Working At An Ad Agency: Then Vs. Now

There was a time of actual cutting and pasting. A lot has changed in the ad world. Luckily, some of it is for the better — like Sprout by HP, a first-of-its-kind computing platform that can help you unleash your creativity.

1. 9 a.m. then:

Via irememberbeingsmall.tumblr.com

Already busy workin.

9 a.m. now:

Via tumblr.forgifs.com

Juuust waking up.

2. Client meetings then:

Salma Makhfi (CC) / Via youtube.com

All's well when it's IRL.

Client meetings now:

BuzzFeed

Just a series of technology-related mishaps.

3. Briefs then:

Thinkstock

Many years ago, in a far-off land, people believed great ideas took time.

Briefs now:

Thinkstock

And the client needs everything by EOD.

4. Image searching then:

Via iammo.tumblr.com

Very hands-on.

Image searching now:

Via BuzzFeed

There's less manual labor involved.

5. Writing copy then:

BuzzFeed

Give the people what they want: 800 words about deodorant.

Writing copy now:

BuzzFeed

"Actually, could we cut it to one?"

6. Making comps then:

BuzzFeed

Actually cutting and pasting.

Making comps now:

Via gifbay.com

Technology to the rescue.

7. Being a designer then:

Tyler Naugle / BuzzFeed

Hand-drawing away.

Being a designer now:

Thinkstock

Tools, tools, all kindsa tools.

8. Doing research then:

Via laughinatya.tumblr.com

You need at least 12 in-depth interviews before you start thinking of ideas.

Doing research now:

Via joey.tumblr.com

Honestly, a cat could do it (JK, but it is WAY easier).

9. Getting legal feedback then:

Via cheezburger.com

The '60s YOLOed harder.

Getting legal feedback now:

BuzzFeed

You live by the law, big time.

10. Casual weeknight drinks then:

Via skeptical-eyebrows.tumblr.com

"One old fashioned, please."

Casual weeknight drinks now:

Via cheezburger.com

And you probably have a presentation tomorrow.

11. Brainstorming then:

3rd Gorilla (Public Domain) / Via youtube.com

Objective: Write client-friendly headline.

Brainstorming now:

Via gifbin.com

Objective: Break the internet.

12. Winning awards then:

CTV / Via rooneymara.tumblr.com

The statues got the respect they deserved.

Winning awards now:

instagram.com

Nothing is sacred.

13. Finally finishing a project then:

Cultura RM/Leonora Saunders / Getty Images / Via gettyimages.com

Everything's finalized and no more changes can be made at this time.

Finally finishing a project now:

BuzzFeed

The circle of advertising.

With Sprout by HP — a scanner, depth sensor, projector, and computer combined — the future of design is here.

Watch how photographer, illustrator, and newfound cat-lover Todd Selby uses Sprout to reimagine what’s possible in his home studio.