Has anyone put work in their book that the client denied? I wrote some pretty great lines for a client and it’s like they hate creativity. I really want to put them in my book, is that a bad idea?

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Do it without thinking twice.

likeuplifting

Put everything in you like if it looks real

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But if you can see it, and they concepted it, is it any less of a real idea? 🤔

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Fuck it, if the thinking is great be up front about it. Your book should be a reflection of you that includes the work the client didn’t buy. We all know the sensitivities around why projects die and it isn’t always the work.

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I have won most of my awards freelance and have even reached out to ECDs to write me a reference to prove I was the concept originator. I don’t care about awards personally, but other people do.

helpful

My book is full of personal versions with different cuts / lines that the client didn’t choose. Totally normal.

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Absolutely do it. Your portfolio should be a reflection of your best thinking and what you’re capable of.

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I don’t think so. I generally have a “book version” and “produced version” of my projects

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Of course you should!

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By all means do it if you want to demonstrate and highlight your potential, but be aware that blaming the client for an inability to sell the concept is never the strongest argument. Even if we can all sympathise.

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Yes. You can full on mock up your own ideas for your book. It’s supposed to be about showing your thinking not what was produced

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Your portfolio is a showcase for your abilities, not a client’s taste. Put your best work there whether it’s what sold or not

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Your book is about showing how you think. It’s a plus if we all saw the produced ad out there with a big media buy, but if that’s not the best representation of your thinking, show us what is.

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Here's a bunch of work that was rejected, never made and had zero impact on the world.

It's what I do.

Not good

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If they bought something bad or mediocre, show what you think they should have bought.

Half our job is selling the work. If you’re a student or young creative and really need to improve your spec work, then maybe. Otherwise, no. Seeing spec in a portfolio makes me think you aren’t experienced at selling your work

My 2c: plenty of ppl can come up with a good idea, few can sell it, fewer can craft. Fully aware that timing and luck are huge factors in our business, but playing the field is a part of the game. If I see a sr creative w spec in their book it only adds value if the rest of their chops are solid. Subjective industry of course, but we all know what a good idea is. Tricky part is getting it through.

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