Client: Eulogy Locations: Fairmont St Andrews, The George (Edinburgh), W Edinburgh Shoot date: September 2024 Photographer: Viktoriia Telfer
BIO: Viktoriia is a people- and experience-focused photographer, with interior and hospitality spaces being a key part of her creative portfolio. With Ukrainian heritage and a passion for storytelling through imagery, she specialises in showcasing the soul of environments while also celebrating the people who bring these spaces to life. Her portfolio highlights her work with prestigious hospitality brands, including IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott, Fairmont and Marine & Lawn Hotels & Restaurants.
Her photography brings out the intricate details, inviting ambiances, and distinctive character of each property, with a style characterised by an uplifting and intriguing approach. When not behind the lens, she explores Scotland’s historic landscapes with her husband and two huskies, drawing inspiration from the rich textures and stories of her surroundings.
What was about the initial brief that intrigued you?
Okay, so this wasn’t your typical photography gig. Three hotels, three days, one client – talk about a creative marathon! I’ve done plenty of hotel shoots before, but this was different. Usually, I’m all about diving into a hotel’s history, but this time, the brief was to showcase the pure, awesome essence of each space to make sure people are enticed (in an aesthetic way) to book their stays.
What were your first steps when it came to breaking down the brief and formulating your ideas?
I had a great set of initial references from the client of “must-haves” , and they expressed what they loved about my personal shooting style so I had free reign on styling.I did what I always do: get on Pinterest and create my own visual playground. I’m not one to just rely on a random burst of inspiration. My boards have a mix of my previous work, some ambitious shots and filler images to create a good roadmap of what I am working towards. I never rely solely on my inner creativity and always love to expand my style as every hotel is very different.
And what were the ideas and influences that you wanted to bring together?
I love flipping through The Best Hotels of the World books and looking at photography from remote boutique hotels that often show a very different approach to hotel photography with details. Architectural style is also very inspiring for me when I work with heritage hotels and restaurants. For this shoot I decided to mix your classic hotel photography expectations from the client + my own inspiration from boutique hotels, and bring them into the chains I was working with this time.The 3 hotels were entirely different from each other, so for me it was also important to deliver 3 very different galleries.
Tell us about the location or setting – where did you shoot and why there?
Since it is a hotel shoot, all locations are predetermined.St. Andrews is basically my photography paradise. The Fairmont might not be right in the town, but holy moly, those views? Absolutely stunning. Whilst Fairmont is not located in St Andrews, it has a beautiful view over it from the rooms. We were also very lucky with the weather, as September can be either very warm or very cold in Scotland so for the whole duration of the shoot we had proper summer weather which was perfect. The other 2 hotels are located in Edinburgh where the views speak for themselves, so I owe Mother Nature a favour for these views and beautiful natural light I got to work with.
Tech specs – what did you shoot on? Any interesting elements in the lighting or lenses that we should know about?
I shot everything on my Canon R6 mkII with a 24-70mm lens. It’s great for moving around quickly between locations. I prefer to get things as good as possible in-camera, so I don’t have too much ‘fixing’ in post. For video, I used my DJI Osmo Pocket – it’s tiny but shoots in 4K and is perfect for those casual, behind-the-scenes UGC clips.
When considering the final shots, why this particular shot over any of the other takes?
I love a good interior shot! The views from the W are 360, and every room is looking at one or the other iconic landmarks. Here we can see a little bit of an ancient volcano Arhtur’s Seat blended perfectly with the W interior.
What is it about this project that stays with you? What made it different from anything else you’ve worked on?
Shooting three hotels in three days was intense. Exhausting, but totally fun. I loved that every hotel was different yet with similar odes to Scotland which is why I love working in this country so much.
In an authentic campaign that blends personal stories with universal truths, diversity-led production company NERD Productions, in collaboration with Meta and DEPT® agency, have crafted a film that goes beyond the typical commercial narrative. Directed by Kyla Philander, the film presents a deep, emotionally charged portrayal of community and connection, shining a spotlight on our protagonist navigating a unique health journey and building her own community, along the way.
Known for bringing lots of emotions and capturing human experiences in a way that resonates beyond the usual commercial approach, Kyla Philander shares their unique method of working with content creators instead of traditional actors. The commercial’s focus on community, vulnerability, and real human connections brought a fresh, collaborative energy to the set, and the result is a piece that transcends typical narratives, blending personal stories with universal truths.
We sat down with the NERD Productions team: Director – Kyla Philander, Photographer – Ira Giorgetti, Producer – Phil Burgess and EP – Milana Karaica to explore the creative decisions that shaped the film and key visuals, the power of collaboration with the brand, agency and social media creators, and the significance of storytelling that reflects genuine lived experiences.
Q: Your work is known for evoking strong emotions and creating a cinematic experience. What was your approach this time, working with creators instead of a traditional cast?
Kyla: Thank you for saying that about my work! I think storytelling really comes through the humans who are telling the story. Whether they’re professional actors, non-actors, creators, or anyone else, my priority is connecting with them on a human level. I’m expecting a lot of vulnerability and honesty from the person in front of the camera, and I feel like if I offer that same vulnerability, it creates a safe space between us. This applies from casting to editing — it’s really important to have that communication with my artist.
Q: How did casting differ in this project, and how did the collaboration with the Instagram team influence the characters you chose?
