Sean Stembridge - CEO of Creative Chameleon
Did you always envisage a career in the Media industry?
Not at all. Growing up, I was encouraged to follow a career in IT as “that was where the money was for my generation”, that may have been true, but it certainly wasn’t where my happiness was.
I’ve always been creative, which led me to start Creative Chameleon. I wanted to satisfy my artistic side and utilise my IT skillset, so I started designing and developing websites at Uni. From this Creative Chameleon was born. I couldn’t have imagined 20 years later, I would still be running a design agency servicing clients across the globe.
What has been your career path so far?
My career path has certainly been winding. I started in IT, which I enjoyed for over a decade. During that time, I founded Creative Chameleon. I’d work 40-50 hours in my IT role and another 40-50 hours building my own business (I was much younger with much more energy back then!). I eventually realised that I woke up in the morning wanting to design, not to build servers.
Many think these careers are opposites, but the skill sets have strong overlaps. For example, I’ve always taken a problem, analysed it, and implemented a solution. Now I do it with a strategic and design solution instead of technology.
What have been the biggest challenges you have faced so far?
I am dyslexic, which mainly held me back in my early schooling. In later life, although dyslexia does pose challenges, I realised that it was a superpower to be embraced. It actually enhances my ability to be a great designer and business builder. Grammarly has definitely become my best friend!
Who do you most respect in your industry?
I love designers who are pushing the boundaries and exploring new directions.
Which fictional media character can you most relate to?
I could be a budget version of Sherlock Holmes, analytical, and I thrive on solving problems.
What is your greatest strength?
I have two strengths: I am an adaptive problem solver and I’m stubborn- my wife may say that one is a weakness! I can dissect challenges and build solutions, plus, I won’t stop until I’ve found the best solution.
What is your biggest weakness?
I always say that designers are a complex mix of ego and insecurity, and I am no exception. Accepting criticism is something I continue to work on.
What has been your proudest achievement?
Career-wise, my proudest achievement is running Creative Chameleon, founding an agency which has been going strong for two decades and has doubled in size in the last couple of years. Considering the current business landscape, that has certainly reassured me that we’re doing great work.
What are your future career aspirations?
I aspire to continue adapting and growing Creative Chameleon to ensure its longevity. I am one of the lucky ones; I have a job I (mostly) love doing.
How do you see your industry evolving in the next 10 years?
In the next 10 years, the creative industry will undergo a transformative journey driven by AI. Despite initial scepticism, AI is starting to prove its ability to revolutionise even the most artistic of sectors. As we embrace this technology, our approach to design and problem-solving will be reshaped. This will unlock opportunities and create many challenges for those working in the sector. We need to brace ourselves for an exciting and unpredictable ride as we navigate the uncharted territory of this AI-infused future.
How do you like to unwind?
I should have put this in my weakness section-I can find it hard to unwind! I always say that I am lucky to get paid for doing my hobby. Otherwise, walking the dog and working out help me to relax.
