Getting Ahead…Marc Smith

Name: Marc Smith

Company: G2 Branding & Design

Job title: Founder & Managing Director

What made you want to get into brands/advertising/media/marketing?

Although I’m now focusing on branding and design as a discipline, I initially started in advertising. However my interest has always been in how brands can create strong emotional connections with consumers. Big ideas are as relevant in design as they are in ATL.

How did you get into the industry (including relevant qualifications and professional training)?

My early years were spent at Y&R, then Grey. My motivation was to get involved in a creative and dynamic industry

What was good and bad about your first job.

Bad – Not knowing what I was doing
Good – Learning about the power of good communication by working with very bright people

List your jobs to date

1986 – worked at Y&R
1997 – worked at Grey
2002 – set up G2
2003/4 – launched Geometry
2007 – re-branded Geometry to G2 Branding & Design

What were the best and worst, and why

· The best by far was launching Geometry – creating a new business offering for Grey Group with a bunch of talented, like minded individuals. It’s exciting to see growth & success coming from something you’ve created.

· There hasn’t been any ‘bad bits’….just experiences I would rather not repeat!

Who has been your biggest inspiration?

All the talented people I have met in the last 20 years.

Who in the industry do you most admire?

My boss, obviously…

What is your biggest achievement to date?

Launching G2 Branding & Design and being an instrumental part of its development and success.

On what do you base your success so far?

Strong client and staff satisfaction, combined with creating great work that we’re all proud of.

What are your ambitions?

To continue growing G2 Branding & Design and expand our reputation and client portfolio.

Change one thing about your job:

The travelling. Many of our clients are global, so I’m constantly on the move. It’s hard sometimes to remember which time zone I’m in.

Change one thing about your industry:

More collaboration between the communication disciplines; we should respect what everyone can bring to the table in building great ideas together.

Change one thing about the world:

Needless waste

What is your favourite brand?

Apple

What is the next big brand in your view?

G2

List your “media diet:

· BBC Radio 4 ‘Today Programme’

· Media Guardian/Observer

· BBC Online

· Campaign

· Marketing

· Marketing Week

· Design Week

· Creative Review

· Love Film.com