![[AdStory] Paul Arnold: "I decided I wanted to work in advertising when I realised the most beautiful women worked in this industry"](https://media.iqads.ro/2013/01/photo-large-24911-cover-850.jpg)
Yes, sometimes it takes something as simple as attraction for the opposite sex to lead you to your dream job. After 14 years at Saatchi & Saatchi, 11 at Grey Advertising and 3 at his own consultancy company, Paul Arnold found the time to put his advertising related memories in order. Anywhere else but the classic messy office, holding on to an old saying and always thinking about people's needs and feelings - this is how Paul creates. Read a brief story about his life in advertising and the ads he loves the most.
I grew up on the streets of Sawbridgewoth – a cozy little village about 50 km north of London. I used to wander through the fields with my brother from morning to night making mischief with the local farmers.
As a child, I dreamt of becoming a racing driver (my father worked for Lotus cars which at the time were dominant in Formula 1).
An old picture of me – I was a fat boy with a stutter (and wore glasses). It taught me a lot, but it also hurt a lot at the time.
The craziest thing I did in high school was streak naked around the school quad at 3 AM.
In college I was the guy who all the girls would tell their relationship problems to (but never wanted to go out with me!).
I decided I wanted to work in advertising when, at University, I realised the most beautiful women worked in advertising.
What is great about our agency is that it's full of energetic interesting people.
We brainstorm anyplace where we stop thinking about work.
This is how my desk looks like: Cluttered – like my mind – always got lots of things on the go.
My relationship status with advertising: a happy and fruitful co-existence.
What is great about working in advertising is that everyday is different. It's challenging and through that we grow.
The work I am most proud of is helping develop the people at Saatchi & Saatchi. More Managing Directors have come out of Saatchi's than any other agency.
The most rewarding moment in my career was when I had the Global President of GlaxoSmithKline tell the head of the agency "Keep this guy – he's critical to our business".
In my opinion, the best creative works ever are:
TV spots: BT – Let's talk – As it uses Prof. Stephen Hawking (a personal reliant on technology to talk) to talk about the power of talking (and the destruction that comes from not talking).
Online campaigns: Tahrir square uprising and The great Schlep – It showed how by creating a movement you can change history.
Print ads: This Araldite ad was one of the first that 'broke' the rules and showed what can be done.
Unconventional: Dulux – Let's colour, as it's making a real difference to communities.
Brand Communication: Apple – obvious, really…
The best piece of advice I ever received from someone in the industry is "Focus only on the important things!".
My best sources of inspiration are great quotes.
In my browser history you can find Ted.com.
My favorite place to fish insights from is comedians and old sayings.
Great creative campaigns have in common a great idea that resonates deep inside of us – they connect to a fundamental human truth or need.
The best clients are the ones that have the courage to say "yes".
The worst clients are the ones that see the agency (and probably other people as well) as 'suppliers' – they look down on you and expect you to jump at every command.
I feel most frustrated when I can't do what I want to do in the time I have (there is never enough time!).
