Kristin McCluskey

🚨 Are you an undergrad or graduate who is interested in understanding what PR is really about? Are you keen to learn about how to create viral social media content, how to build influencer campaigns or how your natural passions in fashion, politics or even climate change can be linked to a career in PR? If the answer is yes, then join our virtual insight programme and Step into PR! What to expect? 🌟 An Introduction to Public Relations 🌟 Insights into Consumer PR, Campaigns, Digital , Corporate PR, Public Affairs & Behaviour Design (to name a few!) 🌟 Gaining an understanding of what a career in PR can look like 🌟 Tips on applying for entry-level job and internship opportunities Applications are open until October 21st 2024 (11.59pm) and applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis! Learn more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/ecM5KH5F #insights #entrylevel #gradopportunities #studentopportunities #publicrelations #publicaffairs #technology #policy

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Social Spotlight: Sisters and Seekers In today's fast-paced world of social media, it's essential for brands to carve out their own space amidst the noise. We think UK-based clothing brand "Sisters and Seekers" are doing fantastic on socials with their unique, relatable and engaging content. Anna Corkill, their social media manager, has been smashing it! Here's why: 🛍️ Crafting a Distinct Identity - Sisters and Seekers boasts a consistent brand aesthetic that sets them apart from the rest, earning them recognition. 🛍️ Visual Storytelling - Their engaging content speaks volumes, drawing audiences in and keeping them entertained and coming back for more. 🛍️ Fostering Community Bonds - Building a tight-knit community lies at the heart of Sisters and Seekers' social media strategy, fostering connections that extend beyond purchasing behaviour. 🛍️ Embracing Authenticity - With transparent communication and genuine interactions, Sisters and Seekers builds trust and loyalty among their followers. 🛍️ Diverse Content Strategy - From unique and engaging content, Sisters and Seekers ensures their content remains fresh, relatable and in tune with their consumers by clearly listening to their community and who is engaging with their brand. #socialmedia #socialmediamarketing #digitalcreativeagency #agencyedinburgh

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Nowadays, how much does Instagram really influence where we choose to eat? Are we selecting venues based on the quality of the food, or are we increasingly prioritising aesthetics and social media appeal? The rise of Instagram has undoubtedly shaped the way restaurants are designed, moving from merely functional spaces to highly visual, ‘Instagrammable’ environments that practically beg to be posted. This raises an interesting question: are we losing sight of practical, enjoyable dining in favour of eye-catching decor designed for social media? Or are we simply embracing a new, experience-driven way of dining that blends the visual with the culinary? One thing’s for sure—the way restaurants are designed today is vastly different from just a decade ago. From neon-lit Instagram walls to immersive, over-the-top interiors like those seen at Big Mamma Group restaurants, the focus on creating sharable, visually stunning spaces seems here to stay. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gyFjD-aw Visit our website: www.hopsy.co.uk Credit: The Independent #RestaurantDesign #InteriorDesign #Instagrammable #FoodieLife #DiningExperience #SocialMediaTrends #AestheticGoals #InfluencerCulture #LuxuryDining #RestaurantTrends

