Interview With Taryn Anderson of AD2 ROANOKE

How important is creativity to you?   It is of utmost importance to Taryn Anderson, who dedicates her time to keeping creativity alive in the Roanoke Valley.

Anderson earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from Radford University.  She now works as the marketing and programs coordinator for the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce.  Anderson is the board president of AD2 ROANOKE, an advertising club exclusively for members 32 years old or younger.

Anderson shared some of her personal advertising experience and advice with Planet Blacksburg.  She also described the functions of AD2 ROANOKE and the advantages of having membership.  A selection of questions and answers from an interview with Anderson follows.
 
Q: Why did you decide to work in advertising?
Anderson: When I was young, my family highly encouraged creativity, especially my uncle. He works freelance advertising in Manhattan. He bought me ‘Communication Arts’ subscriptions, lent me his ibook to learn graphic programs, took me to NYC and introduced me to all sorts of advertising professionals, and he even sent me on a mock interview with a Penguin Books’ illustrator. He taught me the realities of advertising and all the different aspects that are involved. I think when I was a junior in high school I knew I wanted to be a part of the amazing creative world called advertising.

Q: How did you begin your career?
Anderson: I started with an internship that I needed to complete my Communication Degree (Public Relations concentration) from Radford University. I called an old friend’s mother who I knew used to work in communications. I asked if she knew of any internship in the communication field. She forwarded me to the communications manager for the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce and I got a wonderful internship that helped me network and grow. No matter what field you are going into, the Chamber of Commerce is a great place to get started and learn about all the local businesses and opportunities in the area. After the internship, I did a few other interim jobs and when an opening came available at the Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center (the business assistance branch of the Roanoke Regional Chamber), my resume was passed down and I got an interview. They knew my skill set and potential thanks to the great internship opportunity I was given. Two weeks later, I started work as the Marketing and Program Coordinator.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your career?
Anderson: I would have to say the most rewarding part of my job (and in life) is when someone says ‘Thank you’, especially with a smile. When someone utters those words, I know I have helped them in some way (hope that doesn’t sound too cheesy). I enjoy helping someone whether it is small, like saving someone ten minutes or something big, like saving someone’s business.

Q: Do you have any advice for those seeking a career in advertising?
Anderson: It’s all about who you know! Networking is amazing and will definitely get you places. I truly believe in the saying “It’s not about what you know, but who you know.” Skills can usually be learned, especially by younger generations, and employers know that. To have a personal connection or compliment go along with a resume can be the tie breaker to get the job or not. Having connections also works wonders on the job. I have people in the office ask me to put my graphics skills to use everyday, even though it’s not in my job description, and it makes me a more valuable employee. When I can’t figure something out, I tap into my connections and find out who can give me a little help. I have been in tight spots where a connection/relationship has saved my job and/or sanity. Knowing people can be an amazing thing.

Q: What are your responsibilities as board president?
Anderson: I am still learning about new responsibilities I have as AD2 ROANOKE president every day. To sum it up, I make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible and is still tons of fun. I work to expand membership, educate students and young professionals about advertising and other creative fields, increase creative networking in our area, and help open doors for young creative talent.

Q: How much demand for advertising is there in the Roanoke Valley?
Anderson: (I’m not quite sure how to answer this question, but I will give it a try). The Roanoke Valley is in the midst of growing and changing and that allows for growth and change in advertising as well. Like the national public, our local audience is always looking for something innovative and unique to grab their attention. Advertising clients are always looking for that attention to spotlight their product or service. The demand for something different in advertising is always high no matter what level (local or national).

Q: How does AD2 strive to stay innovative with constantly changing technology?  Anderson: AD2 ROANOKE tries to stay on top of the newest technology by word of mouth, publications, and shared emails. Word of mouth comes from AdFed of the Roanoke Valley luncheons that we attend, meetings, and educational events that we gold (example: Creative in a Cup). Publications that we gain new knowledge from vary depending on what we are all reading at the moment, some members read online articles and pass a long the information, while others read hard copies and pass along the physical book at meetings or events. The most used and quickest way we obtain and pass along information is through emails. I get emails all the time that show the most innovative ideas at the moment in advertising and I continue to pass that along to members, especially through our e-newsletter called ADCHEW. Our e-newsletter includes all sorts of education and entertaining information for any one in the creative field.

Q: What are some major events that AD2 members participate in?
Anderson: AD2 ROANOKE members can participate in many events including: our monthly ‘Creative in a Cup’ programs (our last one was an intimate discussion with Danny Myers from the K92 Mornin’ Thang), the Student ADDY Awards, and our Portfolio and Resume Review. I think our most beneficial event for students, besides the Student ADDY Awards (see: http://www.aaf.org/default.asp?id=72), is our Portfolio and Resume Review. This event has two parts to it. Part one, is filled with workshops that go on throughout the day with topics like: interactive design, paper, branding, careers in advertising, and more. Part two is the review process. It’s like an interview without all of pressure. It gives students a chance to have their work reviewed by professionals and get straightforward critiques. This is open to any level of college student and will take place at Roanoke College on April 12th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To register students can visit our main page and click on the button to download the application.

Q: What are the advantages of having an organization of members 32 and younger?
Anderson: The first reason for our age limitation of 32 and younger is due to National AD2 regulations. The second is that AD2 ROANOKE is an organization geared towards students and young professionals just breaking into the advertising field. We are here to help young people get their feet wet and help open doors for young newcomers to the field. I guess you could say we are almost like a greeting committee for advertising world. After a few years in the field, or the age of 32, the young professionals move into AdFed of the Roanoke Valley and hopefully they will use their seasoned skills to help out other new AD2 members or young professionals starting out. Some say we are less intimidating because we are young just like the members and soon-to-be members and we understand/share some of the same obstacles they are going through.

Q: Who would benefit from AD2 membership?
Anderson: College students, young professionals (one to three years into the advertising field), and even high school students can benefit. I spoken and shared information with college all over Virginia and into North Carolina. We are the only official AD2 in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina (the AAF 3rd district); however, we are very excited to announce that AD2 Charlotte (NC) is almost an official club as well.

Q: How does AD2 give members the opportunity to network with professionals?
Anderson: We have networking available at all of our events, whether it is the luncheons, the ADDY Awards Gala and Show, or the monthly meetings. We encourage networking with not only our members, but with seasoned professionals as well.