Young Gun profiles takes a look at the young talent across the Australian advertising, adtech, marketing and media sector. Aiming to shed light on the varying roles, people and companies across the buzzing industry.
Gerry Buzzo: integrated designer at Connecting Plots
Time in current role/time at the company:
Two and a half years.
How long have you been in the industry?
Two and a half years.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
Honestly, I didn’t anticipate working in a creative agency, but looking back it makes sense that I ended up on this path. Growing up I wanted to be an artist, but the older I got, the more I drifted away from this dream. I guess what I was really searching for was a career that would allow me to be creative.
Who is your right-hand person/who guides you day to day?
Vickie, our senior motion designer. She has a wealth of knowledge and her deep love for motion design is admirable and inspiring. In the time that we have worked together she has taught me so much, I’m really thankful for the time she gives me.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
Making fun shit, as per our company motto. I love how widely accepted play is in the industry. It allows for the freedom to try new ideas as well as build on and experiment with the old.
And the biggest challenge?
A primary challenge of the advertising industry is the risk of adhering to the status quo and falling into predictable tropes. Contemporary society is diverse, therefore attempting to create work that appeals to a broad audience can often result in lacklustre or purposeless work. Rather than aiming for a one-size-fits-all approach, the true essence lies in imparting an authentic human truth that genuinely connects and empathises with the audience, all whilst being presented in a refreshingly creative way – not an easy feat.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
Having recently graduated from Award School, I’m excited to take on more art direction opportunities and work. However, I aspire to craft a role that is a hybrid of motion design and art direction. I’m of the belief that job titles and descriptions don’t need to be strictly binary, especially within the context of a smaller agency. By harnessing the skills I’ve honed throughout my career and Award School, I’m confident in my ability to enhance the quality of the work I produce.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
My coworkers. I love our mutual exchange of the cool shit we come across on the Internet and in life. Sharing is most definitely caring.
My favourite advert is (and why):
At the top of my 2023 branded content list is the recent Barbie film. I’m truly impressed by Barbie’s fusion of advertising and entertainment. The film spoke authentically to audiences and bridged gaps between various demographics. The cultural sensation brought to life by Greta Gerwig has been very much needed in the wake of the post-pandemic era.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I applied to be on Junior Masterchef as a child, but my dream to become a chef was short-lived as my cheesecake didn’t get me past the audition round.
In five years' time I'll be:
Relocated to New York working in the industry, because early this year I promised myself to do more things that make me uncomfortable, and this makes me feel the most uncomfy. So, I’m writing this here to keep myself accountable.
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