For the Creatives

I've been getting a lot of questions from aspiring art directors and copywriters about how to get an internship at an agency. I'll be the first one to tell you that I'm not the best person to answer that question. Both of my internships were on the account side, so naturally my "expertise" is in that discipline.

However, I came across I Have an Idea's academia blog on their website that answers a lot of your questions (and a lot of other useful tidbits). Check it out - get connected - become inspired.

Future MAIPterns

Just a re-cap of the MAIP component of the presentations given over the past week:

• Applications are available now. If you didn't pick one up in class, you can visit the MAIP website and download one
• The Deadline for all materials is December 5th, 2008
• You'll need two letters of recommendation (preferably from a professor and an employer). The key to getting a good LOR is giving your reference plenty of time.
• An unofficial transcript is required with the application. If you are a semifinalist, an official transcript will need to be submitted by January 12th. For SJSU students, this means you should be aware of the procedures of the Office of the Registrar. There are no rush requests. EVER!
• For those of you in Lilly's Adv 121 Course - I will be coming in on Monday, Nov. 3rd to help you with essay writing & resume building. For those students not eligible for MAIP, I will focus on helping you build a spreadsheet of potential agencies.
  
• Get connected with MAIP on their Facebook fan page
  

I want to encourage you to continue to seek me out for any guidance in the process. In case I didn't mention it, SJSU's ad program has some very qualified students who would be terrific MAIP candidates.

One story I didn't share, but think is a testament to how great you are occurred during my in-person interview for MAIP 2008. The HR rep who interviewed me noted that she was consistently impressed with all five of the SJSU semi-finalists. I'm convinced that this year we'll see even more of our students accepted into the program!

One thing I've failed to mention

While I was at Campbell Mithun I created a blog that tracked some of my experiences while being a part of The Lucky 13. If you're interested in the program, you should take a look at it - there's a post about all the activities we participated in. As I mentioned, if you're interested in applying for the program, hunt me down and ask questions (if I don't know the answer, I can find out).

Also, check out their website and keep an eye out for their updated application.

Yo Plannnnnners!

Planner Survey Results 2008

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: lefevre heather)

Coming across this today made my over saturated brain cartwheel. I've been debating on whether to pursue grad school or planning boot camp at Miami Ad School since returning from Campbell Mithun.

However, every time I write a paper on the Shamanic Voyage of the Power Animal or The Effects of Subject Position on North African Bees I get all sickly at the thought of grad school. If this survey says I can earn just as much as someone with an MBA by attending a six week course - then boot camp it is! I'll just repress that bit about the odds of finding a jr. planning position (please don't remind me).


********

I forgot to point out the blogs that the planners who took the survey read most. Here they are with links

Russell Davies
Fallon Planning/Trendpoint
PSFK
adliterate
brand new
Seth Godin
Influxinsights
Logic + Emotion
Zeus Jones
Faris Yakob
Cultureby.com
Scamp
Northern Planner

And I'm back . . . With a Purpose

So I'm fresh off three presentations at San Jose State University where I spoke with students in the advertising program about how to land an internship at an agency. With two more to go and one workshop on resume building/essay writing I'm hoping that more students will become excited about the possibilities that the advertising program @ SJSU affords them.

If you attended any of the presentations, please don't hesitate to use this blog as an open forum for questions you may have about anything I discussed. Remember - there are no stupid questions.

Also - I'm in the beginning stages of launching a new branch of this blog that you may find useful in your own endeavors into the ad world.

Until then, I look forward to the next chapter of this blog and to helping plant more SJSU students at agencies.

Embryonic Hot Mess

Leo Burnett Chicago has done it once again! The clever fools found a way to politely inform those hungry for McDonald's greasy breakfast sandwiches that they've only got until 11am to snatch one up. Loves it!

Read more at AgencySpy

2008 Summer Jam - Electric Feel by MGMT

I know I've found my Summer Jam when I can't wait to jump into a pair of OP's, sip on some spiked Kool-Aid and double-dutch until dawn. This summer is all about Electric Feel by The Management. It's as if Bowie, the Scissor Sisters, Mika, and The Gossip all copulated and produced the most beautiful love child.

They've even got an interactive video you can download to get you into the groove. I dare you not to dance.

2007 Summer Jam: Young Folks - Peter, Bjorn & John

Well Laid - Schweppes: Burst

This ad for Schweppes tugged on my tear ducts for a good portion of my Sunday - no lie. What works so well is the timing of the advert - slow, deliberate and emotional. I'll reach for a bottle the next time I'm setting up bar. Well done George Patterson Y&R.

Client: Schweppes
Agency: George Patterson Y&R, Melbourne
Director: Garth Davis
Track: To Build a Home, Cinematic Orchestra

Life After AAF - NSAC

Warning: This is probably the most personal blog I've posted (don't get used to it).

It's been two days since San Jose State's NSAC team (Kismet) placed 3rd in the District 14 competition and I must admit that I'm enjoying my cup of coffee this morning.

I'll admit that I joined the team for all the wrong reasons - fame, glory and another trophy on my resume. What I got instead was the most genuine understanding of what working with a great team of people is all about.

For months, we poured our souls into the campaign - we scratched/butted/pounded our heads over every detail until we had created a message that we knew would send shivers down ones spine.

Coffee never tasted so good

Mario Testino Called - He wants my skills

"Daniella ... shut up and look sessy babe!"








I can't remember the last time I stopped everything I was doing (ok, that's a lie*) and toyed with an interactive website while in the middle of something very important, i.e. watching the final season of Lost, season 1 online.

That is, until I came across Daniella - the talkative Brazilian who is the epicenter of Taco Bell's recent campaign, created by Draftfcb Orange County. Lets just say that my inner Leibovitz came out as I snapped countless posses of Dee (we're so BFF).

Here's just one of the HUNDREDS of photos I captured of Daniella. If only they would do this with Justin Theroux.