CP’s 2022 Fall Interns  

Catching a glimpse into the world of advertising proved to be an exciting and challenging experience for all eight of CP’s fall interns. From 3D modeling to Influencer campaigns, our interns experienced all CP has to offer. Before we send them off for winter break, we asked some hard-hitting (and some not-so-hard-hitting) questions about their time at CP. 

Andrew Pinard, Finance 
Bridgewater State University

Right off the bat, CP was one of the coolest offices I’d ever been in. The employees and general atmosphere of the company was my favorite part, making me excited to go to work everyday.

Although I worked in finance, I was able to shadow the production team for a shoot in Boston. It was great to experience advertising from another department and sparked my curiosity about what else the advertising industry has to offer. I was surprised at how many clients CP has for being relatively smaller compared to other ad agencies.

Jane Amendolara, PR & Social Media
Boston University 

I knew right off the bat that CP was special! I loved the unique, homey atmosphere at the office. Everyone was professional, yet friendly and approachable. It especially helps that I have such an amazing team to work with. 

The fast-paced nature of the advertising world is probably one of the biggest things that has surprised me, but it keeps things exciting and I have never been bored! My most memorable experience was singing karaoke in front of everyone at CP’s Thanksgiving celebration.

Jared Smith, Media 
Bentley University 

Something about the advertising world that surprised me was just how fast everything moves. Since joining CP in the summer, I had a lot more experience and was more involved than ever before, so I got to see how fast projects and different campaigns move. 

The most interesting thing that I’ve done is learn about the planning process. Using the information and data at our disposal to make informed decisions is very interesting to me. I also loved working so closely on everything with the MFA! 

Jayde Zainc, New Business & CP Marketing 
Emmanuel College 

Going into my first internship, I had no idea how many moving parts there were to create a successful advertising campaign. It was so interesting to not only work with New Business but work with other departments to see how everyone’s work meshes together to create something great. I enjoyed listening to all the pitch opportunities coming into New Business, especially brands I recognized.

I was surprised at how inviting and comfortable the office space was. It makes the day go by a lot faster when there’s a ton of different places to sit and work, away from your desk. 

Lily Ward, Brand Leadership 
Trinity College

CP created a warm and welcoming environment that made the office a great place to work. I was surprised by the open layout. I’ve found that this helped cultivate a more laid-back environment which made it much easier to ask questions and learn more about the agency. 

The most exciting part of my internship was seeing my different research projects and analysis being shared with and appreciated by clients. I loved helping brainstorm the Quarterly Catch presentation for Gorton’s, which focused on drawing parallels between brand loyalty and religion. 

Sophie Jurion, Creative
Boston University 

I worked a lot with CP’s social content, like designing our CP Abroad social posts. I loved using the new branding for CP to create engaging content for our social platforms. Not only did I love the work environment, but everyone was so nice and helpful! You couldn’t go anywhere without being greeted by smiling faces.  

I was surprised by the level of communication needed to stay on top of time management, revision, feedback, and staying on the same page on a project. My biggest takeaway is the importance of communication for everything to run smoothly. 

Toni Baraga, Creative
Boston University 

Being in such an amazing environment here at CP encourages you to be your best self. When you’re not having a good day, your coworkers (and the cold brew!) are there to help pick you back up.

The one aspect of CP that sticks out to me is the scope of ideas that are produced during the concepting stage. I loved how big, blue-sky ideas were encouraged rather than stifled. I learned to not put a lid on yourself before you even start and to let the ideas flow. The practical considerations will come later.

Travis Earp, Creative 
Purdue University 

CP instantly felt like a place I wanted to be. I loved the company atmosphere and energy, it comes from every employee naturally, making the office such a fun place to work. I felt so lucky to have the opportunity to work at such an amazing place. 

Coming from an industrial design background, I didn’t realize how involved ad agencies are with their clients. There is so much more that goes on behind the scenes compared to what people see. I look at every commercial and billboard differently now.

 

Troy Zirk, Solutions Architect, VRX Studios

I will sum up my time in Boston with a single word: WOW.

Boston has been on my “cities to see” list for many years. I am beyond-words grateful for the opportunity to spend a month working there on the CP Abroad program – what a whirlwind! From working in the Boston office with my fellow CPers during the week, to exploring New England on the weekends, my month abroad went by in the blink of an eye. 

I stayed in a micro-loft in South Boston, affectionately called Southie. It’s an area to the East of South End, where CP headquarters is. There were many tavern-style restaurants for me to explore, and boy, did I! I ate out a lot, and I must say, the food is some of the best I’ve ever had. From fresh-caught seafood to sophisticated brunches, the local cuisine impressed me.

