I'm Anisha, and I'm a creative at an advertising agency
Describe your job
I’m a creative in an advertising agency. I come up with thousands of thousands of ideas, to which one idea will go on to becoming an ad. Creatives in London agencies are typically hired in teams of two. Whilst you both are responsible for coming up with ideas, my craft within the team leads more towards art directing the beautiful visuals of an ad.
What are the most important skills you need to do your job?
One of the most valuable skills to have in this industry is to not be overly precious about your ideas. Not everything I’ve created has been approved by clients - to then get made. So best thing to do is continue to generate lots of ideas.
Another skill is to be a people person. Not in the ‘kiss arse’ way, but by being open-minded and inclusive of others. Even in this day and age, advertising still fails to be diverse. And so, if you acquire the skill to be diverse in your thinking, I believe it can improve the industry as a whole. It’s a people-based business after all.
I left school and...
I was stuck between becoming a veterinary nurse or joining the advertising field. After doing work experience at my local vets, I knew this path wasn’t for me.
And so, I researched further and pursued advertising. I got a degree at the University of Lincoln for Creative Advertising. I never found a creative partner at uni, and so worked my arse off for 2 years - dipping in and out of creative partnerships, interned at well-known firms, and then finally got hired at one of the top agencies in London. And then after a couple years there, I quit my job.
I’m most proud of...
This is a side hustle I created with a close mate of mine which I’m super passionate about!
‘Pungeh Club’ is a unisex t-shirt line that proudly celebrates the cheekiest/ballsiest/one liners to come out of the Asian culture.
We’ve only recently launched the line and so there’s lots to still be done for the page and brand - I'm excited to see what comes next!
Before I started my career, I wish I knew…
One thing I wish someone told me, is to take risks, and don’t be afraid to put your foot down on a good idea!
A mistake I made which you can avoid repeating is...
I didn’t partake in many client calls. Despite being confident in my communication skills, I felt this weird anxiety around talking to clients over the phone. Perhaps being in the industry, I personally feel there is a need to have to articulate yourself in a certain way.
So, one thing I’d encourage is to be yourself, and jump straight into the deep end if you ever have to present to clients on/off call. The more you do it, the easier it will become.
So, what’s next?
At the minute I’m not sure yet. I know my heart will remain being a creative but doesn’t necessarily mean having to pursue another creative career. Let’s see!
Here's my: