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Scored these on one of my latest hunts.
What is everyones feelings on RTO next week ?
Chief
Ok, what does ‘F’ mean
Conversation Starter
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I’ve been in the ad biz for a whopping 38 years. It’s changed a LOT. And sadly, not for the better, as “ATX rider” stated. There were a ton of independent agencies, it was easy to break in. (Personally, I went to the hottest agencies in NYC and got a secretary job in one of the best agencies—Ammirati & Puris, and took a class or two at SVA.) Got to do a few BMW motorcycle ads but best of all—got exposed to incredible talent and work, Bounced around at excellent agencies (LHS&B, Della Femina, Chiat Day, Hal Riney, etc.) and met amazing people and did cool assignments. As for nowadays… it’s just sad and I really feel bad for new people to the agency world because you missed the best parts. Back in the day (God, I’m old…), concept was king. Ads were smart and sharp. Now it’s gimmicks and flashy banners and apps.
Rising Star
I’m 20 years in. The post is 100% correct.
This job has always been stressful, but it used to be so much f’ing fun. Big budgets, constant industry parties, amazing shoots, brainstorming anywhere and everywhere but the office for hours at a time and we had 5-7 days between check-in rounds to do it.
We worked hard and with long hours but we played equally so…and were encouraged to have fun at the office. The stories I came away with I still tell to this day.
It was the GREATEST, non-corporate, corporate job in the world.
Sadly, I don’t even recognize what this industry has become.
I haven't been around as long as the author of that, but what they say jibes with the evolution I've witnessed. Over time everything has come down to numbers. And the business is ultimately controlled by people obsessed with the quarterly earnings and how that will play to analysts on Wall Street. And this isn't just true in advertising, of course, the same is true in publishing and other fields. Good work can still be done but it's less interesting and less fun.
Capitalism bad?
At my agency, I have won clients, won awards, and made famous work. I’ve also been cut from productions in favor of CCOs and ECDs. And never received so much as a spot bonus.
Also over 30 and I would say the comment is spot on.
I'm 17 years in, and this is very true. That world no longer exists. Being a creative is no longer as rewarding and fun as it used to be. We have less time and budget to create decent work. Salaries are at their lowest. Clients were more sophisticated and trusted their creative partners way more than they do today. We've become a "yes man" industry, doing everything possible to pay the bills and not make the clients feel uncomfortable, regardless of whether they are wrong.
Yes, have been doing this awhile. When I started, the seasoned pros always talked about how good it USED to be. I think no matter when you start, the “great days” were 10 years before. Look at the current award winning work. Cream rises. When agencies like Mischief are around there will always be new & innovative work. Sure there will be tons of tier 2 & tier 3 work. Find the fit, and do the best you can. I still love it.
Rising Star
Gotchya.
Before pivoting to advertising I was in print media and witnessed that shift happening there - one of my good friends is an ad vet - and from what I’m hearing from him, it feels similar, the “golden days” are over, lol. From what I heard from movie/TV people, it’s also the same.
Digital/social/tech changed the landscape; it can’t be the same anymore.
I’m pretty sure it was also a much more positive experience for clients, 30 years ago too. Happy team, happy clients. 🤷♂️