Amateur

Today at an interview I was told I was going to continue being an amateur until I was paid for the work I was doing. The interviewer did not mean it in a mean, "you are such an amateur" way, but more in a, "you should be getting paid" sort of manner. While I agree, I love the work I have been able to do as an intern, making it all worthwhile to me.

I bring all of this up because of an article I came across today. In simple terms Karen Howe, of Due North Communications, gives advice on how to get hired for the first time. Below are some excerpts from the article that I found especially pertinent.

Advertising is one tough business. Anyone who’s survived it has the scars to prove it. The only thing tougher is breaking into it.

Let’s start with your work. It has to be spectacular. You need to rise above this year’s flood of graduates. Once you land somewhere that trajectory needs to continue.

If you are a writer, show copy.

If you’re an art director, know more fonts than Helvetica.

Have range.

Attack on all fronts, the phone is not enough. In emails, be charming, brief and professional.

If you can’t get in to see the CD, interview with anyone who is willing to spare you the time. It gives you experience interviewing. It gives you feedback on your work. And it just might give you a back door into the place.

You hooked an interview. Now what? Confirm your appointment the day before, then show up on time.

What I took away from the article was to be persistent and organized. Working hard and meeting with as many people possible is bound to lead to a great junior job.

Smiley Face

While reading my Twitter feed today I came across this; "AUTHORS. Finish every sentence of your book with either a sad or happy face, to give younger readers an indication of mood." While it came from a comical author, it is fairly ironic. Younger generations have altered the English language with the addition of emoticons and acronyms.

I admit I use "lol" quite a bit while texting and I'm generally not laughing out loud. When I go back and think about how my language has changed with newer forms of media, I am disappointed. It should not be necessary to use emoticons to convey my feelings, or act as if everything makes me laugh. To me, these things seem insincere, I would much rather sit and talk with friends in person and see their true reactions than have them type it to me.

The Owl Blog

After finding out that I had a mild obsession with owls, my old classmates would often send me pictures and links they thought I would like. The best thing I ever received was a link to My Owl Barn, a blog with daily posts all related to owls.

I have seen a lot of tutorials and handmade owls on the blog and decided that I should submit my own owl project. I originally created my owl for an illustration project, but after getting a positive response from the writer of My Owl Barn, I decided to make a tutorial on how to make your own owl. I submitted my work a couple days ago and got the OK, keep yours eyes out for my owl!