Get the inside run from the best on how to break into advertising in new book from Sputnik: ‘The Swashbucklers Guide to Becoming an Astronaut’
A new book, featuring advice from some of the biggest names in the advertising industry, promises to show young up and comers how to get their foot in the door and land a job in
advertising.
The book is the brainchild of Adelaide-based Idea Merchant Sputnik, (left), and features a collection of advice from a variety of industry people including Russel Howcroft, Matt Eastwood, Jonathan Kneebone, Siimon Reynolds and Nigel Marsh.
Says Sputnik: “Itʼs one of those questions you get asked all the time. People wanting to know how to get a job, how to break into the industry. So I thought Iʼd ask a bunch of people for their best advice and chuck it in a book.”
ʻThe Swashbucklers Guide to Becoming an Astronautʼ is the first in a series of books heʼs producing and Sputnik says he made a conscious decision to not make it too wordy or boring.
He continued: “We all know young people canʼt, or at least donʼt read anymore, so we tried to make it as fun and visual as possible. The result is what we hope is quite a fun little book, that is also really useful. Certainly the feedback weʼve had to date has been overwhelmingly positive which is fantastic.”
In 2010 Sputnik won the AADC Presidentʼs Award for outstanding contribution to the advertising industry and says, while he doubts heʼll ever be able to retire in the South of France on the profits from the book, he hopes it will at least come in handy for people wanting to break into the industry.
Says Sputnik: “It seemed kind of weird to me that something like this didnʼt already exist – at least not to the best of my knowledge. So I thought what the heck, letʼs do one. I was really lucky that I had people like Andrew Killey and KIm Boehm who helped me when I was starting out, and Iʼve always felt a bit of a ʻkarmic debtʼ to help others when they come for advice. Now I can do that on an even larger scale and with any luck, the advice in the book will really help them out.”
While Sputnik has written much of the advice himself based on his twenty plus years in the business, thereʼs plenty of uncredited advice in there from various industry people, as well as some high profile names who were happy to contribute.
He continues: “We were really lucky to get some fantastic people to share their wisdom. Iʼm well aware plenty of people will have absolutely no idea who the hell I am and so might be tempted to think Iʼm full of shit. But when youʼve got people like Russel and Matt and Siimon and Nigel giving advice, youʼd be bloody nuts to ignore them.”
Sputnik says he thinks itʼs a book every ad agency in Australia should have a copy of. “That way, when someone comes in, you can save yourself some time telling them all the usual stuff by just getting them to flip through the book first. It will save you a lot of time, and save me from going broke.”
42 Comments
Great stuff, SS. Saving my lunch money.
I feel dumb for asking but this is a joke, isn’t it?
I thought it was brilliantly put together and my teenagers have also picked up pointers from it.
@3.06… You sure do.
You look dumb for asking it. This is a nice idea. Wish someone had done it when I started out. What would be even nicer is if someone could sponsor it so it can be given away to students for free…
I wish this was written 5 years
Have you looked at the ‘Out of this World’ website linked to the article. It’s got to be a joke.
@5.30pm His business might be named “Out of this World” but Sputnik isn’t – one of this world’s most creative minds, and a bloody decent bloke to boot! Definitely NOT a joke!
I’ve got the book! Great read, great advice!
Look at the work on that website! I’m telling you this is a joke. So, it seems the advice to the kids is whacky hair, whacky name and painted nails (just one on hand though) to stand out – you know, to really cut through the clutter. Adding an extra ‘i’ to your name would be easier.
Fantastic book mate…some great ideas that pertain not merely to the advertising inclined…well done!
I’m just so whacky and crazy man. I’m just, like, so out there. When people think of cool and funky, they picture me. Catch me if you can … you can’t, because I’m too clever for ya.
If I say I’m clever, creative and cool then I most certainly must be. Deal with it.
having checked out the website, i think the agency, the book and the man are part of a great parody. it’s not real. It can’t be.
Not a good one, but a parody none the less. And one that someone’s spent way too much time on.
http://www.swashbucklersclub.com/Explore/Cambodia/Blowing-up-Cows.asp
Don’t stop, bitches.
This parody shit is selling books! 😉
There’s better tips on how to break into advertising in the Twilight books.
whether it’s a parody or not doesn’t change the content of the book.
The book is presented in such a way that you can open it up anywhere and get a good tip or simple inspiration.
It doesn’t really need to be read cover to cover making it an excellent choice for the easily bored youth.
“There’s better tips on how to break into advertising in the Twilight books.” I actually laughed out loud at this one. And not just because it meant you’ve read the Twilight books.
As for the book, actually, no, it’s not a joke. With apologies to anyone who actually thought it was. Might i suggest http://www.trevormarmalade.com.au for anyone looking for a book of jokes?
Is this Sputnik guy for real? I spose, if no else takes you seriously, open your own agency.
That’s great!
Finally someone demonstrating what’s REALLY needed to get into advertising – ideas!
All success to Sputnik!
Many of those anonymous comments look as if they’re written by the same person. Troll, much! Great book. Need this in the libraries of year 10 – 12 students. Lord knows they could do with some interesting and inspiring literature. Looking forward to your next one Sput.
“Troll, much.” I pick you as a chick.
Sputnik, Don’t listen to the people bagging the book. I bought it, I have read it, and I think it has some really good advice in it. Well, worth waiting for.
THANKS!
Great book Sputnik!!!
I’ve finally got my copy – I would love to see this as part of the curriculum at all Art Schools! The folios and letters we receive that “expect” an interview with out any thought is very disappointing.
