The best choice isn’t always black and white.

Confessions of a (wannabe) Advertising

Man

Background information

Why Advertising - and why you?

The journey so far…

A little about me: Brands, inspiration, music

Before all of that, some terrifying pictures…

Background Information

Well, provided those haven’t put you off, here’s some information about me:

My name is William Humphrey. I’m 22 and a former Junior Planner at United London.

Whilst there, I worked across various accounts (Masterfoods and Alcohol Harm, predominately) and new business pitches (most notably Homeserve, where I provided the planning for our win).

Having broken into the industry, it was unfortunate that the agency folded, leaving me in a difficult situation. However, I’m committed to Planning, and want continue to learn my trade.

So why Advertising – and why you?

Integrated? Holistic? ATL? Aren’t those just words ad

men use to confuse people?

Will TiVO kill the 30 second spot? Or will well-targeted

TV still be effective?

I want to pursue a career where I can see the results of my work. This ismore important to me than anything else. Despite my creative leanings, Idon’t consider myself to be a ‘pure’ creative.

I discovered this during my degree, where I found that my mind worked atits best when I had something to analyse, interpret and discuss. To sell anintangible creative idea through a combination of strategy and sales wouldcertainly play to these strengths.

My experiences of Advertising thus far suggests that it is an ideal fusionbetween these two seemingly disparate approaches; to have to thinkstrategically and creatively in order to come up with the right approach forthe client.

I’ve always been interested in how communications can affect theconsumer and, as such, Advertising seems to me to be the ideal career.

Why Advertising – and why you?

So why me? How am I different from the crowd? I can’t speak for any

of the other people who’ve applied for positions with you, but I doknow what I've accomplished.

I believe that I'm articulate, analytical, able to write well and also,perhaps most crucially, would consider myself a people person.

Thoughtrite, it is a skill which I consider crucial to being a good Planner –

tobe able to empathise and understand many different audiences,

whilstproviding a sounding board for both client and agency alike.

Why Advertising – and why you?

It’s been an interesting journey so far…

Another job in planning seems a long way away... and WHY did I wear those bloody ugly socks?!?

The journey so far…

In my final year of University, I realised that I didn’t want to teach, gointo publishing, or be an academic. For an English student, this

seemedfairly radical thinking.

For reasons I’ve outlined, Advertising appealed to me. After realisingthis a little too late to apply for grad schemes in 2004/05, I set aboutSetting up several periods of work experience, culminating withwinning a place on the Saatchi & Saatchi Summer Scholarship.

My work experience underlined that I was, at heart, a Planner, and notan Account Handler; of my work experience time, I greatly enjoyedworking on a project for John Lewis at Fallon, as well as helping outthe Planning function in SaatchiX, Saatchi & Saatchi’s ‘In Store’

agency.

These experiences, along with my blog, convinced United London tohire me in March 2007.

The journey so far…

At United, I have worked predominately across the Masterfoodsaccount (comprising of Tracker and Frutasia (a new product, due tolaunch in May 2007). Though creative briefs were written for both, Ipresented on the notion of ‘generosity’ for the latter, planned an NPDworkshop for the former.

I have produced a mood book for Alcohol Harm in order to emphasisethe dangers of 11-16 year old drinking. I have also provided planningsupport for a pitch win for Homeserve, where I had to ‘prove’ that amarket existed in order to justify both our brand idea and thesubsequent creative work.

Additionally, during this time, I have had a letter published inCampaign (‘Blogging Helped Get Me My Break in Advertising’ – 30th

March).

So it should come as no great surprise that I felt upset and wistful when Ilearnt of the agency’s demise the following week.

So now you know about my situation…

Here’s my letter to Campaign and a few references for you to have a look at:

Click the picture to read the letter online:

Anyway, here’s what really makes me tick:

A little about me: Brands, Influences, MusicI’ve left my earmuff fixation behind me,and instead prefer to read anything I canget my hands on and play football, golfand badminton.

Instead of waffling on about my interests,I’ve chosen a series of pictures which Ifeel better represent me.

These include brands I admire, some ofmy sources of influence, and my favouritealbums of all time.

A little about me: Brands

A little about me: Influences

A little about me: Music

If this has piqued your interest and you’d like to meet me, give me a ring:

07773 945284

You can email me at:William.Humphrey@yahoo.co.uk

Or, if you still aren’t convinced, read this:http://wannabeadman.blogspot.com