Co-workers for a while. Friends for life.
Let’s face it, I’m writing this blog because it’s my turn. I’ve been asked before but always managed to wiggle my way out of it. Until now. “Do one for December,” I was told. And, like all good creative people, I respond well to deadlines. Sort of.
Finding a topic was my biggest challenge. My first idea, albeit an obvious one, was to talk about deadlines. After all, asking a Creative Director to take time out of a really hectic December schedule to write a blog is basically asking for a commentary on deadlines. Why must everything be done before December 24th?
My next topic idea was to discuss what a tough year 2009 was. And boy was it! I’m glad to see the end of this one. But as a veteran of the business, I have to admit, I’ve seen worse. I’d be happy to swap battle stories with any other vets out there – over a glass of wine of course.
Other topics entered my frantic brain, but they all felt too negative. An old memory flashed through my mind. Once, when I was in my 20’s and looking to switch agencies, I discovered I didn’t get a job I wanted because the Creative Director thought I was bitter and jaded. And that was before I actually became bitter and jaded. Hmmm… Happy thoughts…. Happy thoughts…
Then I received a phone call from a friend, one of my best friends in fact, inviting me out for drinks. And I knew I had my topic. Sure it’s a tough, relentless, harsh, often thankless business (happy thoughts, happy thoughts), but it can also be very rewarding. In particular, in the friendships you make.
My friend, let’s call her Beth, and I met over 10 years ago – working at the same direct marketing agency. As creative partners (she’s an art director, I’m a writer), we bonded over 3am arguments over which concepts were stronger, over headlines that were too long, or layouts that just didn’t work. We shared the joy of a brilliant idea and the panic of a bad one.
Life eventually took us in different directions – different countries in fact – but we never lost touch. And now, back in the same city, we talk pretty much daily… even if it’s just to complain about something.
And Beth isn’t the anomaly. Many of the people I’ve worked with over the years have become good friends. We invite each other out for lunch, coffee and drinks. We go to each other’s parties. We’re facebook friends. We email each other youtube videos. We tell stories and laugh at the things that once made us hide out in the bathroom and cry. We dance together at the CMAs. And we hug… every time we see each other.
Recently an intern asked me, “what’s the best part about being in the advertising business?” And I had trouble answering her. (“You’re bitter and jaded,” flashed through my mind again.) But now that I’ve had time to think about it, I know what I’d say: it’s the people you work with. Friends. Friends for life.
By Shelley Sutherland, Vice-President, Creative Director, Rapp Canada (and CMA Direct Marketing Council member)
