In Conversation with Jason Ross

Where do you work and what do you do?

I own and work in a business, Ross Creative Counsel, specialising in creating brand platforms that deliver growth for businesses.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

My career spans across 30 years as an advertising creative professional. I have worked across the Asia Pacific region for 30 years, graduating from Swinburne University with a Degree in Graphic Design and commencing my career as a junior Art Director at JWT. Senior roles have included: Executive Creative Director and on the Clemenger Harvie Edge Board; Executive Creative Director, equity partner and Global Board Member at M&C Saatchi and Co-Founder and Executive Director of CumminsRoss (now Cummins & Partners). Currently I am the Creative Director of Ross Creative Counsel.

What changes have you seen in the creative industry since starting out? The good, the bad and the ugly.

The biggest change I have seen in the creative industry has been the technological and digitisation of the tools and processes needed to execute our creative ideas. This is a huge benefit. Ideas can now be executed cost effectively and at speed. However, on the negative side, this also allows many clients the confidence to execute their own ideas. Therefore, the challenge for all creative businesses is to demonstrate the value in the creation of the actual idea. This is our true skill, and something that will never be replicated by an algorithm.

How do you stay relevant in todays creative industry?

By being constantly curious. And not just curious about my chosen creative field, but curious about the broader world.

Tell us what you are currently working on?

Our clients range from larger businesses such as Fetch TV, through to start ups and tech businesses. At the end of the day all of our clients creatively communicate why their business or app is relevant to consumers.

What would your advice be to a young Designer looking to break into the industry in 2019 and beyond?

Find a mentor. Not only as you start out, but as you progress throughout your working career. Don’t be afraid to seek out mentors outside of your chosen field. A different perspective can lead to opportunities.

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