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Creative Director / Senior DD (branding) Salary: £82-105k Start: asap We are looking for an exceptional Creative Director, to join a highly coveted global branding agency, with an enviable reputation. The agency believes in creating an environment where people can bring their whole selves to work. They are interested in people having diverse points of view and different perspectives on the world. They set out to equip people with the knowledge, confidence and tools to do the best work of their lives. Their purpose is to help people create transformative brands that push businesses, people and the world forward. They have agency has exceptional taste levels, and a focus on big brand transformation projects, you folio must reflect both these elements. 1:Soft skills: emotional intelligence / pastoral care; communicate day-to-day challenges with ease, regardless of what is on the table, always able to listen and support. 2:Branding agency background ESSENTIAL (NOT campaigns), with T shaped skills to motion, digital, 3D and even exploring AI . 3: Portfolio – branding, purist design and graphics and great on craft, showing the journey and conceptual side, value of strategy and how it plays into the bigger picture… not only final visuals. The agency expects the CD’s to shape projects by skilfully navigating a broad range of brand and business issues and delivering consistently as the backbone of the team. Hands-on and versatile: going deep to ensure tangible impact, guiding and supporting others, providing resilience in the face of ambiguity and change. You are / have: - enriched in ‘doing the do’, with an insightful conceptual brain, able to hit the ground running - a finger on the pulse of culture, trends. - ideate to produce concepts that can be activated across all channels, to help bring them to life - push boundaries; you always seek to push the work further, having the ability to understand the core issue and trust your judgement. - able to demonstrate your versatility and ability to work and lead a team across a range of touchpoints be it print, motion, online or physical spaces - enjoy learning new things at pace and often on the job; you take the initiative to gain further sight from multiple mediums - to lead large, complex and multi-streamed projects and pitches transform creative strategy into a singular, compelling and creative story - to ensure the quality of work produced exceeds standards as well as client expectations - be confident strategically and challenge thinking on how it could align with design - to mentor Designers, Senior Designers and Associate CD’s - to listen; take the time to understand your team’s motivations, viewpoints and differences - be confident in your capabilities and remain calm when working under pressure or with senior stakeholders - resolve any conflicts with empathy but put work at the heart of what you do Please send your folio to [email protected] quoting REF: CDWS in the subject line.

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Meet our talented rising star Malika Saggi, a fantastic creative. She shares some of her insights and views about #marketing and #graphicdesign in the interview below. 💙 💚 1. What is your role at Bridgehead Consultancy? As a Marketing Associate specialising in graphic design and visuals, I handle a wide range of creative tasks that support our various business units. My responsibilities include attending meetings and briefings to understand project requirements, managing and engaging with our social media accounts, and creating compelling graphics. Additionally, I assist with photography edits, design LinkedIn banners, and craft professional documents and presentations. I also help develop brochures, tenders, branding materials, and templates for social media posts and newsletters. Overall, my role involves utilising Adobe Creative Suite, to ensure that all our design needs are met with creativity and precision. 2. What is your favourite part about your job and working here? One of the aspects I truly enjoy about my role at Bridgehead is the variety in the work we do. We have eight different business units, each with unique marketing and design needs. This diversity keeps the work exciting and challenging, allowing me to apply my skills in various contexts. Our team is another highlight—everyone is incredibly supportive, and we work together like a family. For me, the best part of my job is the creative freedom I have in my design work. I love experimenting with new ideas and tackling challenges head-on, knowing I have the flexibility to explore different design approaches.z 3. What advice do you have for someone who is just starting a career in marketing? For anyone beginning a career in marketing, my advice is to stay focused and committed to continuous learning. Marketing is a dynamic field, so it’s essential to keep up with the latest trends and technologies. Set clear goals and be open to exploring various aspects of marketing and design. Staying up-to-date with software and market trends is crucial, and don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. The more you push your boundaries, the more you’ll grow as a professional. 4. How do you like to spend your free time? In my free time, I like to stay productive and organised. I enjoy keeping my environment tidy, as it helps me maintain a clear and focused mind. I love to read and make it a point to learn something new every day, no matter how small it may seem. Yoga and meditation are also important to me, as they keep me grounded and balanced. I also love to travel and make sure to stay connected with family and friends, which brings me a lot of joy. Thank you Malika.  #creative #marketing #graphicdesign #storytelling

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I’m looking to speak to the leading Creative Technologists in the market… Over the past few months, I’ve spent time speaking to Agency & Brand Leaders… A few takeaways, that suggests the skills of a Creative Technologists will be needed within their teams more than ever; ·      Help devise a roadmap around AI Tool selection / customisation and implementation. This stretches across; Content (Image / Video), Insights & Strategy, CX, Project Management and other functions. ·      Pitching (Agencies) – A Creative Technologist is an invaluable asset to the pitch process. Help deliver a pitch quicker with AI ideation that stands up to scrutiny. You can create “WOW” factor by delivering An AI MVP (simplified version of an AI product) that inspires a potential client. Move over PowerPoint and bring a winning pitch to life in the room. ·      R&D (Enterprise Brands) – There’s a growing need for a Fractional Creative Technologist to pivot between CMO and CTO. These big brands need guidance with a view on what’s possible in the future. How can their Brand move at the same lightening pace as the developing Tech? What have I missed? Reach out to me if you’re a Creative Technologist who can bring these skills (and more) to a growing number of Agencies /Brands that are ready to benefit from your expertise. If you are a Brand or Agency leader and want to learn more – contact me on [email protected] #creativetechnology #GenAI #AI #Freelance #Fractional #technologist

