Naturally, the hobbies I've found are writing, performing, traveling, photography, and recently calligraphy. That being said, I can find most things interesting if I try. I went to Spark KC this past fall and heard Tom Demetiou speak and he talked about how important hobbies are.
I went to shadow a Marketing and Design company called Imagemakers and while there I talked to Bobby Sloan who discussed how important it was to get invested in whatever industry your newest client is.
You learn everything you can and really understand it while also being intrigued by it (hopefully). With my second major being psychology I think it will already help me advertise to people but really digging into the clients' field as well as their brand will do just as much if not more.
1. Have a thirst for knowledge
I think the best copywriters and advertisers have, at least somewhat, a thirst for knowledge. Molly Griffin a strategist from Barkley talks about how important it is to always be curious, be fascinated with people. Even things I don't find that interesting I like learning about sometimes.
When you are like this you can make ANYTHING into your hobby. I think the more knowledge you have about something the better you are going to be at writing about it. However, that is not the only reason hobbies are important.
2. Think differently, think creatively
When you find new things to occupy your time that's not just watching TV it helps expand your mind. It makes you think differently and makes you more creative. There are different types of hobbies that will help in different ways.
For example, writing is one of my hobbies and it directly correlates. I write most everything. Any thoughts that sound nice or a phrase I like or an internal rant I'm having. Most of this won't ever see the light of day but yet I continue to write.
Photography, on the other hand, is different. I am not very good at it and I don't want to spend the money to buy a really nice camera. I have a basic knowledge of using the rule of thirds and what not but other than that I just take what looks good.
It makes me think about angles and work harder to get better shots. This makes me think in ways I don't normally. While writing is a very fluid thing for me photography is somewhat forced while still being fun.
3. "The side gig"
When I heard Tom Demetriou speak at Spark KC he talked about how the "side gig" he was involved in that led to the next big thing. In whatever side gig you have going on it will give you a better chance of shining. He says it will at least get you into one more conversation and this "side" thing you do might be exactly what they are looking for.
Keep focused on your work but also don't forget to have hobbies because it makes you that much better. Always be improving yourself and be learning something new. Also, don't forget to have fun doing whatever it is!
