Hi Victoria,

I definitely understand your concern, and it’s not an uncommon one. But no, ad agencies do *not* expect you to be a comedic genius. Some copywriters have that gift and some other (perfectly successful) copywriters do not. The much more important thing is that you understand the messages that need to be conveyed and how to make your target audience understand and respond to them. *That* is the most valuable skill. And it also doesn’t mean that your copy will be overly serious. (But you should also know that serious copywriting is very valued. Investment firms or pharmaceutical company clients, for example, aren’t generally looking for comedy!)

You may, too, find that as you get more comfortable writing copy, that you find a bit of comedy developing in your skills. You can’t be funny with skills you don’t feel comfortable yet; you may find that that ability comes later. But even if it doesn’t, you can still have a successful (and fun) copywriting career. 🙂

Thanks for commenting!
Nicki

Hi Sheree,

Sadly, it is! For some reason, all of us let ourselves beat us up to some degree. A little perspective on that tends to help. (Also, sometimes, a glass of wine. 😉 )

Thanks for commenting!
Nicki

Hi Brittany,

Yep—it’s really true that *everyone* goes through it! And I wish I could say that it will go away eventually, but it doesn’t. However, it doesn’t happen quite as often and you’ll also have the experience (both life and work experience) to be able to shake it off a lot faster. 🙂

Thanks for commenting!
Nicki

This is so very true!

Hi Tim,

I know—fear hits us all in different ways. What I can tell you, though, is that one of the great things about copywriting is that it’s an entirely merit-based career. People don’t care how old you are, what you look like, what your background its, etc. as long as you write great copy. If you write effective, insightful copy for them, you’re valuable to them, and they’re happily willing to hire you to do it. 🙂

Thanks for commenting!
Nicki

My fear is that I’m too old to be doing this. My faith shuts off that voice. I’ll remember that nothing is impossible with God and that age doesn’t matter. There are so many saints and artists that defy age; they’re my heroes.