Pick Me: Breaking Into Advertising and Staying There

By Janet Kestin and Nancy Vonk

Book Overview

Advertising is a fantastic industry, but actually getting a job (or even your foot in the door) can seem next to impossible. Whether you're a student or a young professional loaded with questions, this one-of-a-kind guide shows you how to land a job and how to thrive once you're in and the pressure is on. Authors Nancy Vonk and Janet Kestin are seasoned creative directors and longtime creative partners. In Pick Me, these industry leaders answer your toughest ad career questions, like: Is advertising right for me? How do I build a killer portfolio? How do I get an interview with the elusive creative director? Should I accept an unpaid internship? How do I find the right partner? How do I beat creative block? How do I avoid burnout? Plus, fourteen industry superstars share their insights and explain how they broke into the business. You'll hear from Bob Barrie, Rick Boyko, David Droga, Mark Fenske, Neil French, Sally Hogshead, Mike Hughes, Shane Hutton, Brian Millar, Tom Monahan, Chuck Porter, Bob Scarpelli, Chris Staples, and Lorraine Tao. Forget the clich s this is advertising as it really is. If you're hell-bent on making it, this informative guide will put you on track for a career in one of the most exciting businesses on the planet.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471715573
• ISBN13: 9780471715573
• Release Date: August 2005
• Publisher: Wiley
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Great preview of the ad agency culture.

The book is easy to read. It gives an overview of the ad business as well as the culture, attitude, and career opportunities that are unique to this business. The only drawback for me was the fact that everything was based from a Creative Director's point of view. I would have liked to see some perspective from Account Executives, Copywriters, etc.

What a great book.

I haven't even finished reading this book yet and am logging on to tell students, interns, and all people new to the ad biz, buy this book. Buy it even before you buy the one I wrote ("Hey Whipple, Squeeze This. - A Guide To Creating Great Ads"). I'm serious. Well, okay, buy this one first. But then buy TWO copies of "Hey Whipple."

a gem

this is one very cool little book. excellent stuff. the chapter by ad (and web) wizard Brian Millar -- on how do do great creative without any talent! -- is worth the price of admission. highly recommended. chris locke, co-author The Cluetrain Manifesto, author Gonzo Marketing

Pick it

Picke Me? Yes, Pick It. Shakespeare was just another hack! This book rocks! And it's not only for aspiring ad people and juniors - actually every senior should read it! The only problem with this book is that it's just a teaser for Neil French's book... EDIT: Yes, I STILL want to read Neil French's book after the whole female creative affair. Idiots... P.S: I absolutely agree with Christopher Locke when he says that the couple of pages by Brian Millar is worth the price of the book itself. I don't know the guy but he should really write a book if he didn't write one already