I failed at Portfolio Night.
I had 5 people review my book. All immeasurably more talented and successful than me. I got some great feedback, good feedback, and some awful feedback. And I didn't focus on any of it.
Pay close attention, because I'm about to tell you the most important thing you can do during Portfolio Night.
TAKE NOTES.
I had an ECD who had worked at my dream agency, and was working at one my favorite shops in town review my book. This man was a multiple Grand Lions winner, Multiple One Show winner, multiple entrant into CA. He was a former One Show Judge, and he reviewed my book.
I remember all of his compliments vividly.
I couldn't begin to tell you how he told me to improve my book.
This man told me I was talented, had a great future ahead of me, and wanted to stay in touch with me. He replied to each and every email I sent him within a day of me sending it, with thoughtful and encouraging replies. Until I sent him my "finished" student book.
I don't know why I never heard back from him, but I'm pretty sure I can guess. There were two campaigns I had showed him at the review. He loved the concept behind both of them, but told me they needed work.
I removed those campaigns from my book.
I didn't fix them, I didn't show him that I could follow feedback.
I didn't get a job at his shop.
After that, I resolved myself to making changes based on feedback of my reviewers. The next time I showed my book to someone I made their suggested changes, and it made a difference.
I got a job.
That is a great observation.
ReplyDeleteIt's important to remember that one of the most important traits a CD is looking for is the ability to take feedback. In the agency world, every idea you show your CD is either wrong or needs improvement.
People that can take feedback and make a turd into a nugget of gold are the ones that thrive. If at PN a CD sees that you get anxious or pissed when receiving feedback it probably will be game over.