Thursday, November 3, 2011

Yes, Atmosphere Matters

After a lot of years working at an ad agency, I take for granted the very cool atmosphere within which I work.

Unique Artwork - Check
Ping Pong Table - Check
Funky Wall Graphics - Check
Bright Paint Colors - Check
Dogs Afoot - Check
Amazing Patio - Check
Punching Bag - Check

Yea, coming to work at such a cool place doesn't suck. We say we need a creative environment to inspire creativity. But really, it's just plain fun. My friends who work at other substantially less fun offices are jealous.

This short video showing the walls of Toronto-based BizMedia being livened up a bit is equally as cool. (Thanks @AdBuzz for sharing!) And helps to prove that yes, atmosphere matters.


Hey Apathy! Wall Mural from BizMedia on Vimeo.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Randome Question: I have been freelancing my whole career. I am a borderline junior/midlevel copywriter. I have only been landing digital gigs due to my portfolio, but I have a passion for TV. I am currently freelancing at a major/global ad agency and my sole responsibility is digital. I am currently trying to get hired full time. I think they're trying to make room because my CD needs me. I would be very happy having this as my sole responsibility as a FT hire, but I would also like to work on other clients, especially clients that are catered to doing TV. I want to try to move my way in towards TV and touch other clients, but I fear my creative manager might get frustrated. Maybe this is my greenness speaking, but I really don't know where the boundaries are. Any advice? How do I do this? Is it me simply introducing myself to other CD's and asking them if they need help? Or do I have to follow a more strategic approach? Do I go through my creative manager? By the way, your blog has been a creative bible for me. Thank you.

Unknown said...

I'd do both: make it clear to your creative manager that you'd love to have the chance to concept some TV and also introduce yourself to the other CDs and express and interest in helping them out. Then have some patience and remember what they hired you for.

A few years ago one of our TV spots was concepted by a digital art director and was chosen and he got to go produce it, so I know it happens. Some agencies may be more siloed or a bit less receptive, but no one is going to turn down enthusiasm for helping.

As long as your primary job and projects don't get jeopardized, I would continue to ask to help on TV projects. Or throw an unsolicited TV idea in every time you concept a digital idea.

Make sure when/if this place offers you a fulltime job that you express your interest in working on other clients and eventually TV. Say it again at every performance review you might have. When you let them know upfront, they may be more receptive to you contributing to TV projects outside your digital duties.

Hope that helps. And thanks for your kind words about my blog. Cecilia

Anonymous said...

Very helpful. Thank you.

Aaron Krueger said...

You've lost me in obscurities. Seems cool, but really vague. Seems like you know your industry, but not how to apply it across professional boundaries. Please let me know if I'm off base?

Unknown said...

Essentially I am describing the fun of working in a creative environment and how it can foster creative thinking. Nothing overly complicated, maybe that's why it seems vague.