Kyla: The casting process was beautiful. We worked with an amazing casting director who put together this incredible group of people that I got to engage with. Our agency, DEPT, team had great ideas about the characters they wanted too, so it was a really collaborative process. Everything felt very fluid and natural, and that approach definitely shaped the characters and how we worked with them, making sure everything was authentic and truly relatable.
Q: Given that the cast was made up of social media creators, did their role as directors of their own content influence your approach on set?
Kyla: That’s such an interesting way to put it! It was definitely more collaborative. Usually, actors leave all the trust in me to guide them through the story, but with these creators, it was more of a conversation. We brainstormed together, especially with things like wardrobe and styling, making sure it felt true to who they are. I didn’t give them too much structure. I put them in scenarios and let them embody their authentic selves. It was definitely a more mutual trust—we worked together to tell their stories.
Ira: Absolutely. As someone who thrives on capturing authentic, joyful moments, working with creators brought a unique energy to the shoot. These individuals are used to curating their own stories, so they naturally bring an element of self-awareness and creativity to the table. My approach was to respect that, giving them the space to express themselves while capturing the spontaneity and authenticity of being in control of their narrative. I didn’t want to impose too much but rather be a friend with them on a day together, fully present and capturing the vibrant, honest moments that unfolded naturally. It was a more collaborative process compared to working with traditional actors, and that dynamic made for some incredible, honest portraits.
Q: The spot centers on the health journeys of the characters. What would you say is the key message of the project, beyond just focusing on the diagnoses?
Kyla: The main message is that regardless of your circumstances, fostering a sense of community is life-changing. It helps you navigate your journey and makes life easier to handle. The film really highlights how important those human connections are.
Q: Community seems to be a central theme in much of your work. Can you share how you prepared for this project, particularly when working with content creators?
Kyla: We were lucky to get self-tapes from the creators, which helped me get a feel for who they are. Our agency also gave us a list of creators to look at, but for me, the important prep work was understanding the community as a whole. I wanted to familiarise myself with their language, their stories, and the content they create. Once we had the final cast, I spent time talking with them about their lives and their communities. It was about building that connection.
Q: What should agencies and brands know about this project when they see it?
Kyla: When it comes to working with diverse people, the word “diversity” can feel overused. But if brands and agencies are really serious about bringing true diversity into their work, it’s about understanding the subtlety of the human experience. People with specific lived experiences don’t like feeling like they’re being force-fed representation. It’s about finding those human textures that connect us all. This project balanced that beautifully. The story couldn’t exist without these characters, but it’s not just about their diagnoses — it’s about their shared human experience and how you can share it through a platform like Instagram.
Q: What should everyone who reads this know about you as a director, especially after working on this project?
Kyla: I feel like I’m part of the Zeitgeist, like I’m in the middle of it, not on the outside looking in. That’s why I feel such a connection to telling honest stories. With this project, I realised I was unintentionally telling a version of my own story through the lead character, Liz, which was a really special experience.
Q: What were some specific considerations you had to make to accommodate the creators’ health conditions during the shoot (if any)?
Phil: We were very mindful to accommodate things like dietary requirements, both in pre-shoot preparation and during the shoot itself. Where there was any risk of contamination, we made sure to supply food from certified sources. This was particularly important for our creator with Coeliac disease, as any exposure to gluten could have led to hospitalisation. Travel and accommodation were very carefully considered too to ensure comfort and much needed rest times were perfect conditions.
Q: What was the most important takeaway from working with real content creators as opposed to a regular cast?
Phil: Working with real content creators, rather than actors, was central to our approach. Real people bring a level of authenticity that’s hard to replicate with actors, so our casting process was crucial. We contacted over a hundred creators and spent a lot of time interviewing them to ensure we had the perfect contributors for the campaign. Our final selections were based not only on their respective autoimmune conditions but also on their stories, comfort in front of the camera and their complementary personalities as a group.
Ira: The most important takeaway was the level of authenticity. When photographing professional actors, a certain degree of performance is involved, even when they’re being “natural”. But with content creators, who are used to showing themselves online in raw and unfiltered ways, I found a refreshing sense of vulnerability and honesty. They weren’t putting on an act; they were being themselves, which made my job easier in capturing the human connections and real emotions that bring a photograph to life. This authenticity is what makes the final images resonate so deeply with audiences, particularly niche communities like those we’re trying to reach with this campaign.
Q: How did the collaboration between the creative team (director, photographer, and creators) unfold during the shoot?
Milana: The collaboration on set couldn’t have gone smoother. For example, we consulted with our creators from the very start of the production to enhance the authenticity of our film. The relaxed preparation during pre production and our time in Barcelona, ahead of the shoot, allowed everyone to get to know each other, build trust, and feel comfortable before the filming itself began. The shoot felt like a group of friends crafting together to create the best possible product. Even though the agency and client made an environmentally friendly decision not to attend the shoot, we never felt any distance at all. They were super supportive of our team and their trust in our recommendations only made the process even more smooth.
Ira: It was an incredibly fluid and collaborative process. From the very start, together with Kyla, Milana, and Phil, we all strive to cultivate an environment where everyone felt like they had a voice, and that sense of equality and inclusion extended to how we worked with the creators. Kyla’s direction was about fostering authentic human connections, and I worked closely with her to ensure that the emotions and stories we captured visually aligned with that. We spent a lot of time observing, discussing, and adapting on the fly, which allowed me to capture moments in a way that felt true to each individual. The creators also had a strong sense of ownership over their portrayal, and I was constantly engaging with them to make sure they felt comfortable with how they were being represented.
