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Our dads didn’t love us enough
Most copywriters dominate every conversation? WTH?? I'm aghast! 😳 Now take a seat, and I'll tell you why I'm bothered. It will only take an hour or two. Then I'll tell you how to do your job, and maybe throw in some tips on how to dress, who to date, and why your house plants always die... LOL! 😂
Just kidding, of course 😊 I think copywriters like to control the narrative because building storylines is what we do. Best to just nod until we get the hint that you're no longer listening. It works for my husband 🤣
Visual Storyteller
My guess is it attracts a certain personality type. I personally prefer not leading everything and feel like one of the benefits of the creative partnership is that we can cover for each other.
To be fair. We are kinda good with words. So it’s natural that being good at talking is part of our repertoire. Hopefully you find the right partner for you that balances you out. No one should dominate but there should be a natural, complementary sharing of roles.
Came to watch the rage bait and wasn't disappointed.
But the point someone made about it being tied to the narrative is probably the closest. That's what we're responsible for and ultimately judged on so if a meeting starts going poorly you'll see a lot copywriters jump into preservation mode which is inherently less collaborative unless you've already discussed a contingency plan.
Sorry that your experiences have led to making broad generalizations and hopefully you can discuss with your partner(s) and play a more equal role. And if not, ask to work with a more collaborative writer because it's stifling your development.
Because most art directors are treated like comp monkeys and copywriters are considered “idea” people.
It’s wrong, and dumb.
I wish I didn't have to. I love being creative and being a partner, but I hate being the vocal of the team. I much rather be in the backseat
Copywriters do the heavy lifting upfront because they write most of the ideas. Writing the concept doesn't mean they are the only ones who come up with the ideas. Art directors do the heavy lifting after the concept is approved, and when we are in production and execution.
We should be partners because I hate steering
I've worked with a lot of art directors that don't like to lead. For some reason agencies think art directors are the quiet artistic types and expect the copywriter to talk. Just talk to your partner. My current partner spoke up one time and now we share the speaking load. You can't solve a problem, if you don't know one exists. Speak up.
For context, I’m not talking about pitching ideas. I mean copywriters who act like they’re the creative directors running the team and responsible for everything. Like, who decided you’re the lead? We’re both responsible for the work.
I was even told by a couple copywriters (with barely any experience) after coming to work in a smaller agency from big awarded agencies, that only copywriters should present the work to the client and the team, cause they are the ‘conceptual’ ones. 🙃 Told them I don’t care as the work is being done in a team. I did half of the work, it’s all about optics in the end of the day.
Funniest thing is, one of those copywriters is a terrible presenter, and I had a fun session with clients, where I was presenting some parts and he did others. The clients seemed to only listen, nodding and asking questions on my part whereas listening to him even for me was painful.
Maybe it’s an ego thing for some people.
We say words better. You use color pretty.
What’s stopping you from taking the lead and dominating? Yeah, it should be cooperative and ideally complementary, but of your partner is putting themselves out there more and being more visible throwing shade, then it’s up to you to do something.
Signed
An art director