Does anyone here work in advertising?

[truthseeker777]

That is, do you work for an ad agency – copywriting, designing, etc.? (I’m mostly concerned with the writing aspect, as that’s what I’m most interested in, but all insight is welcome.) If you do, could you give me some insight as to what the work is like? What’re the deadlines like; do you have to work nights?

I’d also like to know if you’ve ever come into conflict with your Catholic faith if you’ve worked in advertising long. Have you ever had to work on an ad that had scantily-clad women in it, appealed heavily to materialism, or had to do anything else that went against Church teaching? How’d you deal with it?

Are their types of advertising that would be good for a Catholic to work in? In other words, ad agencies and advertising for industries that wouldn’t put you in danger of having to go against your morals?

 

[edwest2]

Since I don’t know your experience level, permit me a few assumptions. Assuming you have strong writing skills and a knowledge of the psychology of advertising, I would start out freelance. People at various agencies are looking for good copywriters, so you can watch for online ads for “copywriter needed” online. Assignments can range from housewares, tools, appliances and other domestic products. Trade copywriting in various fields is the most difficult because you’re selling a machine, for example, that can range from making car parts to medical devices. A strong knowledge of the field is not as important as knowledge of the device and key features potential buyers would appreciate. You would need to comprehend the device and know how similar copy is handled. Each industry niche has its own ‘language’ specific to that industry, meaning words the average person would not use.

I suggest getting a copy of Ogilvy On Advertising by David Ogilvy.

Making deadlines is job one. Your freelance pay or job depends on it. Yes, you may be asked to stay late. I was at one agency and a rush job came in from Ford around dinner time. A courier was going to be there by 8:30 to pick up all materials.

Advertising Age, a trade publication, is online at adage.com

Agencies are still trying to figure out the internet. How to stand out. And that means good art and strong copy. Now the top tier agencies are often tied to a handful of companies and/or brands. Nothing is 100% without risk. So, I suggest work/agencies that are primarily tied to health care products/companies. To be more specific, companies that make equipment for hospitals and clinics that the average consumer would not buy. Cosmetics are big money but the way it’s all presented can be iffy to scandalous. The same with pharmaceuticals - certain pharmaceuticals. There are still plenty of trade journals out there: in print and online. If you have a college nearby, go to their library and check out their “serials” (magazine) list and browse. Look around. What would I enjoy promoting and selling?

One last bit. You may be asked to write a few lines to a full page. Look at examples of how it’s done.

Hope this helps,
Ed

 

[dconklin]

These are tough questions. I used to be in marketing for a large corporation and we used advertising agencies. My specific role production planning (making sure everything got finished on time) so I was able to see how hard people worked. The bigger agencies were able to stay on schedule better. There was even traveling to press checks at big printing facilities where we could be called in the middle of the night to make a check.

 

[truthseeker777]

All right. Thank your for the responses.

I’m actually trying to find my first few clients and am thinking I might want to start local. I’ll keep in mind your advice everyone.