Meet Rob, our quick-witted designer, our tech guru and the self proclaimed office DJ. He’s one of the early members of the creative team and always takes on every brief with a smile :).
When did you join Alive?
It was June 2010 and it was the early days of Alive. I’d previously freelanced for Alan at another agency and he got in touch about needing some help with a new business that he’d setup with his college friend Alex. Huddled in the middle room of Chequers Road for a few days working on variety of briefs it was clear that it was slightly different to some other freelance gigs I’d had. Working together so closely (3 people huddled in a room) was helped by the fact we seemed to get on well and the soundtrack to the day was right up my street (Alex was in charge of Spotify then), it was hectic but both Alan and Alex were appreciative of the work. I think we ended the week with a beer after work and being able to catch the train home afterwards meant maybe there was slightly more than one. But it felt good, to have got through plenty of jobs and then to have relaxed with a cold one afterwards. It pretty much has been more of the same ever since.
What are your key responsibilities?
(The initial response was, “I don’t like feeling responsible”).
I guess it’s mainly coming up with creative approaches to answer the latest brief alongside the other designers, this usually involves trying to distil all the info and trying to find something in it that can tie it all together. Sometimes it can flow easily and other times it’s a bit of a wrestling match but it always seems to get there in the end. I’ve always been a bit of stickler for detail and like a tidy job folder – if a job’s worth doing etc. and all that. Keeping an ear out for anyone struggling with a job and helping out some of the younger designers.
What projects do you most enjoy working on?
I really enjoy the variety of projects we approach at Alive. I guess working up animation concepts and identity work are my favourite jobs and I get involved with a lot of the pitch work which keeps me on my toes. I thoroughly enjoyed working on a digital job for a championship winning team at the pinnacle of motorsport. It was one of those jobs that just seemed to work and it was inspiring to hear about their approach and mentality so that they can always stay ahead of the others. I think they gave us the most detailed response to our briefing document ever (I seem to remember it was three pages long when it’s usually a few paragraphs here and there).
What’s it like working at Alive?
It’s alright I guess. (Blatantly trying to downplay the experience!) It’s a really positive place to work and everyone really tries to look out for each other. It’s pretty busy most of the time but we all crack on and make sure we’re able to get home to our significant others at a decent time. Plus, there is the drinks fridge which requires a lot of restraint.
Where are we most likely to find you outside of work?
Well on a Tuesday/Thursday evening it would (usually) be on the 5-a-side pitch. I really enjoy a bike ride with the family and the occasional open water swim at the lake. The main reason for all this activity is so I can earn the calories to visit the local brewery (Hogsback). I think I’ve done the tour there so many times I could probably run one myself.
Finally, something we’d never guess about you?
I often get pulled apart for being the practical/safe guy (and no, I’m not a fire marshall) but when I went travelling I ended up ticking a few bucket list items off, (mainly in NZ – the home of crazy) so I’ve bungy jumped at Kawarau Bridge and seen Lake Taupo dangling off someone from 15,000ft. While that sounds stressful it’s nothing compared to having to help design something for an Apprentice contestant with a camera stuck in your face.
