Here is some stuff you might find useful.
If you studied advertising in the UK you certainly heard of these guys, but if you’re new to adland or coming from another country – like us – these contacts can save you a lot of time, effort and money.
NABS
Free access to computer, scanner, printer, phone, etc plus training courses and career advice. They also have a flatshare list and a helpline for work-related or personal issues. Book an appointment with Siobhan (s.long@nabs.org.uk ) to register and for general advice.
Lonely Hearts Book Club
Pretty much like speed dating, but for your book. These meetings organized by NABS and The Talent Business are one of the quickest ways to find a partner. It happens on the first Wednesday of every month from 3-5pm at NABS’ offices. To get your name on the list, send an email to Davina Mooneapen (davina.Mooneeapen@thetalentbusiness.com).
OpenAd
A great opportunity to practice working on live briefs for real clients and even make some money. Anyone can have a go. Go to the “sellers / creatives” page on their website to check the latest pitches and for instructions on how to submit ideas.
D&AD Workshops
These workshops might help you put a book together. They happen four times a year and you don’t have to be in a team or have any previous experience to participate. When applying you’re given a brief and the 20 best entries are selected to take part on the six weeks program.
IPA Agencies Directory
Profile of UK agencies – big and small – with lots of useful info (e.g. contact details, names of creative directors, list of major clients, etc.)
YCN
Every year YCN holds a competition – the YCN Design and Communication Awards – open to students and creatives under 30, that are not yet working in a creative department. The briefs are released in October and the deadline for submissions is March. There are 18 briefs to choose from and the winners get their work published in YCN’s annual plus a placement at the agency that wrote the brief. Also check their website for jobs and placements opportunities.
The Talent Business
The headhunters behind Cream Exhibition, Lonely Hearts Book Club and Creative Circle Workshops. They can also help you look for placements, freelance work and permanent jobs.
Creative Circle Workshops
You won’t find much info on these workshops online. They happen twice a year and are run by The Talent Business. You apply as a team and the six top books get to participate and compete for a placement in the end of the programme.
Cream Exhibition
An annual showcase for young talents. Starting up teams apply to get their books judged by top creatives. The 18 chosen teams get to exhibit their work to creative directors and other creatives on an event in London . Entries deadline is around May but for more info contact The Talent Business.
Alice in Adland 