Where are they now? 1 year after New Blood Academy
We spoke with our New Blood Academy 2019 Alumni on the impact New Blood Awards had on their creative careers.
12 months after winning a New Blood Pencil, 12 months after applying to be on the New Blood Academy, and participating in our 4-week creative bootcamp learning from some of the industry's finest to hone their skills and practice their craft. We catch up with our Academy alumni class of 2019, on where their creative career has taken them since the programme.
Ria Jatakia, Creative at Ogilvy Mumbai.
Tell us what you're currently doing professionally?
I am working as a Senior Visualizer at Ogilvy, Mumbai
Tell us about your journey from graduating from university, being part of D&AD New Blood Academy and kickstarting your career in the creative industry?
After graduating from uni, I was all over the place because I didn't really know where I belonged in this vast ad world. The New Blood Academy was exactly the kind of boost I needed at the time. It made me confident about my work and the program trained me for the real world and taught me how to celebrate my uniqueness.
How did the New Blood Academy help you?
The academy opened me up to the bigger picture. It helped me polish up my skills in art direction and conceptualisation. Most importantly, it also exposed me to various other disciplines like strategy, research, storytelling and pitching - something that at university I never got a chance to brush upon.
What was your biggest learning/takeaway from being part of the Academy?
My biggest takeaway was to always stay interested and interesting. Another lesson that stuck was how having just a good idea is never enough, a good presentation and selling the idea is just as important.
What is one thing the Academy gave you that you couldn't have gotten anywhere else in terms of creative industry internship and professional experience?
The things that set the Academy apart from any other was the opportunity to meet and collaborate with creatives from all around the world, learn and be mentored from the best in the industry and present my ideas to Creative Directors from the biggest agencies in London.
Have any lessons, workshops, or speakers stuck with you?
While all the talks were important, Charlie Dark, Gabriela Lungu and James Hilton definitely left a mark. The lessons that I still look up to a year later are: “Be brave, hold space and always uplift the people around you” And something that James Hilton also mentioned, “Don’t get too attached to your ideas. Learn to kill your babies” a hard lesson best learned early in my advertising career.
What would you tell someone who is on the fence about entering the New Blood Awards programme?
It is the best career opportunity that could happen to you. Push your boundaries, trust yourself and just have fun with it.
How would you recommend creatives making the most of the extended New Blood Awards deadline of 4 May?
Polish up those cases and craft the shit out of it.
Daniela Cadenas Pacinelli, Art Direction Intern, LOLA MullenLowe Madrid
Tell us what you're currently doing professionally?
I’m an Art Director Intern at LOLA MullenLowe in Madrid, Spain.
Tell us about your journey from graduating from university, being part of D&AD New Blood Academy and kickstarting your career in the creative industry?
I’ve been working pretty hard since I decided to start in the creative industry. I’ve been learning as many different disciplines as I can. Being Art Director is not as easy as it seems.
In one hand, you have to think about ideas that really help brands to get their objectives and also that matter for your audience. And in the other hand, you also have to know about graphic design, illustration, photography, film, motion graphics, 3D. Sometimes it can be overwhelming but you have to enjoy the journey.
How did the New Blood Academy help you?
D&AD New Blood Academy taught me my work and knowledge has value, and people from the creative industry are always looking for people who have different things to offer and
different points of view. Sounds funny but I always say that people from D&AD like “weird-creative-beings” in a good way, of course.
What was your biggest learning/takeaway from being part of the Academy?
I would say being more confident about my work and myself, and also how to listen to other’s ideas.
What is one thing the Academy gave you that you couldn't have gotten anywhere else in terms of creative industry internship and professional experience?
D&AD New Blood Academy was definitely one of my best experiences. In those 4 weeks we had learnt from every discipline from different agencies in London; and also I personally
think that I learnt about different skills from the other 25 young creatives that were there. Since then, everytime time I get into a conversation about my profession I don't have fear to
say what I want to say, because they taught me that if you have good ideas and ideas that comes from the heart people will always understand and support you to make it real.
