. I mean, they do have a mutant, giant turtle as a friend… Either way, it is good times, trufax!
Local Torontonians will recognize such gems as TD Bank in the background or the Alice Fazooli Stella specials on Thursdays. And what comic is complete without a little Farmville joke?
As many of my friends will attest, I like talking about relationships. So naturally, I really like Sarah’s blog “He Loves Me Not” which details her trials and tribulations with personal relationships. This girl has been through a lot in the last year, including finally breaking free of an emotional and physically abusive relationship with an alcoholic and drug user. As a reader who has been following her for a long time, I am so proud that’s she’s moved on and is healthier and happier for it.
It’s definitely not the cheeriest blog around but it’s real and my heart goes out to her for all she’s been through. Keep moving forward Sarah, and don’t look back!
If you haven’t heard of The Uniform Project yet, let me introduce it to you!
In May 2009, The Uniform Project pledged to wear one dress for one year as an exercise in sustainable fashion. There are 7 identical dresses, one for each day of the week and every day, the outfit will be reinvented, with the help of layers, accessories and all kinds of accouterments, the majority of which will be vintage, hand-made, or hand-me-down goodies.
The Uniform Project is also a year-long fundraiser for the Akanksha Foundation, a grassroots movement that is revolutionizing education in India. At the end of the year, all contributions will go toward Akanksha’s School Project to fund uniforms and other educational expenses for children living in Indian slums. So far, $50, 943 has been raised which translates to 141 kids in school.
Not only is this a great cause, but the fashion is awesome. It’s so interesting to see the same thing worn every day but how many different looks can be pulled off with it. Please go check it out!
7. Things Marketing People Love
So this blog has been dead for a while now but while it was hot, it was hot! Buzz words that marketers love to use were posted to this Tumblr over the period of a few months. Funny to see things you may have (and I am guilty here) used in conversations with coworkers or clients.
A great resources for the latest and greatest in the digital world. Digital Buzz Blog features “the latest digital ad campaigns, hot new websites, interactive marketing ideas, virals, industry news, social media, insights, and other great digital trends from all over the world.”
Contributors range from Australia, Turkey, and the US and cover a wide variety of topics. Want to impress someone on your knowledge of the latest in the industry? Head over there and take your pick of posts. You’ll look better for it. Just remember to source. ;)
This blog has been a little bit quiet for a while, but I’ve got it in here because even if it’s not being updated, going through the archives is definitely worth it.
As the about section describes this blog: After 6 years of dating only one girl, I found myself single at 24 (now 26) and tackling the dating scene for my first time. These are my adventures, my mishaps, and stories of triumph… Lordy it’s rough.
There are some pretty hilarious posts here, including my favourite: To Don Quixote Pt 2 of 2 aka one of the worst dating stories I’ve read probably ever.
10. The Renegade Agency Confessional
Last but not least! we have The Renegade Agency Confessional. An ad agency in Baltimore, they definitely have some great posts and are a good resource for any wee ad agency wannabe. I’ve talked about them before and you’d do yourself a favour to ad them to your blogroll.
Two recent posts of theirs I really enjoyed: It’s beginning to look a lot like McChristmas (a great picture of the number of McDonald’s in the US) and Nothing like an A-hole with B-roll (a great find – a YouTube video all about B-rolls). Check them out!
And there we have it! My Top Ten Favourite Blog Finds of 2009! I hope you find some blogs in here that pique your interest. If you have any you’d like to share, leave them in the comments! I’ll be more than happy to check them out!
Happy holidays everyone! Here’s to a brilliant 2010!
Brilliant, Distrubing Spot for Casa do Menor
This is a great ad for Casa do Menor, posted initially by The Marketing Blog. As per The Marketing Blog’s post, it was reportedly done by McCann Erickson Milan.
The reaction is not immediate. It’s only when the tagline comes up that you begin to realize what you have just seen. And then you play this ad back over in your head and it’s only then the heart-wrenching, sickness-in-your-stomach feeling hits you.
I am having trouble watching it a second time. It’s a great parallel, this idea of “burden”. Brutal but well done.
Why I’m the Best Thing for Advertising Since Sliced Bread
I made an ad. Yeah, I know. I am allowing each and every one of you a sneak peek into the genius that is me. My artistic ability, coupled with my intense and brilliant advertising strategies will soon make me a household name in the advertising world.
So I want to warn you.
What you are about to see? May change the way you look at the world. It may shake you to your little advertising core. It may cause simultaneous weeping, laughing and jaw-dropping.
