Sam Cable: Cutwater, San Francisco Diary #4

Sam Cable is a copywriting student at Miami Ad School Sydney, currently interning at top US creative ad agency Cutwater, San Francisco as part of her portfolio course.

Moving to a new city is invaluable. It is the chance to fully absorb a new way of living, strengthen independence and build a network of new connections. Moving is the time to be bold and fearless.

This week I had the delight to interview one of Cutwater’s newest art directors and discuss her journey as a San Francisco newcomer.

Molly Johnson, worked in New York at a tiny advertising agency before taking the West Coast dive.  Molly discussed the phenomenon commonly known as the ‘polar vortex’: sometimes when a city is just too damn cold, you need to pack up and escape to warmer climates.

We both agreed that San Francisco has a lot of personality. One of the benefits of living in this city is the accessibility to national parks, hiking and beautiful outdoor vistas.

She told me: “The people of San Francisco are ambitious, but the vibe is not as fast paced as NY, which appeals to me. I am really loving the low-key California way of life.”

Molly always knew she wanted to be an art director; following her dad’s career. Paired with her background in illustration and graphic design, advertising was a solid path.  Her other interests include collecting photos and creating collages: everything from old photos, hidden postcards to unique typographical pieces.

She gave me this advice: “Know early on, you need to have a thick skin. Be humble. Don’t get too attached to your ideas. And always remind yourself that you have one of the most fun jobs in the world!”

Follow Molly’s journey @mollyjtweets

Let me leave you with this week’s haiku:

The polar vortex,

Requires you to wear mittens.

But not the cat’s name.