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A lot of companies seek out clever ways to encourage more email newsletter signups, Cadbury UK is no different – Here's a recent one I love almost as much as their products! 🍫 Cadbury has released a new Gen-AI powered tool that puts your face (albeit a little different) on one if its classic posters. My Cadbury Era is a fun way for Cadbury to celebrate its 200th anniversary, and get some signups to the marketing newsletter in the process. VCCP is the agency behind the campaign which allows users to upload selfies and choose their era from one of seven Cadbury ads. Needless to say, I had to give this a go and hand over my precious details – my likeness included – to the purple-robed powers that be. #Marketing #MarketingIdeas #ContentMarketing #Cadbury #MyCadburyEra #AI

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Its so hard for new entrants to the industry to know who all the agencies are, to know where opportunities are, to know what events are happening... So there is a new Discord page where juniors looking to enter the industry can go to find out what's happening, BUT, the Discord page needs the industry to post opportunities, events, training and anything else that might be of interest to junior talent! So if you haven't already please go and join the Discord page and if you see something that juniors should know about post it on the Discord page! https://lnkd.in/e2atb5gQ

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Meet Alice, HLG’s Junior Designer and Copywriter. Alice actually studied Illustration at the illustrious Leeds Arts University. Graduating with a first, she swooped straight into a job in Social media and Marketing, where her background as a visual artist made her an adept content creator. When she joined us in 2021 to learn the ropes in Graphic Design, she was already equipped with an array of rough-and-ready skills, from writing social posts to stop-motion to After Effects. We took her archaic mix of abilities and honed them for design- and the rest is history.  At home, Alice collects hobbies like trading cards, getting involved in an annoying variety of performing arts, sports and events. Her most consistent muse is writing, which she didn’t realise until recently was an asset to her professional life. After this epiphany, we asked Alice if she’d also like to put her penmanship to use and support the team with some copywriting. With her previous experience on social and a few years on the comedy scene under her belt the words flowed from her fingertips: giving a punchy rhythm to social posts, website copy and client blogs. If you’re enjoying these profiles, then she isn’t doing a bad job. If you’re not - she didn’t write them. #MarketingAgency #Motion #Animation #PrintDesign #Marketing #WebsiteManagement #Marketing #LiverpoolBusiness #Branding #Designer #GraphicDesigner #DesignAgency #BrandCreation #CopyWriting #Illustrator

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Unemployed creatives - it’s important to stand out - But not like this 👇 I received this email last week. And whilst it's crazy, it’s obvious people applying to creative roles really struggle to know where to start. So as someone who has read HUNDREDS of creative CVs, I thought I’d write the low down on exactly how to apply for a creative job. Please share this with any creative person looking for work right now. 1. Don’t be too formal… but don’t do THAT ↳ A massive red flag is overly formal language in your cover letter. I need to know you can talk to the team, and clients like a human. 2. It’s not about what you want, it’s about the value you can bring ↳ Lead with why you’d be useful to the business and why you’d enjoy being here. 3. Spark over skills ↳ We’re on the lookout for people who ‘get it’, not people who know it all. 4. Make it easy ↳ Make it super easy for employers to see your portfolio. Spend time on it. It’ll help. Have I missed anything here? Also how should I reply? If you liked this, repost it to your network and remember to follow Joden Newman.

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From Uni Grad to Market Research Maven: Lessons from My Sustainable Fashion Startup When Emma launched her eco-friendly fashion brand fresh out of university, she quickly realised that passion alone wouldn't cut it. Thorough market research became my secret weapon, but as a young entrepreneur, she had to get creative with limited resources. In her latest blog post, she's pulling back the curtain on my market research journey, sharing practical tips for fellow young founders who are navigating these waters: 🔑 Key insights: > How to define your target market (hint: look beyond your immediate circle) > Clever ways to analyse competitors on a shoestring budget > Why your age can be your secret advantage in understanding trends Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a startup enthusiast, or simply curious about the inner workings of a sustainable business, this post offers a candid look at the research that shapes a startup. Read the full story here: https://wix.to/rLF0YTE Remember, in the startup world, knowledge truly is power. Let's learn and grow together! #YoungEntrepreneurs #MarketResearch #StartupTips #SustainableBusiness #NewFounder #AspiringEntrepreneur #YoungFounder #MarketResearch #Entrepreneurship #BeYourOwnBoss #Pulse #PulseIsHere

