Working in advertising

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I have changed gears and have decided lately that I want to work in advertising; to really showcase my creativity.

What kind of skills will I need for this? Any other advice?

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That will depend entirely on what branch or type of advertising you want to be involved in. Above all, you need to have a good sense of pop culture and know what the public finds interesting and amusing at any given moment and be able to create within those parameters, or at least be able to successfully parody them.

Writing skills, including an expert command of language are essential. Some graphic art skills are helpful, even if you aren't specifically aiming to be an illustrator, but they may not be necessary, depending on your specific job or department. You don't have to be gregarious and outgoing, but a good sense of diplomacy helps, as it will occasionally be necessary to deflect a bad idea without injuring someone's ego.

A healthy sense of humor and pride in personal accomplishment, without a narcissistic ego will keep you working and respected. Know your abilities and your limits and be proud of your successes, but don't fall into the trap of letting sycophants blow sunshine up your skirt and lull you into believing you're better than you are. The minute you start believing everything you do is great, that's the minute you stop improving.

You might need to be well stimulated.

I am a big fan of Mad Men. I can tell you exactly what you will need to succeed in the high pressure world of advertising.

You will need either

A new and fake identity which you build a life around. Don't even tell your wife or kids your real name. Also, be a man ho.
A severe drinking problem and a long term affair with your secretary
A weird preoccupation with the Orient, to the point you decorate your office that way and make people take off their shoes
To be a closeted gay guy even though it really shows
To be a pompous know it all ass and talk down to everyone around you because you are so well read and much more liberal than them
A huge trust fund, no work ethic, and something to prove
To be a shy and naïve woman with no experience in advertising but some ideas


Apparently just one of those things can really get you places on Madison Avenue.

Oh, I forgot the most important thing you'll need. A time travel machine to get you back to 1962.

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I'm giving it another shot. We will see.
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