Ad Land’s Young Guns: Subodh Chaubey, Creative Director, Infectious Advertising

Passing out of Aeronautical Engineering in 2015, Subodh Chaubey took off as a copywriter, with no idea about advertising. Seven years later, it’s safe to say he has landed right. A Creative Director at Infectious Advertising, his body of work spans many leading national and international brands, including a few award-winning campaigns. Chaubey can mostly be found lost in animated conversations about space, listening to rap or rock, or daydreaming.

In conversation with adgully, Subodh Chaubey, Creative Director, Infectious Advertising, his journey into advertising, how he joined Infectious, icons he looks up to, his success mantra, and more.

What particular skill sets do you think you bring to the table?

A different perspective. I’m fascinated by the possibilities when it comes to communication and try to find the most interesting ways of doing it. I also really enjoy the process of creating – so I’m always up for something new.

How did you join your current organisation?

Two years into my career, a mutual friend told me that Ramanuj Shastry was looking for writers. So, I promptly reached out. After a refreshing conversation about writing over morning coffee, I was invited to the Infectious office for Biryani! Speaking to Nisha and Ramanuj and seeing the warm environment they had created at the agency, I made up my mind. Glad they saw something in me too!

Icons in this field you look up to and how they have influenced you and your work?

Like all young copywriters, I was heavily influenced by the iconic works of David Kennedy, William Bernbach, Julian Koenig, David Droga and of course, Piyush Pandey.

My first boss, Anita Verma, largely shaped my idea of digital advertising. I also got the opportunity to train under the wings of a veteran ad-man like Ramanuj quite early on. So, that has only inspired me to write more and think better.

What are the five most productive things that you do in your everyday routine?

Pausing to think – Letting my mind wander free, really helps me collect my thoughts.

Soaking in creativity – Whether it is ads, books, movies, shows, memes, and all sorts of content on social media – I seek inspiration from all around.

Creating for myself – I doodle, play 3 chords on guitar, or click a photograph of the sunset. Creating something just for the sake of it, keeps me excited.

Taking a walk – Mostly to eavesdrop on idle public conversations. Keep my ears to the ground, and all.

Writing!

Do you think a career in this field is a viable one in the long term?

YES. For as long as people want things, and things need selling, advertising is a great place to make a career. It’s the perfect confluence of capitalism and creativity – that sweet spot between a 9-5 job and the uncertain life of an artist. Plus, it always keeps us on our toes. As long as we can keep up, it’s the place to be.

What does it take to succeed in a career?

An unconditional love for the job. It’s demanding, and most days, it feels like you’re going nowhere. But if you can brush all that aside and have fun doing it, it can work out. Or it has, for me at least. So far.

What would be your advice to youngsters planning to enter this industry?

Just do it? The more of it you do, the more sense it makes.

Also, don’t be afraid of rejection. Befriend it. It’ll stick around the most.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

Hunched over my laptop, trying to make sense of the new trends in advertising, with hopefully at least one Cannes trophy behind me.

Is there any organisation that you would like to work with in the future?

If Elon Musk starts an ad agency, I’d love to take a shot at that. Until then, I’m good wherever there’s enough room to create something epic.

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