Q: Is there anything specific about this project that is worth mentioning to the wider public as well as other agencies and brands?
Phil: The biggest takeaway is that every project is unique. It’s important to establish the best approach early on and be willing to adapt as needed throughout the process. Each project has its own set of requirements, and just because a specific approach works in one situation doesn’t mean it will in another. The key is to stay open-minded and flexible.
Milana: I strongly echo what Phil just said… and this is exactly why at NERD we pride ourselves in our collaborative and flexible approach to production. We can only achieve that if we approach each project on an individual basis and really dig deep into the stories we are going to tell. From the treatment stages of this production we felt like we were all one team, with one common goal – to make the most impactful, authentic and relatable campaign. Everything else just fell into place perfectly.
Ira: One of the standout elements of this project was the intentional focus on diversity and inclusivity, not just in terms of representation but also in how we approached the production itself. It’s one thing to cast diverse talent, but it’s another to ensure those individuals feel genuinely seen and understood throughout the process. We made a conscious effort to create a space where everyone felt valued and respected, from the creators to the crew. This approach isn’t just a nice-to-have—producing work that genuinely resonates with global audiences is essential. It’s about more than ticking boxes; it’s about ensuring that our imagery reflects the natural world authentically and positively.
Animation brings stories to life, magically blending creativity and technical skill. In this series of interviews, we celebrate the artists who make the impossible seem real. One such artist is Rachael Olga Lloyd, an award-winning animation director specialising in stop-motion and puppetry. With a love for folklore, handcrafts, and storytelling, Rachael has a unique approach to her work that merges intricate detail with a heartfelt narrative.
We sat down with Rachael to chat about her journey into animation, which began with a spark of inspiration from the music video “Ready, Able” by Grizzly Bear. Her work, including her short films “Iktsuarpok” and “How to Count Sheep,” has garnered international recognition. Beyond her award-winning films, she’s collaborated with organisations like The Scouts and Fair Trials, creating meaningful and memorable animation projects. Through her creative process and personal experiences, Rachael offers insight into the world of stop-motion and the importance of self-exploration in artistic growth.
How did you fall in love with animation?
I have always been obsessed with art from as young as I can remember but never thought of animation till very late. Things like Wallace and Gromit never inspired me, it wasn’t until I first saw the Grizzly Bear music video “Ready Able” animated and directed by Allison Schulnik that I was suddenly like “Omg what is this? I want to do this! “
Tell us about the animation project that kickstarted your career?
My personal film Iktsuarpok, it was my first stop-motion film done to a higher standard and showcased a lot of things I wanted to explore more as an artist.
How would you describe your art style and what are your biggest inspirations that developed it?
I guess I would describe my art style as very tactile, handcrafted, stylised, and sensitive. Most of the characters portrayed in my work have a sensitivity about them or sadness.
From your perspective, what’s the key to animation that really lives?
For Stop Motion specifically, I think it’s embracing the materials you use in the film. What makes stop-motion different is that it’s physical so you should embrace that and celebrate the handmade nature of it and not use so much CGI that it’s no longer recognisable as stop-motion.
Show us your favourite or most impactful project that you’ve worked on – tell us, what is it that makes it special and what were the memorable moments or challenges?
I recently did a little video for the NHS, this stood out as it was the first time I made an informative video. It was a new and exciting approach to animation. The video is about chronic pain, it was a real challenge to communicate this complicated topic in a video but it’s probably the part I enjoyed most. It made me realise that I love communicating ideas, whether through images in my films, through teaching or any other way.
How does one figure out what kind of animation style or styles fits a particular story or project?
You need to understand the audience for the film and the feel or style that suits it. If it’s for an informative video for example then it needs to be broadly relatable and representative and overall very clear to easily communicate the information. If it’s a story or music video I tend to go through the story or song a lot in my head to feel and immerse myself in the emotions and then I set art to visualse a style that would suit those emotions.
What is your favourite piece of technology or software that you use and how does it help your creative process?
It’s a bit silly but my Pinterest. It’s just a simple online pinboard to store images but I have thousands of images, it’s like my online sketchbook. Whenever I see anything ever I save it to my Pinterest for future reference. For example, I have a character pin board with hundreds of images of character ideas so when I start a new project I go on that and search through to find inspiration. It saves me so much time as well.
Outside of the field of animation, what really inspires you?
Music, a lot of my personal work is massively inspired by music. When I listen to a song it helps to come up with ideas for films and characters.
I also find handcrafts inspiring, I have been to many places in South America and Scandinavia and brought back loads of handcrafts, weaving, sculptures etc, and decorated my flat liberally with them. I just love being surrounded by this kind of art it really inspires me.
What do you think are the misconceptions about animation throughout the industry?
That it’s mostly for children. Animation is an art form just like any other and is not restricted to only very young people.
What are the biggest changes to animation and challenges facing animators at the moment and what are your thoughts on them?
With the emergence of AI, I worry about the threat of work for artists due to issues with companies choosing AI over people due to cost-saving.
Any advice you would like to give to aspiring artists?
Take time for self-exploration and what inspires you, as self-exploration and an artist’s style are connected. As we age, we should evolve and so should our art.
In this feature, we dive into the world of vibrant and mystical art by chatting with Helena, NERDs illustrator, whose colourful, detail-packed work is nothing short of mesmerising. From the early days of experimenting with digital tools to exploring a mix of styles and influences, Helena’s journey is a whirlwind of creativity and discovery. We sat down with Helena to talk about how she’s evolved her unique voice and how she embraced the thrilling opportunities of modern art spaces. Helena’s story has blown us out of the park with her incredible examples of different art eras she went through and we hope her story helps you find and refine your own artistic flair as well as see how this kind of style can be applied commercially.
