The Fall Term is underway. Please stay tuned for information about our Winter Term starting in January.
So, you’ve seen a couple seasons of Mad Men and now want to get into advertising. Before you start pouring the Harvey Wallbangers, we must warn you that advertising is not all fun and games. Yeah, there’s the office pranks, the parties, the expensive dinners, the big salaries, traveling, award shows, working with celebrities and your family bragging to all their friends that “you’re in advertising”. But those days are few. Most of it is late nights, sacrificed weekends, lost vacations, abusive Creative Directors, and 99.9% off all the work you’ll do will get killed by your CD, planners, account people and eventually the client.
Oh good, you’re still reading. Well, if you’re still excited to get into advertising, then you’re going to need a killer portfolio, or an uncle in the business and we assume your last name isn’t “Clow”.
But, before you have a killer portfolio, you’re going to need to learn how to write ads. And that’s where we come in. We created 101 The Ad School in January 2006 with the goal of teaching students how to write great ads. As Creative Directors (not abusive ones) we were frustrated with seeing the same “wacky, no-idea filled” book after the same “trying to be funny, can’t write a headline” portfolio that came across our desks.
We believe the best ads come from simple, yet intriguing thoughts, smart ideas and come out of life. We also believe that the most powerful ads, the ones that get remembered, get talked about and get you hired, have the same thing in common; they provoke an emotional reaction.
We will teach you how to create those reactions with the kind of smart thinking that will help you be successful over a long career. Not by doing ads that are just “hot” right now. We will cover how to find the right direction, get to the freshest ideas and how to turn those into memorable executions. We will also teach you how to critique your own work so you’ll know what’s working and what’s not. We do not have the “get in, do some funky ads and get out” mentality of some portfolio school factories.
How else is 101 different from other ad schools? Well..
• We limit our classes to no more than 10 students. This gives us the opportunity to get to know everyone and push them individually. This also creates a relaxed atmosphere and allows us to meet with you after class one on one and go over other ideas or help you with your portfolios.
• 101 is open to all levels, unlike other schools that require a portfolio review to determine what level you are. It’s open to those new to advertising, or those with years experience just looking to write better ads. You will learn no matter how long you’ve been in the business.
• It’s cheaper than other ads schools. It costs just $400 for 10 weeks. And there’s only one class. We don’t make you commit to a year or two year curriculum.
If you’re completely sold, fill out an application here. (There is a $25 non-refundable application fee required) Or if you’re not 100% sold yet and would like to meet, talk more about the class or get feedback on your book (for free), give us a buzz. info@101theadschool.com.
