D-d-dang.
The day of agency visits continue!
After a pasta break once we wrapped up with TBWA, my classmates and I made our way to the Ogilvy Paris office. I’m amazed at how many global offices are located here in Paris! I can understand why—what client could resist this view.
Ogilvy’s office was a tad more laid back than TBWA’s. We were greeted by an entourage of professionals that were more than willing to take our questions. Much like TBWA though, there area of expertise was in the business of incorporating brands into people’s lives. Their motto: Make Brands Matter. They came to decisions on how brands should interact by watching trends carefully and positioning them within the short term, which in effect makes the long term benefit better. OF course, brands must stay transparent and follow through with their values while riding the culture wave. Following through on values they emulate in advertising or campaign stunts is more valuable than anything.
The people we met at Ogilvy left us with excellent advice regarding the industry. We must learn to like working a lot, always be on time, and always be the first to understand how something works. I can tell this advice is the product of being on top of trends all the time haha. They also touched on point of view. Being passive will not clear anything up, and having an opinion will push you beyond. As someone who is ardent about social issues, it really is important to be passionate and let that show through your works. Building authenticity is key.
Not pictured: my tears.
After a lovely first day of agency visits Noelle, Morgan, Mez, Nicole, Mike and I all went the D’Orsay museum where I cried in front their Van Gogh collection. My mind was blown. I wasn’t prepared to see so many pieces of his art in one room. I wish we had more than 4 days to visit museums because I could’ve stayed in that museum forever. Never have I been surrounded by such a large number of post-impressionist art.
Not a creepy shot at all or anything.
We finished our day with another stressful and confusing hour in the metro, but directly made our way to our beloved Turkish food joint where we encounter something even more unexpected than a room of famous art. There on the corner by our hotel was John Krasinski. Was he filming a movie? Was he on vacation? Either way, as soon as he heard Morgan’s shriek from the other side of the street, he bolted into a convenience store where a van soon swiftly vroomed him away. I think I’m dreaming.
-A.J. :~)