"Trials and Tribulations of a seasoned (old?) marcomm creative"

I thought might be fun to share different experiences I've had through the years in the hope that you never have to go through what I have. For some of you, this might be below your pay grade, but I'm hoping it might help others that are starting out.

My first foible was I was fresh out of art school, and was hired by a large orthopedic company as a graphic designer. My responsibilities rose the the point that I was also planning and executing trade shows and sales meetings.

I grew up in a small town and had never been anywhere. So, my very first trade show, I was going out early with a product manager (we'll call him Mike) to get the booth set up, etc. At the airport I watched Mike closely to see how to do things. We were traveling with four boxes for the show, and he hailed a airport baggage handler to assist us. The handler took our boxes to check in, and I noticed Mike tipped him $2. (It was a long time ago.)

The next trade show we had 34 boxes to take, so I grabbed a handler to help and followed him to check-in. After the boxes were checked in, I gave the handler $2. He got so pissed, but I don't know what I did wrong. I found Mike and told him the handler was pissed. Mike asked what I gave him as a tip. When Mike heard I gave the guy $2 for 34 boxes, he couldn't stop laughing. He then told me it was 50 cents a box for tipping.

I felt so awful, that I went and found the handler, explained that I was a newbie, and gave him an additional $15. My advice, when traveling for a company for the first time, ask many questions if you don't know. Maybe, you'll never get embarrassed like I did.

On another note, I was talking to a long time client, and he didn't realize that I do most of my own illustrations. I took the liberty of sharing some of my work.

I think it would also be fun if you have an experience that you'd like to share, I would love to hear about it. Until next time, thanks, d