Richard BREAUX

What was your very first job? What does it feel like to look back at it now?

My first job ever was at a car wash during the summer. It was quite fun as a teenage boy since we got to drive lots of different types of cars and trucks – albeit for a very short distance from the vacuuming station onto the wash track.
My first professional job was as Assistant Media Planner at a big New York agency on the Snapple account. The learning curve was steep. I still believe that starting any kind of communications career in an agency is the best decision.

Please describe, in your own words, what your current job is and what work it entails.

I like to cook. Therefore, I will describe my role as a recipe:
2 parts Strategy & Planning
1 part Concept
1 part Analytics

How did you discover that the creative world is right for you? Was there a time in your life that you credit to this discovery? Which train of events did bring you to where you are today?

I was fortunate to be born and raised in a city (New Orleans) where creativity is everywhere. It stems from the unique mix of cultures and is shown in the food, music and unique point of view the city is famous for.
The confirmation that this career is the one for me came after my first day at my very first internship at a creative agency in New Orleans called Peter Mayer.
That led to my time in New York and then to Berlin and eventually to where I am today.

In your constantly growing and expanding industry, how and where do you usually find inspiration to keep your work fresh, innovative and relevant?

On the road. It is crucial to stay in motion, keep exploring, keep learning. I somehow manage to save inspiration in some part of my brain and then, classically, it hits me in the form of an idea while in the shower.

If you had to pick one piece of work or project that you are most proud of, especially for the creative work and innovation it required rather than its recognition or industry success, what would it be?

Interestingly, they all revolve around building physical spaces. We did a curated space for HUGO last year where we tried some new things. I also initiated a space in Berlin for ABSOLUT some years ago that was one of the coolest projects ever.  I think the challenge of building a physical space brings so many unexpected hurdles but is equally so rewarding because you see how people directly experience the brand.

Which creative disciplines do you commission most, and are most interested in seeing more of and why?

Photo, experiential