Short, Straight and Simple

The agency sounded more of trigonometry draped in the form of an Ad agency. Right on time I say, perhaps a few minutes off. Thanks to the traffic hiccups. Rang the bell, was told to wait for the intended person, she was probably on her way!

Half and hour of ‘Jetwings-magazine’ kept me happily engaged. Some picturesque snippets and some movie reviews and even the quality of content. The light shades of the bamboo blinds made a tapering sound and swayed like waves. The shimmering sunlight made a sneak peek inside from the crevices.

There she came with a familiar smile. Radhika, her name was! I accompanied her to yet another room, and the initial interview norm began. An introduction together with a review (critical appreciation) went on fine. Quite interesting, I somehow liked the way my portfolio was scanned through. Then, the verdict. I would qualify it for a KISS comment.(Keep it Short and Simple).I am a mature writer. I have evolved as a writer. Given the thought that I had not gone through the hard core drilling as a copywriter, whether I would be able to give plight as far as thinking or ideating is concerned, was a debatable issue. Quite a modest opinion of mine I should say. With a set of random examples, it was easily acceptable that did I get the right break under the right person, I would have sailed it smooth as a copywriter.

This was an agency with a five year stand with partners holding expertise in the industry for about 15 years. I was told about a specific account-Varsiddhi and how they evolved from a designer textile showroom like any other, to a value-added, customer centric showroom where the ethics of impressive customer service was showcased right from the scratch. Whether it was the importance of location, the use of lights and decors or a set of well trained employees. Yes, employees were given a crash course on etiquettes – tone modulation, humble & alluring display of sarees, traditional uniforms and so on. Quite an immense input to make it big the smooth way.

This technique uplifted the attitude of all- the customers given a special, royal service and the employees improve their skills. Finally, the brand emerges a success amidst the teaming competitors. The logic was quite simple, but the implementation brought more colours and revenue. That’s called brand building. That’s what a good account calls for. Not merely to display an Ad that’s effortless a try. Small start ups when put best in practice bears a long standing effect and also boosts up the clients confidence to try something ‘out of the box’.

I recall those days where ideas and creativity flowed from everywhere. There would be a mutual growth where one would emerge as an experienced and not just educated for a Degree. Experience at the right place does add a feather to one’s career graph. The world of Advertising is just one place that nurtures talents as they nurture brands! This was a good interaction where I was made to believe that perhaps this is what keeps my instincts towering up each time.

What it takes to WRITE?

“Write’ seems so simple. Quite unique but when we actually pronounce it, we hear it as right. Isn’t it?

So we all have the ‘Right to Write’. It is only a select few who actually have the ability and the knack to express ideas and thoughts in paper. Let’s take for instance, how we begin to write?

Remember the first time a chalk and a slate was handed onto us as a toddler and we were told to write the first words. There was no pressure upon us. We could write endlessly, wipe off the slate and write again. A box of colorful chalks did wonders, a couple of them would unknowingly enter your mouth. Upon being noticed, would be instructed not to treat it that way, rather to use it for its sole purpose. Nevertheless our fickle mind somehow enjoys tasting the chalk once a while, being unnoticed.

The initial masterpiece replicates crow’s-droppings. The scribbling gradually expands its reach to fill the walls, the floor, dining table, newly painted doors and places that are meant to be kept clean and tidy.

Then time nears to get started with proper schooling. By then we are a little older and we know the basics of alphabets and to-be-known words. Life changes hereon. We get into a new atmosphere of rules and regulations. They call it cursive writing. Huh! Initially, an impossible task to write in flowing strokes between the lines. More because we are used to the freedom of writing or rather scribbling anywhere and anyhow and now that we are glued to norms. Well, gradually we learnt the art of writing correctly and clearly. But, wait a minute, do we become writers’ at this stage. Definitely not.

The human mind is termed complex and interesting. Most children are given the same inputs when it comes knows what it is to write. But as time passes by and age grows, so does the ability of children to understand the depth of writing for a purpose. Some imbibe the creative style of writing for a reason. Others confine to what is expected to be written. Expression of thoughts and ideas verbally is quite different from when it comes to writing our thoughts on paper.

Well, there is no right way to write. But we all have the right to write in our best possible way to express ourselves beyond what is delivered during our early tuitions as a toddler. The secret lies in encouraging what our heart guides us through. So even if we do not excel in cursive writing, relax! All that matters is how well we explore the creative world by writing our thoughts to make others realize the essence of truth. The truth maybe anything that is under and beyond the Sun.

We all have a writer within us! We all! We all can express our thoughts our style, without bothering about rules. A simple word can do wonders!