I am warning you because I care. About you. About this industry. About being upfront and honest. About being the best I can be. About only showcasing what matters, what really matters, to this world.
I can’t be any more – or any less – than that.
So, please, sit back and be prepared to change your life. Because of me. Because of how awesome and super-cool I am. Because I… am Emma Brooks: Digital Media Enthusiast.
Okay, so maybe I just haven’t updated in a while and I’m exhausted. And when I’m exhausted I think I’m funny. But really, you gotta admire the mad Paint skillz I possess. No, sir, as I told you before: I am not for hire. $10,000/hour? No sir, the world is not ready for my skillz. Not yet. Call me in 2 years. We’ll talk.
#WriteOff09 – Day 27: Scientology + Banner Ads = WTF?
If you’re behind the game, here’s a link explaining The Great Write Off of 2009. You can find links and discussion to all posts by checking out the Twitter trending topic, #WriteOff09.
So I was looking up lyrics today and came across some great Scientology ads on a song lyrics website, Sing365. Just thought I’d capture these for my lovely readers and share them with you! Really not sure why a song lyrics website is the best place to capture potential Scientologists: anyone have any ideas? What’s the demographic of these sites?
In order to answer my own question, I turned to the internets to find out. And according to Google Ad Planner, 60% of the visitors are female, 41% don’t have a high school diploma, 37% are 0-17 years in age and 67% make between $25,000 – $75,000 a year. So basically they’re targeting young, rich kids? Sounds about right. Way to go Scientology!
And here are the great ads for you!
Square Banner Ads
Vertical Banner Ads
How great are these? “Love! Hate! What is the answer?”
Hmm. Tough one. I’ll let you guys decide! Feel free to comment with your ideas on what the answer should be? Love? Or hate?
#WriteOff09 – Day 9: Why I Love Advertising
If you’re behind the game, here’s a link explaining The Great Write Off of 2009. You can find links and discussion to all posts by checking out the Twitter trending topic, #WriteOff09.
Advertising is the greatest art form of the twentieth century.
Marshall McLuhan
I’ve been trying to figure out a way to articulate why I love advertising so much for a long time now. And I don’t think it’s something I can really explain in a concise way. It’s not a logical love for me. It’s just something I feel – something I am passionate about right down to my very soul.
There was a quote that my Google-Fu failed to find that I used to see every day at my old job. Something to the effect of, “Great advertising, when done properly, approaches art.” Because I couldn’t find it I went with the one above, and while I don’t agree with as much, the sentiments remains. Advertising is business’s take on art and that’s one reason I like it. Sometimes I am blown away by the beauty in an ad or the story it tells. Some ads, to me, are mini-films. It’s best not to talk to me when advertisements are on TV, because I will be paying attention to the more important thing in the room (the ads).
It is a kind of business that touches many people’s lives (whether they want it to or not!). With advertising, you can actually point to a campaign on the street or while watching TV with a friend and say, “See that? I worked on that” and they can instantly relate to what you do. It is the kind of industry that you could be minding your own business on the bus and overhear someone talking about the campaign you’ve just spent a couple months pulling together. You can get instant feedback on whether someone liked the strategy you went with or didn’t at all.
Advertisers likes to push the envelope sometimes and are encouraged to do so. Ad agencies have gone to some extraordinary lengths to get their brand in front of the public, to create discussion, impressions and interest in the product. Remember when T-Mobile took over Trafalgar Square with a public sing-along to “Hey Jude”? Or the viral Bridezilla Hair Freakout for Sunsilk? These are the kind of ads that are trying something new – throwing the idea against the wall and see what sticks. I like that there is that room for experiments in the industry. And that some brands are willing to take a chance on an idea. The status quo is always challenged in advertising and it keeps the industry fresh, young, and on top of new ways to get information across.
I’m going to end this post with one of my absolute favourite ads for a brand I very much like: Volkswagen. This is “Big Day” for the Volkswagen Jetta VR6.
This is an ad that I find to have stunning depth for a 60 second spot. The music not only compliments the feel and the visuals, but takes it to a whole other level. The editing helps build the climax to a point where the story we believe we are being told changes in a split second and then everything: perceptions, expectations, notions, shifts in that moment. The watcher is left with a wonderment of, “what happens next?” and you realize that life is full of unpredictable changes. Then the tagline, Fasten Your Seatbelts comes in to connect your life with the Volkswagen brand at the exactly right moment.
This is the kind of advertising that I hope to help make one day.
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