How would you describe the work that you do?
Floral, full of fine detail, packed with endless symbolic elements, cosmic, portraiture, colourful and bright.
How did you gravitate towards the particular medium you work in?
By accident! My preference is for oil painting or graphite, but in the early days of doing commissioned work I realised that it was much more time effective to draw on a digital tablet for pushing creative boundaries – when everything is in layers it’s much easier to move around elements and try new ideas without risking losing hours repainting. It also makes alterations and revisions much quicker when working with clients.
And when you started developing your creative skills and styles, what were your inspirations and influences?
It was such a melting pot of so many influences that I find it hard to single them out, though art nouveau as a general style played a very large influence in helping form my initial handwriting. Photo collage also played a part in my inspirations, along with simple face sketches, baroque catholic sculptures and art, cosmic/spiritual art styles and beautiful flowers.
How has your style evolved over time – and can you talk to us about some of the stylistic experiments or avenues you’ve explored over the years?
I’ve been experimenting with art since I could hold a pencil! My parents were very supportive of my love for art and creativity, and I’ve done works in sculpture, japanese style manga, watercolours, landscapes, portraits, animals…the list goes on! The only things I’ve not tried are some of the more technical digital art forms such as digital 3D rendering or animation.
And was there any one particular moment or project that really crystallised your understanding of what your style is or should be?If so, can you tell us about it?
I took six months off from my previous career to focus on art while living in Vietnam, and having that time to spend 12 hours a day every day painting really helped me hone in on a personal style.
I’m trying to grow my art to explore emotion a little more, along with deeper themes and meanings rather than focus on aesthetics. AI art has really changed the current landscape for art, and I think the natural step forward is to create art that has a real human edge to it that is immediately recognisable.
From NFTs to the metaverse, there are more spaces for your work to show up – what are your thoughts on the impact, challenges and opportunities brought up by these spaces? And do they influence how you think about your style (ie. is there pressure to adapt or change your style to fit these new digital frontiers – or is it kind of exciting?)
I’m an extremely optimistic person, so I always like to find the positives in a new situation or space and find ways to use it to my advantage rather than complain about change. There are always challenges that arise, however these often are the roadblocks we need to grow and become better. Good art often comes from being pushed rather than being complacent.
Working in the commercial sphere, is it more important for an artist to have a distinct brand or style? What’s the balance between having a distinctive voice and being able to accommodate the visual language of the brand/campaign?
Yes I think so, I think having a brand approach you because they know the style that you are able to deliver ensures a smooth process with expectations met on both sides. It’s important however to grow your style over time and not become stagnant – art is ever moving and it’s easy to become left behind if you never grow.
What projects have you worked on recently that you feel were a really satisfying marriage between a brand and your own style? What was it about these projects that made them really interesting to work on?
I’ve been working on a lot of Romantasy book covers lately, and I find that my work lends itself really well to this genre. I’ve also had some very enjoyable interior artwork projects for astrology or spiritual based calendars which lend themselves well to my more cosmic/detail based style.
In celebration of World Photography Day, we sit down with our Photographer Manos Chatzikonstantis to dive deep into one of his most cherished projects: Salt of the Earth. Authored by Carolina Doriti and published by Quadrille, this book is a vibrant exploration of Greek cuisine and culture. Manos shares insights into the creative process and techniques that shaped this unique project. From the initial concept to the final shoot, discover how personal heritage, innovative lighting, and minimalist design came together to bring this culinary journey to life.
Project Data
Book: Salt of the Earth Author: Carolina Doriti Published: March 2023 Publisher: Quadrille Art Direction and Design: Claire Rochford Editor: Stacey Cleworth
The book “Salt of the Earth” is one of the projects I’m particularly fond of. It’s a book about food and a sense of place for a London publisher. I had previously worked with this publisher on an extensive project shot across Europe, Asia, America, and Africa for an established author, which established a strong sense of trust.
What was about the initial brief that intrigued you?
They approached me to discuss a project of a first-time author, a young Greek chef and writer. The idea was to do a book about off-the-beaten-track Greek recipes, in a fresh style, using a bright palette of colour. Having Greek heritage, for me, that was a special project to embark on!
What were your first steps when it came to breaking down the brief and formulating your ideas?
I suggested a minimal approach, with few elements, where the background surface would give the tone and shadows would be active styling elements. I imagined a book in a style influenced by contemporary photography where colour and light would be used to frame the food and simultaneously define a Mediterranean space of quaint beauty and simplicity.
And what were the ideas and influences that you wanted to bring together?
The images by the old master Herbert List were certainly an influence, the colour work by Alex Webb and Constantine Manos, and maybe even architectural photography utilising lines, shadows and vanishing points.
Tell us about the location or setting – where did you shoot and why there?
As the author is based in central Athens we had to shoot there. Fortunately, she had a spacious flat with good light and we transformed a small part of it by the terrace into a studio. Surfaces had to be built, painted and plastered in various sizes. Fabrics were carefully chosen and crockery was sourced from Athens’ flea markets and garage sales. We had a travel budget and were able to head out to an island relatively close to Athens for a few days to get some location shots.
