CONFESSIONS

Confessions of an Advertising Man.

I always liked that title.

David Ogilvy giving away all his secrets.

Secrets on how to make it big in advertising.

David Ogilvy had no regrets when he published that book.

All he cared about was helping his fellow ad man and woman.

His confessions helped those who wanted to get better at advertising.

And that was more important than keeping hold of his secrets.

His confessions helped students break into the industry.

And it became essential reading in all ad schools.

The book also inspired me.

It’s why I want to open up.

And offer a different perspective of confessions 58 years later.

At a very young age I was diagnosed with autism. 

And due to my uncontrollable outbursts I was judged by the doctors. 

Judged that I won’t be able to get a normal job.

Judged that I won’t be able to live a normal life.

They were right.

I don’t have a normal job.

I don’t live a normal life.

Instead, I use my imagination for a living.

I surround myself with creative individuals.

Everyday, I absorb books, films, art, techniques and people’s behaviour!

A trip to the gallery is a day at work.

And from all that cultural absorption I come up with new exciting ideas.

That’s not bad for someone with autism.

But I want to get rid of that stigma.

And help people better understand autism.

My confessions will be to help those with autism.

Help them to be better understood by the creative industry.

Whether that be advertising or any other creative role.

Giving them a platform to showcase their talents.

Like I was given my opportunity.

Now I embrace my autism.

The good, the bad and the weird.

And I’ll tell you it all with my confessions.

Confessions of an Autistic Man.