A Chat With a Dreamer #2

Would you please introduce yourself?

Hi, Jim Downie here. I’ve been a Creative Director at 3 of Scotland’s top award-winning agencies, and at various times managed over 8 Creative teams of 2. I’ve always strived with my department to produce fresh ideas that get noticed and talked about. Anything else is just a waste of clients money.

How and why did I get into Advertising?

I started as an apprentice in a Printing Company. After 4 years, I went to Edinburgh Art College, studying Graphic Design. After that, I worked in 2 Graphic Design Companies, designing brochures, packaging and printed work. I then, through an ad my Mum tore out of the newspaper, applied for a job in MaCallum Advertising, where I worked, before moving on to Hall Advertising.

Hall’s was very small, 14 or so people, but grew to be the largest agency in Scotland with over 120 employees. Needing a fresh challenge, I joined the small but very creative Leith Agency. This again grew to be the biggest in Scotland.

Which campaigns are you most proud of? 

I loved working on Tennent’s Lager Campaign “I’ve GoT Mine” This ran for over 5 years on TV, Posters, and Press Ads.

I’ve always strived with my department to produce fresh ideas that get noticed and talked about. Anything else is just a waste of clients money.

Which city has inspired you most?

Probably New York, where much of the great advertising has been created. But London comes close.

If you could only choose 1 painting or photograph to hang on your wall, what would it be?

Tough one, but anything by Andy Warhol would do nicely.

If you could give your 16-year-old self some career advice, what wisdom would you share?

Don’t give in. Make up your mind what your goal is, and follow your dream, no matter how long it takes or how hard it seems.

Why does daydreaming matter to you?

Daydreaming is not pie in the sky, it’s real. It speaks to you of things that are always possible. Go out and do it.

Jim has shared with us a presentation to provide insights into his interests and influences, which shaped his life and career. Please click here to download the document.

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A Chat With a Dreamer is our ongoing series of short interviews with people who like to be part of the revolution and reimagination of how we teach and learn. If you would like to contribute to this series, please get in touch.