Meet the NSW Mentors
Jessica Roberts

What inspired you to do what you are doing now?

Advertising doesn’t have the best reputation but commercial creativity challenges us to find solutions to everyday problems. Every brief is different but they all ask us to understand people and to connect and entertain them.

Could you tell us a bit about your professional background and where you are headed in your career right now?

After completing my bachelor’s degree in Visual Communications (in Adelaide), I began my career as a graphic designer. A few years later, I moved to Sydney to pursue advertising. I completed AWARD School, and began working at Ogilvy. Over the years I’ve worked at agencies including BMF, Special, Clemenger and M&C. And on a huge range of clients, everything from Aldi to Tourism New Zealand, Australian Government, Uber and Bonds.

I spent a year in San Francisco working as a creative at a media company and learning all about media tech and it’s creative applications.

I’ve tutored AWARD School for several years, and am always happy to give my time and expertise to people trying to find their way in advertising.

What are your core values?

• Authenticity
• Creativity
• Kindness
• Vulnerability
• Wellbeing

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?

Right now it’s Fred Again (cliche I know) but he’s created an entire genre of music that is all about collaboration, and experimentation. I would love to see the inner workings of his brain!