Kelly Grist – Creative Change

“Throughout my career, I’ve been lucky enough to shape my role towards more of a mix of the things I’ve wanted to do”, Kelly starts. “I actually started in a web design job after studying Graphic Design at university. It was really good for training up on a skill I was lacking, but I’ve always preferred working more with branding, typography and print.”

“I’ve been at Clear Channel for six years and my job has continually evolved. As a Design Team we’re quite collaborative and we overlap on a lot of things, but it means I get to work on a whole host of different projects: web design, presentations, marketing and sales material, event graphics, social media content, all sorts – it never gets boring!”

“In addition to this, I really like that I get to work on big brand projects and help bring them to life over time. My favourite project I’ve worked on is definitely the Outdoor Media Awards; Clear Channel’s annual industry event. In the run-up to the awards I help design not only the branding, but the trophies, printed materials, digital materials, room graphics, and elements of the interior design. Each year we try to progress the look and feel of the awards, to keep it fresh. The highlight for me is always attending the final event – I love seeing everything come together.”

Kelly’s applied her creative talents beyond projects directly for Clear Channel, taking an active role supporting heavy-hitting and influential projects such as 56 Black Men, led by Cephas Williams.

She recalls, “I first heard about the project through BBC News and immediately thought how Out of Home could benefit the campaign by reaching a wider audience, The 56 Black Men campaign is an amazing project that runs with the slogan “I am not my stereotype”, and takes images of what Cephas describes as the cliché image of a black man wearing a hoody. The aim of the campaign is to challenge the media demonisation that often sees blackness through a singular lens, and the photo series helps tell the real story of the black male experience.”

“When I did a bit of further research, I saw that the creator of the project, Cephas Williams had already been in contact with one of our Specialist Partners, Caroline Forbes, on social media. When our team then received a request to help with the campaign across our digital screens, I volunteered to help with the design work.”

“I think it’s really important to help with projects like these”, Kelly explains. “Meeting with Cephas to discuss this project was really rewarding, and it was interesting to discuss how stereotypes play such a huge role in society and the way we interact with each other. Although there are some things I could never relate to, it was also interesting to discuss some of the similarities we’ve both faced from being stereotyped.”

With diversity and inclusion firmly at the top of the agenda across the industry, and in even sharper focus at Clear Channel thanks to the Fairness initiatives, Kelly sees a positive a future for Out of Home.

“I think the industry has always been accepting of diversity, but not always the best at attracting a diverse workforce. It’s great to see Clear Channel making diversity, inclusion and Fairness a key focus – it can only lead to increased creativity and success.”

“There are obviously still challenges for the industry to face, but I think it’s encouraging to see so many companies and individuals helping to contribute to a more diverse, creative, and accepting industry. The more people we can get on board the better, because frankly the more people that get involved, the more lasting impact we will have.”

You can read Colin’s blog on his top tips for telecoms companies using Out of Home here.

 “I’ve been working in media for about eight years now, and I’ve been at Clear Channel just over three years,” Colin begins. “I started working with the Agency Team and now I’ve joined the Client Team and relocated to Manchester, so I’m being kept busy. I think Clear Channel is a fantastic place to work. Not only are the people amazing, but the industry itself has such an exciting future ahead of it and it’s nice to be part of that. Clear Channel are always ready to support and champion your ideas, and I really enjoy the freedom I get in my role; to work on long term projects, as well as get out and see lots of clients.”

The Client Team at Clear Channel are a small but growing team, with each member working on dedicated areas of focus. Colin explains “that as well as meeting clients, it’s just as important to educate yourself in the background and detail of your clients’ industries. By becoming almost an expert in it, you’re best placed to advise how Out of Home can address specific industry needs.”

With the telecoms industry a prime example of technical advancements revolutionising an industry, we asked Colin about the similar rapid technological changes in Out of Home and what he thinks the industry will look like in the future.

“Out of Home is in a good place, and the industry is only going to keep on growing and expanding. Whilst consumer habits are changing faster than ever, the industry’s increase in digital means we can keep pace, and make Out of Home the best of both worlds. While the traditional appeal of the medium’s vast reach is still hugely important, digital means we can now make things contextual and more creative.  Being a one-to-many channel gives brands the opportunity to tap into those moments we all share together, and capture the feeling of that particular place at that specific time.