I replied to an ad agency’s job listing and became one of three finalists for a creative-department position. Each candidate responded to the same test assignment: Write a print ad for a fictional laptop. I won.
Once on staff, I became the primary writer on two of our major accounts, creating all the collateral literature for Jenn-Air and for a network of proprietary educational institutions. In addition, I wrote broadcast, out of home, print ads, point of sale, user guides, and direct mail. I served as a broadcast producer and co-proofread almost everything the agency sent into production. I also created and produced most of the agency’s new-business documentation.
Moving on
Three years later, I took a more-senior position at another agency, one that turned out to be a poor culture fit.
And then one of the principals from my first agency called. He had partnered with an out-of-state regional firm that wanted to open a local branch, and wondered if I was interested in joining the team.
We began with two anchor clients who supplied enough business for a small agency. Through no fault of our own, we lost both clients shortly after we opened. Despite a valiant new-business effort, our revenue stream proved unsustainable, and our regional parent shut us down.
On my own
As the agency branch closed, our last remaining client, Jenn-Air, called to see if I was going out on my own. If so, they had work for me.
I have done business as B Plus C Communications ever since then. I’ve worked on virtually every type of account you can imagine. As an independent, I provide strategy, research, writing, art and creative direction, production, vendor selection and direction, and the occasional bit of technical support. (And Jenn-Air continued to use my services, assigning me to write copy for brochures that other agencies created—up until the company’s headquarters merged with those of its corporate parent, Maytag.)
More capabilities and experience
I teach Freshman Composition and Technical Writing. I created and ran a comedy service for corporate events and private parties. I’ve been a typesetter, proofreader, researcher, and technical writer. I hold a bachelor’s and a master’s degrees in English with course concentrations in writing. I wrote a novella as my master’s thesis.
As my late spokescat, Louis, would tell you, I’d appreciate an opportunity to work with you. Please drop me a note and let me know how I can help you connect your message to your markets.
