I met Troy Burrows about three years ago when he was a student at the Chicago Portfolio School. Now he's doing videos like these for Sharpie at DraftFCB in Chicago. (These were recently featured on Adweek's Ad of the Day.)
Pretty inspiring pieces. And pretty inspiring that you can go from student to this kind of work in such a short amount of time. High fives, Troy.
Showing posts with label Former Students. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Former Students. Show all posts
More Former Student Awesomeness
We love highlighting the work of former students on this blog. It's really gratifying to see ex-students who were putting their books together just a few years ago knock things out of the park.
This is work from a former student of mine, Josh Parschauer. His art director was Beau Hanson. They're both at Venables Bell & Partners.
The small screen doesn't do it justice. Watch it full screen and in hi-def if you can.
Gorillas on the Side
Because we're fans of spotlighting produced work and side projects from former students, we now call your attention to a new book by Andrew Gall and Vince Soliven.
Below are a few pages from their new book Everything is Better with a Gorilla, available here. They're also having a pretty fun time promoting to book with a Facebook page and YouTube channel.
James and the Giant Red Cube
We're always happy to showcase work from former portfolio students on this blog. This comes from James Wood, a copywriter at EnergyBBDO in Chicago.
It's a fantastic effort, and I hope it's inspiring to students that they could have something like this in the books within a year of leaving portfolio school.
(Full disclosure: I was assigned to be James' mentor during his second year at the VCU Brandcenter. And the creative director on this piece was my first boss, Kevin Lynch.)
Get Schooled
Years ago, Nate Archambault was a student of mine. He's since done some pretty fantastic work, including this project he helped develop for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation while he was with @radical.media. Creativity picked it up here.
Always inspiring to see people I knew as students putting spec work together to get a job now hitting the ball out of the park as professionals.
Snickers Snacklish
Nate Archambault is a former student of mine. He just sent me this site that he helped create for Chiat/Day in New York.
Always inspiring to see former portfolio students go on to replace their student work with some very cool professional work. And it never surprises me that the former students who are creating the most remarkable work are the students I remember being the hardest working. Having fun = success.
What Happens in Cranfills Gap...
Tony Marin was a student at the Chicago Portfolio School just five or six years ago. Now he does work for Las Vegas tourism. Check it his latest work. Cool stuff.
Troy and Tracey
Here's a shoutout to Troy Burrows and Tracey Yuen, two former students of mine. Their campaign for the Chicago Blackhawks is featured in CMYK.
Congratulations to both of them.
Congratulations to both of them.
Advice: From Leslie Buker
Answering the question "If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your job-seeking student self?" is Leslie Buker, an art director at Publicis in the West and is the author of Bukes.
Love it, because there will always be a reason to hate it.
That's what I'd tell myself of yesteryear. Back in ad school, the industry looked like a far-off golden land. Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows. All I had to do was get there. But once arriving, I quickly realized the gold did not shine so brightly. Some days, clients are impossible. Other days, CDs are impossible. And most days, producing good work is impossible. This can leave the new arrival feeling slightly disillusioned.
But even in a slightly tarnished golden land, everything is still golden. Sometimes, you just have to look for the shiny parts. At an agency, you're surrounded by decades of knowledge and people waiting to share it with you. Chances are, you also have a few new tricks up your sleeves to share in return. And even in doomed projects, there are small triumphs to be collected on the way - maybe they don't like your headline, but the subhead sticks. Or they hate your layout, but couldn't be more delighted with your choice of colors. These moments are the gems that make it worth it. Remember to focus on these each day as you make your move into the industry, and it will start to look like the golden land you thought it'd be.
Love it, because there will always be a reason to hate it.
That's what I'd tell myself of yesteryear. Back in ad school, the industry looked like a far-off golden land. Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows. All I had to do was get there. But once arriving, I quickly realized the gold did not shine so brightly. Some days, clients are impossible. Other days, CDs are impossible. And most days, producing good work is impossible. This can leave the new arrival feeling slightly disillusioned.
But even in a slightly tarnished golden land, everything is still golden. Sometimes, you just have to look for the shiny parts. At an agency, you're surrounded by decades of knowledge and people waiting to share it with you. Chances are, you also have a few new tricks up your sleeves to share in return. And even in doomed projects, there are small triumphs to be collected on the way - maybe they don't like your headline, but the subhead sticks. Or they hate your layout, but couldn't be more delighted with your choice of colors. These moments are the gems that make it worth it. Remember to focus on these each day as you make your move into the industry, and it will start to look like the golden land you thought it'd be.
