freelancers, what has your experience been like breaking into getting gigs the top agencies (wk, rethink, droga, mother). I have a good book and worked at solid agencies, great references but have a hard time getting an email back when I reach out. Is it just about who you know?

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Tbh I feel like it’s the same as it’s always been, to get into one of the hot shops you’ve got have come from one of the hot shops. Those places mostly just hire from each other. Got to be in the inner circle.

Even at the big network agencies, they love seeing a WK, Rethink on a resume. That will get you freelance quicker than a Gold Lion or 3. I saw it myself working full time, they always brought in ex WK big hitters.

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If we think that only good creatives come from those shops and those shops only, we're as shallow as i feared we are as an industry.

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I have plenty of awards, and know people in some of those places. Still no response.

likehelpful

so it's not just me🥹

Who you know helps a ton. That and/or having more metal (awards) than a scrapyard, but nothing guarantees anything in this climate. Good luck

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Yeah. Like it or not, you need a Grand Prix minimum to get into those places now.

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Same same. But also everyone thinks they have a good book

The freelancer bowl here on fishbowl has a lot of insight

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