Initially, we did a 2-day shoot to establish the style and streamline the process of working together. The client was happy and we had very valuable feedback from the art director for the rest of the production. I believe that everyone involved must be on the same page and understand the situation and needs of the other parties.
Tech specs – what did you shoot on? Any interesting elements in the lighting or lenses that we should know about?
I used a combination of natural light and a large cine light to manage the shadows. While Greece is known for its sunny weather, the sun doesn’t always cooperate, especially on a seasonal project with multiple shoots. To maintain consistency in the lighting style, I relied on this setup throughout.
I shot with a 50MP Canon 5DS to ensure high-resolution files for cropping while keeping the equipment flexible and transportable for location shoots. Most of the shots were taken with 50mm and 90mm lenses. For some location shots, I used Fujifilm cameras due to their compact size and excellent color rendering. The food shoot was done tethered, and as usual, I worked with Capture One for real-time grading and colour correction before diving into more detailed edits later.
When considering the final shots, why this particular shot over any of the other takes?
Most of the shots were done in more than one version to give the designer space to work and choose the ones that matched best with the layout.
What is it about this project that stays with you? What made it different from anything else you’ve worked on?
The shoot was great fun and totally delicious too (the perks of shooting food!). The author was an absolute pleasure to work with and, as we both loved the style of the book, the inspiration level was very high.
Milana Karaica founded NERD Productions, a diversity and inclusion led creative production company representing a wide range of hand-picked directors, illustrators and photographers. NERDs craft animation, illustration, live-action, mixed-media, and photography for feature films, TV, digital, social, editorial and everything in between.
What was your first experience of leadership?
After being a runner for a while, I landed a cool new job – office manager at a busy production company in Soho. Sounds like quite a boring job if the title is anything to go by BUUUT.. I had a team of amazing runners to help me pull off the most random, eccentric production tasks as well as incredible parties, team bonding trips and sometimes even the most bizarre requests.
No day was ever the same, no task was ever the same. It meant always being on your toes, continuously learning, meeting new talented people and partying like it’s 1995 every single day!
How did you figure out what kind of leader you wanted to be – or what kind of leader you didn’t want to be?
This job meant that I had to interact with producers and EPs on our day to day.. They had their crew, I had mine and we had to come together to make a job happen.
It was here that I first got the real taste of amazing leaders and also simply horrific ones too.
There were those that were kind, polite and open to sharing their knowledge with others on the team regardless of their social background or what role they played in production.
On the other hand, you had those that would talk to people like they were dirt on the bottom of their worn-out trendy Converse trainers!
It was painful to watch, listen to and simply be in the same room with. Even though I had only little say at that point in my career, I often clashed with those individuals, perhaps even when the situation didn’t involve me at all as I just could not stand unfair treatment! I knew I wanted to be different from them. I did my best to be supportive but straight up at the same time, both with the ones who were mistreated and the ones that were favoured.
What experience or moment gave you your biggest lesson in leadership?
Being a young EP and getting so ahead too quickly for my age! In my eyes I had the right to be there due to my relentless work energy and never saying no to a random all-night task or an unexpected challenge. With that came the need to prove myself though, to my peers whom I left behind, to older colleagues and specifically those that didn’t like me for many personal or subjective reasons – like being too young, too ethnic, or just for being from Croydon!
I worked day and night. Missing family gatherings, birthdays – doing conference calls at funerals… yes, I did that! However, with the recognition and praise came the ego as well. There was a point where I started to care too much about myself and the unfair treatment I was getting, even in this position and actually forgetting that so many others had it the same or worse, but had much smaller voices than I did.
Did you know you always wanted to take on a leadership role? If so how did you work towards it and if not, when did you start realising that you had it in you?
I think three weeks into my first job in the industry I knew I would run a production company one day. Not because I wanted to lead, but because it really pissed me off how things were being managed from a clique and classist point rather than based on merit of hard work and talent.
When it comes to ‘leadership’ as a skill, how much do you think is a natural part of personality, how much can be taught and learned?
You can learn anything if you push yourself hard enough and don’t limit yourself with your perceived weaknesses. That’s at least what I grew up believing. As I was becoming more and more heard, I started getting told by everyone that the biggest part to my leadership success is my diplomatic and tolerant personality – and that’s something you can’t learn or practice easily.
I feel like you have to really believe in what you preach and be passionate about it, because people can always tell when you’re not being authentic.
What are the aspects of leadership that you find most personally challenging? And how do you work through them?
I hate having to let people go! It’s never nice to have to let someone go so I always try to empower people to see why they may be better at something else or be more suited to another adventure. It’s not fair to keep people on if they are not the best version of themselves as they are wasting their own time too, not just yours.
Have you ever felt like you’ve failed whilst in charge? How did you address the issue and what did you learn from it?
We all fail! Sometimes you don’t notice a team member is down and struggling with something, be it personal or work related. Sometimes you don’t initially pay enough attention to a problem or an unusual friction between team members. I believe it’s all a part of the process and if we couldn’t learn and improve continuously in our industry, I would just quit! It simply means it’s got to the point you don’t care enough anymore.
In terms of leadership and openness, what’s your approach there? Do you think it’s important to be as transparent as possible in the service of being authentic? Or is there a value in being careful and considered?
I think honesty is the most important element of any successful relationship. We value this in our personal relationships so why not in our work collaborations? I’m not saying to share your every thought and worry, but to bring transparency while coming up with suggestions is always appreciated whichever side you are on.
