The middle of July saw the successful conclusion of a unique experiment within Latvia's educational and advertising sectors. Over a period of three months, a dozen students mastered the basics of a difficult and popular profession, without having to pay for a thing, and, even though they didn't end up writing lectures or taking exams, eight of them have already received job offers.
Lectures and practical training sessions were conducted by experienced advertising professionals including DDB's Managing Director, Andris Rubins and its Creative Director, Vairis Strazds. The results of this inspiring experiment were celebrated in the form of an exhibition of the graduates' works which was held on the roof of a famous building on Valnu street at the same time as the presentation of flowers and diplomas which prompted LADC Board Member, Eriks Stendzenieks to rub his hands with satisfaction and to promise that the first graduation class would be followed by others.
According to DDB's Creative Director, Vairis Strazds: “The LADC Advertising School is proof that the industry as a whole is in a very healthy condition — agencies have found a common language and are implementing joint plans without any grumbling and recriminations which not too long ago would have seemed unimaginable. Acquiring a comprehensive perspective of events evolving in the advertising kitchen, there has been no reduction in the commitment of the Advertising School's participants to work in the profession. Instead, it has increased, been consolidated and further augmented with valuable skills.”

Thanks to their successful studies at the Advertising School, Renars Liepins and his creative partner Oskars Cirsis are now cooking up creations in DDB's creative kitchen. This is the first instance when, in line with well-established Western practice, a pre-established two man team has come to work for us. The status of these new creatives places the onus on them to be audacious and mischievous, to tend their cuts and bruises in the face of regular rejections and to prove that the Latvian advertising industry is heading towards global renown, not oblivion.