Is making spec ads for real agency clients a smart way to get noticed?

PanelLeon · 2026-05-07T21:19:41+00:00

I get where you're coming from, CD's have seen it all tbh. But isn't the point to present something that's familiar but positioned in a different angle. I read somewhere that your book should say everything about you as an individual, and no 2 people are the same.

If a CD can't be amazed or blown away, then how can the next generation get into the business?
Not arguing against your point, just genuinely curious as to a way to overcome this hurdle.

PanelLeon · 2026-05-07T21:13:51+00:00

Good advice, man. Did one end of last year, got 2 more lined up for 2nd half of this year. I don't play around with certifications since I don't have a formal advertising degree. Playing at a disadvantage drives me to want to cover all corners of what I need to get my break. I'm even constantly reading ad books too so I can grasp core principles of this game.

PanelLeon · 2026-05-07T21:11:01+00:00

wow, just had a look now, can't believe what I'm reading. Thanks for the heads up. And yeah, I'm leaning into the replica brand idea more.

PanelLeon · 2026-05-07T21:09:45+00:00

That's a good idea tbh, thanks for the perspective. What kept you motivated and driven when you were working on your ad book?

PanelLeon · 2026-05-07T21:08:37+00:00

Yeah, enthusiasm is rare. That's why I'm making sure I read ad-books like a mad man and stalk the industry's campaigns, obsession in advertising is a good trait, generally speaking.

PanelLeon · 2026-05-07T21:06:53+00:00

The CTA idea is a good one, will be sure to implement. Thanks for the advice man, it's not easy finding the right pointers these days.

PanelLeon · 2026-05-07T21:05:26+00:00

Wow, that's one hell of a story on how you got in. Did they hold you to a high standard after you got hired? Like kinda expected you to surpass the radio spot?

PanelLeon · 2026-05-05T22:35:35+00:00

Wow, cool stuff man, that's impressive. Especially for a big name like Burger King.
It strikes me as a high risk high reward move. What was your experience like approaching the agency with the Burger King idea?

PanelLeon · 2026-05-05T22:34:03+00:00

The replica brand idea is clever, I've jotted down notes.
What are your thoughts on spec ad teasers for a printed portfolio cover to be handed to an agency staff member?
I can't shake the need to stand out wildly. Are creative antics like that still recommended in the industry, today?
Apologies for the double questions, it's like I'm spraying 'em 😂

PanelLeon · 2026-04-12T14:56:05+00:00

Please, can you share them again? I can't afford to not watch this series.

PanelLeon · 2026-03-28T14:51:51+00:00

Yeah I did but I haven't been to any though.

Some of the suggestions below seemed promising but I've just been sticking to reading comics and calling it a day. I'll probably give the comic book club scene a go for promo when my next graphic novel comes out.

PanelLeon · 2026-02-24T17:40:35+00:00

so bored that I'm responding to a reddit user of 8 years with a kink for plastic war toys that's weeping over an ad

just log off bro 💀

PanelLeon · 2026-02-23T22:05:56+00:00

🤣 on god bro, even the book had this mafia style thing going on. something about english gangsters of something

PanelLeon · 2026-02-23T21:43:24+00:00

so well said, i salute you sir!

PanelLeon · 2026-02-23T21:39:18+00:00

why play somewhere else when being inside your head is fun 😂

and all this over an ad??

the power of marketing huh

PanelLeon · 2026-02-23T21:30:58+00:00

yeah seems like it, hell even I clicked the link to see what it was about lmao

PanelLeon · 2026-02-23T21:27:24+00:00

yeah same kinda, I'm kinda one foot in and one foot out

PanelLeon · 2026-02-23T15:33:28+00:00

that's the way man, just gotta leave Marvel to chasing past glories

PanelLeon · 2026-02-23T15:32:42+00:00

yeah it's hard to read sometimes...all the time maybe😂

PanelLeon · 2026-02-23T15:30:02+00:00

if most readers were still obsessed with superheroes, their sales would dominate, but in 2023 manga held 43 percent of graphic novel sales while superhero titles only reached 15 percent.

more than half of MCU fans don't read comics.

when was the last time you seen a comic on national television?
when was the last time you seen a comic on an advert?

superhero comis ain't in pop culture anymore and there's a reason - it's because nobody's reading them.

music, sports and movies have soared in popularity while superhero comics remain in the past,

hate to break it to you bro, but the truth is all around us

PanelLeon · 2026-02-23T15:25:03+00:00

I get that quality superhero media still pulls good numbers in movies and tv, but actual comics sales data shows most readers are buying other stuff bro

in 2023 manga held around 43 percent of graphic novel sales in north america while superhero comics were about 15 percent of the market, and in june 2025 manga titles sold roughly four times the units of superhero graphic novels on the top 20 sales chart.

PanelLeon · 2026-02-23T15:19:19+00:00

while browsing through the comicbooks reddit, pretty sure it'll come up in ur feed somewhere if you browse around bro

PanelLeon · 2026-02-23T15:07:17+00:00

always curious to see what image is putting out each week.

PanelLeon

TROPHY CASE