Continuing in our Creative 101 series we asked Creative Group Heads at Cheetham Bell, Aron Sidhu and Steven Lownes for an insight into what it’s like being in a creative partnership. The first draft we got back was unfortunately not suitable for publication…although we’ve included some answers that were.
4.5 years. I came down from the Leith in Edinburgh, Steve came up from Fallon in London and we met in the middle.
OA - We met on Tinder 4 years, 6 months and 2 days ago.
Steve’s background was design until he got accepted to the legendary Watford Advertising course. I did the Napier Advertising course after deciding that working in TV didn’t play to my best strengths.
You might say disagreements make a good partnership. We’re always challenging and pushing each other. I think good partners are different but similar. If you have the same goals that’s always a good place to build a team from.
Not really. Steve writes well and I can art direct the odd ad so there’s a lot of crossover. We usually spend at least an hour a day talking about problems and writing thoughts. Then, we go off into our own sketch pads and meet up later to discuss.
OA - I’d say I do around about 99% of all work, Steve fills in both of our timesheets at the end of the week.
Personally, I have always leaned towards emotional, punch-you-in-the-gut-type stuff, stuff that makes you feel. Steve’s good at everything.
Usually with a long chat about the problem. What is the actual bullseye for the client? Then, we create a bunch of strategies or propositions. Basically, we start by writing our own brief lol.
Speed. When you’re on your own, things take longer to get clear and simple. With someone else’s eyes, you can make progress much faster.
I also love that if I have a bad day, Steve will have a good one to make up for it. We cover and motivate each other like a proper team.
I think we both feel like we’re pretty talented and driven, so we’d like to see the hard work pay off in some way. Awards are always nice.
Steve’s got kids so values a space where he can get away from it all and have quiet. Whereas home is where I’m most comfortable, and therefore creative.
Different barriers for different people I guess.
Thankfully, we can still chat away online so it hasn’t changed too much for us.
The Dr.Oetker GBBO idents. It was hard convincing the Germanic brand to run with cake characters, but we managed it.
The idents were seen by millions and generated a big fanbase on social media. They were also really fun to write and got nominated for a British arrow. Not bad for a shoestring budget.
OA - I remember some spots we filmed a while back, the food truck at the shoot was simply sensational.
I love selling an idea or pitching for a new client. Big creative presentations are an ordeal, but leave you feeling incredibly proud and fulfilled after.
If you’re talking you’re not listening, if you’re not listening you’re not learning.
OA - “Always fill out questionnaires in irreverent ways’.
Love picking directors and going through reels. Not only is it fun to do, it officially marks the beginning of getting something made and that’s always exciting.
A vision. Someone who has stayed true to the idea but added their own twist to it.
OA - Typos
The Mouldy Whopper stands out for me. Advertising your burger with a rotten image of it to show it has no preservatives is masterful and brave.
Steve likes the visit Iceland stuff, the screams.
The BBC have been on a good run recently with: ‘I may destroy you’, ‘Years and Years’ and now, ‘Small Axe’. But I’m not obsessed with anything, that’s why I’m re-watching ‘The Wire’.
OA - I liked the new season of Black Mirror where three toffs tell people what to do from behind little podiums.
Ari Aster stands out at the moment.
Running and playing copious amounts of board games with the Mrs.