LUCK, ACCIDENTS, AND LONG HOURS

Miami Ad School graduate and Copywriter at Carmichael Lynch, Tim Bildsten, aptly named his Industry Hero presentation "Luck, Accidents, and Long Hours," which is how he'd most concisely sum up his first two years in advertising. Tim had a number of things in mind that he wished he would've been told just a couple of years earlier, but figured out for himself in time. Luckily for us, he was generous enough to pass on some of that advice. 

1.) Simplicity is key. Tim reiterated Luke Sullivan's sentiment that if you can take something out of your ad and it still makes sense, do it.

2.) Check your feelings at the door. You're going to get really attached to an idea - it's inevitable. It's also inevitable that the idea you like least is the one the client likes most. 

3.) Seek criticism, not praise. No one ever got better without some negative reviews, right?

4.) Crafting an argument vs. evoking an emotional response. Sometimes advertising students get too involved in the logic or the argument behind the point they're trying to make, but if you can get to the heart of the consumer, your message will have a further reach. 

5.) Flesh out the ideas in your portfolio and think about the bigger picture. Too many one-off projects can leave people a little underwhelmed. Think of other mediums for which your concept could work. 

6.) Nevertheless, leave people wanting more... don't put so many campaigns on your portfolio site that there's nothing left to show or talk about at the interview.

And like many speakers in the past, Tim agreed that you should find a way to make your site personal. Link out to a blog that you keep, talk about some of the non-advertising things you're interested in, and show consideration for those busy, on-the-go Creative Directors by making sure your site is mobile-compatible. Great advice, Tim. Thanks for the visit!

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