Have any lessons, workshops, or speakers stuck with you?
One of them was very inspirational, the Gabriella Lungu's. I remember that she encouraged us to stand out about our own ideas and to not let let fear get in between.
Also I loved the VMLY&R's workshop and since then I always use that excersice to get some inspiration and ideas. It has been is very helpful.
What would you tell someone who is on the fence about entering the New Blood Awards programme?
Just be yourself. When you're filling the application form, the more you show yourself with your strengths and also your weakness the more chances you will get.
Remember, they like “weird/unique people”. So, sounds cliché but, what makes you different from the rest? Remember being part of D&AD New Blood Academy may sound like it is a dream, and yep, the truth is it is a dream, but in this one you have now all the possibilities in your hand to make it real. And it is amazing.
How would you recommend creatives making the most of the extended New Blood Awards deadline of 4 May?
I think if you have the possibility to find a mentor to take a look on your work, that would be very helpful. They always know how to take your ideas and/or craft to the next level.
Etty Flynn, Junior Art Director, Geometry London.
Tell us what you're currently doing professionally?
I'm working as a Junior Art Director at Geometry London.
Tell us about your journey from graduating from university, being part of D&AD New Blood Academy and kickstarting your career in the creative industry?
The New Blood Academy kicked off pretty much straight after graduation. When you finish university it can sometimes feel like someone's pulled the rug out from under you - so it was great to jump straight into a new challenge. I was so chuffed when Geometry got in touch with me through D&AD on the last day and, after a two-week-long trial, I was offered the job. We'd met Gabriela Lungu, Geometry's Global Creative Director, when she came and gave a talk at the Academy, and she completely blew our socks off with her energy and enthusiasm for advertising - so I was really excited about working there.
How did the New Blood Academy help you?
It took me a long time to figure out which career to pursue within the creative industry and the Academy really helped me explore all of my options.
Every Acadder gets their own mentor - and I was paired up with Jack Beveridge, a Creative at Google. Jack took the time to introduce me to a whole bunch of Creatives from different studios and agencies in London. I learned a lot from all of those meetings - and together they helped me get a much better feel for where I would best fit in the industry.
What was your biggest learning/takeaway from being part of the Academy?
On our first day of the Academy one of the organisers, Hilary, warned us that we were going to be pushed out of our comfort zones. She told us not to worry - and to just think of Dory from Finding Nemo. Ever since then, whenever I feel like I'm out of my depth, and my gut reaction is to put the breaks on, I think about everything I've learned from the Academy - and I 'just keep swimming!'.
What is one thing the Academy gave you that you couldn't have gotten anywhere else in terms of creative industry internship and professional experience?
Confidence. The difference between the New Blood Academy and an industry internship is that the Academy is all about what's best for you.
It's about honing your skills, learning some new ones, building your confidence and, ultimately, giving you all the tools you need to land that dream job.
Have any lessons, workshops, or speakers stuck with you?
Where to start! Gabriela Lungu's talk really packed a punch. She had no slides, props, or even a microphone, and she still had the whole room in the palm of her hand.As a fellow introvert, I loved Alice Coward's workshop on all things collaborative - and I wish I'd taken Tom Evans' class on public speaking years ago; it would've saved me from a lot of embarrassment!
What would you tell someone who is on the fence about entering the New Blood Awards programme?
D&AD New Blood's slogan says that 'it all starts with a pencil' and for me, this really was the case. You never know where this could lead you. Get off the bloody fence!
How would you recommend creatives making the most of the extended New Blood Awards deadline of 4 May?
You've been given a second chance. Really throw yourself at this and don't forget to have fun with it.
Ignacio Gonzalez Sbiglio, Art Director at We Are Social Milan
Tell us what you're currently doing professionally?
Well, currently I’m working as an Art Director at We are Social Milano!
Tell us about your journey from graduating from university, being part of D&AD New Blood Academy and kickstarting your career in the creative industry?