Advice: From Brian Thibodeau
Answering the question "If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your job-seeking student self?" is Brian Thibodeau, an art director at the Martin Agency and author of stackingchairs.
First thing I will say is, take the time to teach your self. We expect institutions to give us far too much. The more you learn now while in school, the further ahead you will be.
Working in the interactive space seems to be one of those things that a lot of the old school guys talk about, but still struggle to lead you on. Don't get me wrong - there is nothing better than learning from the "old-school guys" just so long as you also stay up to date on what is happening in the industry. The better you understand the "old-school" the better your work will be in all instances.
The Brandcenter was great about encouraging work in the digital space. They have taken it so far as to include a new digital track. Even so, students should be proactive. It will be up to you in most instances to seek out good interactive work as well as good interactive advice. There is no substitute for hard work. My belief is the better you are at integrating your concept across all channels the better. A banner ad should never be an after thought. All brands should be participating in deep interactive experiences.
Even some agencies struggle with how to incorporate the digital space. This is good and bad. Good, because it allows you to differentiate yourself, and bad because when you graduate you still want to keep learning and feel mentored to a certain degree. So, choose an agency where you can grow.
The beautiful thing about the digital space is that it incorporates all. You can create video, or animation, or engage in great design. There is an endless array of how to engage the consumer. My first year at the brand center, Brian Collins said to me, "If you don't understand interactive, learn it." And I've been continually learning ever since.
The other thing I would say is to find the art. Michael Angelo, when referring to sculpting, would speak of releasing the image from the stone, rather than creating it. Try to approach your work the same way. What can you release from the brand that will inform your work? I often think of brands as wonderful patrons with deep pockets. Brands can offer great opportunities to create art for mass consumption.
First thing I will say is, take the time to teach your self. We expect institutions to give us far too much. The more you learn now while in school, the further ahead you will be.
Working in the interactive space seems to be one of those things that a lot of the old school guys talk about, but still struggle to lead you on. Don't get me wrong - there is nothing better than learning from the "old-school guys" just so long as you also stay up to date on what is happening in the industry. The better you understand the "old-school" the better your work will be in all instances.
The Brandcenter was great about encouraging work in the digital space. They have taken it so far as to include a new digital track. Even so, students should be proactive. It will be up to you in most instances to seek out good interactive work as well as good interactive advice. There is no substitute for hard work. My belief is the better you are at integrating your concept across all channels the better. A banner ad should never be an after thought. All brands should be participating in deep interactive experiences.
Even some agencies struggle with how to incorporate the digital space. This is good and bad. Good, because it allows you to differentiate yourself, and bad because when you graduate you still want to keep learning and feel mentored to a certain degree. So, choose an agency where you can grow.
The beautiful thing about the digital space is that it incorporates all. You can create video, or animation, or engage in great design. There is an endless array of how to engage the consumer. My first year at the brand center, Brian Collins said to me, "If you don't understand interactive, learn it." And I've been continually learning ever since.
The other thing I would say is to find the art. Michael Angelo, when referring to sculpting, would speak of releasing the image from the stone, rather than creating it. Try to approach your work the same way. What can you release from the brand that will inform your work? I often think of brands as wonderful patrons with deep pockets. Brands can offer great opportunities to create art for mass consumption.
Advice: From Daniel Case
I've asked three junior creatives I respect to answer the question "If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your job-seeking student self?" Each one is at a great agency. Each one is very talented. And each one was putting their book together and looking for a job just a few months ago.
Making the transition from student to professional is tough. I’m still trying to figure it out. But there are a few things I’ve learned along the way.
Stay humble.
There are so many beautiful, gracious people out there to meet and learn from. When you’re humble and your approach is open, it’s easier to find these people. When you’re egocentric, people will probably avoid you at all costs.
Be curious.
Once you get that job, it’s easy to act like you know everything. The difficult thing is to ask questions and admit that you’re new to this. It will be extremely awkward at first, but I find that most people are more than happy to show you how things work and give you tips on how you can be the best at what you do.
When my first print was about to go out the door, a rep from the studio came by with a proof (think of it as a $500 printout with a clear plastic sheet protecting it.) The producer, the head of studio, and the rep were all there at the table when the rep handed me a black sharpie to mark anything that needed to be cleaned up. I quickly grabbed the marker, flipped over the plastic protector and went all Madden on the original proof. The rep kindly took the marker back and made a few “proper” marks of his own – on the clear protector sheet, not the original…like you’re suppose to.
If I’d only asked a few questions first, I might have avoided looking like a turd.
Don’t forget to feed your soul.
This is one I’ve always tried to live by, but once I started working I got so busy that I almost forgot about it. As a result, negativity and unhappiness started to creep in - and negativity is the kryptonite of creativity.
