Our Young Gun profile takes a look at some of the young talent across the advertising, adtech, marketing and media sector in Australia. It aims to shed light on the varying roles, people and companies across the buzzing industry.
Hamish McRae: Junior Designer at Houston Group.
Time in current role/time at the company:
I joined Houston in April this year after completing my Bachelor of Communication Design and Business at Billy Blue College of Design at Torrens University in 2021.
How long have you been in the industry?
I kicked off my career in design in early 2020, freelancing through the pandemic whilst still studying. Internship opportunities were sparse and gaining studio/agency experience over zoom was particularly challenging but fortunately I was offered a gig at Houston and haven’t looked back.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
I always knew I would be in the creative field from a young age, and the plan after completing the HSC was to study architecture. However, after a year-long break I discovered the incredible power behind brand design and began my dual degree. After Uni I very nervously sent my portfolio out to some of my favourite creative studios, and as soon as I stepped into the Houston office for an interview, I knew it was the place for me.
Who is your right-hand person/who guides you day to day?
Working under the creative direction of Alex Toohey and James Calpis has introduced me to innovative ways of thinking. They not only allow, but actively encourage, me to take the time to explore every idea I have. I couldn’t have asked for more creatively genius (or humble) mentors.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
Constructing a system of designs that form the identity of a business has always been a massive drive for me. And then seeing your contributions out in the world, after all the planning, development, and meticulous execution is an extremely surreal experience. Working in branding, you also gain a deep understanding of organisations and groups of people, specifically not-for-profits, that are doing some incredible things for the world, which you might not have come across otherwise.
And the biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge I have faced is self-doubt and second-guessing my decisions while working independently from home. As a perfectionist independently freelancing through a global pandemic there were some dark moments! But on a more positive note, working through those challenging situations taught me about my work style and self-assurance and gave me the tools and skills that got me to where I am today.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
As I mentioned, working on not-for-profits is an extremely rewarding side of the industry, and creating my own has always been something that I want to pursue. As long as I have people to share ideas with, and problems to solve, I am happy!
Where do you turn for inspiration?
It’s always exciting to see how other studios and agencies around the world frame and explore a business identity. By taking a simple concept, such as a shape or letter, and seeing how people around the world compose and manipulate it in such different and innovative ways to form an expression of a brand’s purpose and values, for the rest of the world to interpret and align themselves with is something I find incredibly inspiring.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
We’re a tight knit team operating in an open plan office....so I don’t think there are any secrets!
In five years' time I'll be…
It’s difficult to think about my career’s future after only achieving the huge goal of joining a team as incredible as Houston, but in five years’ time I will hopefully still be here with even more experience and knowledge under my belt, working on even bigger projects that have a bigger impact.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.