IKON
The Amul Girl is a beloved advertising mascot for Amul, an Indian dairy brand. This hand-drawn cartoon depicts a young Indian girl dressed in a polka-dotted frock, sporting blue hair and a half ponytail. Known for her witty one-liners and cultural commentary, the Amul Girl has been celebrated as one of the best concepts in Indian advertising. Created in 1967 by art director Eustace Fernandez, she initially appeared on hoardings, painted bus panels, and posters in Mumbai, created as a response to rival brand Polson’s butter girl. Today, the Amul Girl continues to be widely advertised across TV and social media, making Amul one of the biggest sellers of butter and related products worldwide.
What is this Job all about?
Advertising involves communicating product and service information to the right audience. Common platforms include TV, radio, newspapers, billboards, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, mobile ads, YouTube, and posters. Advertising has several facets, including:
• Client Servicing: The advertising agency works to understand and meet the client’s needs.
• Account Planning: The agency develops a plan tailored to the client’s budget and target media.
• Creative Department: This is where ideas take shape. Copywriters produces engaging jingles and messages that resonate with consumers, while graphic artists create visuals to reinforce the message.
Can I go for it?
If you’re creative, imaginative, and able to produce eye-catching designs or catchy messages that drive sales, advertising could be a great fit. Strong skills in art, photography, or creating jingles, along with expertise in relevant software, are essential. For those more inclined toward account planning, an MBA in Marketing or Advertising is recommended.
Is there a future in this field?
With fierce competition across industries—whether it’s mobile phones, cars, or household appliances—advertising is essential for brand visibility and competitive advantage. A well-crafted advertising campaign can make all the difference in capturing consumer attention.
Where to begin?
In Goa:
• After completing 10+2, consider pursuing Applied Art at the Art College in Panaji.
• St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, offers a BSc in Mass Communications.
Outside Goa:
• Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi – www.iimc.gov.in
• Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad – www.mica.ac.in
• Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai – www.xaviercomm.org
• Narsee Monjee Institute of Management, Mumbai – www.nmims.edu
• Sir J. J. Institute of Applied Art, Mumbai – www.sirjjschoolofart.in
Employment Avenues:
You can work with advertising agencies or in corporate settings that handle their own in-house advertising.
Earnings:
Starting salaries in advertising are around Rs. 20,000 per month, with significant growth potential for those who are highly creative.
Don’t settle for just a degree or diploma — enhance your CV by completing online learning programs with certification in areas relevant to your chosen career. This will significantly improve your employment prospects compared to holding only a basic qualification. Additionally, consider boosting your confidence by enrolling in public speaking courses, such as those offered by Toastmasters International.
For government job opportunities, please check: www.employment-newspaper.com
page updated: October 2024