Student Spotlight: Kevin Pellicone from Texas Creative

This week, TXADPR had the opportunity to interview a fellow longhorn and Texas Creative, Kevin Pellicone. Kevin is pursuing his Master’s in Advertising and is currently in the third sequence of the Texas Creative portfolio program, Portfolio 3. Prior to Texas Creative, Kevin was a professional actor. His insight into Texas Creative is honest and helpful. Make sure to check out his portfolio at kevinpellicone.net. 

 

What Inspired you to take this route?

I sought something creative; I always have. Growing up, my dream job was to be an author and illustrator. I put that on the back burner to pursue a career in performing. Somehow, I thought that would be more fruitful? I don’t know. I always loved creative writing and eventually came back to it. When you’re performing in theatre you oftentimes play the same character, or character archetype, but in advertising, every brand is a different character.

What are some of your favorite brands or campaigns you have worked on?

My favorite spot in my portfolio is for Brookstone (remember the massage chair store in the mall?). It’s silly, sad, and honest. It captures a feeling of dread that I have certainly had in adulthood, but also captures a positivity and resilience I believe is so important to carrying on, to continuing. 

Favorite style of writing?

I don’t really write jokes, but I see life through a comic lens. I was born with a severe heart defect which I feel has made me incredibly resilient, but has also added an urgency to my work.

What have you found has been the most motivating for you throughout the Texas Creative sequence?

I thrive on the energy of others and enjoy working in partnerships and groups. I’m often encouraged by my peers to take my work a step further. I find that the best work results from manifesting success and working backwards.

What would your advice be to anyone considering Texas Creative?

I would recommend to anyone interested in the program to look at the work other individuals in Texas Creative have done and just advertisements in general. See if that type of writing and creative problem solving is something you want to do. Creativity is always something I have been drawn to and if you are an artist in any shape or form who thinks in big concepts and can relate to people, this would be a great path to go into.

Did you ever have that “aha” moment?

I realized that with this job I can always be creative and when you’re acting that’s not always the case. Sometimes you’re doing 8 performances of the same exact show each week and it doesn’t feel that creative. In advertising, the idea of writing for something new is invigorating.

 What does your creative process look like when coming up with new content and ideas?

No idea is going to just come to you if you don’t work for it. My creative process requires routine check-ins. I thrive on human contact when brainstorming, but I get the most work done at 4am in total silence. When I’m lost, I listen to “She Used to Be Mine” and somehow an idea comes to me. It’s not the most exacting science, I know. In fact, it’s bizarre. But this is what helps me, so this is what I’ll do until it doesn’t.