Last year was one of the most amazing years for me, starting with a yellow pencil and then I received the news that I would be part of the academy, sharing 15 days surrounded by incredible creatives and, first of all, good people. D&AD really cares about young talent. After the academy I started my career in David Madrid!
How did the New Blood Academy help you?
The D&AD New Blood Academy showed me what I’m capable to do, made me feel more confident on myself facing the real world. It was a complete experience touching all the points of the industry and art as well and it gave me one of the most important tools, the networking.
What was your biggest learning/takeaway from being part of the Academy?
Don’t be afraid, show to people what are you working on, different point of view helps to make it better and whatever your north is, go for it!
What is one thing the Academy gave you that you couldn't have gotten anywhere else in terms of creative industry internship and professional experience?
Well, first of all, networking, then the inspiring and helpful talks we had that helped me a lot to solve and clarify doubts and problems that everyone have while we are students!
Have any lessons, workshops, or speakers stuck with you?
James Hilton was one of the most inspiring talks for me and Dizzy Ink workshop was incredible fun!
How would you recommend creatives making the most of the extended New Blood Awards deadline of 4 May?
Print all the briefs and keep them with you. Don’t get stuck in only one, ideas appears all the time and now you have more time to think! If you don’t try you don’t win.
Sophia Luu, Experience designer at McKinsey and Company.
Tell us what you're currently doing professionally?
I'm working as an Experience Designer for McKinsey and Company. I basically do a lot of design researching and find ways to improve people's interactions with current organisations and systems. My particular passion lies in 'design for good' and I get to do a lot of that for healthcare clients at McKinsey. I start by interviewing the 'users' and use them, their feelings and actions as a basis for coming up with new ideas. It's a lot of translating between patients, clinical staff and a board of directors but it really rewarding to see all the different levels of impact. In my free time I still run 'on the mend', a grassroots design collective I founded with my best friend Mathilda. We promote healthcare equality through events and campaigns and run them in public settings. We just finished the concept and filming an ITV ident with NHS staff which aired two weeks ago: https://www.<wbr/>onthemend.me/itv-on-the-mend
Tell us about your journey from graduating from university, being part of D&AD New Blood Academy and kickstarting your career in the creative industry?
I never imagined I'd be in this situation looking back to pre-D&AD. I had just finished a History of Science Degree (?), felt really disillusioned in my Masters doing Art and Science at CSM (which I eventually quit) and was itchy for change. I did a foundation year in Graphic Design many years ago and always felt like my heart was in design but had NO knowledge of where to start. Winning that pencil completely changed my career and got me noticed by some serious industry professionals. I got my job with McKinsey off the back of the pencil as well as a couple of other internships, and the academy gave me all the skills I needed to feel confident going into that career.
How did the New Blood Academy help you?
Any book you can read on design theory, on learning with others, on communicating your ideas... I learnt all of that (and made a group of best friends) in one month. It was a fast track and had a little something for everyone - from marketing to zine making. I found out about roles in the creative industry which I didn't even know existed (like strategist, food stylist... ) !
What was your biggest learning/takeaway from being part of the Academy?
My new network of friends who I will have for the rest of my career, Dylan Victoria, Gal.la, Hannah, Brandon, Pete and Estelle to name a few! A mentor in Omar ElGammal from Wunderman Thompson and a summer I will never forget. Learning that it's completely fine to be yourself, have your views and still be a boss creative. And learning that you don't need to do it alone.
What is one thing the Academy gave you that you couldn't have gotten anywhere else in terms of creative industry internship and professional experience?
A spotlight. I truly believe that good creative talent is everywhere, but it is difficult to 'know the rules' on how to get noticed and what standards to conform to. I learnt that here, and I will share that with others ... and then one day we will change what those rules will be.
Have any lessons, workshops, or speakers stuck with you?
SO many! But particularly those who focused on creativity for good and the power design has to make true social change. Jordie Wildin's talk on Ogilvy roots really stuck with me, especially as she was so early on in her career. And who could forget Karen Blackett's (OBE) speech about opportunity, talent and curiosity about people. It was so inspiring to see other women of colour giving back and continuing to motivate and inspire. I didn't realise it at the time, but the brief workshop we did about journey mapping Rob and Karen at VMLY&R is actually what I end up doing as part of my new day job. We were journey mapping a 'holiday booking' experience. In my first month of my new job I was able to say 'oh my gosh I know what you're on about! I've done this".
