Our Industry Insights Profile takes a weekly look at some of the professionals working across the advertising, ad tech, marketing and media sector in Australia. It aims to shed light on the varying roles and companies across the buzzing industry.
This week we head to Melbourne to speak to Tara Ford, creative director at Whybin\TBWA.
Duration in current role/time at the company:
Three and a half years at the company. About six months in the current role.
In one sentence, how would you describe what the company does?
We provide disruptive strategic and creative solutions to business problems.
In one sentence, what does your role involve?
Making the work I’m responsible for the very best it can be. The most effective, innovative and interesting to the people it’s intended for.
Within the last six months/year, what stands out as the company’s major milestones?
I have been very proud to work on campaigns that have had an influence on culture. The work we have done for ANZ on GAYNZ and GAYTMs and Equal Future and the ‘I am better’ campaign for Medibank have all made an impact. They reflect and show things as they really are in modern Australia and even helped things evolve, just a little.
Best thing about the industry you work in:
Every day and every project is different.
Previous industry related (ad land/ad tech) companies you have worked at:
I have worked in creative departments around the world including Weiden Kennedy in Amsterdam and TBWA|London.
Career-wise, where do you see yourself in three years time?
Ideally having helped grow the agency in size and profitability and creative excellence.
What is the elephant in the room? The thing that no one is talking about – but they should be.
The undignified way people behave when they post anonymously on advertising blogs. It breeds an environment where people aren’t accountable, and therefore say vile things.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I’ve been sampled on a music track for a very popular English DJ.
Top networking tip:
Look up from your phone.
And if you like something someone has done professionally, tell them.
My favourite restaurant for a business lunch is:
I don’t lunch.
My favourite advert is:
‘Double Life’ for Sony PlayStation. I was inspired and went to work at the agency shortly afterwards.
My must-have gadget is:
My iPhone.
My favourite media is:
Anything, anywhere that takes me by surprise and makes me smile or think.
My favourite TV show is:
Adventure Time watched with my boys.
The last book I read:
The Flamethrowers by Rachel Kushner.
My mantra / philosophy is:
Make the work.
I got into advertising/ad tech/marketing etc because:
It was the perfect fusion of art, business and creativity.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
An artist.
In five years' time I'll be:
Working in advertising, creating art and influencing business at a board level somewhere.
Define your job in one word:
Dynamic.
What's your poison:
French fries.
If you'd like to take part in our AdNews Industry Profile please email adnewsteam@yaffa.com.au.
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