I spent time exploring Boston’s many rich-in-history neighborhoods, such as the South End, South Boston, Beacon Hill, Jamaica Plain, and the North End. One weekend I was joined by a friend, visiting from Vancouver. We explored more of the historic towns and cities outside of Boston. In Provincetown, we climbed the Pilgrim Monument, which had the most amazing view at the top. Then we toured Salem, which was packed with folks celebrating Halloween. Traveling further north, we spent some time in Portsmouth, New Hampshire before finishing our road trip in Portland, Maine. The foliage along the way was some of the most spectacular I’ve ever seen.

I met SO MANY wonderful people at the Boston office! I have even made a few close friendships. Our people really do bring a happy energy to the office. One of the most memorable highlights of the office is, of course, meeting at the bar after work for some social face-to-face time, to share a drink or two, shoot the breeze, and play darts. (Or watch others play darts, as in my case.)

Working in another country and experiencing its local culture and peoples has enriched my life in so many meaningful ways, not the least of which is my joy of working with others and socializing afterward. This palpable hustle, bustle, stir and rustle in the advertising industry has Connelly Partners at its forefront!

Would I recommend the CP Abroad program to everyone? I comfortably say a resounding YES. Do it, and you will love it, as I did.

Alyssa Stevens, Director of Public Relations & Social Media

15 years ago, I backed out of my study abroad program in Paris just weeks before I was scheduled to depart. I had no good reason other than I was scared. Sure, I had traveled as a young adult, but the idea of being in a foreign country and traveling alone made me more uncomfortable than I was ready to admit. At the time, a wise friend told me that the experiences that put you out of your comfort zone are the ones that help you grow. I didn’t understand what that meant at the time…maybe I didn’t really want to. But with age comes wisdom, and I’ve often thought back on that moment of my college career with regret. 

The fact is that, over the years, I’ve realized how much I LOVE to travel. The sound of a stamp hitting my passport, paired with those first hours of pure discovery in a new locale, give me a rush like no other. From the rolling hills of Switzerland to the torrid Sahara Desert, I’ve been to many amazing places. But despite checking destination after destination off my bucket list, that feeling of wishing I had pushed myself to study abroad in Paris has lingered. 

So…you can imagine my delight when Connelly Partners announced its CP Abroad program. A second chance to live abroad and work alongside my Irish colleagues? The opportunity to visit new countries every weekend? Sign me up! Ready to embrace the experience with open arms, I packed my bags to head to Ireland for the month of October. 

Part of being ”defiantly human” is uncovering new cultures and exploring the different ways that people work and live. Being able to work from our Dublin office, attend international industry conferences such as the Influencer Marketing Show in London and “The Long Lunch” with Dave Trott in Dublin, and be interviewed about influencer marketing in several Irish media outlets (you can check those out here and here) enabled me to truly embrace my CP Abroad experience. I gained an enlightened global perspective on how to approach social media, PR, and influencer marketing, along with a better understanding of ways to enhance our client strategies around those learnings. 

CP Abroad also opened the door for some amazing travel opportunities…five countries in five weeks! 

I frolicked through the Emerald Isle, exploring the Dingle Peninsula and Ring of Kerry. This is such a gorgeous part of Ireland with the most lush landscapes and jaw-dropping coastlines. I loved seeing the Dunquin Pier, the colorful town of Dingle, and driving (as the passenger!) on the ever-so-narrow roads through Killarney National Park. 

I touched down in London to attend the Influencer Marketing Show, soaking up industry knowledge, before heading to the mystical city of Edinburgh, Scotland. Charming shops, winding streets, medieval architecture, and a picturesque castle perched atop a dormant volcano make Edinburgh appear like something out of a storybook. 

I hunted for truffles, rode horses, and tasted the fine wines of Italy during a relaxing trip to Tuscany. With unseasonably warm weather, our days were spent lounging by the pool and indulging in copious amounts of cured meats and pasta. Tuscany has some of the most amazing sunsets I’ve ever seen! 

And during the weekend I was traveling solo? Well, I went to Paris. A decade and a half later, I embraced my favorite city on my own accord. From strolling through the quaint streets of Saint-Germain and people watching at sidewalk cafes to spending the afternoons meandering along the Seine and soaking in the views of the Eiffel Tower in the distance, I realized that timing is truly everything.

