On My Radar: Geoff Gower

As executive creative director at digital agency ais London, and part of the three-strong board that runs the agency, Geoff Gower has creatively spearheaded award-winning campaigns for Harrisons Fund, Škoda and most recently, the Alzheimer’s Research UK campaign fronted by the late Terry Pratchett. 

Below, he talks to shots about his day-to-day inspirations in our latest creative Radar interview.

What’s the best ad campaign you’ve seen recently?

I can't think of a stand out ad campaign that I've seen recently, which is a bit of a worry; however, the iPhone 6 World Gallery looks really impressive. Generally though, the stuff I think is best is the stuff that does more than an ad, like Clever Buoy by Optus or the missing letters campaign for giving blood [NHS Blood and Transplant: Missing Type] that's running at the moment. 

What website(s) do you use most regularly and why?

I can never decide if I should move house so I'm perpetually browsing Rightmove for an amazing, brilliantly located and conveniently under-valued property. However, for work purposes and a good perspective on advertising and creativity, I'm a fan of Ben Kay's blog [If This Is A Blog Then What's Christmas?].

What’s the most recent piece of tech that you’ve bought and why?

I don't think I've bought a piece of tech since my iPad which has made commuting almost bearable.  

Facebook, Instagram or Twitter?

I like a bit of all of them, but I'm not a tweeter or a poster - I'm more of a peeker.

What’s your favourite app on your phone and why?

I have set myself the unimpressive goal of completing Farm Heroes, despite loathing it and myself for sticking with it.

What’s your favourite TV show and why?

I’ve just finished watching Gomorrah and the fact that it is broadcast in Italian, adds a sort of operatic element to what is already an unbelievably well written, well made and well acted piece of film. It's so good that it doesn’t feel like you’re watching TV at all, you can totally believe in it.

What film do you think everyone should have seen?

Ted.

Where were you when inspiration last struck?

Assuming you're not talking about the daily struggle of where to go for lunch, I have my best ideas during creative conversations and meetings.

What’s the most significant change you’ve witnessed in the industry since you started working in it?

Frustratingly, the main change is that the opportunities to do interesting work is greater than ever, however, our ability to take advantage of those opportunities in this country is lower than ever. Also, young people drink less too, which makes it much harder to live vicariously through them; it’s very disappointing.

If there was one thing you could change about the advertising industry, what would it be?

I'd like people to spend less time finding reasons not to do things and more time saying yes; just give things a go.

What or who has most influenced your career and why?

Leaving university without a job forced me to set up a digital agency with two friends, which is pretty much exactly what I'm doing now.

Tell us one thing about yourself that most people won’t know…

I accidentally ended up delivering two of my children (with the help of my wife obviously).