Cynthia Osborn could make me want to buy anything she felt like. It is hard to not trust someone who is always equipped with intelligent comments, an easily friendly vibe, and a consistently perfect application of lipstick. She is the perfect fit for her place in the Texas Creative Advertising program, as well as her place as the friend you go to when you need inspiration to finish that art project, or just really need someone to back you up on your decision to buy those shoes with cats on them. Recently I got the opportunity to ask Cynthia about her approach to creativity and, of course, some Valentine’s Day advice in hopes of avoiding the Hallmark-ness of the day of love.   Â
Her Campus Texas: What is it like to be a part of the Texas Creative Advertising program? What is your favorite thing about it?
Cynthia Osborn: It’s a lot of work, I mean a LOT of work. But it’s the top ranked ad program in the nation so one should expect no less. My favorite thing about what I do is digging up the human truth behind every brand and product that comes your way, meaning even the most seemingly dull products that we use everyday have a voice and a story behind it. And it’s my job to tell it.
HCTX: Do you have any special place(s) where you go to when you want to be creative?
CO: For me, it’s not necessarily having a special place, but to mix it up the daily routine as often as I can. Sometimes I’ll work alone, or with people.  I’ll work in the library sometimes, then a coffee shop, then outside if the weather permits, or a diner, etc. It’s harder to find inspiration when you see the same things and people everyday.
HCTX: Do you have any tips for getting into a creative mood?
CO: It’s hard for me to think of creativity as a mood, because more often than not, it will strike when you’re the least “in the mood”. I get lightning bolts of ideas when I’m doing the most uncreative things like math homework or waiting in line for the bus. For me, creativity is about being a sponge and soaking up everything all day, “touching” things and in turn, letting things “touch” you. The important thing is to write it down when the idea hits so you can tackle it later if you can’t that moment. That being said, I always feel creative after I experience something new, after I escape my own comfort zone for a while and talk to people or do something I wouldn’t normally do.
HCTX: Your creativity definitely shines through in your fashion choices (You always look so cute!), what are some of your favorite ways to make an everyday outfit interesting?
CO: Well thank you! People are surprised to hear that I’m a senior in college and not once have I ever showed up to class in sweats or a t-shirt. While some will save the perfume or the lipstick for special days, I choose to treat every day like it’s a special day; life’s too short. But of course, not everyone sees things that way and that’s totally cool because in the end you just have to do what feels natural for you. To make my outfits feel more interesting I usually will add something small, like lipstick, or something in my hair, tights, or a cute shoe.
HCTX: If you could steal one fictional character’s wardrobe, who would it be and why?
CO: I’m an ad major that loves Mad Men (cliché I know! but it’s the only show I can commit to). That being said, I love Megan Draper’s wardrobe. It’s so fun and retro, being from the 60s and all.
HCTX: Being an Advertising major, which Mad Men character would you theoretically want to work on an ad campaign with?
CO: Wow! Didn’t I just mention Mad Men? Of course, Peggy Olson! She’s a copywriter, which is exactly what I’m learning to do myself. She rarely gets the credit she deserves but she still works harder than anybody in the agency. All the men around her are always goofing off but she always keeps her eye on the ball.
HCTX: Where do you think is a cute place to take a Valentine’s Day date to here in Austin?
CO: We’re in Austin, it should be someplace weird! I have been wanting to go to the Cathedral of Junk. Or Ginny’s Little Longhorn Saloon. I barely found out they have bingo on Sundays that’s decided on where a chicken poops called Chicken Shit Bingo. Yeah… only in Austin!
HCTX: Do you have any creative Valentine’s Day gift ideas?
CO: Something handmade is always very sweet, and sometimes all that means is a card that you write, not Hallmark. I can always toss out cards, but letters are another story. Add a few roses and you can’t fail. Though honestly, I kind of hate the pressure that Valentine’s Day causes; just spend it with the person or TV show that you love, it’s simple!
HCTX: What do you do during your free time to unwind or let loose?
CO: I’m an introvert, so I value my time alone, or I like spending it with one or two other people. I like cuddling with my cat, doing creative work that school doesn’t assign me. I like exploring and taking photos.
HCTX: What is your dream job after graduating?
CO: A copywriter working in an ad agency in a big city far away from Texas, like New York, London, Paris. A girl can dream, right? After spending 15 years in Texas, I’m quite anxious to be somewhere completely different.
Are you like Cynthia and planning on going the creative route for Valentine’s Day? What are some of your unique gift ideas? Â
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