When I came on board as a copywriter last month, I wasn’t totally new to Windsong Productions. As a freelance writer, I’d worked with the team here on several projects over the last couple years. And besides that, I was a fan of their work, which I’d seen on the internet and on TV and in my dreams. So I was relatively familiar with Windsong as a company, and I was excited at the possibility of working with such a talented group. But I didn’t quite know what to expect.
It was more than just the normal, understandable jitters of starting any new job. The thing is, before this I’d been completely self-employed for over 5 years — making my own schedule, eating lunch at all kinds of crazy times (like 2 o’clock), going on vacations (anywhere within 5 miles of my apartment) whenever I wanted, the whole nine yards. But now I’d be coming to an office (almost) every day and working in a (kind of) structured environment. I was concerned that even if I liked it here, I’d feel constrained by the realities of a real grown-up job. I’d have to wake up early, wear pants and actually talk to people. I don’t like any of those things. Still, I figured it was at least worth a shot.
As a copywriter-for-hire, I wrote for tons of different media — online, print, billboards, sign twirlers. Video was just a small piece of my larger pie of work. I was surprised to discover that there are just as many pies within video as there are without it. In the month I’ve been here, I’ve already written for commercials, online promos, PSAs, lemon meringue and TV shows.
It’s cool to be part of a larger creative organism, surrounded by the entire production process. Instead of just handing off my words, never to be heard from again, I can watch (and participate) as they’re transformed into something better, something that’s alive.
It turns out — and I’m not just saying this because of the mind control — I like it.
Although I’m still not thrilled about the pants.
Synergy,
Conlan
Photo: Conlan’s most recent vacation.
Conlan has been a brilliant writer ever since he first learned to spell.