Despite being one of the most exciting and enterprising jobs in the world, advertising can also prove to be a health hazard for those neck-deep in the profession, says a new book that comes straight from the horse's mouth.
Don't go away. We'll be right back - The Oops and Downs of Advertising by former Vice President JWT (Chennai) Indu Balachandran, is a roller-coaster ride through life in an ad agency.
"My book makes those jaded with the advertising business, see themselves in it, enjoy a good chuckle and perhaps realise it is actually a profession they enjoy after all," says Balachandran.
The author, who spent 29 years in JWT, going from copy Trainee to Executive Creative Director says, "For those who may have quit, for whatever reasons (well it's mostly money!) hope it makes them recall wistfully, the adrenalin rush of being part of the process."
The book recollects various trials, triumphs and trip-ups associated with advertising and the profession's happy ability to poke fun and laugh at itself.
The 186-page book published by Tranquebar is an informative tour through the various departments in the field of advertising and includes the vast supporting cast that makes the profession tick.
From clients, film makers, models, musicians to even champions of new-age media, the book gives a hilarious peep into all that it takes for the word 'advertising' to materialise for consumers.
"Client servicing people liaise between the client and the creative department, client and media, client and production department, and the Olympic Committee would do well to spot winner from here, with the non-stop running practice they get," says the book.
"The book is a harmless leg-pull of various eccentric characters and practices in an industry that works very hard and is written to engage general interest reader," adds Balachandran who doubles up as a regular humour columnist.
Clients are people who are always 'about to leave the town,' and that's why they always have to see and approve the ad before they leave for airport, says a punch in the book.
"If you have grown this amazing ponytail and are beginning to look rather arty and cool, or if you are suddenly short of some lakhs of rupees to buy yourself the latest SUV, the thing to do right away is become an ad filmmaker," says another one targeting art directors.
Peppered with quirky illustrations by Banglore-based Paul Fernandes, the book presents an affectionate view of an industry that is sometimes unfairly judged with cynicism.
"I think Dilbert books and comic strips amply demonstrate that there is a funny side to even the most serious of corporate businesses. My book hopes to do the same with the Advertising industry," says the author.
"By no means is it ever intended to be a manual or textbook on advertising - even though it depicts a very real, insightful picture based on personal observations," says Balachandran, whose next book is "I'm a Travaholic, But I'm Getting Help".
The book attempts to remind that an advertising agency is a stimulating and rewarding workplace, where an abundance of talent comes together.
Image: Indu Balachandran
