Written by Kieran Ainsworth, Senior Copywriter

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I was having a chat recently with a relative who is interested in getting into the ad industry. And it got me thinking – if I was to start it all again today, what would I tell myself?

“Don’t do advertising – go into gaming” a little voice inside my head called. “Buy loads of Bitcoin, sell it in November 2021 and retire at age 33” another voice shouted. In all seriousness, I thought it was a good question – so here are a few things that I wish I knew back in the post-recession world of 2010…

Embrace your youthfulness and culture.

Back in 2010, if I’d had presented an idea with a game in it – or perhaps my favourite grime artist Skepta – I’d have been scared of being shot down. But over the years using culture within advertising has become the norm. From the IKEA advert featuring the legend D Double E to Wendy’s in the USA using Fortnite brilliantly.

I wish I’d embraced some of that cultural relevance early on. Be it a love of rap music, gaming, comedy – whatever. I’d probably have my portfolio in TikTok dance form if I was starting today.

WENDY’S FORTNITE

Watch the video here.

IKEA D DOUBLE E

Watch the video here.

Make sure you have a creative side hustle. And keep doing it.

Sometimes writing subject lines and banner ads can zap the creative juices out of you. So having a side hustle and keeping it going as your career progresses is something I’d recommend.

It’s even better if you can bring that side hustle into your work too. YouTuber, part-time Twitch streamer, musician or dog whisperer – who knows what will come in handy when you’re working on a brief.

You don’t know everything. And that’s okay.

It burns when you get that first harsh book crit. I can still remember that creative team from DDB ripping my book to pieces at D&AD New Blood like it was yesterday. To be fair to them, they had a point. But back then I thought – what do they know? That advice that people give is so invaluable at an early stage.

You shouldn’t be ashamed of asking for help or leaning on more senior people for support. You might have completed uni, but you’re not expected to know everything. Become a sponge and soak up all that wisdom and creative wizardry while you can – it will stand you in good stead.

Don’t be afraid of where you come from.

I grew up in a council house in Brum, far away from where some of my peers started out. Just because you have an accent that sounds funny to some doesn’t mean your voice is any less heard though. So don’t feel like an impostor. The industry is crying out for people who are different. Be it your socioeconomic status, race, or sex. Just don’t mention that you support Birmingham City.

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