As you developed your leadership skills did you have a mentor, if so who were/are they and what have you learned? And on the flip side, do you mentor any aspiring leaders and how do you approach that relationship?
I have had a few people to look up to over the years and some of those have let me down which is always devastating, while others inspired and motivated me more than I expected. I mentor a lot of young and up and coming talent and always treat those as friendships and close relationships. You really have to get to know a person to be able to see their strengths and weaknesses and how to help them get to be the best they can be. It’s a big responsibility!
How important is your company culture to the success of your business? And how have you managed to keep it alive with increases in remote and hybrid working patterns?
As a company that represents diverse talent, we have been a global company since our first day. Working remotely has not really meant that we have had to change a thing about how we craft. Our company culture is the only reason I started NERD, so it is the key to what we do, how we do it and why – every day!
What are the most useful resources you’ve found to help you along your leadership journey?
There is currently no space in my life to attend all the events I want and to spend endless time on self improvement and self discovery. I simply start and end my every day with thoughts of gratitude, reminding myself of all the things I pulled off that day, who I helped elevate and who I made smile…. I gently thank my stars and my path for all the passionate and creative people as well as my family.
What I do make the time for is to follow and chat with fellow leaders and founders.
Real people with real experiences and journeys beat any theoretical resource for me personally.
Social media is one of the most fast-paced areas in the advertising and marketing world. From the big personalities running the platforms to the rapid adoption of new tech and formats to the constant flow of hot takes and lively discussions, there’s never a dull moment.
We chatted with our own social butterflies at NERD: Viktoriia, our PR Manager, and Margaux, our Social Media Manager. These talented ladies are the ones behind everything you see from NERD Productions online. Whether it’s a big PR feature, a daily story, or a fun get-together reel, they’ve got it covered. We caught up with them to talk about their expertise, what inspires them, and the essential tips you need to thrive in this industry.
What’s the most significant development or trend shaping the social space right now?
M: Short-form videos and community building are essential. Platforms themselves are the ones pushing creators to post more short-form videos by adding features such as templates, trends, transitions, and audio syncing to make short-form videos easy and fun to edit. On the other hand, community building has become an important channel for brands that want to stand out and stay authentic. A good example would be Rhode and their NYC Summer Pop-up Event, which many fans flocked to because of pop-up exclusive products and a themed event.
V: One trend that I feel is quite new this year is the even greater focus on community. With Threads launching last year and community channels on Instagram, brands and influencers can now connect with their audiences on a deeper level. You can never expect all your followers to be there, but those who are, are highly engaged. Just by looking at how REFY or WE ARE TALA do it, you can feel like a part of the brand with their feedback sessions, community trips, events, and more!
Every platform functions so differently – and the way they function evolves there’s a lot of fun to be had on social, from shoppable live streams to AI filters – so where are you finding the most satisfying or exciting creative opportunities right now (and can you give an example of a campaign that demonstrates that)?
M: I love how Instagram’s stickers have evolved, especially the ones used for Instagram Stories. You have many creative possibilities not just through aesthetics but also through functionality such as being able to add a link, a location, share a profile, add music, and so much more. There isn’t exactly a specific campaign to demonstrate it but I see brands and people using it every day on Instagram. That being said, watch out for our latest film for Instagram that is coming to you in September!
V: I totally echo what Margaux just said. A strong community focus is where you can tap into your audience and boost creativity. I’m a big fan (or victim) of the TikTok shop and how it seamlessly integrates with content. They have created a smooth shopping experience and customer journey from a TikTok video to a purchase. It’s not only effective for marketing but also a great creative outlet for marketers and social media creatives to capture attention.
What does ‘craft’ mean to you in a social context?
M: To me, it means to continuously experiment and to strengthen specific skills. Social media is ever-changing, the algorithm is always changing, the platforms, and the trends. There’s always something new to learn — the learning never stops.
V: ‘Craft’ in social media, for me, means the art of creating engaging and meaningful content that resonates with our audience. It is about all parts in one – visual content, captions, stories, comment interactions and ALSO how your content strategy flows between different platforms.
Social media has been accused of driving polarisation and spreading misinformation, while others call it the marketplace of ideas. Whether or not that’s the whole truth, it is certainly shaping discourse and is one of the key venues for culture war-ish behaviour. What’s your take on the role of social media in society and what responsibilities do brands and individuals working in social have?
M: As brands, it is our responsibility to uphold the philosophies the brand believes in. AtNERD, for example we support under-represented talent, so LGBTQIA+ community, female talent, minorities and more. We are always consistent with our support towards them may it be online or offline, on set, in production, in post production etc. It goes the same way for any cause or advocacy we choose to support. Whether you are a production company or agency, it is our responsibility to spark!
V: That’s why it’s called Social Media! I firmly believe that once you post something on social media, you accept that it will receive public reactions, both positive and negative. It is up to you how you react to it. If someone wants to protect their views, they should use private accounts or close friends’ stories. It’s unrealistic to expect only positive feedback. I personally use social media for inspiration, new fitness and travel content, and to see what my friends are up to. I curate my feed and follow only those who inspire me, avoiding politics. From a brand perspective, a brand should stick to its core values and prioritise customer well-being. As Social Media Managers, we nurture our community but can’t control what everyone else does on social media.
How do you balance traditional PR efforts with social media strategies, and can you share an example of a campaign where both elements were successfully integrated to amplify the overall impact?
