I feel this comes up a lot on this thread, but I want more than anything to pivot to art direction. Is ad school worth it or do most ADs get there by putting in the work to develop outside the office?

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Ad school is worth it. Especially now. Expectations of creatives increases by the day. What you pick up from observing other people’s ideas, thought process and work will only ever be that; an observation. You need to do the work yourself, build your own perspective on what good work is and what advertising could potentially be or do. As an AD, you really need to develop your design chops. CDs expect it. You need to get some experience working with a writer on scripts. Learn why great strategy and strategists are integral to great creative work. It’s helpful to be mentored by senior level creatives from agencies who actually have time to dedicate to it. Ad schools also have the connects to get you internships and exposure at some pretty good shops that can turn into your first job if you hustle your ass off while you’re there.

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Education is always useful. There will be a lot of things you will have to figure out for yourself without it. That said - I know plenty of designers that ended up on AD without going to ad school. Really depends on how well you do in a sink or swim situation and how ambitious you are. Start out with doing a bunch of research - watch case studies - they are pretty good for understanding the thinking

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Thank you both! I appreciate your input so much.

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Ad school is worth it but be aware that you will spend the first 10ish years of your career working to pay off grad school.

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yeah. Ad school is worth it. It’s hard to learn how to do the job these days when you are just thrown on banner ads and website updates until some pitch comes around

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I started as a PA as well. As an AD, there are so many technical skills that are best learned when you can dedicate your full attention to them. As a writer I would say ad school is a toss up, but as an AD you will be much much better for it.

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Was worth it for me.

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