Natsuko (also known as Nats) is a creative director (AD) at Grey in the Beauty Group. She has worked on brands such as COVERGIRL, Pantene, Herbal Essences, Clairol, Max Factor, Downy/Lenor and Fragrances. Nats grew up in Japan, came to the US for her education, and graduated from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. She lives with her husband, daughter, and son in Long Island, NY.
questionnaire
What was your very first job?
Polishing mom and dad's shoes for 50 cents.
Please describe, in your own words, what your job is and what work it entails.
I am a creative director in the beauty group at Grey New York. I provide creative directions and art directions for work throughout different platform: digital, TV, video, print, instore, activations, etc.
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?
Since I was a kid, I've always loved different kinds of creative activities and coming up with conceptual ideas. When I was in College, I discovered art direction. Since then, I've enjoyed being a creative in advertising; It's like solving puzzles that keep evolving.
In your constantly growing and expanding industry, how do you find inspiration to keep your work fresh, innovative and relevant?
Many different materials all around give me inspirations. It could be music, fashion, news, art and design, entertainment, endless content on social media, podcast, the city, my family...
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?
Pantene's DadDo campaign. Not only because it was unique for the category (featuring NFL player dads doing their daughters' hairdos), it was a personal campaign for me. As a mother to a strong-willed daughter, everyday I witness the insight that "girls who spend quality time with their dads grow up to be stronger women".