From Earning To Learning

My calling is to provoke and inspire. I can no longer ignore the tugging at my heart to teach young people. I am officially going to pursue writing, coaching, and teaching full-time. As I begin this transition, I must remember how it started.

I’m just one small part of a much bigger project. ?- Brandon Faris

“We need to leave now.” I whispered in fear to my CCO and copywriter. It was the night before my directing debut with LEAP, for my biggest client to date, on location in iconic South Beach. My stomach was filled with overwhelming torment. Fear, anxiety, and nerves would have been justified, but what I was feeling was much worse, food poisoning.

I spent the eve before my biggest project trying to survive. I was in tears. Begging for my new boss to end the misery by making a run for water, Pepto, and Emetrol. After turning inside-out I fell asleep from exhaustion. I woke up with a splitting headache seeing double vision. I was in no shape to be directing a commercial.

I arrived on-location in South Beach. The cast and crew already received the memo about my misfortune. They didn’t need me. My co-workers made decisions. The show must and did go on. The shoot wrapped with an epic shot and release of white doves. I learned that day that I’m just one small part of a much bigger project. ?

“What you learn is more important than what you earn.” - David Ogilvy

With over fifteen years of experience in media production and advertising I have gained a lot of knowledge. Advertising legend David Ogilvy once said "What you learn is more important than what you earn." I’m excited to announce that I’m going to share what I've learned with the next generation of creatives as an educator. My director's reel is a beautiful reminder of the projects I have been lucky to collaborate on. ?

The advertising and media production industries have been so generous to me. People have shared their time and talents and given me the benefit of the doubt. I am grateful to my mentors who have invested in me and helped me navigate through this journey. I’m thankful for my partners at LEAP for giving me a place to learn, grow, and thrive. To the creative consciousness at LEAP Group and beyond, it has been a privilege to work, collaborate, and cheer from the sidelines for such a talented group of artists. Thanks for letting me hang out with you over the years. I hope to share you with my future classrooms.

Lastly, to the many clients, thanks for the feedback.