Being “uncomfortable” did make me grow…not in years, but in rich experiences that will last me a lifetime in memory. For me, CP Abroad was an incredible personal journey that allowed me to garner new work perspectives while facing my fears. It also helped me to finally lay an old regret to rest…and for that, I am forever grateful. 

Megan Canoni, Assistant Media Planner

In September, I left Boston for Ireland and in a span of thirty days, I was able to experience famous landmarks, travel to four different countries, and meet so many fun and unique people from around the world. Here is a glimpse into my experience of CP Abroad in Dublin.

I spent my first week in Dublin, getting situated and exploring all the city had to offer. I visited the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College and many different museums. Outside of  Dublin, I explored other areas of Ireland on day trips to Belfast and Kilkenny, where I got to witness the history and nature of Ireland that make the country so unique. 

My first weekend trip away from Ireland was to Edinburg, Scotland. The city was a quaint, magical place that was filled with streets of cobblestone and small, family-owned shops.It truly felt like something out of a fairytale. During my time there, I experienced a piece of history as I witnessed Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral proceedings occur throughout Edinburgh. The moment was a unifying experience, as people from many different countries gathered to witness this historic moment. 

My next daring adventure was in Barcelona, Spain. Scuba diving is something that has always been on my bucket list, and here I was able to cross that thrilling experience off the list! Being able to swim in the Mediterranean Sea, visit the beautiful Familia Sagrada, and explore the city on a Tapas tour, are just some of the experiences that gave me a better understanding of the history and culture of Barcelona.

The final trip I took was to Reykjavik, Iceland. Out of all of the countries I visited, Iceland was unlike anything I have seen before. There were volcanoes, waterfalls and even glaciers. I was lucky enough to go on a glacier hike. It was amazing to be able to explore something so breathtaking.

Although I spent my weekends traveling, I spent my weekdays working at our Dublin office. Everyone in the office was extremely friendly and welcoming, which gave me the ability to interact with co-workers that I would not have gotten the opportunity to do otherwise. Collaboration is a large part of CP culture and getting the opportunity to interact with others from different backgrounds has helped me gain a more holistic view of the world. 

After all my traveling and living in a new country, I learned that the world is so much bigger than myself. It’s filled with so many different people, experiences, and perspectives that I have yet to witness. The CP Abroad Program gave me the opportunity to experience just a little bit of that. 

CP’s 2022 Summer Interns

This summer, we had a group of rockstar interns at CP. From helping launch a new global agency program to assisting with influencer campaigns and much more, these five new CPers got a taste of the fast-moving world of advertising. Before they head back to school, we asked them a few questions to reflect on their time here. Read all about their experiences below.

Kendall Gilbert, Analytics
Elon University

One thing that continues to surprise me about Connelly Partners is the amazing collaboration that goes on between all departments. I was given the opportunity to meet with many different people and was amazed at how everything connects and comes together to bring Connelly Partners success. I am extremely grateful the CP employees were kind enough with their busy schedules to spend time with me and teach me about their specific roles within the agency.

I think that the most exciting thing about the industry is new business. I was able to see a side of advertising that I never really knew or thought about. I enjoyed seeing the dedication and passion CP employees put into winning clients.  

Rachel Schultz, Brand Leadership
University of Wisconsin-Madison 

My favorite project that I worked on was the launch of CP Abroad. It was fun to be behind the scenes of a new endeavor and help figure out how CP could use an experience like this to benefit the employees and all the offices as a whole.

What excites me the most about the world of advertising is how it is constantly moving and changing. As someone who prefers to work on many different things and switch up the tasks I have, I appreciate how advertising allows me the opportunity to try various things and see what I like the best. Being in the CP office all summer, I have been exposed to the intricacies of different departments, which makes me excited to eventually be able to live and learn through them in my career. 

Jared Smith, Media
Bentley University

During my internship, I was very surprised at how the interns are included in everything. I was allowed to see what life at CP is really like by being involved in all meetings, events, and activities.

The top highlight of my internship was playing on the softball team. I had such a great time getting to know so many CPers, and doing this helped me to truly understand the culture of the company.

I also loved seeing all of the dogs in the office on Waggin’ Wednesdays. This was the best on national hot dog day when the dogs wore the hot dog bandana’s and played with the hot dog toys.

Jane Amendolara, PR & Social Media
Boston University 

I’ve learned more than I ever could’ve hoped – how to build media lists, how to run an influencer campaign from start to finish, community management skills, planning social calendars, influencer scouting, the list goes on! 

My fellow teammates have been nothing but supportive and helpful to me since I started at CP last January. They’re all so smart and creative, and make coming to work fun. I couldn’t think of a better group of people to learn from!

I have loved running influencer campaigns for our clients Gorton’s, Kayem and al fresco. Understanding the behind the scenes and watching campaigns come to life from start to finish has been such an awesome learning experience. Something that excites me most about the world of advertising is the ability for me to use my creativity and experience the reward of my work helping others.

Gideon Baeza, Production
Emerson College

During my time at CP, I learned that it takes hard work and dedication to actualize any idea or project. Things don’t happen with a snap of a finger.

I was given the opportunity to implement my own ideas and concepts into the company. It was amazing to be respected as a creative thinker and to have the chance to collaborate with my other employees was a very immersive and involved experience.

The most exciting element of advertising is that what’s considered good, is always changing. There is never a right way to promote anything and it takes creative thinkers to expand the capabilities of advertising.

CP Pride

In recent years, you can tell the start of June by the consistent and ubiquitous appearance of rainbows. 

It is an incredibly positive step that in so many countries, particularly western, there is such a celebratory feeling to Pride. Major brands, both public and private, are now racing to out-rainbow each other and associate themselves with the LGBTQ+ community, the cause – and for some of us cynics, sell a few products where they can during this month-long party and celebration of diversity. 

However, the origins of Pride were anything but a party. The events at the Stonewall Inn in 1969 which were to spark Pride were brutal, bloody and an important reminder to us all that we have many more steps to take for real equality and visibility for all in society.  

Everyone, especially corporate brands, who in recent years have joined ‘the Pride party’, need to consider their support for this important cause with careful authenticity. Because with the Pride party comes the essential element of protest – for further necessary rights of the LGBTQ+ community around the world.

More steps to make

There are many countries who do not recognise their LGBTQ+ communities and many more rights to be given to LGBTQ+ communities in countries where there is at least recognition. 

• 70 countries criminalise same-sex relationships
• The death penalty for same-sex relationships is either ‘allowed’, or evidence of its existence occurs, in 11 of these countries
• In more than half the world, LGBTQ+ people may not be protected from discrimination by workplace law
• Most governments deny trans people the right to legally change their name and gender from those that were assigned to them at birth
• A quarter of the world’s population believes that being LGBTQ+ should be a crime

(Source: Stonewall.org.uk)

Careful authenticity

An integral part of Pride is visibility. And for corporate brands, this is about true visibility and authenticity. 

The fact is that it’s only been in recent years that the wealth of major brands have really associated themselves with the party of Pride. 

The original Pride parades in the 1970s were a form of protest. They had a daring strategy – to walk the streets of major cities declaring support for a minority, and often misunderstood members of our community. Now it is considered ‘safe’ and is a positive association to launch campaigns covered in rainbows and to walk in Pride. However, it’s not just about branding and floats in a parade, as some brands are finding out. 

AT&T, Toyota and Amazon are just three organisations who have been found to be playing both sides in the LGBTQ+ rights according to a recent article in AdWeek.  The Data for Progress and Popular Information have highlighted brands for a level of marketing hypocrisy – building an extensive Pride campaign while also spending more than $1 million on political campaign contributions to state lawmakers responsible for anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.

In an age in branding, marketing and advertising, where purpose and making a meaningful difference is at the forefront of many brands and consumers’ minds, it’s crucial to go beyond past shortcomings when it comes to supporting each other. For example, just a flag, a temporarily redesigned logo or tweet as support. With transparency at an all time high and consumers more interested and knowledgeable about what’s going on behind closed doors and willingness to bring up past comments and actions, it’s critical that brands not only take a stand and speak up this month, but also genuinely show up in support.

Today, there’s so much to celebrate for what’s been done for LGBTQ+ rights. And yet, with 70 countries not recognising LGBTQ+ rights and over 300 pieces of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation passed by US State lawmakers this year alone, there is so much more to do, and it’s all not going to happen in June every year. 

So for those who are planning their corporate strategies for rainbow coloured campaigns next June, consider extending the colours to an annual campaign, and stretch to the entire annual corporate budget and culture, not just the marketing spend. 

It’s not just about painting rainbows in June.

Image Source

 May is Mental Health Awareness month, something that can take on many definitions for different people. One of which is stress, something that everyone has experienced at one point or another. Combatting stress is an important step in looking out for one’s mental health. In an industry where things move exceptionally quickly and can change suddenly, we know firsthand how important it is to be mindful and check in with ourselves regularly. 

Fellow CPers share some of their best practices for reducing the stressors that can impact our mental health. 

