Get into Copywriting & Art Direction: Sunday 8 February 2009 "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 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. Writing the words - 'the copy' - is the easy bit! 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 and create ads how to find work your portfolio brainstorming ad campaigns how to find a partner work placements good and bad ads headlines straplines writing copy presentation skills the creative brief practical work feedback See the creative workshop programme here. Read feedback from a creative team here. Apply here. 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!" Email, May 2008 Get into Advertising Book Day: New date to be posted soon 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 a sample Book Day programme here. This workshop is now full. New date to be posted soon. Advertising can be an exciting, challenging and rewarding career. My workshops will give you the information you need to help you get started.