"I was looking for a job and then I found a job."
Leo Burnett
Art Direction, Copywriting, Film Direction, Post-production
1997 – 2003
I was fortunate to have multiple offers coming out of school. But Uncle Leo took care of me with scholarships and encouragement and I am loyal to a fault. So my wife and I packed up the kids, said adiós to Texas, and moved to Chi-town for our first of many grand adventures.
Rotate.
Burnett saw fit to randomize the junior teams every four months until we all found a good match. At one point I was in-between partners and got to be a copywriter again. I count this outdoor campaign as my first TV spot because it was in the background of a subway scene in a show called ER, filmed in Chicago.
Did I break bad?
So we were casting a stoner kid for Kellogg’s and we found one. I like to think I leave an impression on people and even though he’s famous now, I bet he remembers the person who told him about residuals.
And then we sold an idea that briefly replaced the”Gotta Have My Pops” campaign. Which was neat, but it did not go well. Much was learned is all I can say…
A few moments later…
I struck gold with a new partner and a new account, Nintendo. We had multiple spots on the company reel and the awards were coming faster than the headhunter calls. Our presentation style evolved to mimic Japanese game shows and Mister A loved us. We didn’t always have the best idea, but the best presentation often wins in my experience.
May I borrow some interest?
I think my greatest contribution to the industry has been limiting the number of questions in headlines. But borrowed interest finds its way into ideas sometimes, and that’s okay. Perfection is unattainable and not everything can be Great.
But after this photoshoot, we wrote and directed a spot. Once the final print ad was approved, our boss came to my cube and said the client wanted to make a commercial out of it. So I reached in my drawer and pulled out a 3/4 tape. The next day we had offices.
Now departing…
Eventually, I became an Ad Ranger. It was a group of creative Ronin that worked on anything and everything, although I happened to be funded by Delta. But after Leo Burnett was sold and I was promoted to the same position twice, interest in the only job I had ever wanted began to wane.
Now that I think about it, I did always want to be a writer. Anyway, when Delta jumped ship, I was laid off.
Don’t worry Uncle Leo, I know it wasn’t you and I’m still reaching for the stars.
