Gravitywho? #9 Hugo
In this series, Hugo interviews the award-winning team of creative geeks, thinkers and grafters, one by one. Today he’s temporarily passed over the interviewer baton to me so we can get to know him better.
Hi Hugo, fab to meet you. Where are you from and how long have you been at Gravitywell?
I’m originally from Bath and I’ve been at Gravitywell for 4 months. I’m (still) the newbie.
Newish maybe, but it feels like you’ve always been a part of the team. What’s your favourite part of working at Gravitywell?
The environment at Gravitywell is perfect for creative productivity, and each member of the team is not just extremely talented but lovely as well. Pepper, our newsletter-contributing studio greyhound is also a calming presence.
Agreed. Pepper is arguably at her most zen when she’s asleep on her back with her legs in the air (a.k.a roaching - bit of bonus greyhound terminology there). Who would your dream client be and what would you like to work on for them?
I’m really into menswear, so my dream client would probably be an innovative fashion platform like END. or Mr Porter, for whom I’d like to create content across various campaigns. ‘Digital Disruption’ has completely altered the landscape of fashion retail — brands who embraced digital are winning, whereas brands who didn’t will soon be an empty shop front.
As Tyra would say ‘Content creation, but make it fashion’. How did you get into your role?
In a fairly unusual way. I don’t have a strictly marketing background, but Jack and Simon gave me the opportunity to build on what they saw in me. My previous experience in sales means that I understand the end goal for most businesses, but the nuances of how to reach that goal are what I find particularly interesting. I also have a degree in music, so I’d like to think I’m creative. This certainly helps when writing and crafting interesting content.
It also helps that you can serenade your leads as well - we like to turn the Sonos off when you take those calls. What’s your advice for someone wanting to get into marketing and content creation?
Give it a go! It's multi-faceted and rewarding. I would highly recommend researching individuals/brands who are doing great work and actively learning from them. Mark Ritson and Nicolas Cole are extremely insightful, but someone I had to dig a little deeper for is Sue Jo, Social Media Coordinator for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Following the Dodgers passively on Instagram, I noticed that not only was their content great, but their engagement with fans was also exceptional. I wanted to know who the voice was behind the account, and discovered Sue.
What’s the worst thing about your role?
Keeping up with new online channels can be a challenge. You also have to be organised. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but if you’re not, the numerous elements of marketing can easily become overwhelming — SEO, PPC, content, email, social media etc. etc.
That’s a lot of juggling you have to do! What’s your favourite piece of tech and why?
I’ll admit, I’m slightly addicted to Instagram — the explore page is a social media Narnia. Not only is it the go-to place for sharing and consuming personal content, but IG is also a great platform for companies to reach their audience in a more casual, creative way.
You can be honest Hugo - we know it’s because you’re “serving lewks” on the grid. What would your dream Hackathon destination be?
South Korea, which has been high on my destination wishlist for a while. Koreans are effortlessly stylish, and I’m told the nightlife in Seoul is on another level. It’s a country rich in culture and I’m sure we wouldn’t struggle for decent internet connection either.
You’ve got my vote for the food alone - any excuse for a bibimbap. Finally, what’s Bristol’s best kept secret?
As if you needed confirmation that I’m a cliché, I recommend reclining with an exquisite flat white at No12 Easton. Not just a great cafe/deli, this is also where I hide when I’m trying to shirk my responsibilities as a parent.
