Carissa Jackson
Associate Creative Director at Publicis
Carissa is an Associate Creative Director at Publicis. With over a decade of experience in the advertising industry, she has gone from building independents to working the networks of global agencies, gathering awards for her craft along the way. She’s worked with major brands like KFC, Subway and BP, non-for-profits and everything in between, lifting their profiles with her conceptual style. Inside and outside of Publicis, Carissa is dedicated to educating the next generation of creative thinkers with AWARD and now here! As a woman, mother and person of colour, she advocates for diversity, equality and inclusion, and has raised awareness in industry through initiatives with Marie Claire and Fck the Cupcakes. As a creative, you’ll find her swooning over all things art, design and fashion.
Career & Background
What inspired you to do what you are doing now?
I grew up overseas watching TVC jingles in other languages, so when I visited Australia each summer the different advertising always fascinated me. My love of art and colour set me on a path to a design degree and then my curiosity about advertising took over and led me here.
What was your journey and where are you headed in your career right now?
I started in house at a cosmetics company then quickly jumped to independent agencies True Creative and Rumble Creative & Media. While I was there I learnt to wear many hats and build culture and start-ups but wanted to focus my energy on being a creative. I completed Copy School and Award School placing in the top 3. That propelled me onto global agencies, first Ogilvy where I became a creative leader and now Publicis where I’m an Associate Creative Director.
Your favourite food for thought
Books
- The Creative Act – Rick Rubin (for creative meditations)
- How do we know we’re doing it right? – Pandora Sykes (for all the juggling in your head)
- The Advertising Concept Book – Pete Barry (if you’re thinking of becoming a creative)
- The Right Brain Workout 1 + 2 – Russell Howcroft with Alex Wadleton (fun brain yoga – creativity benefits everyone)
Podcasts / Thought Leaders
I’m not a big podcaster… I mostly seek out solidarity on raising a child with a disability in this space but here are some I find interesting:
- High Low with EmRata
- Doing it Right Pandora Sykes
- Creativity Sucks
- Listenable
What drives and inspires you
What are your core values?
- Compassion
- Diversity
- Perseverance
Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
I always try to surround myself with people who inspire me, whether that’s creative leaders, friends or family. But recently it’s been my younger sisters who’s courage and confidence to speak up and proudly share their individuality that’s been inspirational to me.
You as a Mentor
Why have you decided to become a mentor?
I think you can learn a lot from observation, environment and exposure but having someone you trust to question and learn from can be invaluable. People have shared their time and knowledge with me which I’m extremely grateful for, but they didn’t always look like me or have my background so I’d love to keep sharing through my lens with whoever needs it. This is a wonderful initiative to assist more women.
What are the top 5 skills or qualities you bring to mentoring?
- Collaborative
- Empathic
- Nurturing
- Open
- Resilient
Ready to be a part of Assisterhood as a Mentee?
We are now up and running in QLD, VIC & NSW – and we’re only just getting started! Let’s shoot for the stars – together!