I have a confession, this read was more of an audio book, but learn nonetheless I did! The audio book was about how to present a creative portfolio during an interview. Essentially simple steps like 'be professional', 'share your skills' and 'dress appropriately'. For creative folk though, we also need an outstanding portfolio to get hired; but how do we talk about ourselves and our work? Thinking back to my first creative interview fresh out of high school, Lord knows I bombed that one. Mixed with my own experiences, here are some short tips for your next portfolio review:

- be yourself, quirky, knowledgable, passionate, you
- have a story, don't just say "here's a logo I designed", always think of the "yes, and" technique
- tell them who you are as a creative and why you want to be in design / advertising / architecture....
- talk about your work like you know what you're talking about, use industry lingo that makes sense
- address the content of your portfolio and why what you've designed is better
- talk about your skills, not in percentages but with proof
- professionally walk into their office, and have a strong close

As an art director, I am constantly challenged to think visually. However, I've noticed a need for copywriting, where projects with no budget for a good copywriter fell flat. So I've been working on my techniques to avoid poor results. A part of that practise is watching successful people work. Will Awdry is a fantastic (biased answer...but still true) copywriter who's thinking I admire. From my latest read, "Award-Winning Examples of Writing For Advertising from Will Awdry" here are his top three tips on how to write better copy:

1 -- Know who you're writing for. Bring your audience to life and be super specific.
2 -- Don't just describe what you're selling. Put purpose and mission into it. It's more interesting, vital and important to your audience that way.
3 -- You're not just telling, you're talking; and talking is a two way street. Allow some headspace for your audience to play and think.

One of my favourite techniques taken from long-ago improv lessons, is the "yes, and" technique. This has helped me ask more questions about why a story should be told, what would make it interesting, and why people would want to listen. So the next time you write, ask yourself this: "so I've got a great idea, and?"

Today I finished reading possibly my favourite book of all time, George Lois' "Damn Good Advice (for people with talent)". If you have yet to read it, read it! If you have yet to pick it up, do it! If you've never heard of it, what?!? George Lois has been rightfully deemed an advertising guru, THE original Don Draper. With hundreds of accolades to his name; he's responsible for creating the Creative Revolution, turning advertising on its head, and giving the world Aunt Jemima Syrup. His book talks about what to do if you've got talent and advice for using it.

These are the take-aways form the last ten pages:
"You are the master of your fate and the captain of your soul"
- If you love something, do it whole heartedly or why even try
- If you aren't satisfied with where you are, change it
- And by God have courage! No one will believe you if you don't believe yourself

After reading this book, it's given me clarity and a "why not go for it?" attitude. Recommended to anyone in doubt or for those who need a bit of a kick in the rear to get started. George Lois delivers it straight. So whatever your passion may be, go do it and do it well.