Adland Rockstars: Tarun Menon

This week's Adland Rockstar is Tarun Menon, senior copywriter, iContract.

How did you get into advertising?

I got into advertising in 2008. In college, I first wanted to be a chartered accountant but then realized that it wasn't my cup of tea. One thing led to another, I wrote for my college magazine, figured I could write. After which, I joined Wilson college for BMM, specialized in Journalism.  I joined a radio station in Bangalore called Indigo, where I was in the sales and programming team. After that, I'm here at Contract.

Tell us about your copy test.
I gave an online copy test. It was e-mail, it was very okay, but they called me back and I got the job. I started work with my first client - TATA AIG.

Describe your first week in advertising.
The first week with iContract was very bizarre; I was introduced to everyone at 10 am on my first day after which my boss pushed off leaving me with absolutely no work in my first week. I was signed on, for the two new account wins. For my first month I did nothing other than browsing the internet. 

What's the one thing you like about your job?

There's a lot of mood swings. One day you'll be on a high with the work you've done, the other you'll hate your idea and find it tough to come up with even one line of copy. In a way it plays with your head.

What's the one thing you don't like about your job?

The timings. We work till real late normally. Along with that, the tea and coffee.

If not in advertising, what would you be doing?

The CA option didn't work with me, I wouldn't be able to advice anyone on finance. So if not advertising, maybe a singer, I'm a good bathroom singer atleast.

What are your interests, other than advertising?

Basketball. I played a lot of Basketball in college and try catching as much of the game on TV as I can. YouTube keeps me entertained too.

One person in advertising you would like to have dinner with?

Honestly no one. But outside advertising, I would want to dine with Steve Jobs and Monica Bellucci.

Three favourite filmakers?

Mel Brooks, Monty Python, Martin Scorsese.

Three favourite authors/books?

I'm on and off with books. Douglas Adams, I used to read Robin Cook and I can't think of anyone else.

Three campaigns that you wish you had worked on?

The monopoly campaign online - you could buy any part of the world in this game. Any Economist campaign, The Halo- believe campaign too.

If you were stuck on a deserted island, what would be the three things you'd want with you?

The internet, a laptop and Monica Bellucci.