Ben Keenan is one of Australia’s leading brand strategists, creative directors and copywriters. He also happens to have got his start in advertising by completing my copywriting short course over 15 years ago! Which just goes to show what can happen if you hang in there and persist! He called it ‘the gateway drug’ to a life in advertising. That’s one way of looking at it! He is the former head of Award School Melbourne, the former Interactive Creative Director of Clemenger Advertising, the Digital Creative Director at M&C Saatchi, and now runs his own private freelance consultancy. He works in the big agency, big brands, and the big TVC space.  In this episode, Ben reveals: How he got started and top tips for getting work at a big-name advertising agency  Hints and strategies on how freelance copywriters can find work quickly Why everyone needs to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset and why so-called ‘secure’ jobs are no longer secure  How to make working for free work for you Tips on managing impostor syndrome  How to overcome overwhelm and crippling doubt (and why it’s part of the creative process) The role of constraints/failure/errors in the creative process Agency life versus freelance life – the pros and cons. Mentioned in this episode: The Thought Police D@AD: The Copy Book Ogilvy on Advertising. Read the show notes Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is copywriting? Why are so many people interested in becoming one? What does it take to become a successful copywriter? Is it possible to make a living from copywriting? How can you get started as a freelance or ad agency copywriter? In this episode, Valerie Khoo, CEO of the Australian Writers’ Centre chats to Bernadette Schwerdt, founder of the Australian School of Copywriting about:  Why copywriting is a great occupation for creative people Where you can find copywriting work The qualities and training you need to be a successful copywriter The benefits of living the freelance life Success stories from her students who’ve found work quickly Her 5 top tips for getting started as a freelancer ...and much more If you’re a budding or experienced copywriter, this podcast is a must-listen. Read the show notes Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.