How would you recommend creatives making the most of the extended New Blood Awards deadline of 4 May?
Remember to take care of yourself. Be grateful - not just for the extended deadline - but time to sit with your ideas, a distraction or motivation from the current pandemic and something to stay hopeful for. And don't feel like you need to add anything if you don't have energy - remember your original plan was to enter before 4th May so anything you do now is a bonus!
Tom Clarke, Freelance Creative.
Tell us what you're currently doing professionally?
I'm working freelance as an in-house graphic designer at Tala, an award-winning British lighting brand. At the same time, I'm actively pursuing entry level roles within strategy and honing my craft/thinking.
Tell us about your journey from graduating, being part of D&AD New Blood Academy and kickstarting your career in the creative industry?
The journey has been scary but exciting! Coming out of university, I put a lot of faith in the idea that you put hard work in, and the universe gives back. And I still believe in that. Earning a place through the New Blood Awards, the Academy blew the industry doors wide open. Since, I've worked agency side and in-house and learnt loads. But I'm still excited for what's to come, because even now a year later, I'm still at the beginning of my career.
How did the New Blood Academy help you?
The Academy did so much, that if I went through everything, I'd be here forever. However, the biggest thing it did was build an amazing network around me. A network that not only has industry contacts, but real friends that are at the same point in their lives entering the same field I am.
What was your biggest learning/takeaway from being part of the Academy?
I think the biggest thing I have taken away is the reassurance that my thinking and the skills I have, are good enough. Working on the brief set by Dyson, getting their feedback and presenting it in-front of a room of some of the biggest names in the industry, has with no doubt effected me.
What is the one thing the Academy gave you that you couldn't have gotten anywhere else in terms of creative industry intership and professional experience?
This is almost a no brainer because there is no course anywhere, that you can buy your way into, that can even begin to replicate what the Academy does. The amount of teaching and learning that you get from real world industry experts, is far beyond anything anywhere else.
What would you tell someone on the fence about entering New Blood Awards?
Do it. If you're passionate and put your all into everything that you do, it will get recognised.
How would you recommend creatives making the most of the extended 4 May deadline?
I'd take the time to grab your idea and thrust it into the real world. If it's good enough and it could affect real change, what's stopping you? Get it in front of people and make yourself vulnerable. It'll always pay off when you can show people you aren't afraid and can empathise with others.
Gal·la Basora, Copywriter at Yslandia Madrid.
Tell us what you're currently doing professionally?
I’m a Copywriter at Yslandia Madrid.
Tell us about your journey from graduating from university, being part of D&AD New Blood Academy and kickstarting your career in the creative industry?
It’s been a rollercoaster. I’ve always wanted to become a copywriter. However, being part of D&AD New Blood Academy showed to me that I can be a good copywriter and, also, be interested in other fields such as strategic planning or cinematography, among others.
How did the New Blood Academy help you?
Everyone was so kind and helpful. Thanks to the crew, I had the chance to do portfolio reviews with lots of amazing professionals. Also, the Academy gave me the confidence to trust in myself and in my work (thank you).
What was your biggest learning/takeaway from being part of the Academy?
Great creative work starts by listening to people who are different from you and empowering this
differences.
What is one thing the Academy gave you that you couldn't have gotten anywhere else in terms
of creative industry internship and professional experience?
On my first day in the Academy I saw a quote written in the walls that said “For the creative industry to move forward we need creative solutions that are informed by a wealth of perspectives”. And I think that was the key of all the experience. Having the chance to learn from creatives from lots of different areas and sharing this experience with 25 young creatives from all around the world really opened my mind and helped me understand that creativity has no limits, everyone has
a different perspective of it and this what makes it so interesting.
Have any lessons, workshops, or speakers stuck with you?
