A Trial By Fire: Jason & Anne, Associate Creative Directors at George P. Johnson

Tell us about you how you met and how long you’ve worked together?

We met during JB’s interview and a week later we were already heads down on a project. We’ve been working together now for 6 months, but it feels like at least 6 1/2.

 

How would you describe the relationship between you two? In what ways has the dynamic changed since you first began working together?

It’s been smooth from the start. We immediately aligned in our often brutal honesty, the desire to create outstanding work, and general disdain for people who say JIF instead of GIF. Our dynamic has only improved as we’ve become more comfortable with one another—which has a direct correlation to the number of bad ideas we’re both willing to share.

 

Tell us about the first campaign you’ve worked on as a duo.

This answer is a callback to how we met. Anne was in the final stages of delivering creative for a Google Cloud space at a healthcare event when I was added to the team. It was a trial by fire that proved even a lack of familiarity and looming deadlines couldn't stop us from getting the job done.

 

Do you have a favorite campaign you’ve worked on together? What makes it special?

Waze (a GPS navigation software app owned by Google). We created an experience that showcased the features that Waze offers businesses by creating journeys through a virtual town. Guests used a physical steering wheel and gas pedal to navigate a playfully animated world that was displayed on the windshield. From a family of ducks crossing the road to a toupee sailing away after a race car passed, each story was a fun, interactive way for them to discover Waze’s capabilities.

 

What has been the hardest part of working together? How do you resolve creative conflicts?

Whenever it happens we just go with who actually knows what they’re talking about.

  

Is there any advice you’d give to young creatives looking for a partner, or a duo just getting their start?

Having different backgrounds, viewpoints, and ideas is a blessing. Find someone who excels in areas you may struggle and you can build off each other to reach ideas that neither of you would have arrived at alone. Also, some people just don’t work well together—don’t hold it against yourself or them, just keep looking.

 

Do you have a dream account that you haven’t had the opportunity to work on yet?

Grillo’s Pickles. Smartfood. Siggi’s yogurt. Sorry, we didn’t eat lunch.