Ridiculous things i’ve done to get a job
Hey W+K
I grew up in Portland, Oregon and went to the University of Oregon. I was basically drowned in W+K advertising when I was at school, and really came to hero worship Dan Wieden.
When I was ready to graduate, I really really wanted to work there. But like, who doesn’t, right? I thought I was special. And who doesn’t?
Anyway, I was a little self-obsessed with my doodling habit and thought I’d write a creative “cover letter.”
It features me breaking “out of the box.” OooOoooOoo Neil, how creative!
(click to enlarge)
Dear Matt Heath
When I was graduating (I was probably 22 or 23), I sent my portfolio over to Matt Heath. Matt is an über talented creative, and I admired his ballsy, irreverent work. The kind of stuff where you say “Whoa, you can DO that?”
He reviewed my book and said it wasn’t “punk rock” enough. That it felt restrained, lacking in energy, or soft.
Famously, Matt was in a touring punk band as a young man. I am ALSO a punk rocker, and I’m pretty good at guitar. I hand-drew and animated this music video telling him to fuck himself. And then give me an internship.
He was gracious, and offered the internship, though I think the video slightly offended him. Ironically, by the time it was all sorted out, I had already been scooped up by a different agency.
He now runs Party Land. Good job Matt. I’m still a fan of you.