The following is based on how I like to run placements.
My taste and style.
And as you’ll find, feedback is always, always subjective.
Your job is to take it in, and then do it in your way.
ADVICE
Before we get started…
I’m a bit of an imposter…
Leverage what makes your different.
It’s a grind. But it’s worth it.
YOUR BOOK
Core ingredients matter.
I always want to see:
Something that makes me uncomfortable.
Something for a boring brand.
Something for an invisible brand.
Something digital/social first.
Your personality.
Challenge
yourself.
Make boring brands exciting.
Variety is the spice of (advertising) life.
I want you to be different.
Don’t do
the obv.
Show you can think differently.
Choose surprising formats.
Show things that aren’t on the brand or brief.
Don’t just choose the brands whose work you love.
Be a stalker*.
Be a sponge.
Be at the top of inboxes.
Ads. Ads. Ads.
(* but not IRL. Obv.)
Flex.
Different books for different people.
Stalk people’s portfolios and socials.
Get to know what they like.
Definitely a personal one:
Don’t present my agency’s brands to me. (this is very much a personal thing as some people don’t mind it at all)
How is as important as what.
Think about how you set your ideas up.
Storytelling isn’t just for ads.
Start with the thing that will land the idea.
Think about order.
In a crit, take me on a journey.
Don’t lost boy it…
Books need to grow (up).
Aka, ditch the studenty stuff.
YOU
I hire people
not books.
When I bring you in, you’re a reflection on me.
Be nice.
Be someone people want to go for a pint with.
Be passionate.
Offer something nobody else can.
Be indispensable.
Be yourselves.
(But make sure everyone knows who that is).
BUT
being memorable isn’t about gimmicks.
It’s about your personality.
Energy, enthusiasm, confidence.
And your work.
And sometimes it genuinely is not you.
It is always all about timing.
Luck.
How the placement puzzle fits into the team rubric.
Right place and all that irritating jazz.
Questions
The common Qs I get.
Reach me: Creativeplacements@saatchi.co.uk
We have space for 2x teams in. 🤞🏻
Three months, then possibility to extend once to six months
I have a full rosta til Autumn.
I take singles, but it is less often.
I’ll try and always be free for a book crit if I think I can help you.
(If not there are some brill juniors/mids I can ask to meet you).
I’ll try and always be free for questions and advice too.
THANK YOU
EVE & ANNA