I loved them all! But if I had to mention a few I would say Gabriela Lungu’s and Alice Tonge’s talk. I also enjoyed the Zine workshop!
What would you tell someone who is on the fence about entering the New Blood Awards programme?
I would say: It’s been the best creative experience of my life. What are you waiting for? Just go for it.
How would you recommend creatives making the most of the extended New Blood Awards
deadline of 4 May?
Instead of starting another brief I would recommend to polish the one/s you’ve already started. As Alice Tonge said in her talk last year: “The first draft of anything is sh*t”. Extended deadline is another way to say: craft, craft, and craft.
Lucas Dangavs, Copywriter, Sony Music Madrid
Tell us what you're currently doing professionally?
I work in the creative team at Sony Music Madrid.
Tell us about your journey from graduating from university, being part of D&AD New Blood Academy and kickstarting your career in the creative industry?
Well, its been a lot trying and failing. The more I got into the creative industry, the more I realised how many different options there are. I am curious about it all and I want to find
the place where I feel I can release all my potential. At the moment I’m discovering where I fit.
How did the New Blood Academy help you?
The New Blood Academy gave me an inside perspective of how the best creatives and agencies work. I learnt their techniques and I was inspired by their passion, but also the
fact that they are only humans like you and me. So I now understand there’s no magic to it, you can get to the top if you work for it.
What was your biggest learning/takeaway from being part of the Academy?
If you believe in yourself and go for the crazy ideas in your head, you will find people that are crazy enough to join in. Believe in what you are doing and find mad people who will
inspire you to work harder and dream bigger.
What is one thing the Academy gave you that you couldn't have gotten anywhere else in terms of creative industry internship and professional experience?
Many things. You know, unfortunately I’m not a Rolling Stone, but I think that the Academy makes you feel as if you are one (a little bit). You’ll go to places you wouldn’t even imagine
and they will treat you like Mick Jagger.
How would you recommend creatives making the most of the extended New Blood Awards deadline of 4 May?
I’d say to use this time of lock down to create something that will make you proud. The briefs of the New Blood Academy are open enough to go wild, but also provide limits to
help you not to completely lose it.
Chloe Neal, Freelance Creative.
Tell us what you're currently doing professionally?
I’m currently a freelance creative in London.
Tell us about your journey from graduating from university, being part of D&AD New Blood Academy and kickstarting your career in the creative industry?
A couple of years ago, I was a teacher who knew absolutely zilch about how advertising really worked. The D&AD New Blood Academy opened my eyes to different agencies, people, and possibilities in the industry. After the Academy, I enjoyed a few internships in Edinburgh before finally making the move to London this year.
How did the New Blood Academy help you?
The New Blood Academy helped me to banish my Imposter Syndrome. It doesn’t belong here, but I do :)
What was your biggest learning/takeaway from being part of the Academy?
Karen Blackett (OBE) reminded us that we should never “cover” our true selves. After all, this industry needs different voices and perspectives to be at its best.
What is one thing the Academy gave you that you couldn't have gotten anywhere else in terms of creative industry internship and professional experience?
An entire network of friends and contacts at our fingertips. Our relationship with the D&AD New Blood team doesn’t just stop after the Academy. They’ll often let us know about new opportunities and be on hand to give us some guidance. Cheers, team :)
Have any lessons, workshops, or speakers stuck with you?
Mark Denton and Gabriela Lungu both delivered talks with such energy and enthusiasm. They encouraged us to find the fun, creativity, and opportunity in everything that we do. Definitely worth bearing in mind whenever things get tough.
How would you recommend creatives making the most of the extended New Blood Awards deadline of 4 May?
Revisit your idea.
Has it got a real truth at its core?
Can it be elevated in any way?
Feeling confident?
Hey, you could always enter another brief then ;)
We hope our Academy Alumni have inspired you to make the most of the 4 May extended deadline. If you have any more questions on your entry please email newblood@dandad.org, and for more creative inspiration, and creative career advice head to our inspiration page for emerging creatives.
