Adam SCHWARTZ

1. What was your very first job? What does it feel like to look back at it now?
My very first jobs were in high school, working at coffee shops in downtown New Haven, trying to perfect my steamed milk skills.  I also worked as a janitor in a local hospital and to this day, I have strongly held opinions on the correct way to mop a floor :-)

2. Please describe, in your own words, what your current job is and what work it entails.
I lead a graphic design team that, in partnership with our photo and copy verticals, create a full range of creative marketing assets for Saks Fifth Avenue. 

3. 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’ve always been inspired to build a life centered around a creative career of some kind.  In high school, a photography teacher pointed me towards the possibility of art school and from there, I’ve followed my interests in web design, art, photography, fashion and film to whatever the next step might be;  if I can learn something new about leadership or creative thinking, I want to be a part of that team; anywhere I already know all the answers is less compelling.

4. In your constantly growing and expanding industry, how and where do you usually find inspiration to keep your work fresh, innovative and relevant?
Maintain a relationship to the basics, to the work that first moved you, and at the same time, constantly search for newness where ever you can.  Never assume you have all the answers or the best perspective - surround yourself with the best people you can find, and let them challenge you with their ideas.  Be willing to throw out your assumptions, let yourself be derailed by great new work, and keep your sense of discovery and play.

5. If you had to pick one piece of work or project that you are most proud of, more for the creative work and innovation it required, rather than its recognition or industry “success,” what would it be?
When a team member of mine creates that project that takes them to the next level or reveals to them a new level of creative thought, that’s always my favorite project.  That, and whatever we’re about to do next!

6. Which creative disciplines do you commission most, and are most interested in seeing more of and why? (ie photo, film, social, experiential, vr, etc)
Social media experiences, told engagingly, cohesively and comprehensively, over a broad span of time.