Hey all, I’m looking to make the transition from current title to copywriting. I’ve been in this role for almost a year, and prior 3 years I was a digital media planner. I’m starting on a portfolio for the first time and including as much work and personal/volunteer examples I can. Do you think I should be looking to start over at a Jr. level or can get in at copywriting level?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Here’s how to become an okay idea-generating copywriter without the portfolio school:

Step 1) Visit creative circus’ website (and others like: Miami Ad school

Step 2) look at the student portfolios on the site and study them hard (the insights and ideas) also study adsoftheworld.com

Step 3) Read a few Hey Whipple Squeeze this books

Step 4) make a ton of fake ads (excersizes your do this is in the book above)

Step 5) when you’re ready, crank out 2x 360 campaigns, 2x stunts ads/ OOH ads or whatever. (This can be all written and drawn out if you can’t find an art director, if the ideas are solid enough CD’s won’t care as much)

Step 6) that should be your ticket in, but when you’re there, learn and fake it till you make it.

likesmart

I’d also partner with an aspiring art director or pay a designer to mock up those ads in step 5. Those student portfolios are helpful in understanding who your competition is. And I won’t say none of them just draw and write them out, but most don’t. You can find ADd in the Junior Creatives bowl and on MakeAdsWithMe online.

Hey, I think it’s awesome you want to be a copywriter. Have you considered doing portfolio school? Cause building a portfolio by yourself can be tough. To answer your question, an internship or junior level is where you should expect to start depending how good is your portfolio.

like

I think if you started at a social-driven agency, you might be able to pull off mid level. I am a career pivoter and I don’t think you need portfolio school, even though everyone tried to tell me it was the only way. You can build your portfolio in lots of different ways, like volunteering for projects at your current agency, or pitching low cost freelance work to small or local brands you like, or partnering with art directors who are also just starting out. You’ll get hired based on your portfolio but also on your years of experience. I rose to senior and ACD a lot faster than other CWs because of my previous years of work history.

like

I made the suggestion because they work in social currently and the transition would be easier. But everyone’s career is different with different goals.

like

Forget about the title and focus on getting into a great creative agency. Did you really make a portfolio just to end up writing social posts? Or do you want to be somewhere really creative working on big campaigns, activations and TV spots? It’s all about the work.

like

Dont’t worry about the jr. or mid level. Titles aren’t important. Just get that first job where the word “copywriter” is officially in your title.

If your background is social media, you’ll probably have more luck at a place like laundry service that focuses on social media.

like

Related Posts

Looking for a referral to EY Canada.. any help would be appreciated!

like

What are some key skills that you’d expect an Account Executive to master before progressing to an Account Supervisor role?

like

SAP finance role or a finance strategy/value driver role? I have interests in both but not sure which might be better for long-term career opportunities. Any thoughts?

Hi all, how long did it take for you to get to equity partner after MBA? Where you in MBB pre-MBA?

like

Help. Going through a bit of a mid-career crisis. I’ve been in planning for nearly 20 years and now...when I look at my boss, the CSO, that’s not what i aspire to. Maybe it’s burnout, maybe it’s climbing the ladder and seeing more of the corporate bs, idk. I need help seeing where to go from here. Research? Client side? Startup? I’m feeling lost 😩.

like
like

Hi,
My offer as Operations Engineer with Oracle fusion apps got struck due to hiring freeze since June 2022. I am desperately waiting on this.😅

Any idea when hiring freeze will be lifted?

like
like

Any want want to move to the Bay Area for a Media Comms role? 2-4 yrs exp. $75k. Plus relo. Healthcare brand . (Not pharma). Lovely warm agency. Honest

like
like

What’s the market value in LA for 3 years experience in B4 for a SEC reporting role?

like

Someone at Bristol Myers willing to give a referral?

like

Anyone tried the new Sanctions Certificate (CGSS) offered by ACAMS? Trying to see how difficult it is considering I don't have a lot of experience with sanctions compliance. I have CAMS & work in AML

like

What does chief of staff do? Is this a similar role to a senior consultant? And how much they make?

likefunny

Anyone in this bowl did the CAMS exam? If so, is this an exam that can be passed without AML experience?

like

Does any fish have experience prepping and taking the CAMS exam? I would appreciate any advice on study materials, exam preparation tips, and information about the exam.

