As Executive Creative Director of Mediaco, Josh oversees creative development on a variety of Weber Shandwick’s most digitally-minded clients and assignments. From leading the U.S. Army’s social media presence to the launch of the Affordable Care Act, Rose has brought a long history of award-winning and innovative solutions to clients whose digital marketing and communications practices are intertwined with their business goals. Prior to joining Weber Shandwick, Josh spent ten years as EVP, Group Creative Director at Deutsch, LA, where he oversaw integrated campaign efforts for the likes of VW, Playstation, Dr Pepper, HTC and many others.
influences
questionnaire
1.) What was your very first job?
Paper route.
2.) Please describe, in your own words, what your job is and what work it entails.
I run complex digital assignments, from the creative side. Today, digital is an integrated part of a company’s business, so traversing the landscape is part-time content-development and part time commerce-driven business solutions.
3.) 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 a talent for fine art early on in my life – by around 12 or 13. I had a family environment that fostered it and I ended up at art school, as a fine arts major. The jump from being an artist to a commercial artist happened through high-end photo retouching, which required a certain savvy in digital design and computer graphics. That lead to work on the Internet, of which I was one of the very first art directors working in the medium. From there, the agency life was only a few blips away.
4.) In your constantly growing and expanding industry, how do you find inspiration to keep your work fresh, innovative and relevant?
The Internet used to be an extremely creative and ground-breaking place to be, so inspiration was every day. Today, it’s a bit more workmanlike, so you find more inspiration in execution and learning new tricks and techniques. I enjoy the tools of our trade – from creating vector graphics to new tools for animation, editing, 3D and AI. Those innovations keep it interesting.
5.) 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?
Well, launching Obamacare in the U.S. was pretty special. We signed up millions of people to get health insurance who never had it before and not only got them insured, but – especially in California – helped people who felt outside the system feel a sense of belonging. It was a great experience and I was proud to be part of something that historic.