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Chris KELLY
Creative Director | INDUSTRIAL COLOR
Christoper Kelly is a Creative Director and Filmmaker. He currently leads the Creative Department at Industrial Color, a New York-based creative production company, in the development and execution of work for global brands. With over a decade of experience developing commercial campaigns, social content, short-form episodic content, documentary, OOH, experiential, and retail, he's been lucky to work with brands like Verizon, Kate Spade, Malin+Goetz, Campbells Soup Company, L'Oréal, and Tommy Hilfiger.
influences
questionnaire
1. What was your very first job? My first job was washing dishes, cleaning, and preparing food at a bagel shop. I realized quickly that I could find a way to make any job fun and that no matter how appealing the short cut is, it's probably not worth it. Since then, I've worked as a commercial director, photographer, art director, writer, and creative director.
2. Please describe, in your own words, what your job is and what work it entails. As a creative director, I work with clients to develop a concept and vision for a project and shepherd the work through the production and post-production process. Each project requires a slightly different approach, but some consistent responsibilities include pitching ideas, research, daydreaming, ideation, photo and video shoots, design, writing, team leadership, and creative oversight.
3. How did you discover that the creative world was right for you? Was there a time in your life that you credit to this discovery? Was there a train of events that brought you where you are today? From my early childhood, I had a drive and curiosity to create. Whether drawing and painting, taking pictures with my point and shoot, or telling stories (sometimes as if they were real), I found myself most content in the act of creating. More than a train of events, I have found people being the most instrumental part of my growth and career trajectory. Showing up and being kind for each project, discussion, or role has provided countless learning opportunities and long-term relationships with mentors.
4. In your constantly growing and expanding industry, how do you find inspiration to keep your work fresh, innovative, and relevant? I always try to measure the work by the project's values, make sure I have a solid understanding of the target demographics and their needs, and research creative approaches through history and mediums. Music is a constant source of inspiration along with getting out in nature, paying attention to the world around me, and filling the creative well by exploring art, film, photography, and writing.
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 rather than its recognition or industry "success," what would it be? I am in the process of completing an episodic short-form documentary project that profiles unique voices in the fashion industry. It was enriching to learn about how each artist develops work, finds inspiration, and overcomes obstacles. I hope viewers find the same value I did.
6. Which creative disciplines do you commission most, and are most interested in seeing more of and why? Which of these disciplines are you most interested in seeing at CONNECTIONS? (ie photo, film, production, social, experiential, VR, CGI, animation etc) I primarily commission and have a deep love for photography and video work. I'm also very excited to see how artists explore storytelling through VR and immersive technology as it is becoming more accessible.
