I remember the day like it was yesterday. It was a Sunday afternoon.
I was sitting in front of the tv zapping away when all of a sudden...
A close-up of a Polynesian surfer followed by a voice-over.
"He waits. That's what he does."
Growing up near the sea I instantly recognized this very moment.
Me and my friends were all surfers. Always stoked to go in the water.
Ready to ride the waves.
"And I tell you what", the voice-over continued.
I sat there completely frozen as the group of surfers on the screen rushed towards the sea.
"Tick followed tock, followed tick, followed tock, followed tick."
Is that a horse in the waves?
The beat and drums kick in.
"Ahab says I don't care who you are, here's to your dream."
A group of horses come galloping out of the waves. Suddenly, it takes me back to my art studies in Antwerp. It takes me back and reminds me of Walther Crane's 'Neptune's Horses' painting.
"The old sailors return to the bar. Here's to you Ahab!"
I'm yelling at the screen unable to contain my excitement.
"And the fat drummer hit the beat with all his heart."
Then there was silence.
I can feel my heart pounding.
The surfers celebrate.
The voice-over breaks the silence one last time.
"Here's to waiting."
A Guinness beer comes into focus followed by the tagline.
Good things come to does who...
Wait!
Then it hits me.
People make this...
I want to make this...
I want to work in advertising.
I want to be a creative.
I am stoked for advertising.