Recently, I redesigned this site and am in the process of adding my latest work. Neither an easy task. The problem is I think a lot. About a lot. And scrutinize, and question, and wonder and worry. I want everything to be perfect. When I was sketching out layouts for this version of this site, I wanted my ability as a copywriter and a problem solver to take center stage — in other words, my work. Because I know, if you’re hiring me, it’s not because I won the “fun run” in 5th grade (true story) or because my dog is named Bacon (it was that or “Pizza”). Once I got the design worked out, that’s when things got tough. Really tough.
I had to figure out what work to show, how to show it and what to say about it.
Creative directors used to ask to see my 15 best print ads and a handful of spots. It wasn’t so hard to pick 15 ads when I only had 20 or so to choose from. But times have changed. The business has changed. And CDs aren’t just asking for print ads and some TV. My 20 or so ads have grown to hundreds of ads and a lot of those ads aren’t even ads. So over the next couple of weeks I’ll be adding more brands that I’ve worked on over the past 3 years.
Ultimately, when trying to decide what to showcase from my efforts as a copywriter and thinker over the past few years came down to one thing: if I saw somebody else’s name on this site, would I want to hire them?
I don’t know if I have shown too much work, but I think I’ve shown enough (for the moment). And I know if I were looking for a copywriter who can do more than write, someone who's passionate and curious and sometimes ridiculous, I’d give me a shot.
TLDR; I think a lot. And think that thinking, in advertising, isn’t such a bad thing.