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Member of the week: Louis Ferrante

louis-ferrante.jpgOur member of the week is Louis Ferrante. Louis writes copy for an advertising firm that specializes in humor. As he states in his profile, Louis believes that ‘sex doesn’t sell, humor does.’ Louis has over 15 years of experience creating humorous advertisements for radio, television, print, and the web. To learn more about Louis’ company, Attic Witt, visit their website, and be sure to read our interview with Louis to find out his feelings on life as a freelancer. You can also see a creation of his on YouTube.

1. What has been your most interesting project?

I'd have to say, without doubt, the one I'm doing with www.FifthColumn-Media.com, a Vlog called Ed-E-torial. It's based on a character called Ed E. Druckman I created. We launched it in August on one web site and now it's grown to five sites.

2. Why did you decide to go freelance?

To be honest, I pretty much didn't have a choice. In 2000, I needed to leave behind a career of 15 years, comedy writing. I transitioned to recruitment advertising thanks to the dot.com frenzy. But with the dot.bomb of 2001 and the tragedy of September 11th, HR people would just look at my resume and think, "No." When you have no choices, the choice is made for you. But having been freelance for going on seven years, I like the freedom to choose and NEVER get into an "Office Space" type of nightmare.

3. What tip would you give to a new freelancer or someone who is considering going freelance?

Talk to everyone and discount no one, because you really don't know where the next opportunity will be. And by "talk," I mean really TALK. Don't go in there with the idea of the only thing I want from this is a job. Relationships last. Jobs end. Remember if you wanted that, you could work a traditional job.

4. What is your favorite spot in the city in which you live?

Corny but my home in Manhattan with my wife and dog. I like Woody Allen's notion, if he never left Manhattan that would be good enough. I agree.

5. What is your inspiration?

Eating on a regular basis.

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