Aw, Stan (http://branddna NULL.blogspot NULL.com). He always knows how to hit the spot.

When I was a kid, many many years ago, rainy afternoons were often spent in front of the telly, watching old black and white movies.

I can’t recall too many of the films we used to watch, but one I do remember is Swing Time which starred Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

Yes kids, I really am that old. Well not that old, but you know what I mean.

Anyway, one of the highlights of Swing Time was the song Pick Yourself Up. And whenever things go astray, at work or at home, I often find myself singing a verse from the song that has somehow embedded itself into my subconscious. It goes like this:

Nothing is impossible I have found,
For when my chin is on the ground,
I pick myself up,
Dust myself off,
And start all over again.

Of course you may think it’s easy for me to sit here quoting Fred Astaire songs to you, but if you’re feeling down or dejected or on the verge of giving up, check out this list (http://www NULL.onlinecollege NULL.org/2010/02/16/50-famously-successful-people-who-failed-at-first/) of fifty well known people who went on to achieve success after failing at first.

Then pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start all over again.

Kids! It’s time to get creative. That’s the good ol’ industry we’re in, so that’s what you’re gonna need to be! You’ve got to get out there to get in somewhere, and the best way to do that is to shine among the others and make everyone else notice you. Stan (http://branddna NULL.blogspot NULL.com) tells us how we need to drag out the polish and sharpen ourselves and our approach up. There ain’t no time like the present.

AWARD School graduated in Melbourne this week. As usual a top student was chosen, as well as a top ten. Same thing happened in Sydney last week.

Another bunch of hungry and talented young wannabe creatives vying for the same job you are.

So if you thought finding your first job was a struggle, imagine how much harder it’s going to be now that there is even more competition for what is essentially a handful of opportunities.

Which means you need to steel yourself for the long haul, because getting a job as a creative ain’t easy. Never has been, never will be.

And maybe, just maybe, rather than putting all your effort into your folio, perhaps you should apply some creativity to the actual job hunt.

Think about the way you present your work, the shape of your business card, your phone spiel etc.

Because when two kids are vying for the same job, and they both have great books, one of them has to stand out. So make sure the one that stands out is you.