“I probably won’t be writing a LinkedIn post summarising what a wonderful year I’ve had,” one junior creative wrote in an anonymous column for ±±¾©Èü³µpk10 earlier this month.
“But maybe, if I’m brave enough, I’ll write one about all my rejections, because, as one of my favourite creative directors once said to me during a late night at the office: ‘This job is full of rejection.’”
The author of the article had joined a “big, shiny agency” after finishing their placement and quickly became disheartened by the “top-heavy” nature of the business. They describe big briefs being kept out of reach, and on the odd occasion they did get to work on one, they would have to work on it in their own time.
The junior creative spent five months working on this brief, for it to be scrapped at the research stage, which led to many tears and numerous walks around the block to clear their head.
More tears, rejection and lack of recognition followed when the creative did not receive a promotion they were promised.
Saddened by this anonymous account, ±±¾©Èü³µpk10 went to some senior creatives as well as one mentoring expert to get their thoughts on what has gone wrong here and their advice to dispirited junior creatives.
Richard Brim
Outgoing chief creative officer, Adam & Eve/DDB
Talent is the lifeblood of our industry and the fact that junior talent is questioning whether advertising is an industry for them makes me both sad and terrified for its future. The truth is that timelines are crunched. Everything needs to happen immediately and nobody has time to really nurture and bring on the next generation. This is so shortsighted. My advice is not just for the juniors, it's aimed at everyone working in the industry. Stop what you're doing and take time to talk, take time to show, to share insights and wisdom and to share your experience no matter what level you’re at. It’s what some of the more stressed of you out there would describe as "BUSINESS CRITICAL!!!!"
Maria McDowell
Founder, Lollipop Mentoring
Rejection is tough, and this article beautifully captures the unspoken struggles many juniors face. At Lollipop Mentoring, we hear stories like this often – it’s why we exist. The industry’s "sink or swim" culture, more often than not, does more harm than good, especially to young, diverse talent trying to find their footing.
To the writer: your honesty is refreshing, and your resilience is inspiring. Remember, you’re never alone. Find a mentor – someone you trust to give honest feedback and guidance on navigating these challenges. Realise that you can only ever do your best, and that is enough.
Everyone is fighting their own battles, often unseen. As those of us with a few years of experience under our belts, let's be more open about our vulnerabilities and failures, this can not only lighten our own load but also provide a roadmap for others. Let’s create a culture where shared struggles lead to collective strength and support.
Scott Dungate
Chief creative officer, Uncommon Creative Studio London
No matter your level, working as a creative is emotional. One day you feel defeated. The next day unstoppable. You never really know what a new day will throw up. That idea you loved. Dead. That presentation you dreaded. Killed it. And that’s what keeps the job exciting. Every morning, I wake up not knowing how my day will unfold, and how I'll feel by the end of it. And I’ve grown to really like that. That said, if you are feeling just the lows, and never the highs, it might be time to find something new, as it will be hard to be at your best. And if you are looking for a new place to work, avoid places that tell you "you will NOT win against senior teams". That's complete bollocks.
Shelley Smoler
Chief creative officer, Lucky Generals
The dullest briefs are often just a guise for the most creative opportunities. While everyone’s fighting over the shiny, big-name projects, the quiet gems (wrapped as turds) are sitting there, waiting for someone brave enough to make them sparkle. Dramamine, anyone? Awards galore – and no-one was elbowing each other to work on that. Make those forgotten briefs unforgettable.
Where you do that matters too. Find an agency that matches your ethos, whether it’s mad-men-style hierarchy or open-table democracy. And yes, this job can be soul-destroying at times, but a bad day in adland is still better than a good day unclogging toilets. And when you do manage to create and sell magic, it makes it that much more rewarding.
Trevor Robinson
Founder and executive creative director, Quiet Storm
I would like to think this wouldn’t happen at my place. I’d tell a junior creative that there will always be times when you’re rejected; it’s a part of the process. I still feel disappointed and discouraged occasionally. People can put too much emphasis on the final product and don’t look at the journey – the major reward for me is not necessarily in getting your own work over the line, it’s that we all strive together to do something good. Collaboration is better than sliding your idea under the door and hoping it gets picked. I love working with creatives and people; it should be about pushing towards the best idea you can get out there, one that will sell stuff and be remembered. If your work’s not getting bought, you might want to rethink your approach to creativity or find a place that’s a better fit for you.
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