Meet The Essential Team - Digital and Creative

What do you do for Essential?

Anything creative! I work on printed materials, websites, emails, Flash animation and interactivity, video, etc. I don't just make things look pretty either - I've got a logical mind so I'm always keen to help out with coding. I love learning new skills and helping others to do the same.

What do you like about Essential?

I love the atmosphere. Everyone seems to really enjoy working here, and though we all work very hard, there's always some banter going on. I like the way that individual strengths are recognised and nurtured - there aren't any pigeon holes here! I'm quite new to the company but already I'm impressed by the open-minded attitude, and willingness (or should I say 'eagerness') to change and evolve.

Tell us something about you....

This is the difficult part. I've always been artistic, and from a very early age I would fill pages and pages with my "artistic" scribbles. I was so keen, that I even spent my lunch hours at secondary school with my biology teacher (also a local artist) learning to paint in watercolours. Strangely I'm pretty good at maths, and almost did an accountancy degree, but my creative side won and I studied graphic design and illustration.  In the past, at weekends you'd usually find me caving or up a mountain somewhere. These days there seems to be less time to do that on a regular basis, but I do try to go abroad every year. It's not often I'll do the beach thing - more usually I'll be white-water rafting, horse-riding, scuba-diving, or just sniffing out the local culture. To relax I like to read, watch a good film, or get out and about to work on my photography skills.  Oh, and I have a passion for rally driving too.

What do you do for Essential?

All things Digital. From idea creation and campaign development to getting my hands dirty with the coding and design. I like to keep on top of how Digital Marketing is best implemented in a business environment and how to deliver the best digital solution to our clients.

What do you like about Essential?

As a fast paced agency Essential has been able to expand its digital marketing offering without compromising any other area of the business. This means that we have the right people in the right places and as a team know that anything is achievable. 

Tell us something about you....

I have a love for Paris and a long term plan for Essential to accept my wishes and setup an Essential Paris office, so if you are based in France and need a friendly marketing agency…

Aside from pipedreams, Music has played a key role in my life and having promoted bands and set up (and disbanded) a record label, I find nothing better than dusting off some Vinyl and tapping my foot like someone twice my age.

What do you do for Essential?

I’m responsible for keeping track of developments in social media, and maintaining clients' social presences across the web, from blogs to micro blogging platforms, social bookmarking to social networks, and image libraries to video libraries.

I work across the business, from liaising with the Digital Team for project building and integration, and working with the Account Marketing Team to ensure the identified opportunities and strategy most appropriately address the clients needs. I also contribute to and maintain The Essential Blog and our Twitter account and other social platforms across the space.

What do you like about Essential?

It’s great working in an environment where everyone has their own specialities which can all be drawn upon as needed, ensuring a truly integrated campaign can be delivered to meet the client's needs. Having the freedom and encouragement to explore new technology and opportunities in the digital space is critical to me delivering modern and engaging campaigns alongside other team members. We’re not afraid to try something new and exciting, and are continually building on experience, pushing the bar with B2B technology marketing all the time.

Tell us something about you....

My roots are firmly grounded in sport having been an international rower for many years, however I am now often found exploring Europe’s winding tarmac on my road bike or tearing up the turf on my mountain bike. I’m a keen skier, having been able to ski before I could walk, and further like pushing the adrenaline limits free-climbing around the world. When I’m sedentary, I like to delve into social media, exploring current trends, reading friend’s blogs and participating in pertinent conversations. I love technology, gadgets and anything Mac. I’m quite the geek at heart but would never like to admit to it!

What do you do for Essential?

I work on the design, build, broadcast and reporting of e-mail marketing campaigns and newsletters for the majority of our clients. 

What do you like about Essential?

I enjoy working with all my colleagues who know how to work hard but also maintain a fun atmosphere in the office.

Tell us something about you....

I am a sociable person and like to keep myself busy.  I fill my time with family and friends and I try to indulge in as much theatre, music concerts and travelling as possible.  Last year I was fortunate to visit Uganda and Rwanda with the Gorilla Organisation and I now enjoy helping to raise money for them – ranging from running/marshalling at the Gorilla Run to pulling pints in their tents at Summer Music Festivals!  To relax I enjoy baking (cupcakes are my guilty pleasure) and getting lost in a good book.