Expert: Sean Trapani - 11/11/2004

Question
Hi Sean


I just turned 34 and I'm burned out at my present career. I want to try and enter the copywriting field at an ad agency. However, If I do this I have to return to college and finish my degree. Also, I don't have any experience in copywriting or advertising, and my grammar skills need work. Basically I'm starting from scratch. I understand how competitive this industry is and I'm willing to accept this challenge.

However, I don't want to waste my time and lots of money pursuing a career which I have absolutely no raw talent. Are there any tests or resources I can use to judge my ideas and copy strength for potential talent?  I don't want to enter this field unless I have raw, platinum talent and I would rather find this out before I go into debt with a college degree.


Answer
David,

I think it was Stephen King who, when asked why he writes, responded, "because I have to."

All professionals who are driven by their creative side can probably identify with King's words. I certainly can. I do this job because I have to - I love to write, develop ideas and solve problems. If you feel a similar compulsion, follow your heart - because if you don't, it will haunt you till your last breath. The worse thing that can happen is you fail, and learn from your mistakes.

So don't get too hung up on "raw talent." Do you have a passion for advertising? Do you constantly critique commericals thinking, "I could do that better?" Do you feel more comfortable expressing your ideas through words instead of design?

If you've answered "yes" to all these questions, and laying the foundation of your career path won't place your family in finanical jeopardy, I say, go for it.

As a last bit of advice, I would say any great master has to start out as a great student. Go read a few books by the masters, Like "Cutting Edge Advertising" by Jim Atchinson, "Ogilvy on Advertising" by David Ogilvy, or "Hey, Whipple. Squeeze This!" by Luke Sullivan. If you can't put those books down, you're well on your way.

Good luck!

Sean Trapani