So figure out what kind of things make you tick as a human being and do those things as often as possible. Find out what makes your soul come alive.
For me, it means getting a dose of nature maybe through a hike or a weekend away with my wife. Maybe for you it’s cooking, or drawing, or writing. If all you do is work, you’ll never tap into those things that keep you in tune.
Be yourself.
It sounds like an easy one, but might actually be the most difficult. You want to find an agency that appreciates you for who you are. It will make your job much more enjoyable.
Stay humble.
There are so many beautiful, gracious people out there to meet and learn from. When you’re humble and your approach is open, it’s easier to find these people. When you’re egocentric, people will probably avoid you at all costs.
Be curious.
Once you get that job, it’s easy to act like you know everything. The difficult thing is to ask questions and admit that you’re new to this. It will be extremely awkward at first, but I find that most people are more than happy to show you how things work and give you tips on how you can be the best at what you do.
When my first print was about to go out the door, a rep from the studio came by with a proof (think of it as a $500 printout with a clear plastic sheet protecting it.) The producer, the head of studio, and the rep were all there at the table when the rep handed me a black sharpie to mark anything that needed to be cleaned up. I quickly grabbed the marker, flipped over the plastic protector and went all Madden on the original proof. The rep kindly took the marker back and made a few “proper” marks of his own – on the clear protector sheet, not the original…like you’re suppose to.
If I’d only asked a few questions first, I might have avoided looking like a turd.
Don’t forget to feed your soul.
This is one I’ve always tried to live by, but once I started working I got so busy that I almost forgot about it. As a result, negativity and unhappiness started to creep in - and negativity is the kryptonite of creativity.
So figure out what kind of things make you tick as a human being and do those things as often as possible. Find out what makes your soul come alive.
For me, it means getting a dose of nature maybe through a hike or a weekend away with my wife. Maybe for you it’s cooking, or drawing, or writing. If all you do is work, you’ll never tap into those things that keep you in tune.
Be yourself.
It sounds like an easy one, but might actually be the most difficult. You want to find an agency that appreciates you for who you are. It will make your job much more enjoyable.
Reese's Campaign
About two years ago, Laura Casner was a student of mine. Here’s a campaign she recently produced for Arnold.
I’m posting this just to remind you students that within a couple short years of graduation you can have a national, award-winning campaign under your belts. If you're willing to work for it, success is not that far away.
I’m posting this just to remind you students that within a couple short years of graduation you can have a national, award-winning campaign under your belts. If you're willing to work for it, success is not that far away.
A Little Post-Holiday Inspiration
Amy Markley is a copywriter at Tom, Dick & Harry. She was also one of my first students at the Chicago Portfolio School.
Here’s what I remember about Amy as a student:
That’s about the closest any of us will ever get to a road map for a successful career.
Amy was in your shoes not too long ago - coming back to school after the holidays, trying to figure out how she was ever going to put her book together, wondering if she'd get a job after graduation.
Now, some ads Amy did with her art director, Candy Freund, are being featured in an upcoming issue of Archive.
I don’t remember all of my former students. But I do remember the hardest working ones. It’s hard not to. They’re the ones doing the best work.
Here’s what I remember about Amy as a student:
- She worked hard.
- She asked good questions.
- She listened.
- She worked hard some more.
That’s about the closest any of us will ever get to a road map for a successful career.
Amy was in your shoes not too long ago - coming back to school after the holidays, trying to figure out how she was ever going to put her book together, wondering if she'd get a job after graduation.
Now, some ads Amy did with her art director, Candy Freund, are being featured in an upcoming issue of Archive.
I don’t remember all of my former students. But I do remember the hardest working ones. It’s hard not to. They’re the ones doing the best work.
What Happens at Portfolio School Stays in Vegas
Glen Scott and Tony Marin are a creative team at R&R Partners in Las Vegas. If you watch TV, you've already seen some of there work. Here's their latest spot:
They also have a microsite that goes with it.
I bring Glen and Tony to your attention because they were students at the Chicago Portfolio School just a few years ago. It's really amazing to see people go from students putting their book together to being mentioned in Adweek as the team on a Spot of the Week.
Three things to remember:
They also have a microsite that goes with it.
I bring Glen and Tony to your attention because they were students at the Chicago Portfolio School just a few years ago. It's really amazing to see people go from students putting their book together to being mentioned in Adweek as the team on a Spot of the Week.
Three things to remember:
- Glen and Tony were in a portfolio school, doing what you're doing about four or five years ago.
- When they were doing what you're doing, they were working extraordinarily hard.
- Be like Glen and Tony.
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