I received an email from Fallon to see if I wanted to show my book. I had no idea how they got my name. I was shocked but incredibly eager to do so. Perhaps a bit too excited in retrospect. I greased up the hair, put on a button up, a blazer and rolled in. It’s a massively impressive agency and tons going on. I chatted it up in the lobby with a cougar who was there doing a photo shoot until I was called.
I was nervous meeting with Al Kelly. He flipped through my book and I was pretty stiff. I’m not sure why, he was quite cool and mellow. We talked briefly and a couple people came to check it out as well. My Fuze campaign caught their attention. But, what do you expect from a banana fucking a peach?
Then I sat down with senior AD John Nussbaum and we talked about a variety of things. We tried to figure out who sent him my link. Turns out it was my friend, Dan Knutson. He said my book got me in the door but they were looking for cool people to create art with. Just great. There I was, sitting like a total douchebag in my Mr. Sweetness get up. Definitely should’ve rolled in with a sag and a cap. That may have not even been a factor, but when you feel like a cheeseball you’ll probably act like one.
I loved the vibe and the people at Fallon. They all impressed me with how cool and down to earth they were. They liked my work, I just wish I would’ve relaxed and been myself. I keep in touch with them, and will be sending more work to them as it comes. Important lesson though, keep it real. Would love to have that one back.
Tags: Dan Knutson, Fallon, Jr. copywriter
