The Denver Egotist Thinks Denver Ad Schools Suck. Meanwhile CU Students Win Some One Show Pencils
Irony strikes again! Recently the Denver Egotist was busy bashing Colorado schools for not pumping out incredible students filled with natural talent (they don't believe talent can be taught, but would like schools to try harder at teaching students how to... wait I feel a headache coming on). At the same time CU students Eliot Nordstrom and Phil Van Buren were busy accepting their gold One Show Pencil for their Doritos work. CU's Austin O'Connor probably didn't get a chance to read the Egotist story either, he was busy getting the Patrick Kelly Scholarship from the One Show. (to it's credit, the Egotist did name CU's program the best in the area)
Actually, speaking of students, I'd bet a lot of them missed the Egotist story since the New Denver Ad Club was holding it's "Connect 2008" job fair on Friday. I made the trip down to the event and found a lot of agencies eager to help develop Denver's talent. I may have even landed myself a fall internship. Strangely enough I didn't see The Egotist at the job fair even though they claim to have "seen almost all the portfolios" of all of Denver's ad students (granted, I don't know who is behind the curtain at the Egotist, so maybe they were there, anyone care to share some insight?).
Here's my take on this: I think the Egotist might be getting at something, but they're a bit off target. Schools can only take you so far, the rest if up to the student. If you want to succeed and go the extra mile you will, regardless of what school you attend. Schools can only augment and support the effort (and talent) provided by the student. For example, UNC's marketing program is almost devoid of any advertising classes / support (two classes are offered specifically on advertising). That doesn't stop me from pushing for more and getting my hands on all the ad books I can, reading CA, CMYK, countless blogs, and attending creative workshops. I want it, and if UNC won't give it to me I'll get it elsewhere.
So maybe the problem isn't with schools so much as it is with students? What do you guys think? Let's hear it in the comments.
Actually, speaking of students, I'd bet a lot of them missed the Egotist story since the New Denver Ad Club was holding it's "Connect 2008" job fair on Friday. I made the trip down to the event and found a lot of agencies eager to help develop Denver's talent. I may have even landed myself a fall internship. Strangely enough I didn't see The Egotist at the job fair even though they claim to have "seen almost all the portfolios" of all of Denver's ad students (granted, I don't know who is behind the curtain at the Egotist, so maybe they were there, anyone care to share some insight?).
Here's my take on this: I think the Egotist might be getting at something, but they're a bit off target. Schools can only take you so far, the rest if up to the student. If you want to succeed and go the extra mile you will, regardless of what school you attend. Schools can only augment and support the effort (and talent) provided by the student. For example, UNC's marketing program is almost devoid of any advertising classes / support (two classes are offered specifically on advertising). That doesn't stop me from pushing for more and getting my hands on all the ad books I can, reading CA, CMYK, countless blogs, and attending creative workshops. I want it, and if UNC won't give it to me I'll get it elsewhere.
So maybe the problem isn't with schools so much as it is with students? What do you guys think? Let's hear it in the comments.
Labels: denver egotist, one show, rants, student work
posted by Justin at
7:00 AM
2 Comments:
Hey Justin.
I couldn't agree more with your third paragraph. Awhile back (quite awhile back), I decided up in Fort Collins to pursue copywriting during my sophomore year. Problem was, CSU didn't have much to offer in advertising courses like CU's program (which I think IS a strong program). And my parents (being harcore republicans and highly conservative) weren't jazzed over the idea of heading south to the People's Republic. But what I did take from Boulder was what they offered in courses. I switched my major to sociology (which encourages you to pursue a second major, seems the world isn't in dire need for another sociologist). That opened the door to millions of electives, which I used to mimick CU's program. I took marketing. I took writing. I took graphic design. I took PR. I basically created an uncredited second major with the courses available. Of course, my real education came from religiously absorbing CA, One Show, which fortunately CSU's library had.
And I feel it paid off. I have a good career in copywriting going. Work on sweet accounts. Been privileged in getting sweet opportunities. Have picked up a few awards. Life is good. Can't complain. So I support your enthusiasm and battleplan.
Best of luck in the near future.
Jay Roth
Thanks for the feedback Jay, and it's great to hear some validation on "taking your education into your own hands".
Best of luck and thanks for reading.
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