Madeline DeWree
Texas Showcase
Tell us about your background. Where are you from and how did you get where you are today?
I grew up in Dallas, Texas but Austin was always my second home. My entire family bleeds burnt orange, so I was raised to love UT and everything it stands for. I knew early on that advertising was my industry; it fit all of my needs and interests. I was an art girl with a head for business.
I started at UT as a Psychology major and switched to Advertising as soon as I could, knowing that I wanted to focus on creative and become an art director. I graduated in May 2010 and started interning at GSD&M in June while I was finishing up my last two Advertising credits. It was evident during my first week at Idea City that this agency is where I wanted and needed to be, it felt like home right off the bat.
Who/what inspires you?
I think I am most inspired by any kind of creative exertion, whether it's a piece of graffiti, a new font, a song, an ad or a film. Seeing people's creative expressions never cease to amaze me, it's so interesting to gain insight into their ideas and thought processes.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Oh, I hope I'm on a shoot somewhere interesting.
Where do you see advertising in ten years?
I'd hate to make a prediction about an industry that is in such a constant state of evolution, but I think I can say with confidence that it will be dominated by digital, which I hope will bring innovative and thoughtful creative messaging.
What are some of your favorite things you have experienced and/or learned while studying at UT?
I loved my experience at UT and Texas Creative played a large role in that. Texas is such a big school, which makes it important to find and create little micro groups and Texas Creative definitely became mine. All those late nights bonded us. I learned so much about the industry going through my advertising and portfolio classes from both a knowledge and skills standpoint, but I am most grateful for the friends I made there.
Can you share with us a favorite commercial?
Most recently, it's Droga5's Puma spot "The After Hours Athlete." It's just phenomenal. I saw it sitting in a movie theatre waiting for the previews to start when it came on the screen. The ad itself was inspiring from a creative standpoint, but the reaction of the audience was what got me. People stopped talking. They paid attention.
What is one of your favorite projects that you have had the opportunity to work on?
I have really loved working on new business ventures and client pitches. There is something so exciting about a blank page, limited parameters and the opportunity to build a campaign from the ground up.
What go-to place in Austin do you take visiting friends and family?
I love to bring people down to South Congress. It's a guaranteed hit. The view of the capitol, the shops, music and restaurants deliver a highly concentrated version of Austin culture that is accurate but still tourist friendly.
What advice can you give to other creatives trying to make it in today's ad world?
Push yourself, work hard and cut the attitude, this is supposed to be fun.
What characteristics about yourself aid you in your chosen career path?
I have a tendency to thrive on frenetic energy and am usually a very upbeat and positive person, although neither of these qualities would matter if I didn't genuinely love what I'm doing.
If you could work in any other profession, what would you be?
Set Designer. Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette solidified that. Watching that movie, I couldn't help thinking how much I would have loved imagining, planning and building that set piece by piece.
If you only had one movie to ever watch again, what would it be?
Hands down, Amelie. I saw it my freshman year of high school and just fell in love with it.