If it’s true that a “picture is worth a thousands words” the photo above explains why I started teaching advertising and marketing 18 years ago.

I never set out to become a teacher. I was, and still am, an advertising copywriter. For close to 40 years I have been creating and crafting advertising strategies and messages for businesses and services of all sizes and for products in virtually every category.

What is it like to be a copywriter? Creativity is challenged. Strategic thinking is demanded. Brevity and clarity of verbiage is mandatory.

When I was first asked to teach copywriting I wasn’t sure if I could do it. How do you translate what you do on a daily basis in a 2-hour classroom setting? How do you convey the emotional and mental turmoil you go through trying to craft a marketing message that will live up to objectives? How do you make students feel the anxiety you undergo when presenting an idea and then the crushing self-doubt you feel when your concept is rejected? But on the flip side how do you explain to a class of novices the joy and relief you feel when an idea is accepted, produced, launched and embraced by the public segment you want to reach?

There is no greater challenge. But seeing students go from kids who don’t know what to expect when they walk into the classroom to realizing what they are capable of creating is tremendously awarding for both me and those smiling creators.

I’ll let a former student of mine tell you…“I want to thank you for your role in preparing me with the skills, education, and most importantly the confidence, that has led me to where I am today, and where my business venture will lead me in the future. “

That’s why I teach.