23. Kathy Hepinstall

Kathy Hepinstall is an amazing writer, and it shows.  She could probably take up a second job as a standup comedian too.  Her lecture was hilarious.  Her blog is also a great, entertaining read. 

Kathy is great friends with Deb and their funny banter before class was a great lead up to her talk.  She was not only funny but she really had some great things to say to us.  Here are just a few highlights:

1.       Always remember your audience.  You have to think about the things that will keep them coming back, the things that appeal to them.  These are your people and you want them to like what you do.

2.       Feedback is a form of art.  People give meaningful feedback and it’s something that should be deemed important.  You can learn from feedback, and you should.

3.       Understand the culture of an agency.  Not all agencies will appreciate you riding into the lobby on an angry white nag.  Some will, but before you take all that time to rent a horse, you should be sure that you are working for an agency that will appreciate it.

4.       Say thank you to your brain.  A brain is like a domesticated animal, it wants praise for what it does. 

5.       You can be somebody’s good news.  Doing something nice for someone else can sharpen your creative skills.