M: I think PR and social media go hand in hand. Both channels are crucial for gaining or receiving information about a brand. For example, I might see a social media post about a project and be led to its website, where I find more content to explore. Another example is receiving a newsletter and clicking on their social media links. It’s always a good sign when a social media account is consistent with newsletter content and is regularly active.
V: At NERD, our marketing strategy is based on storytelling and collaboration. Everything we do in PR has its voice on social media and usually, it continues the story. Whenever we do a PR feature, you will always find it on our socials and all of our PR will always link back to social. As a production company, all of our work is visual and it is only fair to use all of our media outlets to show it off harmonically.
Inevitable AI question! How are you applying AI in your day-to-day role and what have been your key insights/observations about the best way to approach it in the campaigns you’ve worked on (feel free to share examples)?
M: At NERD we embrace all new tools that can help us achieve our best work, however we pride ourselves in our authentic voice and creations so we use AI to do the heavy lifting where needed and leave the creative, juicy part for our talent . For example, I usually use AI as a research tool. If I want to know about why a certain trend is trending etc. Sometimes, I use it to learn what are good hashtags to use for a certain topic in the week. It makes my work faster because I feel like it assists me a lot when it comes to brainstorming and thinking of how to strategize my content more effectively. It’s like a booster that helps me think faster and therefore I can use my time to put the pieces together much easier.
V: I am not too clued up on all things MidJourney etc, but I am a big fan of AI when it comes to checking my punctuation and grammar. I also use AI for concept generation with prompts sometimes. It is great for helping me brainstorm and pushing me into things I might’ve missed, although it is all about prompts and how you talk to AI.
When you’re not working, what social platforms and content do you personally enjoy engaging with and why? What creators, influencers and social communities do you love?
M: I’m always on Pinterest and Instagram, and I’m also on X and Reddit a lot. I love looking at aesthetic photos on Pinterest, it calms me so much. On Instagram, I interact with the same content that I do on Pinterest. I’m mostly in the vintage fashion, beauty, crochet, and pottery communities so it’s very coquette. I love creators like Garbo Zhu because she’s both a fashion and pottery girl.
V: I have a few personal accounts, travel, fitness and photography, and on each of them I get different content. I like creating content in my free time and I can say I live and breathe social media and digital space in general. Right now, my TikTok feed is full of Wimbledon and Mallorca because I am going on holiday and tennis has just been on ! My Instagram is always full of castles and Scotland content because that’s the kind of content I create as well as more lifestyle bits and bobs like outfits and coffee. Honestly, I love it!
What advice would you give to people who are looking to get into social, whether as creatives, strategists or producers?
M: Experiment with your accounts, and you’ll start having an analytical approach towards social media. It’s about what cover image or thumbnail works, it’s about what clips reel people in, it’s about what time you’re posting, it’s about how often you’re sharing, and so many more. Then you’ll learn that even if there are so many different businesses out there, we’re following algorithms set by the makers of the platform. That’s the time you’ll learn that hey, I can do this to pretty much every account I’ll handle – you just have to make a few tweaks here and there like curating content to a certain audience or community. It’s fun to look at it with an analytical approach like it’s an experiment you’re trying to improve over and over again.
V: I got into social media organically, starting by sharing my photography on Instagram. This led to opportunities in PR, social media, and photography. I ended up at NERD thanks to Billelis, who introduced me to Milana (NERD founder and EP), and I met Bill through social media too!
My advice is to start your social media account in a specific niche, whether it’s fitness, cooking, comedy, or something else close to your heart. You’ll find your community. Treat social media like your favourite game, tracking views and likes. Discover what content works and why.
Follow your favourite brands to learn their strategies. Personal experience is crucial for landing your first role or internship. For producers, social media is great for inspiration and industry connections. As a creative, sharing your work on social media is essential—many of our talent at NERD have strong social media presences, which helps attract clients. I firmly believe social media will help you if done right.
Skittles has been dazzling fans with Pride-themed packaging since 2020, reinventing their classic design each year to amplify awareness and spread joy. This year, the vibrant new pack, crafted by NERD’s dynamic LGBTQIA+ talents Shay Hamias and Esther Lalanne, bursts with fun and energy to honour the LGBTQIA+ community.
NERD, an eclectic team of directors, illustrators, and photographers, is renowned for their creative flair and commitment to diversity across various platforms. Their recent collaboration with Skittles on the annual Pride pack is a testament to their shared mission of celebrating and uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community with exuberance and style.
For this project, Milana (NERDs Founder & EP) brought in visual artist Esther Lalanne, known for her dynamic style, to lead the design. Together with creative director Shay Hamias, Esther turned the Skittles rainbow into a lively scene inspired by Berlin’s Tempelhof Field. The design features hands, feet, and a single head, all engaged in different activities like roller skating, playing musical instruments, and forming a love heart with multiple hands. The design also includes an easel and a camera, symbolising creativity and capturing the moment. The vibe is confident and carefree, with the tagline: “When you find your community your colours shine.”
Esther shared that balancing diverse identities in the design was a delicate and intricate challenge. The final artwork brilliantly captures a supportive and creative community spirit, using vibrant elements that resonate with everyone. Instead of individual characters, the design weaves together symbols that celebrate unity and self-expression, keeping the essence of togetherness at its heart.
With Pride Month upon us, the limited-edition pack is now available to consumers, and Skittles has promised to donate $1 for every pack sold (up to $100K), as well as match donations up to $25k. These contributions will go to GLAAD, a non-profit LGBTQIA+ advocacy organisation that has partnered with Skittles for Pride Month every year for the last five years.
