End of the first fairytale.
I would say this entry came in one week late. I was about to type this last Thursday when I left DDB Sydney at long last after shamelessly staying there from 2 weeks till 8. Well, I never got down to writing it cos there was just so much partying going on. This post was saved as a word doc in my computer. It was bittersweet in a way cos you know you have to move on from this unpaid gig and you can never stay there forever. Ralf asked why I did not ask if there was an employment opportunity there. As much I loved the place, the people and all the wonderful guidance bestowed on me, I knew that was not where I belonged. Frankly speaking, I don't know where I belong to either. I don't even know if I really want to pursue this path or not. Seriously, it would take a lot of guts.
All that has been said, the departure has been a sweet one. It all started with my mentor picking out some of my work and helping me compile them into a folio. Together with the ECD, we also picked out 4 TVCs that I worked on for the agency to keep. He said there are plans to produce 2 of them, and keep the other 2 in the drawer (one of them is the magical one thought up by good ol Louis). Frankly speaking, I think it would take a long time for them to get to it cos it's just initiatives after all, nothing urgent. Towards lunch, my mentors suddenly popped in and gave me a referral letter. I didn't even asked for it! That was really really nice of them. Though I could tell it was written up in 5 minutes, it was the thought that counts and the way it was written really felt very personal. We had a brief chat and I asked them "What was it that made you guys decide that I could come in here after all, I didn't feel what I showed you was great." This was what they had to say to me which really made me feel really happy.
"Yeah. Your initial work didn't win us over. Your passion did."
At that split second, I felt that the world is not so cut-throat after all. True, I wasn't paid and it won't have been any detrimental loss to them in whatsoever way if I turn out to be a screw-up. But they could have always said no and not waste their time with this kid. Before coming to Australia, I have always tried so hard to secure internships in Singapore, but there was just no one that will open their doors to me. But here in Australia, someone actually did and told me I don't suck at it and thats why I am feeling all fuzzy inside even though its just an unpaid gig. I mean, the industry in my own country won't even bother to see what I've got, let alone take me in; while a foreign country did just that, given I am just some stranger on their land. It really made me feel very happy. And I don't care that it is unpaid, I just appreciated that someone is willing to see what I've got.
I sprang a surprise on them actually by leaving one day earlier. After lunch, I emailed the Executive Creative Director's PA to inform her that I was leaving that very day. I reckoned that since I have rounded up all my stuff, there really isn't any point lingering around for one extra day. Also I figured there won't be any "fanfare", given I am just someone doing work experience there, so theres no need for any farewell lunches or any of that sort. And also plans were made for lunch with this other girl from the account servicing side, so I didn't wanna mess it up. *wink*. Anyway the sweet PA that she always is sent out a mass email to everyone to inform them I was leaving and all and got them to pop into my cubicle and say bye. Given that short period of time, she also managed to round up some people for a round or two of foosball.
A few minutes later, the Sydney Creative Director who I was sitting with the past few weeks came up and offered me a toast, wishing me all the best before heading home. The junior dudes were envious that I got to sit at his workspace. A very nice and softspoken Englishman, he always found time to accomodate me whenever I asked for his feedback regarding the ideas I had. Every Monday morning, he would see me come in and say "Good one for the boys!" whenever Manchester United won a game the weekend before. A Swindon Town supporter, he was so impressed that I could actually recall the game in 1995 where Eric Cantona got himself sent off by tackling John Moncur wildly from behind, thus injuring him badly. Anyway this guy used to be the Creative Director for Leo Burnett London, but relocated and took up a job here. I remember one of the interns telling me, "You sit with Richard the whole time?? Damn, this is the same guy who gave a talk at the AWARD school graduation for 10 minutes. And all you have to do is turn around and bounce your ideas off him whenever. Lucky you!" Yes, I have been lucky to learn as much as possible from him given our proximity.
The ECD also swang by my workstation and wished me all the best. He gave me a book. "Bill Bernbach's Book: A History of the Advertising that Changed the History of Advertising". In it was a note, "Selwyn, A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. I'm glad we were able to help you take that first step. All the best". That was a really really sweet gesture, considering I don't interact a lot with him during my two months there. I decided then to go up to him and requested a referral letter, which he agreed to write for me. I hope his letter would put me in good stead considering his reputation in the industry (though I hope people in Singapore do know about him!).