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Following yesterday’s announcement of our first industry-specific course—SEO for Wedding Photographers—we’re thrilled to introduce another initiative to make our training even more accessible! Today, we’re launching 'Pay What You Feel' pricing on our courses, giving everyone the opportunity to build their SEO skills—regardless of budget. Whether you’re a small business owner, freelancer, or just starting out, we believe that high-quality SEO training should be available to all. While we’ve set a small minimum fee to keep things sustainable, after that, it’s entirely up to you. Pay what you can afford or what you feel the course is worth to you. With this approach, we’re hoping to reach and support as many people as possible, helping them unlock the potential of SEO without financial barriers holding them back. Ready to invest in your future? Visit our website to learn more about this initiative, explore our courses, and start learning—at your price, on your terms. https://lnkd.in/er_s3kh7

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Yes. The wider issue concerns joining up good quality data with an appropriate narrative for the company and their specific products and services. One can collect good data that doesn't support the end narrative that is deployed. I saw this when I was a a uni professor... the times we'd have the comms office write a press release for an academic paper and I'd have to hold on to their feet.... "That's a fantastic story, but the data don't support points two and five". This is normal, and businesses just need experts to hold on to their feet when making green claims. THEN, they can confidently grasp sustainability opportunities. #esg #greenwashing #biodiversity

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Repeat client Ammar Bashoeb recognises the benefits of having professionally produced, up-to-date career branded collateral. We've worked together several times now, to ensure that his career documentation (including his LinkedIn profile) reflect his career progression and ambitions. 🛎As a career brand consultant that has assisted a range of professionals to amplify their career prospects, please book an appointment if you'd like to discuss your future plans/objectives. Also feel free to follow me on LinkedIn and subscribe to my newsletter, for regular career branding tips and advice. #careerbranding #careerdevelopment #linkedinprofileoptimisation #resumewriting

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Is your PR agency's climate policy a turn off for top-talent? In 2024, our PR salary guide showed that 60% of the PR industry care if their agency works with a fossil fuel giant, Havas were stripped of their B Corp status because of their work with Shell and the UN Secretary general called for creative agencies to stop greenwashing. Based on these points alone, having no climate policy (let alone working with fossil fuel giants) is affecting your talent attraction. Check out my article on CIPR Influence to gain tips on how to boost your talent retention (and attraction) with a climate positive policy. https://lnkd.in/ewFJ2GwH

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💡Tip Thursday- How breaking social norms can work This week we look at SURREAL, the UK cereal brand who are gaining huge traction across social media platforms. 🔥 Their marketing strategy is striking gold across Instagram and LinkedIn because of its fun, unique nature. Their attitude toward promotion and design is minimal which is what makes them stand out.⚡️ What are some other brands you have noticed rising on social media?👇 #MarketingStrategy #RippleMarketing #SocialMediaTips #MarketingAgency #Creative #DigitalMarketingTips

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Check out my latest blog ⬇ #Blog #EarlyCareers #GradLife

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Do you notice the amount of waste on the floor at events? Well of-course we do, and so do the event organisers we work with. So working with events like Appelpop for over 3 years now has been a very rewarding experience as we have helped the event organisers go from walking on an ocean of rubbish to virtually untouched ground. “After the first day of the festival my eye fell upon the ground and immediately I notieced how clean the floor was. There were so little cups on the floor. I’d like to thank our visitors and our cup to cup partners King, What A Waste! and Rubbish Ideas” - Max Schroot (Organiser) We helped Appelpop setup a cup to cup recycling system in 2022 and have been measuring their increasingly good performance with The Rubbish Portal ever since! If you run an event and would like support setting up circular (reusable, closed loop, etc) systems at your event, or measuring your results then please get in touch. #CupToCup #RubbishPortal #Appelpop2024

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