Texas Showcase -- Marshall Lott

Why did you choose the University of Texas for your Masters of Advertising?

Beyond it's sterling reputation, it's part fate and desire. I lived in Austin for 10 years and always wanted to be a part of this school. However, many detours and life decisions (some bad, mostly good) kept me from having the opportunity. In 2006, I enrolled at The University of Texas Pan American to pursue a degree in PR/Advertising. It was there where I meet some wonderful and influential professors that helped me realize graduate school was the right path for me. Dr. D. Saavedra was instrumental in me considering graduate school in general. She was a great mentor. Dr. K. Selber opened my eyes to Texas Creative and urged me to apply. As fate would have it, she went through this very program and helped me recognize it was where I should be. Finally, Dr. S. Ghanem provided endless encouragement through pre-graduate school preparations like nasty stats classes and GRE exams. As corny as it may sound, being here is a dream come true and it taught me to never give up.

Being in the Creative program, what is the most important tactic, tool, or way of thinking that you have learned over the last two years?

Ultimately, I've learned that staring into space and waiting for those great ideas to plop in your lap is not realistic. The "Aha!" moments are carefully crafted and center on a good idea. Getting to that good idea takes patience and hard work. The creative process is just that, a process. Ideas require development and pushing past the initial thoughts and barriers. In addition, the rejection of ideas is simply an opportunity to come up with something better. It's a rewarding process when it all works out.

What is the best thing about being a student at the University of Texas?

The camaraderie. Some amazing and talented people, many who will be lifelong friends, surround me in this program. Ad Grads, as we are called, stick together and despite many of us going our separate ways after graduation, we are all a part of the "Longhorn network" now. I love that!

What is your dream job and how do you plan on obtaining that dream job?

I have two dream jobs, one leading to the other. I initially entered graduate school because I wanted to teach at the college level. I was enamored with the thought of turning someone's life around as the three aforementioned professors did for me. However, once in graduate school I realized the thought of working at an agency was equally exciting. I also think it would give "Professor Lott" more "street cred" in the classroom. For now, all effort goes into my portfolio. I would love to get picked up by a reputable agency and doing some great creative work. I'll climb my way through the ranks for a few years and soak up as much as possible. Then hopefully return to a classroom to pay it forward.

What has been your best Halloween costume to date?

Ha! Interesting question. I wonder what prompted this? Those closest to me know that I'm crazy competitive and I have this obsessive compulsive need to take things to the next level, even with Halloween costumes. Over the years I've had a few that were quite memorable. The only problem is that each year the costumes become harder to top. I believe I achieved that this year (2010) at the Advertising Graduate Council's annual Halloween party. I think my "outhouse" costume will be remembered for a while. I just hope someone can carry on my tradition of "going big" when it comes to the AGC Halloween parties of the future.