6 Questions for Maggie Curran

Say hello to the newest intern to join the BatesMeron ranks, Maggie Curran! Maggie is a second-semester senior at Columbia College here in Chicago. She’s a budding wordsmith of the highest order, majoring in advertising, and she’s currently occupying a desk in our office to assist in all things copywriting.

I interviewed Maggie as part of our 6 Questions feature: a series of one-on-one interviews with people we work with who make us proud. Sometimes I like to turn the tables and put our own staffers in the hot seat so you not only get to meet them, but also see just how special our team really is.

1. As a soon-to-be graduate with an advertising degree, what was it that got you into writing and the world of advertising in the first place?

I always knew I liked to write and wanted to pursue it in my career, but I wasn’t always set on the advertising industry. I tried my hand at journalism and television writing before giving copywriting a try and ultimately loved the challenge of developing creative work that appeals to specific consumers while also satisfying a client’s needs. It’s a little bit of everything I like: writing, editing, ideation, competition, teamwork, design and, most importantly, creativity.

2. Now that you’ve scored this truly amazing gig as the newest BMSD intern, what are some of the things you’re most looking forward to experiencing while you’re here?

I’m really excited to get a feel for what working at an actual agency is like on a day-to-day basis, getting to do meaningful work for real clients, and growing as a copywriter among fun, friendly and skilled industry professionals. Plus, I’m pretty excited that there are dogs at the office.

BONUS: If copywriting wasn’t already your dream career, what other profession would you most like to explore?

If I wasn’t pursuing copywriting, I would probably try my hand at film editing. I took a course on editing and learned that the shark in Jaws was pretty mediocre-looking until the film editor cut clips to make it appear more menacing. Ever since then, I figured my fall-back in life could be as an Oscar-winning major motion picture film editor who works with the likes of Steven Spielberg, just in case the whole “copywriter” thing didn’t work out.

3. Everyone at BMSD loves to nerd out about culture so let’s hear your thoughts on:

1. Best recent TV Show Binge: Game of Thrones
2. Last Song You Fell in Love With: “Only Son of the Ladiesman” by Father John Misty
3. Favorite Chicago Meal: Lou Malnati’s deep dish pepperoni pizza with butter crust
4. Secret Spot to Get Away in the City: My bed

4. Creativity fuels us at BMSD. What are three of your tried-and-true ways to get inspired?

1. Reading anything written by Nora Ephron
2. Taking a nap (if I can’t get inspired, I’m probably exhausted)
3. Googling the best advertisements of all time because it always reminds me of what I love about the industry

5. Since branding is our bread-and-butter around here, tell us in your opinion what makes a kick-ass brand? Give us an example!

I think what makes a kick-ass brand is a cohesive branding strategy with major attention to detail. A great example is Kate Spade, a distinct brand because of its commitment to bright colors, loud patterns, fun copy and unique marketing materials. Every bit of Kate Spade’s strategy is evident in everything the brand produces. The best brands think beyond the obvious tactics and follow through with their branding in everything they do. In short, they don’t just say what their brand believes, they live what their brand believes.

6. You might have heard of our ice breaker game Spill the Bees, so here’s one of our favorite questions from the pack: A zombie apocalypse has just broken out and you have to claim your bunker. What place do you claim and why?

I’ve spent a lot of time on this one and I have to go with Costco as my bunker. It has everything I could need to live pretty comfortably: food, beds, clothes, weapons, TVs (if those are still working in a post-apocalyptic world). Worst case scenario, the zombies arrive and I have to fight them off on a riding lawn mower from aisle four.