I grew up in a small town in New Zealand. Although we locals didn't considered it 'small' as we only needed to reach a population of 20,000 to gain city status and we were a few hundred off. They never came. Obviously we didn't market ourselves very well—if at all.
My dad worked at the local pulp and paper mill, my mother at the nearest dairy (corner shop). Let's just say I learnt at an early age what the difference was between a Holden and a Triumph and what brand of biscuits I wanted mum to bring home from the shop.
With a bag packed full of chocolate memories—but wanting more—I accelerated out of that town (dad lent me the Triumph) to start my Bachelor of Design degree. Four tough years of going to the pub and eating sausage rolls. But I did finally get down to business, got the degree, majoring in Advertising.
In the end, it actually wasn't the degree that would land me a job in advertising. It was winning the Axis Awards school that did. It got my foot in the door of Saatchi & Saatchi Wellington. Time to learn from the big guns.
I've worked in Wellington, London, Auckland and Sydney. Across a range of many brands. From NZ Lotteries to Qantas. From pet brands to car brands. I like to get to know clients and make them smile. And if there is a chocolate biscuit or a sausage roll in any meeting, I'm smiling too.
