As we continue with our series of quick fire Q&A’s with seasoned digital professionals, Damien Bell, Director of Cogs Hong Kong spoke to Bennett Leung– Creative Director at Tink Labs, on leaving agency life to join a start-up.
Can you tell us how you started your career in the creative field and what has been the highlight of your career so far?
“I studied graphic design in Toronto, and landed an internship at one of the biggest advertising agency in Hong Kong. From then on, I immersed myself into the agency world. Endless brainstorming sessions, 24 hours shoot, late nights at post, waiting for VFX to renders.. it was so exciting, and there was no going back.”
What has been the most valuable advice you’ve ever been given when facing challenges in your career?
“Lose a battle, you can win a war”. “My Creative Director once told me, compromising is indeed a tough lesson to learn as a young designer.”
How did you adapt to a startup environment and what have you observed in this relatively new journey?
“If you are in a true startup, chances is you are walking down an unknown path. In that case, experience is irrelevant and it is critical to always keep an open-mind. I find that this mindset shift is difficult for a lot of people. To be frank, I am still battling to adept everyday.”
What advice would you give to someone who is potentially looking to switch from advertising/creative agency to a startup?
“80-20 rule: Pick that 20% of work that deliver 80% of the result. Plan as much as you can, but if you get a big fat punch in your face, PIVOT!”
What website and mobile app can you not live without?
“An App I can’t live without is called… Family & Friends… To be honest, startup life is hard, it is important to have a heavy dose of genuine human interaction with your loved once to keep the fire burning.”
What are your hobbies/interests outside of work?
“I like to walk to dog parks during the weekend doing field research, gathering requirement analysis and conducting feasibility studies on actually owning one. Still haven’t crack the maintenance part.”
A huge thank you to Bennett for taking time out of his busy diary to speak with us. It’s greatly appreciated.
If you are an experienced creative or just starting out in your creative career and would like to see what opportunities might exist for you in Hong Kong, connect with Damien.
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