I now will be referring them to your website and book for reference – it can only help the next generation.
Great idea – I’m really surprised no one has not thought of this before.
Good work – and we look forward to the next edition.
Always interesting to read people bagging someone having a go. Like the article says, he’s not expecting to make anything out of the book, he’s trying to help. Perhaps a couple of you should read the book first before making judgement.
How do you get off commenting on this book based on how somebody does their hair, nails or spells their name?! Maybe you should read the book rather then “judging a book by its cover” !!
Keep up the good work sputnik!!
How do you get off commenting on this book based on how somebody does their hair, nails or spells their name?! Maybe you should read the book rather then “judging a book by its cover” !!
Keep up the good work sputnik!!
What is with the personal attacking comments?? How very pathetic. What is it about commenting on sites such as this that leave people lacking fundamental decencies??
Well done Sput. You should be very proud of yourself and your accomplishment in publishing thus far.
a Master book written by a Master Mind – Keep writing Sputnik – and for all you knockers…He is real and He’s SPECTACULAR !!!
Having known him for … yes, well, a jolly long time … I can confirm that Sputnik is not only very creative but also a bloody nice bloke. It surprises me not one whit that his first book is aimed at helping people. Looking forward to reading it, Sput.
Haters gotta hate and doubly so those who hide behind the ‘Anonymous’ tag.
I had the honour in 2010 as co-President of the Adelaide Advertising and Design Club (AADC) to award Sputnik (yes, it is his real name albeit not the one on his birth certificate) with the President’s Award for his contributions to the industry.
I feel no need to leap to his defence, but if you’re going to try and tear the man down, please have the balls to use your real name and provide us with a link to your own agency site and portfolio so we can piss on your parade as well.
Or we would if belittling someone’s endeavours was anywhere near as productive as praising their achievements and providing constructive feedback.
Yes, I also bought a copy of the book (25 years too late to be getting into the industry admittedly but it is still a good read); and if I didn’t know he was a non-drinker, I’d buy him a bloody beer as well.
So for the sake of an industry that can be a bloody wonderful one to work in, unless you’re actively encouraging young talent into agency land like Sputnik, kindly put your hand back in your pants, step away from the keyboard and sod off.
Sputnik is not beige, boring and safe. He’s vibrant and awesome, just like his book. And if you think he gives a toss about what advertising wankers think of him, you’ve missed the point.
It’s people like 10:23, 11:17 and 3:17 that keep Australian advertising in the dark ages; you should embrace self-confessed weirdos like Sputnik, because one day you’ll be asking him for a job.
David ‘Bland’. This just keeps getting better. Bland! Come on. Someone’s having a lot of fun with this.
While I’m at it, south australians (presuming they’re the only ones standing up for their own kind here) have a slight arrogance about them, don’t they? Sort of a toffy-nosed, English-like inncocent stupidity. Their posts are peppered with the tell-tale signs. Problem is, they’ve got nothing to be arrogant about. Good fresh food markets and cheap housing apparently.
Congrats Sputto!!!
And for the worthless troll, that needs to get a spongebath because your stuck in your wheelchair posting shit about people you have no knowledge of….. Take a shower…you might feel better about this world…maybe you will learn that in the next twilight book you read..
Yep ‘Anonymous’ @ 4:50, that’s the name on my birth certificate, whereas I presume yours simply says ‘Supercilious Twat’.
Oh dear, the anonymous passive aggressive brigade have had a big day out. To the authors of these feeble & negative comments: I thank you – I’ve been teaching my young children lately about how detect & avoid toxic people like you as they go thru life …and now I have some prime examples of your finest work to show them. Job well done idiots : ) Hey fools, don’t disappoint us, we can’t wait to read your next witty response… or here’s a thought, do you just keep that crap of an industry based website, as it reflects badly on all of us …anonymous or not.
Sputnik, I’m proud to share an industry with you, your hair & your fingernails, which is more than I can say for whoever these insignificant cowards are. Boo! …see? they jumped.
Great book, keep up the good work!
No, it’s not just South Australians…. Aussies in general are well known for the tall poppy syndrome and unfortunately this reeks of it. If anyone gets off their butt and does something, they’re immediately criticised for it. Such a shame and such a wasteful pastime.
If you have something to say, don’t hide behind “anonymous” – be bold enough to stand up for your actions…. or are you afraid of the tall poppy syndrome too?
While we’re at it, no-one is asking you to buy the book. If it, or any of the associated websites etc, offend you – go do something else.
Personally, I haven’t read the book, but I think it’s great that someone has seen an apparent gap in the market, had an idea and acted on it. Look and learn kids (and “anonymous”) that’s how successful people get to be… successful people!
Anonymous @ 5:40pm, I guess you’re not that computer literate. If you were, and could use that wonderful tool called “Google” you’d figure out that David Bland is a real person. Get back in your box little troll.
Dear inncocent stupidity @ 4:50PM… we can spell for one thing. And the men are all extremely well endowed. Which gives us girls something to do on the weekends after we go to the fresh food markets. All this AND living cheaply – we’ve got it all!
@Anon 4.50pm. Fresh food. Cheap housing. And nice people. 🙂
come visit us sometime, we have a barrel here with your name on it 😉
They certainly do come across more presumptuous and self assured than the rest of Australia, and I spent the early part of my life there.
Hello Mr Sputs.
I havent read your book.
I just carry it around so people think I am interesting.
It works.
If you put that piece of advice in your next book – please spell my name right in the credits – little i big B