The past week has been full of excitement and change for me. I put in my two weeks notice to my current employer, and I've finally been able to tell family and friends that I'm going back to school in October. The first question everyone asks is "Where are you going to school?" The answer should be simple, "I'm going to Creative Circus to study Copywriting and whatever else I can jam in to my schedule while I'm there". Unfortunately, most people outside of advertising - and some in advertising - hear that name and assume I'm learning to juggle for the next two years. So today for my first post I'm going to lay out for everyone where I'm going, and what I'm doing because there seems to be a little confusion.
For a little background lets start with the Creative Circus (If you want their version of the facts go here). The Circus isn't your traditional grad school. There is no MBA or MA at the end of two years. Instead, you spend two years working on a portfolio of your creative work to help land a job as a creative professional. Each class is taught by a current working professional so you don't just get ideas from someone who was great five years ago; you get feedback from someone who runs shop now. Plus the school is run like an agency so you are gaining practical work experience, too. All your projects are assigned to you in creative briefs, and your work competes directly with other students at the end of each quarter in The Student Show. At the end of your time there you should have a killer portfolio full of great ideas, and the benefit of two years experience in an "almost agency" environment.
Sounds killer, right?
While I'm there I'm going to be studying Copywriting. Behind the scenes of most ads there is a basic two person team, an Art Director and a Copywriter. An Art Director is the kid that photochopped your face to make you look like a withered 60 year old who smokes to much just because she could. They are gifted in the visual arts and come up with the images that drive an ad. As a copywriter you're expected to be an idea person. To come up with the idea that is going to make people relate with a brand and then translate that idea in to words ("copy"). So basically, I'm going to spend two years honing my creative thinking, and turning my writing skills from moderate to super pro.
If you made it this far I applaud you for your dedication. It's been a while since I wrote anything and I'm sure its been an interesting read for you.
I'm heading back to school at the beginning of October and I'm going to do my best to chronicle my experience. I know when I was struggling with the decision I looked all over the intarwebz trying to find a review or a summary and found zilch so hopefully this will help someone else ditch their crappy job and go for their dreams.
If you have a request or a critique leave it in the comments and I'll take it in to consideration. Thanks!
