Get into Copywriting & Art Direction: Sunday 21 March 2010 What does a copywriter actually do? Ask most people what a copywriter does and you'll get some strange answers. Someone once said to me, "Don't you get tired copying all that writing?" Another misconception is that it is something to do with law, as in copyright. Yet another is that copywriters spend a long time writing. In fact, most of our time is spent in coming up with ideas. An art director 'directs' how the ads should look. You will need to have a good understanding of layout and design but you don't necessarily need to have great drawing skills. It's enough to be able to convey the idea on paper with a quick sketch. These are called 'roughs', 'scamps' or 'concepts.' The art director and copywriter work together as a team. So, if you're looking for a job as a copywriter or art director you will need to find a creative partner. You will also need to be able to show examples of your work when you are looking for a work placement or a job. This is called a 'portfolio' or a 'book' and is an essential requirement if you want to work as a creative in an ad agency. This is where the workshops come in. The Get into Advertising copywriting and art direction workshop will help you find out if you've got what it takes to work as a creative and will provide you with the information you need to compile a portfolio of work. With luck, you might also find a partner. By the end of the day you will have some ads you can put in your 'book' and you will have a good idea of what you need to do in order to succeed. Workshop groups are restricted to around eight people - the idea being that by the end of the day you will have worked with everyone in the room! You'll be able to ask questions, share experiences and receive feedback on your work. The workshop in copywriting and art direction will include the following topics: how to get ideas how to create ads your portfolio and what to put in it brainstorming how to find a creative partner work placements how to get work experience understanding your audience what makes a good ad headlines straplines writing copy presentation skills the creative brief practical work feedback "We think this workshop would be suitable to anyone wanting to break into the advertising industry, whether they are already in a team or still looking for a partner." Dan & Matthew, Creative Team See the copywriting & art direction workshop programme here. This workshop is now full. New date to be posted soon. Email to put your name on waiting list. Get into Advertising Book Day: Sunday 18 July 2010 If you want to practise creating ads and get feedback on your work, this day is for you - whether you're already in a team or looking for a creative partner. You'll be working with different people on various campaigns throughout the day - ideal if you're looking for a copywriter or art director. This day is designed for anyone who wants to build a portfolio of work or improve on their existing book. A day for aspiring copywriters and art directors Work on different creative briefs throughout the day Meet others who want to work in creative teams Find a creative partner Create ad campaigns and write copy Receive feedback from an experienced practitioner Build a book of work that will help you get a job Feedback from a creative team who attended a workshop in April 2006 "After doing a few placements, we finally got our break at Mother. In fact, it was a much bigger break than we ever expected. And it gave us two awards at the BTAA (British Television Advertising Awards) this year. Thank you for your help and support during the workshop!" May 2008, email. See the Book Day programme here. Apply here. notice board If you're looking for a creative partner, email and I will post your notice here. Experienced copywriter, looking for digital savvy Art Director. I worked for Abbott Mead Vickers for 4 years, then took the Copywriting & Art Direction course at Watford College. Out of Watford, I wrote ads for 5 years at Eardrum, a D&AD winning Radio Agency. I'm now freelancing with radio & digital work (I was involved in the launch of Spotify, making the first ads to run on the site) but looking to get a new book together with a partner. Currently building a website for my new work, but you can get me on guyswimer@aol.com or 07984 481 582. I am a newly graduated and very keen copywriter seeking a talented art director. I have placement experience under my belt and I'm an enthusiastic and hard working team member. I am looking to go on more placements, create some really cracking creative work and eventually have a sh*t hot portfolio. I am currently located in London and preferably looking to stay in the big smoke. Get in touch if you would like more info. emma.townley@yahoo.co.uk Seeking creative team mate. Graduate with placement experience looking to team up with fellow creative (pref art director) to put a book together and get placements/full time work. Based near Manchester, but can relocate. Get in touch. hello@abdulbismilla.co.uk I'm an art director seeking a copywriter to form a creative team. I currently work in an advertising agency and have over three years experience. The objective: Collaborate on a mind-blowing portfolio. The goal: Land a dream job in a London advertising agency. I look forward to hearing from you. steven00smith@yahoo.co.uk Matt Daymond - Art Director based in London/Brighton 1st BA in Creative Advertising with Photography Experience - Placements Looking for a copywriter ready to go straight into placements. My book is strong but lacking excellent copy and it is tailored to integrated agencies which is the type of agency where I see myself working. m_daymond@hotmail.com 07736297676 Copywriter Wanted Hi. I have been an Art Director at Grey, New York for about a year and I'm looking to partner up with a London-based copywriter. Please let me know if you are interested. claud@netvigator.com Advertising can be an exciting, challenging and rewarding career. My workshops will give you the information you need to help you get started.