What's in my Office Thursday: Meet CPS alum Drake Paul, Copywriter at Golin.
Garfield Park Conservatory / Alright, so you may not be able to spread out at a big table or even have wifi connection, but don't write the conservatory off just yet. It's absolutely beautiful as well as making you forget that it's -12 degrees outside. It's essentially empty during the weekdays and there are plenty of benches to read, sketch or just think.
The Map Room / They serve coffee in the morning and open up the bar starting at noon. The wifi is strong, 1970's National Geographic issues are littered everywhere, and there are free pretzels. It may not sound like your average work spot, but it's perfect. If you stay late enough, you may even run into the tamale guy.
Harold Washington Library / Public libraries have a seedy reputation, and sometimes for good reason. But what Harold Washington lacks in Instagram-worthy decor, it more than makes up for in silence and meeting rooms. Major bonus points for the ninth floor Winter Garden, which is beyond beautiful.
Half Acre Taproom / This shouldn't work, but it does. The tables are big, there's wifi and starting next week, Half Acre is even throwing low key bar eats into the mix. During the day, it's basically the perfect casual meeting place.
Coffee Shop Adventure / If the baristas at your nearest Starbucks know your name, you're doing it wrong. This city is chock full of better options. Tour Chicago neighborhoods by stepping outside of your coffee comfort zone. Need a starting point? Try Gaslight Coffee Roasters in Logan Square, Heritage Bicycles in Lakeview, Plein Air Cafe in Hyde Park, or The Wormhole in Wicker Park.
What's in my Office Thursday: Meet CPS alum Caitlin Fitzgibbons, Associate Art Director at FCB Chicago.
What's in my Office Thursday: Meet CPS alumni Chloe Lebamoff (Associate Copywriter) and Sarah Frazer (Associate Art Director), creative junior partners at FCB Chicago!
1. Every word, image, color and typeface needs to serve some kind of purpose. Be ready to explain why you did what you did when you're in an interview.
2. Read Adweek everyday and be familiar with what's happening in the industry. Keep tabs on what's trending and the agency that did the work.
3. Spend more than just a couple hours before class and using a Google doc to concept. It's amazing what you can come up with when you put in the time and brainstorm together.
4. Never use the word "I" when talking about your work. You are a team. If someone calls something out, you both have to take responsibility.
5. Learn how to stand up for your work without getting attached to it. If an execution or concept gets killed, don't ask 3 other people for their opinion to rationalize why it still works. Move on and come up with something better.
What's in my Office Thursday: Meet CPS alum Kevin Zwier, Copywriter at Wunderman.