After 2 months working for free, I believe I did not lose but gain. You could say it was the letters, but I would think it was the learning, the people I met there and most importantly the experience. I wrote in my farewell email to the boys that this has been one of the biggest highlights during my stay in Australia and all good things must come to an end. Yes, it was a good thing.
Time to crash. it's been one week of slacking. I have already slipped back into the bad habit of sleeping in.
The boys and the booze at Fi's.
All that has been said, the departure has been a sweet one. It all started with my mentor picking out some of my work and helping me compile them into a folio. Together with the ECD, we also picked out 4 TVCs that I worked on for the agency to keep. He said there are plans to produce 2 of them, and keep the other 2 in the drawer (one of them is the magical one thought up by good ol Louis). Frankly speaking, I think it would take a long time for them to get to it cos it's just initiatives after all, nothing urgent. Towards lunch, my mentors suddenly popped in and gave me a referral letter. I didn't even asked for it! That was really really nice of them. Though I could tell it was written up in 5 minutes, it was the thought that counts and the way it was written really felt very personal. We had a brief chat and I asked them "What was it that made you guys decide that I could come in here after all, I didn't feel what I showed you was great." This was what they had to say to me which really made me feel really happy.
"Yeah. Your initial work didn't win us over. Your passion did."
At that split second, I felt that the world is not so cut-throat after all. True, I wasn't paid and it won't have been any detrimental loss to them in whatsoever way if I turn out to be a screw-up. But they could have always said no and not waste their time with this kid. Before coming to Australia, I have always tried so hard to secure internships in Singapore, but there was just no one that will open their doors to me. But here in Australia, someone actually did and told me I don't suck at it and thats why I am feeling all fuzzy inside even though its just an unpaid gig. I mean, the industry in my own country won't even bother to see what I've got, let alone take me in; while a foreign country did just that, given I am just some stranger on their land. It really made me feel very happy. And I don't care that it is unpaid, I just appreciated that someone is willing to see what I've got.
I sprang a surprise on them actually by leaving one day earlier. After lunch, I emailed the Executive Creative Director's PA to inform her that I was leaving that very day. I reckoned that since I have rounded up all my stuff, there really isn't any point lingering around for one extra day. Also I figured there won't be any "fanfare", given I am just someone doing work experience there, so theres no need for any farewell lunches or any of that sort. And also plans were made for lunch with this other girl from the account servicing side, so I didn't wanna mess it up. *wink*. Anyway the sweet PA that she always is sent out a mass email to everyone to inform them I was leaving and all and got them to pop into my cubicle and say bye. Given that short period of time, she also managed to round up some people for a round or two of foosball.
A few minutes later, the Sydney Creative Director who I was sitting with the past few weeks came up and offered me a toast, wishing me all the best before heading home. The junior dudes were envious that I got to sit at his workspace. A very nice and softspoken Englishman, he always found time to accomodate me whenever I asked for his feedback regarding the ideas I had. Every Monday morning, he would see me come in and say "Good one for the boys!" whenever Manchester United won a game the weekend before. A Swindon Town supporter, he was so impressed that I could actually recall the game in 1995 where Eric Cantona got himself sent off by tackling John Moncur wildly from behind, thus injuring him badly. Anyway this guy used to be the Creative Director for Leo Burnett London, but relocated and took up a job here. I remember one of the interns telling me, "You sit with Richard the whole time?? Damn, this is the same guy who gave a talk at the AWARD school graduation for 10 minutes. And all you have to do is turn around and bounce your ideas off him whenever. Lucky you!" Yes, I have been lucky to learn as much as possible from him given our proximity.
The ECD also swang by my workstation and wished me all the best. He gave me a book. "Bill Bernbach's Book: A History of the Advertising that Changed the History of Advertising". In it was a note, "Selwyn, A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. I'm glad we were able to help you take that first step. All the best". That was a really really sweet gesture, considering I don't interact a lot with him during my two months there. I decided then to go up to him and requested a referral letter, which he agreed to write for me. I hope his letter would put me in good stead considering his reputation in the industry (though I hope people in Singapore do know about him!).
After 2 months working for free, I believe I did not lose but gain. You could say it was the letters, but I would think it was the learning, the people I met there and most importantly the experience. I wrote in my farewell email to the boys that this has been one of the biggest highlights during my stay in Australia and all good things must come to an end. Yes, it was a good thing.
Time to crash. it's been one week of slacking. I have already slipped back into the bad habit of sleeping in.
The boys and the booze at Fi's.