Expert: Sean Trapani - 3/3/2004

Question
Hi! can you give me a description of what is your work or your 8 hour day like. im iterested on this career. thank you very much.

Answer
Marlon, my 8-hour day (which typically is more like a 10-hour day) is about the same as anyone else who works as a copywriter. From your letter, I gather that you're not a native English speaker; but, the following job description should be applicable, wherever you are:

Copywriters work in a creative partnership with an art director to conceive, develop and produce effective advertisements. While the art director deals mainly with the visual images it is the copywriter who provides the verbal or written aspect. This involves writing 'copy', ie coming up with the original catch phrases, slogans and straplines. It also includes writing all the wording in any type of advertising such as:

posters;
press;
leaflets;
brochures;
radio or television scripts.
Copywriters are often involved in the production process, which can include casting actors for voiceovers and dealing with production companies and directors or typographers, designers and printers.

Typical work activities

The tasks of a copywriter can vary depending upon the type of agency. The typical work activities of the traditional advertising agency copywriter will include:

meeting with the account management team to discuss client requirements and background to the product;
working in a close-knit creative partnership with an art director to generate workable concepts and ideas;
writing clear, persuasive and original copy;
submitting ideas and discussing progress with the creative director;
amending and revising campaigns according to feedback from the creative director or clients;
working on several campaigns at once, under pressure and to tight deadlines;
carefully proofreading copy to check spelling and grammar;
overseeing campaigns through the production stage to final completion;
casting actors for TV and radio work, listening to voice tapes;
liaising with production companies, photographers, typographers, designers and printers;
keeping up to date with popular culture and trends;
advising 'would be' creatives and reviewing portfolios ('books').