I made this

Every creative - copy, design, voice -  even a few editors - want to say: "I made this."

For everyone behind all we see (and allow others to see) and turning it into something we all want to see, being able to say "I made this" is the only reward most want, and may be the only reward they'll never receive.

And every time you create without your name on what you make - this rings in your ears, "But I made this."

Closing the circle by letting the world know "I made this" is THE elusive affirmation in copywriting and marketing (even though awards ceremonies try to conquer this obstacle, most are left out of this recognition and will never receive more than a paycheck).

But everyone else (those who pay you, to be specific), take your words and design and creativity and say, "This is me."

But you know it’s not - it’s not them... it’s you - you made this, and they paid you for it.

Team meetings, call-outs, recognition and praise might the best we can do.

And gathering a portfolio is the professional exercise you dutifully pursue.

Humble-brags and flexing have their place (and assume your place in driving the message and copy for a $10M business).

This is your world - sometimes it’s lonely, sometimes it hurts, and sometimes you just have to quit, move on and find that small window of recognition when you get to say "I made this" and know that you did.
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