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ALUMNI STORIES

Ad pros walk a parallel path in a tough industry

Bernice Lo and Andrew McKenzie

Art directing and writing team, Cundari

Bernice and Andrew are building strong portfolios with Canada's most globally-awarded independent ad agency.
PHOTO: JOANNE RATAJCZAK

BERNICE LO AND ANDREW MCKENZIE make up an art directing and writing team at the Toronto advertising agency Cundari. They both chose Seneca's Creative Advertising program, but never crossed paths in the classroom.

Bernice chose Seneca after earning a degree in communication studies. She claims she was never an artist, but she was always intrigued by advertising. Thanks to her Seneca education, Bernice now has the ability to bring artistic concepts to life using various computer applications.

“While I found certain creative tools overwhelming at times, I learned that repetition is the key to success,” says Bernice. “The same holds true in the industry itself.”

Andrew came to Seneca after brief stints studying business administration and graphic design.

“At Seneca, I received the personal attention and guidance that allowed me to excel,” he says. “I also gained confidence.”

After leaving Seneca, Andrew landed an internship with ACLC Advertising, and another with BBDO Toronto, where he and Bernice collaborated for the first time. The team reconnected at Cossette two years later.

Andrew and Bernice have built their portfolios, producing print ads and television spots for clients like BMW and McDonald's.

“Each agency will have a different creative direction and present new challenges,” says Andrew. “We've learned that a great concept means nothing if you can't execute it. You take what you can from every experience. For all the times your ideas are shot down, there is no better feeling than hearing a ‘yes.'”

20 RED 2015