Peace, Love & Harmony: adam&eveDDB's Creative Director, Laura Rogers

Laura Rogers
Creative Director adam&eveDDB
 

Tell us a bit about yourself and your current role.

To my colleagues I’m the new, slightly too loud Canadian sitting in Ben Priest’s chair.  adam&eveDDB recently brought me on as a Creative Director. One of the biggest parts of my new role is getting over the daily awkwardness of introducing myself to people I’ve already met.

How would you describe the culture of London?

Other than a universal dislike of tourists standing on the left, there’s not much that unites everyone in this city. People of all kinds live next to each other, step on top of each other, and get sweaty together on the Central Line in relative peace, love and harmony. That makes this city what it is.

In what ways does the city of London inspire you?

London’s rich history is nice and all, but it’s not what makes it special. The art and creativity that’s happening every day in the streets, studios and galleries of London is more interesting than anything you’ll find in its museums and stately homes. I also love that on any given day in Soho you can wander into a shop and stumble upon (and if you’re me, embarrass yourself in front of) Jarvis Cocker or Bill Nighy.

London is a hotspot for so many young talents and industry leaders. What has contributed to that?

To paraphrase Samuel Johnson, if you’re tired of advertising in London, you should go back to Canada and make maple syrup. London can be tough, grey, and exhausting, but it’s never boring.

What would you say is the most unique aspect London offers agencies?

I think that Brits, as in the general public, expect their ads to be great. They have high standards. They want to cry at their Christmas ads and laugh at their Marmite ads and nothing less will do. London agencies are held to account by real people who won’t hesitate to tell you what they think about your work. We’re better for it. 

What is your favorite hidden-gem in London?

I spend a lot of time on the canals of east London. That sounds like I’m into some dodgy stuff, but they’re a really nice place for a morning run or a drink at sunset.

If you could change something about London, what would it be?

London is getting more expensive and that makes it harder for young creative people to come and try their luck here. I’d like to see more money spent on the arts and creative industries paying young talent enough that they can actually make a life for themselves in London. We need them more than they need us.