We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Yashashree Samant . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Yashashree below.

Hi Yashashree , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I work as a Copywriter, genuinely love my job and cannot see myself in a better profession. But ten years ago, I had no idea of this profession.

Growing up in India, arts is always perceived as a hobby. But to be successful, one must pursue a “safe” career like that of a doctor, engineer, or professor or perhaps get MBA. My parents had set the bar pretty high with their academic accomplishments. Since a young age, the importance of grades was instilled in me.

While I enjoyed my time in school learning languages and history, things like math weren’t my passion. However, I always felt that straying from the path would be difficult and perhaps disappointing. Right before choosing my bachelor’s program, I tried studying for medicine and engineering entrance exams — but all it did was make me miserable. In order to get away, I started learning photography and leaning more toward my artistic interests. During this time, I also came across a mass communications course which offered a major in advertising.

It was a risk of going into uncharted territory that was unheard of in my family, possibly letting down my parents, following a career path that even I was not entirely aware of, or taking the baton, breaking the cycle, and doing something for self-happiness.

Spoiler Alert: I chose the latter.
But it was not an easy choice. I had to convince my folks to take the bet and constantly be on the lookout for how I could grow, learn newer skills, and network while being perennially anxious.

Eventually, things started falling into place and here we are talking about taking risks.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My portfolio website says, I am a copywriter with a complicated name trying to uncomplicate brand stories. It is the shortest introduction and also pre-empting the question about my name.

Jokes aside, my journey began in college.

I was studying Mass Media and was confused between Journalism and Advertising. One particular day we had a class where our professor brought out copies of some great print ad pieces — the Volkswagen Lemon, Rolls Royce, Economist ads, etc. It was the first time the thought crossed my mind there was a profession where I could wake up each day to find creative solutions to business problems, explore different writing styles and get paid for it.

After graduating, I worked at a start-up in Mumbai for a while – The Souled Store. Their tagline was Putting the ‘pop’ in pop culture. As an absolute geek it was the perfect first job. They create, curate, and market licensed merchandise. They are one of the biggest retail brands in India today.

Later, I joined Miami Ad School to learn more about copywriting and creating ideas. Three years down the line – I’ve had the pleasure of learning from peers who inspire, mentors turned friends, and enriching experiences at some of the best advertising agencies in the world like BBH, Saatchi&Saatchi, TBWA\Chiat\Day, and now MRM.

As someone who’s also socially driven, I do look out for ways to give back and make content/advertising which is more inclusive and helpful for those around us. When I started this journey, it was long copy print ads that pushed me. Today at MRM New York — we’re working on making NFT experiences and using technology to creatively solve problems.

Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

When I first heard NFT, it seemed like a random assortment of letters that found its way from the tech world to creative and advertising. Every client, creative, and agency had their minds set on creating a unique NFT project.

Not everyone was fully aware of it, there weren’t enough case studies, and everyone was riddled with questions. Not that I have all the answers after all this time. However, what I do know is — in an evolving digital landscape, the lines between tech, creativity, and data are blurrier than ever. NFTs might have started as objects, but they are evolving into experiences and soon they will become utilities. The form of NFTs as most people know will change, but they are here to stay. As creatives, it’s our responsibility to not only learn about this emerging blockchain tech but actively participate in helping it grow.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I have always been a curious kid. Being creative allows me to enjoy some of the best aspects of childhood. The freedom to let your mind wander in the search of crazy ideas, opportunity to keep learning, and being at the centre of culture so you can be the first to try something new.

Additionally, seeing a silly thought evolve into an idea and be sent back into the world has always felt surreal.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.yashashreesamant.com
• Instagram: @yashashush
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yashashree-samant-b528b7164?original_referer=