I feel a bit more pressure writing this post today. I started at D&AD on Friday, had a great day and saw lots of amazing creative work- blinding creative work. I mean, there were pet chickens with pet chickens, and pubs on boats, and balls transforming into words in the air (honest). That all raises the bar.
It creates a whole new level of expectations.
Lots of genius people with genius ideas about genius looking...
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from their pillars of proven excellence at the young rookie entering the fray, with a degree in business, a very literal mind and limited (awful) drawing skills trying to be a creative. I always imagine when someone becomes exquisite, and I mean absolutely fucktastic, in their field, they turn into a pipe-smoking, smarty pants in a silk robe with one eyebrow raised and an audible scoff at the idea of anyone achieving what they have.
"Preposterous" he'd say between one puff of his pipe and the next.
(I don't really believe this to be true. I'm yet to meet anyone creative, especially who's successful, who is anything short of warm. It's just a humourous image I like to use.)
You see, I operate a lot like Everton FC. They always act like the underdog, and they thrive off of it. I remember when I started drumming I was left in awe of Travis Barker. He was so amazing. I loved watching him play everyday because he showed me what was possible to do with a pair of sticks. I used him as my competition and it made me work harder and motivate myself awesome.
I guess I'm a scrapper at heart.
It's the best asset I have right now. I'm a passionate storyteller and would like to sneak my way into a position where I can write nonsense for people and live adequately off of it, but my writing can only get me so far. My spirit and general noisiness also has a part to play in any success I should have.
As for the new standards, I look forward to taking them on. I'm gonna dance (like a psych patient) over them and enjoy doing so. I'll show Lord Smarty Pants... and his pretentious pipe too.
Showing posts with label jobs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jobs. Show all posts
Sunday, 16 January 2011
Monday, 15 November 2010
What If Advertising Sucks?
Everyone keeps telling me advertising is great...
"It's fun"
"It's creative"
"It's the best job in the world"
... but what if it's not? What if they are full of shit? What if they are so full of shit that they can't even smell what they are shoveling? I've heard lots of numbers being thrown around, "four years", "six months", "18 months" with regard to how long it takes to get into the industry.
That's a long fucking time.
How can a job in advertising (or any job for that matter) be worth that? I done some thinking and I currently have a theory- It's not. It's not worth it at all. It's possible. If we consider how human beings rationalise their own behaviour, it's very possible. Let's say the chain of events goes as follows: man decides he wants to go into advertising, studies at college/university for a few years, applies around for jobs for several months/years (perhaps working as an intern/on a placement) and finally gets the call they've been waiting for.
Now, that job, be it amazing, average or downright awful will still be perceived to be amazing. Regardless of the experience he will be blind to any drawbacks because his ego is tied to their position and the hard work it represents. God bless repression!
It has all the makings of some twisted psychological form of employment Stockholm syndrome. Like a child with an abusive parent that convinces themselves Daddy hits them "for their own good"
I must confess, that I am new to this game and haven't suffered much at all in terms of rejection, but I've done my research. I know what to expect. I can't imagine after 12 months, much short of spectacular would be worth my while yet I still want this career, this chase. There are much easier ways to go with easier success so why go for it? Maybe, I'm just stupid. Most humans are stupid most of the time and I am human most of the time.
My alternative theory is this. I want to take a chance, take a risk. I don't care if I get destroyed! Winning all the time makes it meaningless so winning once means everything. I hate playing it safe, because ultimately, reward is proportional to the risk we take to get it. By this logic, maybe, advertising actually could be worth it. Only one way to find out though.
"It's fun"
"It's creative"
"It's the best job in the world"
... but what if it's not? What if they are full of shit? What if they are so full of shit that they can't even smell what they are shoveling? I've heard lots of numbers being thrown around, "four years", "six months", "18 months" with regard to how long it takes to get into the industry.
That's a long fucking time.
How can a job in advertising (or any job for that matter) be worth that? I done some thinking and I currently have a theory- It's not. It's not worth it at all. It's possible. If we consider how human beings rationalise their own behaviour, it's very possible. Let's say the chain of events goes as follows: man decides he wants to go into advertising, studies at college/university for a few years, applies around for jobs for several months/years (perhaps working as an intern/on a placement) and finally gets the call they've been waiting for.
Now, that job, be it amazing, average or downright awful will still be perceived to be amazing. Regardless of the experience he will be blind to any drawbacks because his ego is tied to their position and the hard work it represents. God bless repression!
It has all the makings of some twisted psychological form of employment Stockholm syndrome. Like a child with an abusive parent that convinces themselves Daddy hits them "for their own good"
I must confess, that I am new to this game and haven't suffered much at all in terms of rejection, but I've done my research. I know what to expect. I can't imagine after 12 months, much short of spectacular would be worth my while yet I still want this career, this chase. There are much easier ways to go with easier success so why go for it? Maybe, I'm just stupid. Most humans are stupid most of the time and I am human most of the time.
My alternative theory is this. I want to take a chance, take a risk. I don't care if I get destroyed! Winning all the time makes it meaningless so winning once means everything. I hate playing it safe, because ultimately, reward is proportional to the risk we take to get it. By this logic, maybe, advertising actually could be worth it. Only one way to find out though.
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
Welcome to the Grind
So, I'm just gonna shoot this straight out there.
I DON'T LIKE MY JOB.
I don't feel too superior for the job. I don't think I'm not getting paid enough for the job, but there is something missing. There is no.... It has no... It's boring! Not just regular boring, It's uber boring; super boring, annoyingly tentative, exhaustingly dry, make-you-wanna-light-yourself-on-fire DULL.
I suppose I should quit but then I'd be a quitter, and I don't like quitters. In fact no-one does. We, and by we, I mean human beings and movie-goers, are genetically programmed to like those who triumph against all odds, defeat their foes and achieve all manners of glory, traditionally after some tragic twist about an hour in.
But then again, if I dont quit I'll probably be miserable. I can't do miserable. My whole identity is created on the sole idea that I am positive, lucky and generally happy. In addition to this I'm not sure quitting would make me happy. Unemployment means moneyless which very quickly moves into bored and presumably miserable. So there's something to be thankful for. Capital reward to drown out the dying whimpers of dreams once held.
Of, course, I'm being dramatic. Very, in fact. I'm bringing levels of drama, the likes of which broadway has never seen. This is all due to the fact that London adventures await me soon and all that stands between me and the big smoke is four more weeks of meaningless, average and mundane.
OK, so rant over. Feel free to find laughter from my nonsensical ramblings. All I hope for is that this isn't used as evidence for the prosecution or read by anyone I work with. I'd probably get fired, and I have all my 'baby-mommas' to pay. Well not yet, but according to the internal profile I've constructed of my race and gender, based on american chat shows... it's only a matter of time.
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