Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the course aimed at?

Didn't we say at the top - 'the curious, the passionate and the brave'?!

How long does the course run?

The course typically runs in modules of five weeks. There will be a minimum of two evening classes per week.

What is its ultimate aim?

To help you become a brilliant creative by teaching you how to quit thinking. We also aim to help you get together a brilliant and original portfolio to shop around advertising agencies. Depending on your experience, students get the best portfolio together after two modules.

Who says our portfolio will be 'brilliant and original'?

Well for a start we do. Our job is help your portfolio be your autobiography. Agencies and employers are fed up seeing mediocre portfolios that all look too similar - we encourage your personal creativity and combine with our experience.

Secondly, when our students have their portfolio together, we have them judged by top industry creatives. Don't just take our word for it.

Will it get me a job in Advertising?

No. But it will put you in a much stronger position to get into potential employers. The skills you will learn with The Playground will also make you a great employee. Many of our students have gone on to work with top agencies and creative companies in the industry.

I don't have a creative partner to work with - will I need one?

Not at all.  In fact The Playground is a bit of a dating service for budding creative partnerships - you may well forge one during the course. If so, we'll encourage you two to work together, otherwise we'll keep mixing it up so you get the benefit of a different personality to play with creatively. If you are working with someone already - get them on the course, it will only help you guys work better together.

What makes this course different from other courses?

Well for a start, you'll be taught by two top freelances creatives, and an experienced actor. We are working in the real word; we don't just teach it, we practice it. We know it works.

You'll also get the chance to benefit from other working creatives from top companies who will come in and host a session. They may have different approaches and philosophies to ours. Which is great. We encourage that too.

An Actor?! How is that going to help me in Advertising?

In loads of ways. For a start, Acting and Advertising performs the same function - storytelling. You'll learn how to improvise on the spot, to work impulsively and creatively with your partner, to switch off your analytical brain and frankly become more creative. The drama sessions will not only have a direct impact on the way you actually concept, but will vastly improve your presentation skills further down the line.

How can I find out what other students think of The Playground?

You can check out their testimonials here. You can also join our facebook group and interact with them. Apparently, many of our students enjoy the social side of meeting twice a week. We like to think of The Playground as a big family gathering. Usually involving a drink or two after class.

Where are the classes held?

The Advertising industry is a social one, and since a lot of connections and work happens in them, we thought it right to mostly hold our classes in a room above a Pub. Usually involving a drink or two after class.

How much will it cost?

If you want to try out one five week module initially, the cost of that single module is £125. If you want to opt for the full package and go for a 10 week course, the price comes down to £200.

How can I pay?

Cash, Cheque or Paypal. Since numbers are limited on the course, if you go for the cash option, we prefer a £20 non-refundable deposit a week before the course starts, with the balance on the first night.

Ouch, that's steep - I'm a bit strapped at the moment..what can I do?

The Playground isn't about making money from students, we've made it as cheap as possible. The time we spend with you is time we can't spend charging top money to businesses for our services. If you don't want to miss out on the start date, but need a bit of flexibility - you can always ask. Please contact us here.

Wow, that's much cheaper than other Creative Advertising Courses - how come?

Yes we know. It's because The Playground is about loving what we do, and as Graham puts it - 'create pop-cultural theorists that can change the world'. And we learn from  and get invigorated by you too. Besides, we make our money charging companies immense amounts to employ us to be brilliant and creative for them so they can make more money. And funnily enough, your success only helps our reputation further down the line.

Count me in! What do I do?

It took you til all the way down here to decide?! Great, we'd love to have you.  Send us a quick email saying who you are and a little bit about you. However, you must also include in the email a letter of de-recommendation written by yourself, explaining why we should NEVER let you on the course. If your application is successful, we'll get back to you real soon and confirm your place and ask you to make a payment to secure it.