Leighton Howl

Writing about myself is always an interesting task. But it's a good one because it makes me think about my strengths, my weakness, where I've been and where I'm going. I was going to write about my skills and views on communication trends here and overseas, then I read Internet research that said people only have 39 seconds to make an impression. So I better be quick.

I have been in the creative industries of design, advertising and interiors for eight years. It all started when I landed a role at Ogilvy in Auckland, not long after finishing my visual communications degree down in Wellington. After that I shot off to London for three years, worked in over 30 agencies and got a strong understanding of what made the good ones good and the bad ones bad. The simple answer is people. Seems pretty simple to most but it's amazing how many businesses undervalue their staff (as well as the ideas they generate). With a strong understanding of how agencies worked and the great ideas they generated for clients, I returned to the NZ ad scene.

The plan was to work full time but after various freelance stints I realised that contracting was a better option. Okay, so you don’t have the same sense of security but like any good artist you have your skills, creativity and freedom to try things (and focus on the one job at hand instead of a whole list). This thinking is what ultimately led me to set up The Pond, a business that helps independent creatives find creative independence.