In Conversation with Annie Price

Annie is Creative Director at JWT.

I’ve been described as an ‘Art Di-Writer’. Trained as an art director but equally passionate about writing. I’m currently a Creative Director at JWT Melbourne working on Harris Scarfe, Chemmart & Treasury Wines. Prior to this, I spent a year at the Brand Agency on Australia’s most trusted retail brand, Bunnings. And several years at McCann Melbourne where our VLine work won a Cannes Grand Prix for Creative Effectiveness & three bronze Cannes Lions. Still as passionate about making ads now as I was 24 years ago, I believe the best possible work comes from strong client relationships and healthy collaboration. The work I’m most proud of; the work I’ve won awards with; the work that works hardest… has come from fostering those relationships.

Who (or what) inspires you?

Bit cliché… but creative people from other fields. Great furniture designers, sculptors, gardeners and fashion designers.

How did you get your first break?

It was 1991 and ‘the recession we had to have’. I was one of five students from RMIT chosen to interview at DMB&B. And luckily for me, I was the one chosen for a year’s placement. Fysh Rutherford was my CD. He didn’t love the folio I’d spent hours and hours crafting, but he did love the scribbly book of ideas I carried around with me. He could see my thinking. That’s what got me the gig.

Tell us what you are currently working on?

I’m currently working on Harris Scarfe, Chemmart and Yellowglen. So a bit of shopping, some trusty advice and a glass of bubbles to top it off. What more could a girl want?!

Top tips for an aspiring Creative Director?

The CD’s that have had the most positive influence on me have been just that, positive.

You’ll always get the best out of people when you encourage and nurture, when your critique is constructive. Ruling with fear never works. Your job is to add the final bit of seasoning to the idea that helps it cook that bit better.

Most importantly remember to have fun, a few laughs and treat people how you want to be treated.

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