Let your talent shine through

The right combination of talent and personality is just as important as good qualifications in the creative industries, according to one of the region’s leading marketing agencies.

Creative director of Clarity Creation Mark Fraser explained: “While qualifications are important, they’re not always essential if you’re a talented and outgoing designer. My advice to anyone trying to break into the creative industry is to let potential employers see your creative talent. Don’t be put off if you haven’t lots of qualifications. I’ve employed many designers on the strength of their ability.



“If you’re gifted at something then it will always shine through.”



Clarity Creation was born from a buyout of the creative division of Paver Downes by web company Gap Infomeda.



A large percentage of the team has worked together before, and many have been headhunted because of their skills.



“We’ve employed new staff but we’ve also enlisted some of the original team, because personality and the ability to communicate well with other colleagues really helps in this industry,” explained Mark.



“Often people just ‘fit’ with the team, plus some of the staff wanted to come back and work with people they know and trust.”



Mark worked at Paver Downes in the 1990s and after being employed at some of the most prestigious agencies in the North West he returned to the firm last year. He now heads the creative division and is responsible for recruiting talented designers to join the team.



He said: “I’m a copywriter myself but think very visually – the two have to work together to produce a successful piece of marketing.”



Although he doesn’t have a great number of qualifications himself, Mark is living proof that determination and in-depth understanding of ‘how it all works’ can go a long way in this exciting industry.

“If you’ve got talent then you can work your way up once you’ve got a foot in the door, although you must be extremely driven to succeed in this industry,” he said.