Get into Copywriting & Art Direction: Sunday 7 November 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 "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!" Creative Team, Mother See the workshop programme here. Apply here. Get into Advertising Book Day: Sunday 13 February 2011 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 See the book day programme here. Apply here. These scamps (rough visuals) were some of the many ideas produced by Danielle Mensah and Georgina Preston on the July 18 Book Day. The students had only 10 minutes to come up with campaign ideas for the Skip Hop Skipping Rope. Georgina Preston came up with the idea for V05 on an earlier copywriting and art direction workshop. notice board If you're looking for a creative partner, email and I will post your notice here. Young, Aspiring Art Director Looking For Talented Copywriter I have just graduated from university and am fresh to the advertising industry. I already have a portfolio of work, but am looking to turn it into an AMAZING book. Plan to spend the following academic year working on my portfolio and applying for placements and courses (for the following academic year, but not if work is found). Based in London and am very happy to meet up just for an afternoon for a doodle. Contact me, Danielle, at dsmensah@gmail.com Copywriter seeks Art Director Hi, I'm Nick, I have recently graduated and am seeking a art director partner to create a portfolio of ideas. I have good contacts at major London agencies. I now need a partner to secure placements at these agencies. I am highly motivated, strong at strategic and conceptual development. Please get in touch if you're interested in working together. nickbonner1181@hotmail.com Art Director seeks Copywriter with industry experience Hi, I'm Michelle, an Art Director with three years industry experience. I'm looking for a Copywriter with a bit of industry experience to put a book together with a view to getting a job in an ATL agency. I am highly motivated, versatile, and conceptually strong and can work from concept right through to finished artwork. I am currently available for work. Please get in touch if you'd like to explore working together. michellepegg1@hotmail.com Copywriter seeking an Art director I have recently graduated, have had a few book crits, and lost out on placements cause of a non existent partner. I am originally from London. Am in Manchester at the moment but moving back to London very soon. Please get in touch if you're interested. 07805154336 pearladd@hotmail.com Looking for a partner I'm Dan Lacey, currently working as an in-house designer in London. I see myself as an art director really, although meeting creative directors lately seems maybe I'm a copywriter anyway either way, I'm kinda looking for a partner who is not just good at copy but can design as well. I love ambient media and everything which isn't traditional. Get in touch if you fancy a coffee and chat, and see if we could work together. Dan - 07928179198 dan@infectiousdesign.co.uk Looking for a copywriter My name's Bex, I live in Birmingham although a move to London is on the cards. Graduated last year with a degree in visual communication. Since then have been freelancing, doing bits of graphics and photography. Have had a few placements in agencies in Brum and lots of useful advice from a number of book crits. I would say I'm an art director looking for a copywriter, but think the boundaries are pretty blurred. Please get in touch if you want to do some work together and see how it goes! becks.wardell@gmail.com Seeking a copywriter Hello, I'm Laura. I graduated last year and have been working at Wunderman London since then. Originally a copywriter myself, I've realised I'm an art director at heart so am looking for a talented copywriter with some agency experience to partner up with. If this sounds like you, please don't hesitate to get in touch. hello@laurajdavies.com 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 Advertising can be an exciting, challenging and rewarding career. My workshops will give you the information you need to help you get started.