Breathe 

When I’m stressed I try to remember to breathe; to check in with my body and pay attention to what’s going on around me. I try to remember to read the stories I’m telling myself about myself. I try to remember to give myself a break. 

Mostly I de-stress by walking outside, especially near water. 

Relationships are like places you can go, too. They create space. The space created through my wife is by far the purest place I de-stress. I can try to remember to do this or that, but she shows me where home and safety are without even trying. I can give myself a break, but she gives me something far more unconditional.

Paul M. Capobianco, Cultural Anthropologist 

Connelly Partners Boston

Talk it out! 

If you’re stressing about something, it can be extremely therapeutic to chat through it with a family member, a friend, or colleague who may bring a different perspective, share a solution or even just be there to listen. You know what they say, a problem shared is a problem halved!

Practice gratitude. 

Starting and ending the day with gratitude has proven benefits. Try writing down two or three things you’re grateful for. It could be the sunshine, the coffee you had on your way to work, the chat with your friend, the lunch you had. By simply taking some time to regularly appreciate the little things in everyday life, you’ll be amazed how quickly your mood will change.

Practice relaxation techniques. 

Taking the time to relax every day helps to manage stress and to protect the body from the effects of stress. You can choose from a variety of techniques, such as deep breathing and mindfulness meditation. These are quick ways of grounding yourself when your client briefs you and the due date is yesterday….yes, we have all been there! 

It’s okay to say “No!” 

To anything that is too demanding of your time and energy or that will place too much stress on you. You don’t always have to meet the expectations of others or the pressures that you put on yourself. 

Nature is nurture! 

Going for a walk around your favourite place and listening to music or a high-vibe podcast can be a great mood-lifter. Research shows that going for a swim in the sea is a great way to release endorphins and reduce stress. Even on those rainy, cold, Irish mornings, Portmarnock Beach in Dublin is one of my favourite locations to go for a dip to get some vitamin sea! 

Karla Whelan, Social and Digital Media Manager & Kelly Murtagh, Junior Account Manager  

Connelly Partners Dublin

 

Arnold has made some good movies. He’s made some bad ones. But this one the world needs to see. It is the very definition of Defiantly Human. In a world divided, speaking to the good in people is more powerful than amplifying the bad.

 

Source: Twitter

 

 

Featuring: Kim Mazejka, Assistant Media Planner, Chris Mullaney, Assistant Brand Manager, Megan Canoni, Assistant Media Planner, Max DeLuca, Videographer/Editor, Nora Jerrett, Junior Copywriter, and Steve Gervasio, Junior Data Analyst

The Super Bowl has been a cherished part of American culture for over five decades and is enjoyed across many generations. In preparation, we polled six of our very own CPers to get their predictions ahead of Sunday’s game. With many athletes now coming from Gen Z, it was only appropriate to shine a light on some of our own members of this generation and their views on this major sporting event. Here’s what we learned: 

Brands need to be thinking outside the box.

What do you hope to see in this year’s Super Bowl ads? 

• Kim: Brands getting really creative and “out there” – I want to be  shocked and surprised.
• Chris: Ads that don’t over-rely on celebrities or TikTok trends.
• Megan: Something funny or emotional that tells a story.
• Max: I just want to see something different this year.
• Nora: I’m excited to see the long versions of the ads I’ll be seeing for the next year!
• Steve: Personally I don’t tend to care about the commercials as much as the game. However, I do pay attention to them to maybe get a laugh or two. 

Celebrities are not needed to make memorable spots. Some of the most successful ads get people thinking. Also, humor never hurts. 

What makes a successful Super Bowl ad, in your opinion? 

• Kim: Anything that makes people talk or gets people thinking. Humor definitely makes people want to share with each other but controversy also does. 
• Chris: Humor that actually makes sense for the brand. Also, ads that create conversation/buzz 
• Megan: Humor and meaningful messaging. I think celebrity cameos take away from the message.
• Max: Humor helps make a spot successful.
• Nora: Celebrity cameos and off the cuff humor. 
• Steve: Humor, an important message, and celebrity cameos are definitely three aspects of a commercial that will make the commercial stick in my mind. 

Brands have done well in creating spots that stick with us for years, and it seems like the new ads are more and more difficult to beat. 

Do you have a favorite Super Bowl ad?

