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I don’t think you know the extent of it until you’re in there. I feel you on this
If you want to be an artist, than go and be an artist. Don’t confuse that with what we do, which is to help sell products and services. Yes, we try to do it creatively but it’s business, not art.
Can I ask you honestly, did you not know getting into the industry that it was creativity in service of Clients’ businesses?
Like, sitting in meetings trying to figure out the best way to disrupt someone’s internet experience to serve them a targeted OLV? Gross.
Agreed. Once you’re in it for a few years you see things more clearly
Overall, it’s better than sitting in some cubicle crunching numbers for sure. I can’t really allow myself to complain too much. But when I think about how I only want to make art, true art, that I care about, that helps or loves others in some way and then I have to show up to a client meeting where we’re trying to sell some product it’s a bit soul crushing. That’s all. Some people love it - good for them. And some, like me, who don’t have this background, who want to make art to change perceptions and invoke conversation in the space, it’s difficult. I don’t mean to sound like the “artist” in the room but it’s hard to make something, at least for me, when you don’t really care about it. Do I really care about trash bags? Or beer? Or internet and tv services? No. I don’t. I get you, though, Marketing Director. I feel you
When I was 22 I wasn’t sure. I didn’t study advertising at university. I kinda fell into it. So you hear of all the cool creative ideas, you see the commercials, etc but when you’re in it for years and years all of that gets peeled back
To answer MD in ad school they pump your head with examples of work that is mind blowing and it life changing. Work that people might get to do once in their life. Your expectations coming into the ad business is high. And after years of being in this dumpster fire of a job you realize it's shit. I'm also feeling this way for sure. I think COX is also a hard client to be on. I know this sounds cheesy but maybe doing something on the side that fulfills your creative need to do something would help. What gets me out of bed is the thought that at least they pay me. And hopefully this will allow me to get to where I want to be in the future.
I’ve been in the business for a while too. I’m asking honestly, not being snarky. What did you think it was about if not this?
@WK but that's sort of the problem, a lot of CD's ECD's and whatever D's treat it like art.
I’m sad that you’re taking the job from people that really love what they do.
I’m happy that you’re leaving.
Go live your life and be happy.
I do think it’s very different than what people think it is from the outside. I think they have a perception that it’s like the SNL writers all sitting around a table having fun all day. Instead it’s coming up with something out of thin air and then doing the best you can to preserve something worthwhile while the Client also wants to make sure it serves their objectives. It’s not an easy job for sure. Because a lot of it (and you can take all the measurements you want it’s STILL about ideas) is highly subjective. But when I think about other jobs that are out there, getting paid to be creative is still a pretty great way to go to work every day. Not easy. But pretty great. My two cents
AD, to your point doing something on the side would help. I’m a producer and I write and produce tons of work on the side. It does help. But when I’m about to create stuff I care about outside of the agency I don’t want to go back! Ha. But as always, that pay is nice so maybe it’s more on me to just leave if I’m really THAT unhappy. But for anyone reading this long ass thread, making your own work outside of the agency if you’re unhappy is a great creative outlet
True, that Weiden + Kennedy, true that
It’s always tough to not only see how the sausage is made let alone be the one making the sausage. So here’s your choices. Keep going the way you’re going and end up miserable with three fingers left between both hands from you not giving a shit. Realize that great sausage is out there put out by people who care and push to create it. Or get out of the way and let someone who wants the opportunity that you seem so willing to let slip through your fingers because dammit I want some great sausage
Couldn’t agree more with OP's words.
What’s your exit plan? I’m curious.
Totally get it. Makes sense if expectations have been set as such
I’m with you @WK. Others are severely jaded and that’s okay too.
You can work on more meaningful projects like cancer awareness, environmental protection, etc. Some agencies work a lot with nonprofits and organizations with causes you can stand behind so you don’t always have to sell consumer products.