Most creatives want to help because it's a very difficult career to get into. If you want to listen and do as they say as well as do what your instincts tell you, you'll go far.
What is your job?
I'm a freelance Advertising Copywriter.
What does your job involve?
I receive a brief that outlines what a brand wants to say about themselves. I try and figure out a bold, creative way to do this. It has to ring true because it has to be in line with the Advertising Standards Authority, so there's a lot of problem solving. Once the idea is OK'd by the client my Art Director and I get in the relevant people to help make it. A director for TV, a photographer or illustrator for print.
How did you get to this point in your career?
By asking everyone for advice, finding out what's out there, working late and crashing on sofas eating Pot Noodle. By knowing that I'd get there in the end. I did placements at a variety of agencies. Some big, some small. Even though money was low, it was a good way to work out what kind of company I’d like to work for.
What training did you do and where?
I wasn't sure what I wanted to do til I was 21. I went to Strathclyde University to do Planning and Urban Design. I hated it, didn't like the structure and wanted something more free, so only did three years, not four. I had a wilderness year working as a waitress as I thought about my next move. My ex boyfriend's big brother suggested I go into the creative side of advertising. So I went down to London to see him at work and thought 'I could do this'. Then found out how and registered myself at Watford's well-known Art Direction and Copywriting course (at West Herts College). I got my postgrad then spent a year on the dole doing placements.
Which piece of work are you most proud of?
Channel 4 posters for Jamie's School Dinners. Not only did they pick up a few awards, they got the Government to sit up and take note too. See more here.
What do you need to succeed in your industry?
A thick skin. 95% of what you think up never gets made. Coming up with creative takes time and has to make the client happy, it can't just please you.
Who's your work hero / heroine?
John Webster, the creative director who thought up the Smash Martians. I also applaud graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister – he famously carved an invite into his skin for a talk he was doing. That’s dedication for you.
What inspired you to do this type of work?
I’d say ‘who’ rather that ‘what’. My art teacher and my close friends.
What do your friends/family think of the work you do?
My Mum used to record my ads rather than the film that was on. Think that says it all really.
What are your tips for anyone wanting to do your job?
Talk to those who do it. Most creatives want to help because it's a very difficult career to get into. If you listen and do as they say as well as do what your instincts tell you, you'll go far. Immerse yourself in everything around you. You never know where your next idea will come from.
Creative inspirations
Pedro Almodovar's films
I like his characters and their heart-wrenching stories. Talk To Her, Bad Education, Volver…
My great uncle
He’s 87 now. He was born in Newcastle, became a runner in a post room and a journalist. He served in Italy and Morocco and always told me amazing stories about places he’d travelled.
Artist Cornelia Parker
I’ve always been surprised by her pieces. She once made a pair of earplugs from the dust she collected up in St Paul’s Whispering Gallery.
Tate Modern's turbine hall
I love the way they allow an artist to totally transform the space.
Magma bookshop in Covent Garden
Flicking through some of the best graphic work around is one of my favourite fixes.
Damon Albarn
Apart from being drop dead gorgeous, the guy’s a genius. He always creates a stir with his latest project.
The ICA
They often showcase new talent, whether it be digital, animation or art.
Hampstead Heath
I talk and engage with people all day, so I go there to relax. You can see the whole of London. It’s a great place to sit and contemplate.
Alice in Wonderland.
I like the story behind the book – it was written by an Oxford lecturer for his friend’s daughter. Also, it is such an imaginative and different way of thinking.
Shoe shopping!
I work all day in a studio full of boys. Shoe shopping is a good way to switch off and remind myself I’m a girl!
If you would like advice on creative careers and courses, contact a Creative Way Careers Adviser - either Matt Ball on m.ball@uel.ac.uk / 07889 001764 or Sarah Comerford on s.comerford@uel.ac.uk / 07515 051509.