Angela Carrington - Managing Director, The Bigger Picture Agency Ltd
Did you always envisage a career in the Marketing and Media Industry?
When I decided to study photography at university after a year out, I knew that I was going to work in the creative industries. I was very torn before that as I was interested in lots of very different potential careers, from the armed forces to philosophy!
What has been your career path so far?
Studio photographer > Photography degree > Photography Lecturer > Graphic Design/Print > Photographer > Director/Producer > Creative Consultant.
What have been the biggest challenges you have faced so far?
The death of the print industry and the last major recession in 2008/9 forced my hand to switch back to photography. It was probably the biggest blessing in disguise but it certainly didn’t feel that way at the time! I’m not ashamed to say that I’ve been through quite a journey to where I am now. From enormous success in my 20’s, difficult times in my early 30’s, then a period of rebuilding and thriving once again. If you’re not prepared to adapt and alter course when required, then you run the danger of stagnating creatively or even potentially failing.
Which fictional media character can you most relate to?
I often joke around on shoots and whip out a few Austin Powers quotes.
What is your greatest strength?
Creatively I would say the ability to know what will work for a client – a deep understanding of industry and people means I can see what will work for them and make them stand out from the crowd. Businesswise I would say resilience.
What is your biggest weakness?
Being kind to people that don’t deserve it!
What has been your proudest achievement?
This is an easy one. Naturally I feel proud when I see our work on billboards and advertising campaigns, but the single proudest achievement for me is to have formed two media companies (one print, one digital) that have provided a living to many other creatives and specialists over the last 24 years. From employing apprentices right at the start of their journey, through to senior creative hires. I get a buzz from the pressure and the responsibility of that.
What are your future career aspirations?
I’m definitely more of a creative consultant than a photographer these days, and that definitely floats my boat!
What is the best piece of business advice you have been given?
Transfer a portion of money into your savings account every month. You need to build financial resilience into every company.
How do you see your industry evolving in the next 10 years?
AI is going to change the world. Not just our industry.
How do you like to unwind?
I like to play music, listen to music, watch live music and sometimes DJ. I can also often be spotted on a boat on the Tyne or up at Kielder Water with the Maritime Volunteer Service.
www.thisisthebiggerpicture.co.uk