James SPENCE

What was your very first job?

Junior Designer at the Conran Design Group in London.

Please describe, in your own words, what your job is and what work it entails

I oversee a team of approximately 40 producers, editors, directors, writers and designers who are responsible for the creation and production of marketing AV assets, both short and long  form, across all HBO linear and digital platforms.

How did you discover that the creative world was right for you? Was there a time in your life that you credit to this discovery? What was there train of events that brought you to where you are today?

I discovered that the creative world was right for me when, at the age of 17, I realized there were full time jobs out there that weren’t so different from doing art in kindergarten.  From art school I went into graphic design, then moved into advertising as an art director, then a copywriter, then a Creative Director. From there I became a film director, and now oversee a wide range of content creation for multiple platforms. If there’s one thing about the creative industry, it’s that it’s constantly evolving. Just make sure you evolve with it.

In your constantly growing and expanding industry, how do you find inspiration to keep your work fresh, innovative and relevant?

Before I moved to New York, my inspiration mainly came from movies, magazines, galleries, theatre and concerts. Now I just walk outside my front door.

If you had to pick one piece of work or project that you are most proud of, more for the creative work and innovation it required, rather than its recognition or industry “success,” what would it be?

“Token Black Man” a commercial I co-created a decade and a half ago for HHCL & Partners in London, UK. It tore into advertising stereotypes in a way that I doubt any brand would have the balls to do today.