Find Happiness In Your Work
William Holden learns that his Creative Director promised a client 3 campaign options by tomorrow.
This blog was originally written in August of 2010. Still true.
"Find happiness in your work." This was what a co-worker in Atlanta would always say to me in a bad Japanese accent whenever someone (usually our boss) guaranteed a completely unrealistic deadline on our behalf. It is a reference to Colonel Saito's advice to his prisoners of war in Bridge over the River Kwai. It is, on its face, sort of miserably insulting. However, I've always taken it as invaluable advice for getting tough things done. Often, creatives will bitch without end about having to do something that is being directed heavily or they don't see as good work. The fact of the matter is, you've gotta make all of it good. Every task that hits your desk should be done to the best of your abilities. That is how you earn reputation - not by phoning in stuff you think is beneath you, but by doing everything well. It's a tough standard. It's almost impossible to apply with the realities of day to day productivity. But, trying to make the 1/8 page black and white ad the best it can be is what we (creatives) are getting paid for. And to tell you the truth, regardless of how mundane a task is, we're usually getting to do it in a great atmosphere, surrounded by like-minded people, inspiring artwork, and good music. So when you gotta build a bridge with a gun to your head, build the best damn bridge anyone's ever seen.
By the way, you want to make any big project unbearable? Have a terrible attitude about it. That'll do it every time.