Anyone work at Sundance Film festival? I just applied to a Producer position for Collab Events and would greatly appreciate a referral! ❤️

like

Is an fp&a manager role at a media company for 135k base + 10k bonus a good exit? 3.5 YOE

like

Been since May 23rd that I’ve completed my background check. Called the 3rd party company and they said the background check has been sent to the hiring company for review as of last Friday. Should I wait another day before following up with my recruiter about the status of the background check? I don’t suspect there to be any crazy thing, but I’m just anxious. I’ve just never had a background check take at or over a week. Advice?

like

More Posts

Is it worth it to get a professional certification like SHRM/PHR? Not many of my colleagues have one and it’s not a requirement for my role, but I’m curious if it’s worth it in the long run

like

Has anyone here worked for Cone Health in Greensboro NC? What is the hourly pay for someone with 4and a half years of experience? What floor would you recommend?

like

When to put in two weeks notice? I've received and signed my offer letter- best practices to wait for background check to clear?

like

Bain & Company Bain & Company fish, could you describe how the referral process works? Does it occur before or after applying? Any caveats? Thank you :)

like
like

Any one know how ip lit is at MoFo Los Angeles?

likesmart

Hi can anyone help me what kind of questions comes and their level in HSBC psycometric test ? .

And from where I can prepare HSBC India HSBC

like

Anyone have experience or perspective on whether or not real estate investments are a good hedge vs inflation?

like

I kind of always wanted to learn how to dance like a fierce kweeen, I am kind of 4/10 right now. Does anyone have suggestions on how they self taught dancing? Thank you!

like

Anyone take adderall? Does it help u stay focused?

like

I am a young graphic designer and my dream is to eventually set up my own agency. Anyone ever accomplished this? Was it hard?

like

5 hour layover in JFK.. any hope to go see or do something outside of the airport for a couple of hours? If yes then anyone have any good suggestions?

an y recommendation for good divorce attorney at Seattle area?

like

Do we receive the laptop even before the joining date ?

Anybody able to pick up the Pelagos 39 yet? If so, post some pics of those bad boys. Name is on the list so we’ll see about timing…

like

Has anyone just gave up and did an import manually? I’m trying to do an import from one org to another and it’s not pulling all records sigh!

like

Please anyone tell me that what would be in hand salary per month/per annum for an IT analyst in Canada onsite location?

like

Any thoughts on clear eyeglass frames for men? Stylish or too casual?

Hi,

Need reference for TCS

like

Has anyone paid back their sign on bonus when quitting? Did they allow you to pay it back in a repayment plan?

like

Additional Posts in Copywriters

Where’s the best place to pick up freelance work as a side hustle?

likehelpful

Has anyone made the switch from agency to editorial? how did you do it?

like

Hi! So yesterday I pitched that we take every article in our real estate magazine and basically copy and paste it into a blog section on our website. I really don’t know anything about blogs except that they can help boost SEO. Do you have any advice on how to do tweak it to be more “blog like” or is my idea ok?

like
like

CW JOB! Looking for my better half. If you’re a mid to senior CW (possibly ACD) and interested in a full-time job in Florida at a great agency, give me a shout for more details. Killer book required.

like

Any recommendations for a course / resources on children's book writing / illustration?

like

What’s a good freelance rate for a mid level-senior writer?

What are some tips for creatives filing tax returns?

Did a fair bit of copywriting before I became an AM to get my feet wet in the ad industry. Has anyone here made the switch from account service to copywriting? Continued in comments—

like

I'm starting to see really young creative directors these days and I'm wondering what you guys think? Can a creative director with only 4 years of experience truly understand how to lead? How many years as a copywriter does it take for one to be a veteran and move to creative director?

like

How common is it for writers to go to the video shoot they co-wrote? If they aren’t invited, and the CDs go instead, is that a leadership perk or an insult?

like

Anyone here ever written a white paper? How common is it in our industry?

like

I am applying to more positions through staffing agencies as one way to get a writing job. When they tell me the hourly rate and I suggest a few dollars higher per hour, they'll say, "Just so you know, the competition is priced lower than you."

Is this to scare me into submission to charge less so that they can profit more? Or is an employer really not going to pick me because I am priced 1-$2 more per hour than someone else? Wdyt?

like

Howdy writers, what’s your process for developing a TOV?

like

My AD never brings ideas to the table. I’ve mentioned this already to higher ups. It’s beyond a lazy thing-he’s just not a conceptual thinker...

like

Any copywriters here working for Apple? Currently considering a role and keen to hear about any and everything - culture, WLB, comp etc

like

Any good job boards besides LinkedIn for creative staffing? I’m on working not working but that doesn’t seem super busy.

Wondering if there’s any industry or city specific stuff out there?

like

Freelance rate for a :30 national broadcast spot script?

anyone in agency life who made the decision to be a floater? thinking about asking but don’t wanna seem like i can’t play nice with others. i legit just like the rhythm of mixing things up and working with different people.

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal