DROPBOX Q&A WITH CHRIS ROWSON: TEAM BUILDER, MAKER, SPONGE

©TWBA

Chris Rowson is the head of design and group creative director at TBWA in New York, which is one of the most storied and successful creative agencies in the world. The firm has a knack for surprising, disruptive work, and Rowson has played a big role in many of the agency’s campaigns. Dropbox has sat down with Rowson to discuss where he finds creative inspiration, how he thinks about teamwork, and what advice he has for the next generation of creators.

In the interview he is talking about finding inspiration and generating new ideas. The cliché of hard work is true. However, in order to create a groundbreaking idea, an outstanding team is vital, too. "You need the right people on your side," he says. Sometimes the concepts come from him, sometimes the concepts come from a typographer, strategist, or photographer. It is about creating an atmosphere that enables a fruitful exchange of thoughts and ideas.

In addition to an inspiring team, his key to creativity is to absorb as much as he can from his surroundings. "I have been called ‘the sponge’" he says, because at work he just ingests everything that everyone says. If someone says something interesting in a meeting, Chris will be Googling it on his phone, whilst trying to look like he is still listening. Follow different people on social media, read books and magazines, go to the museum, watch a play or movie, have discussions with your peers: "Be a sponge."