• Kim: 2019’s Mr. Peanut was a wild and absurd move. I would love to see more spots like that. 
• Chris: I love the Tourism Australia “Dundee” ad from a few years back. 
• Megan: The Doritos commercials are hard to beat. 
• Max: There are too many memorable Super Bowl ads to pick a favorite. 
• Nora: I loved seeing Betty White as Mike for Snickers!
• Steve: I do not have a favorite Super Bowl commercial. I would say I remember companies more than specific commercials, like Doritos or Budweiser.  

It’s about more than just football.

What does the Super Bowl mean to you?

• Kim: Being together – whether it’s during the Super Bowl or talking about the game, halftime show, or ads afterwards.
• Chris: It’s an event that appeals to everyone in some way – people who like football, ad-lovers, foodies, etc.. I’m mainly in it for the appetizers. 
• Megan: I like the time spent with family and friends. Normally football games are about the game itself, but the Super Bowl is more about the experience.
• Max: Super Bowl festivities, the game, and the halftime show.
• Nora: An excuse to drink and eat in sweatpants with a fun halftime show!
• Steve: It’s about the game. As a spoiled Patriots fan, my memories are all around the victories/losses and experiencing those moments with family and friends. 

And the big question we had to ask.

 Who are you picking?

• Kim: Neither because they’re not the Pats! I hope it’s a nail-biter though.
• Chris: Bengals 
• Megan: Bengals 
• Max: LA Rams
• Nora: Bengals
• Steve: Bengals  

Regardless of the outcome, it is safe to say that this year’s Super Bowl will be a night that has something for everyone. Though we each have our own expectations for Sunday, one thing is for certain – we’ll be watching from the edge of our seats.

Robbie Field, Senior Creative

The Holidays are a busy time of the advertising year and the pandemic, on top of that, has made things even more hectic. As a creative in the industry, here are some things I learned that help make a successful shoot during this crazy, fever-dream pandemic world that we all live in. To do this, I’ll be using our most recent work as an example. A Christmas campaign for one of our biggest clients here in Dublin, Expressway.

For those who may be unfamiliar with Expressway, they are one of Ireland’s leading premium coach operators. They connect people all across Ireland and are a vital service for many communities. We wanted to create a campaign steeped in rich, defiantly human insights so the concept of connecting/reconnecting post-pandemic restrictions was the obvious choice. 

The campaign story follows the journey of two brothers who live in opposite parts of the country. They both have the same idea to connect with each other in person this Christmas and set out on their own epic adventure with the help of Expressway. We placed a significant focus on creating a cinematic experience while also keeping raw, defiantly human insights throughout. 

So, without further ado, here are some key learnings I found that make a successful shoot during the pandemic: 

Keep your team small 

Possibly the biggest change of the pandemic has been that every aspect of social and physical life has been either reduced or pushed away to a safe distance. However, the knock-on effect of this has been that working with a smaller team is something I have found to be a great benefit for executing a successful shoot.

Right from the beginning, our normal ways of working went straight out the window. Gone are the days when agency, client and production teams could all sit in the room and get answers to questions there and then. Now due to remote working, everyone’s schedules are very busy and there is often a delay in communication and getting answers on the spot can be difficult. A result of this is that decisions need to be made quickly, and more importantly, correctly.

Trust your team 

Working with a small team means there needs to be a lot of trust. I was fortunate enough to have great trust from our creative director. Being in an agency where there’s so much trust given especially by a creative director is a powerful thing. We were empowered  to make decisions throughout the whole process and were actively encouraged to do so. This gave us confidence to push the idea further.

I was also blessed to work with an amazing group who were all on the same page in terms of vision right from the start.

The first to mention was my art director partner whose immense talent and sound experience helped shape the outcome of the spot. We both worked hard at the very start to ensure we presented our idea coherently and simply to our brilliant clients. Getting client buy-in early on is vital to a successful campaign. And now, onto our amazing senior account manager who was by our side every step along the way. We couldn’t have gotten this campaign made without her. The three of us really became quite the team, bouncing from meeting to meeting and ticking off agendas and next steps along the way. 

So, having a great idea and working with a close team is one thing but getting it made is a whole different ball game. This leads nicely to the next key learning: 

Engage for stronger external relationships

It goes without saying that having a creative, organised and all-around friendly production team in your corner increases the chances of having a successful shoot. We couldn’t have been luckier on this project teaming up with a brand new production company, Rubber Ducks.

Right from the get-go, they were on another level. An important learning I found from this process was that showing enthusiasm and respect for the work that they do and actively getting involved with the production process from the start truly strengthens relationships and increases the chances of a successful shoot. 

So, enough chit-chat from me. Have a look at our Expressway Christmas ad.