Works in advertising in New York City
Poet involved
What happened
In 1919, Orrick Johns took a job in advertising in New York City, a pragmatic move to support himself financially while continuing to write poetry and plays. The commercial work provided a steady income and exposed him to the persuasive power of language in the mass market. This period of his life is documented in biographical sketches and archival records.
Literary impact
The advertising work honed Johns's ability to craft concise, impactful language and gave him insight into the commercial applications of writing, which informed his efforts to make poetry accessible to a broader audience. It also reinforced his growing disillusionment with capitalist culture, contributing to his eventual turn toward leftist politics and his involvement with Communist publications.
Source: SNAC
