Creative Talk with Kristin Rodger

Kristin Rodger is an independent contractor, who specialises in Production Process & Operations consultancy.  She has worked with high profile agencies in Sydney, London and Auckland.  We find out why she is so good at what she does.

How did you start your career in agencies?

I started out managing workflow in an agency studio. I’ve always had great intuition and empathy – I had a knack for reading people’s stress levels and helping to manage them.

Do you find that agencies tend to hire you to fix their studio / operations?

Yep -  I’m a problem solver! I can come at operations from a really objective place, help work out the pain points, the solutions, and make it easier moving forward.

What gets you most excited when you start a new contract?

The potential! Every new contract is an opportunity to build a really positive, supportive environment that fosters great work. I mean, if you want to get the best out of people, you’ve got to be good to them - I’m a big believe in that. So it’s exciting every time I get to help put those structures in place.

Agency integration.  What does this mean to you?

Collaboration. I think there’s incredible value in agencies working together to cover more territory.
With so many contact points, it’s hard for a single agency to be a jack of all trades, collaboration allows you to offer specialist areas, while still having broad appeal.

Nothing seems to faze you – what would be a welcomed challenge?

Lol, there are always things that challenge me – I'm only human! But while you might not be able to control what shakes you, you can control how you react to it. It’s about keeping calm and working through it with logic and patience.

You are currently on contract with The Crowd Co in Sydney.  This role covers digital and content – do you find all agencies are facing the same challenges with digital integration?

The speed and volume expected with digital content is definitely pushing change across most agencies. If you don’t have the luxury of time and budgets you’re used to, traditional creative structures aren’t always feasible. There’s a definite trend towards us finding new ways of working as an industry.

Do you think you will ever put down roots, or is the nomadic work style of contracting perfect for you?

Hmmmmm…. New Zealand will always be ‘home’, and I’m sure I’ll settle long term somewhere in the future. But for now, I’m enjoying my freedom, and happy balancing positive environments, projects and people.

What would be your advice to an agency who needs process, but just doesn’t know where to start?

The sooner you start, the better. The longer you go without clear process, the more problems can be engrained. Talk to someone who can help you figure it out and focus on it. Process creates efficiency and allows more time for creative thinking.

If you could change your career and pick any job, what would it be and where?

There are so many things I love doing, it’s hard to pick just one.  It would need to be a place where I can love and nurture people and the environment, a place where I can help people heal and enjoy the simple things.  I am very passionate about my Yoga and sustainable living, anything that allows me to help the environment, people and animals, watch this space.  And since tequila is my weakness, so maybe I could start a little tequila bar….. everyone can dream.

2018 will be….

Well, the best way to predict the future is to create it. So that’s what I’m doing. I have great plans for 2018, and I’m looking forward to living them.