Best of 2009 Blog Challenge. Day 30.
Best Ad. What advertisement made you think this year?
Being an advertising copywriter I naturally pay more attention to ads than the average person. This post is not about an ad, however, but rather the stories of those who used to make ads, lost their jobs and found their passion.
Fellow copywriter and friend, Erik Proulx, was laid off this year along with over 65,000 other advertising professionals. Rather than indulging in a self-pity party, Erik viewed his pink slip as a blank page and parlayed a lemon of a situation into lemonade.
He created an inspiring documentary called Lemonade. It features the stories and faces of other ad professionals who lost their jobs in advertising and began living their dreams.
Erik used the power of social media to connect with the subjects of the film, the crew and filmmakers themselves and even Virgin America who donated flights for Erik and his crew. It all began with Please Feed the Animals, a blog Erik created as a support community/venting forum for advertising folks who got the ax this year.
Erik’s intention has always been to support and serve those who were in the same unemployed boat. No wonder the result is inspiring and inspired work. (Even CBS Evening News has taken notice.)
Lemonade is a well-executed reminder that opportunities are created and we are the masters of our own destinies. Simply put, we have a choice.
What’s next for Erik? Lemonade the book. If you lost your job but found your calling, he wants to hear from you.
Information about Lemonade screenings and DVD purchase is available here.
Danielle,
It’s great to hear (read) your voice. Ironic that I had to lose my job to finally do work I’m proud of. Thank you so much for blogging about it, Danielle. Here’s to an amazing 2010.
Erik
Really an inspiring kickass story. I am happy I stumbled to your blog.
I am undertaking a career change from maintenance mechanic to college student in a communications program and hope to work in some type of advocacy field.
We just discussed advertising in Mass comm.
Loved the story. Nice blog!
http://amiavictim.wordpress.com/
Glad you stumbled onto the blog too. Yes, Lemonade is very inspiring and very worth sharing. Best of luck with school.