Weeknotes 25.7 - teamwork
What's been happening in the community this week.
Are strategy/creative teams a thing?
A question posed on LinkedIn this week prompted me to think about the power of collaboration, when you’re an independent. Art Director / Copywriter combos used to be the mainstay of the advertising industry for decades. But the power of a pair feels under-utilised by independents.
Many years ago, When I was working in innovation in a well-known advertising agency that were trying to lean into digital, we paired technology with planners, to explore new concepts. Strategy teams + Insight teams have always so closely together, that sometimes the lines are blurred. Strategy and Copywriting often goes hand in hand for brand work. I think we all recognise the benefits of collaboration - not least, having someone to sense check and push your thinking.
But it might come with challenges when you’re self-employed - is it twice the cost for the client? How do you know who to trust when bringing someone else into a team? Is one person the contract holder?
I believe partnerships are the secret sauce in self-employment - having A.N.Other to bounce ideas off, pick things up when you’re not able, and just have your back, yet alone the additional capabilities which they bring to you and your project - it feels like the most successful microbusinesses I’ve seen are most often a pairing.
And many reject the term ‘freelancer’, as it feels commoditised, and doesn’t reflect the business value they’re bringing or relationship they want to forge with their clients. They’re a business, not an individual on a laptop. And having collaborators and partners unlocks the ability to deliver larger, and perhaps more impactful projects.
It’s one of the reasons community is so valuable in independence - I think - to have a ready-made group of people that perhaps you’ve already chatted with, seen their work, and are a warmer starting point for a conversation.
Independence doesn’t have to mean doing it alone.
Who have you partnered with, and what did it add to your practise?
Who joined this week?
Each week, I’ll try to profile one of our members, so you get to know each other better, and find folk you might want to connect to. Shout if you fancy having your face here.
Hey, I’m Oscar.
I’m a brand strategist, specialising in both design and advertising, with a solid background in social, customer, and digital strategy. I’ve just moved from Sydney to London and am looking for a Senior Strategist or Associate Strategy Director role. I’ve worked at a mix of global award-winning agencies, from TVC agencies like TBWA\MAL to independents like DEPT and Howatson+Company.
With all this experience, I’m clear on the type of agency I want to work with: one that’s focused on long-term brand vision and creates work that builds lasting brand awareness. This can be TVC, OOH, social, CX, influencer, you name it.
What projects from 2024 are you especially proud of?
Canon: I helped shift Canon’s brand to appeal to a younger audience. Watch this space - exciting things are coming. ;)
Durex in Southeast Asia: I worked on strategising solutions to help Durex solve its penetration issues in Southeast Asia. And by "penetration," I mean market. The real challenge was cultural barriers, and the solution? Make purchasing condoms a type of foreplay.
What type of projects/clients are you looking to focus on in 2025?
In 2025, I’m eager to work with clients who are ambitious and understand that taking a leap during uncertain times will create more opportunities than ever.
I’m particularly drawn to long-term projects that may take a while to develop but will have a lasting impact.
Some things I’m reading/consuming/loving at the moment:
Bagels (seriously, I just moved to London from Sydney, and bread is life)
Vintage film photography
And did I mention… bread?
» Connect with Oscar via LinkedIn or say hello in the slack.
Curiosity Stream
What are you reading, thinking, seeing, feeling, doing? Post something in the chat to share, or in #curiositystream on the slack. Thanks to Joel, Ellie, and Willem for sharing. I’d like to start sharing some of our work and side projects, or just something you want to share. Message me.
» The End of the Subscription Era is Coming
» “the marketing funnel is dead”. Didn’t it die already in 2004?
» Oh, and again: Gen Z broke the marketing funnel
» AI powered news has major issues
Workplace of the Week.
I’m sat in Saint Nine, Southwark, UK. Costa Rican coffee on the go. Tiny stools, so I’m having to half-balance, half-stand. But the coffee is worth it.
Tell us where you’re sat, who you’re working with, what you’re drinking and thinking.
Gig Digest
Every week, we share a list of roles found and shared via the the community. Some are directly from businesses who come directly to share their briefs with us. You can get these in real-time if you’re on whatsapp, telegram and slack.
Freelance Midweight Strategists (London,UK)
https://outsideperspective.co/gigs/20252401-london.htmlImmediate cover for strategy role (London, UK)
https://outsideperspective.co/gigs/20250214-iris.htmlfreelance creative strategist fluent in English and Japanese (UK)
https://outsideperspective.co/gigs/20250213-japanese.htmlstrategy director who loves Formula 1 and football (London,UK)
https://outsideperspective.co/gigs/20250213-f1.htmlCommerce Strategist (NC, USA)
https://outsideperspective.co/gigs/20250213-commerce.htmlFreelance Brand Strategy Directors (London,UK)
https://outsideperspective.co/gigs/20250212-craft.htmlSenior Change Communications Consultant (UK)
https://outsideperspective.co/gigs/20250212-change.htmlBrand Strategist with gaming / brand book experience (London, UK)
https://outsideperspective.co/gigs/20250211-brand.htmlStrategy Director with gaming exp. (Amsterdam,NL)
https://outsideperspective.co/gigs/20250211-akqa.htmlFreelance Strategist - YouTube Advertising Campaigns (UK)
https://outsideperspective.co/gigs/20250210-youtube.htmlOpen Call: Strategists (Chicago, Illinois)
https://outsideperspective.co/gigs/20250210-sing.htmlfreelance media planner (North Carolina, US)
https://outsideperspective.co/gigs/20250210-media.htmlInternal Communications Freelancers with fs or insurance exp (London,UK)
https://outsideperspective.co/gigs/20250210-internal-comms.htmlSenior Content Strategist (Remote)
https://outsideperspective.co/gigs/20250210-huge.htmlSocial Media Strategist (volunteer) (Remote,Netherlands)
https://outsideperspective.co/gigs/20250210-fearless.htmlContent Strategist 1y FTC (Berlin, DE)
https://outsideperspective.co/gigs/20250208-ra.html
That’s all for this week.
mk ✌️
Attorneys bill down to 15 minutes, why shouldn't we!