Skinny minds are out, learning curves are in.

There’s lots of class to be gained this summer, but here’s one classroom that particularly caught our fancy. A room that’s part of a hip ad agency called The Republic, guarded by a Labrador named Plato and reached only by a flight of pretty spiral stairs. Here, award-winning copywriter Ramesh Ramanathan – ex creative director at Ogilvy, ex National Creative Director at Trikaya Grey – will be teaching a three-month intensive Creative Masterclass for aspiring copywriters with all kinds of fun teaching aids. And this includes the pretty ladies at The Republic.

The course is pricey at Rs 1.5 lakhs for three months, but it promises to be a small batch with practical teaching, resorting to theory only to “explain context or illustrate a point”. The curriculum includes modules on ideating, writing scripts for different media, working with an art partner, how to think about brands, the theatrics of presenting and managing a creative portfolio.  And since school is held at an ad agency, learning will involve sitting in on The Republic’s brainstorming sessions, going to shoots and attending client meets (their accounts include Harley Davidson, Olive Bar and Kitchen, Oberoi Hotels, Diesel, Quiksilver and more).  And in the breaks, just hang around the office and suck up to The Republic heads for there’s a potential job offer at the end of the tunnel. Tip: we hear Plato’s the one you should be impressing.

Interested? Log on to the website – the artwork alone will make you want to apply – and take Creative Master Class’ aptitude test.  Questions include 60-word stories, re-imagining the peace symbol, creating a brand name for Vodka flavoured lipstick and making a film that persuades men to stop peeing on the road. Nobody said it was going to be easy.

Getting there: The Creative Masterclass, to register call 26420204 / 05 from Monday to Friday (3 pm to 5pm), email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.creativemasterclass.com, Rs 1.5 lakhs for a three month course.