Today, join us for a conversation with Hayley Morris, the director behind the captivating stop-motion animation for MTV’s “How to Triumph Like a Girl.” Hayley shares behind-the-scenes insights and gives a glimpse into her creative process. We delve into her experience of navigating her first project as a new mother, adding a deeply personal layer to her artistic journey. Finally, we explore what Hayley has been passionately pursuing since then.
I was contacted by MTV to create a film for Women’s History Month through their “SEE ME, HEAR ME, KNOW ME” campaign. Their goal is to support underrepresented creatives by commissioning and paying for their creative concepts, providing funding for production, and by turning over their social and linear platforms to artists so the world can hear and see their unique voice and vision.
It’s rare to create a project with such creative freedom and the support to make it happen. When brainstorming, I knew I wanted to create visuals for poetry. I researched many poets and writing and came across a poem titled “How to Triumph Like a Girl” by Ada Limón. I loved how it felt empowering and that’s the feeling I wanted to convey to the viewer. The MTV team contacted Ada and was able to license her poem for this piece. Once we had the go-ahead I knew I wanted to speak with other women and get their perspectives and interpretations of the poem along the way. During my storyboarding process, I spoke with colleagues, family and friends and wrote down many notes. Then I took their insights and my feelings and tried to translate them visually to Ada’s words. Working with the MTV team was so much fun. They were so kind, supportive and gave me really valuable feedback when I asked. This project won GOLD in the Fully Animated Piece category for the Telly Awards and was the 2023 Promax North America Awards Silver winner in Motion Graphics.
Do you remember any specific life or creative lesson/s from this project?
This was the first big project I did after having my daughter. It had a different weight to it, and I think I brought this new perspective to the animation. I also had to lean on my mother and mother-in-law to help with my daughter while I dedicated time to the whole production process. The whole film and the behind-the-scenes of how it was made were possible through the help of other women. I suppose this project opened my eyes to how my creative process has changed since becoming a mom.
I can no longer stay up until 4 am animating. I had to create a different schedule and lean on a lot of women and my husband for help. I was always resisting asking for help in a stubborn lone wolf kind of way. Now, I know it’s essential to get things done and to create good work. I had a fellow teaching colleague create a 2d animated sequence for one section that I translated into paper and worked with a compositor to compile my elements together in the final scene. It opened my eyes to the possibility of future collaborations and how to pull in other people in many ways, whether it’s in small ways like the brainstorming process or full-on collaboration.
How different was your style then compared to your style now?
I have been working on paper for a while. I love it as a medium for its endless possibilities as well as its constraints. For this project, I wanted to limit myself to watercolour paper and replacements. I discovered I loved the texture of the paper when it slightly wrinkled and went with that look throughout the piece.
I feel like my style is always evolving and I’m always trying new things for every project… but I like to keep the same sensibilities when it comes to attention to detail, colour, symbolic representation, texture etc. Right now I’m venturing away from paper and exploring working with clay. I’m loving it! Right now, I’m creating a 1-minute animation that will be displayed on the Daniels & Fischer Tower in downtown Denver, Co. I’m excited to see my animation on this scale and how this can open my work to be shown in different contexts.
Catching up with Amanda, we took a peek into her creative journey and explored her sources of inspiration, her favourite work, and found out she really is a true NERD!
What has been the most exhilarating source of inspiration shaping your bold and playful style in illustration, and how has it evolved throughout your career?
I have always drawn from my own life and interests. I enjoy drawing the things I love, things I think would be clever, my surroundings, things inspired by memories, current happenings, or things I wish existed. Inspiration can really come from anywhere at any time. I have taken pictures of trash in the street because I liked how the colours looked together.
I think it’s very natural for an artist to continuously grow, and at the same time hone in on what makes them consistently and uniquely themselves. Over time, my style evolved naturally. I pretty much use the same base formula when I make new work, but expand it by tweaking things here and there. I just do what feels right to me at the time.
Could you share with us a memorable project where you offered a clever creative angle to a concept, and how did you approach the process to achieve it?
Vice had me come up with some unique banners for each of the astrological signs for their horoscope section. This concept was inspired by a big corkboard I had in my childhood bedroom that had a bunch of my stuff stuck to it. (photos, drawings, stickers, tickets, small toys, crafts, trinkets, etc)
The creative process for this was very involved, but also very fun since they really let me run wild with this idea. I worked closely with an astrologer to come up with specific items to fill each sign’s ‘cork board’. Putting these together was meticulous since each item had a specific purpose behind it, which I still think is really cool when I look back on it.
As both an illustrator and a professor at the School of Visual Arts, how do you balance your creative pursuits with teaching and mentoring aspiring artists?
You have to make time for the things that are important to you. Both creating artwork and teaching are very rewarding to me. With my art, I do my own thing, and I guide each of my students to do their own thing, too.
I remember what it was like and how it felt when I was a student at SVA, I learned so much while I was there. And over the years, my career experiences and personal work have taught me things, too. I’m grateful to be at a point where I can pass my knowledge and help young artists blossom. Even as someone who now teaches others, my learning and development are constant.
And finally, tell us a NERDy fact about yourself 🙂
I definitely have a bunch of niche interests, but some of my more ‘nerdy’ ones revolve around Japanese media. I have a few different old video game systems still plugged in. I never gave up playing games like Katamari Damacy and Dance Dance Revolution. I also still take care of Tamagotchi. I read manga and watch a lot of anime, too. ✌️
