Shandor GANCS

1.       What was your very first job?I was a graphic designer.  2.       Please describe, in your own words, what your job is and what work it entails.I am the International Creative Director at Vista. Apart from overseeing the creative output for the various markets, I mainly solve problems and find creative solutions. Each day is very different, but it involves concepting new campaigns, guiding and inspiring the creatives and making sure all the creative work is on point, on brand and works for each international market.   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?A long train of events, a little serendipitous you could say, led me to where I am today but I knew from quite an early age that I would be doing something creative. I was lucky enough to have my creativity nurtured by parents. As a kid I was always the one with the fancy colored pencils! I come from a very creative family full of artists, fashion designers, milliners, gallery owners and designers. From quite early on I wanted to be a fine artist but my family nudged me into a more “practical” career...graphic design. From graphic design I worked my way up to being Executive Creative Director for a multi-disciplinary design agency working on some amazing projects for International clients such as designing textiles for Liberty of London, packaging and branding for skincare brand Aesop, as well as a lot of digital, branding, interior, fashion and retail, advertising and everything in-between. I then took a leap into the fashion world. Firstly designing for various streetwear and high-end Australian brands before becoming creative director for a high-end label and then Creative Director for one of Australia’s largest apparel companies. Then I made the huge move and packed up my life and relocated to Europe. As a creative you need to get out of your comfort zone in order to keep growing. I felt the need to be challenged and inspired and I think I have found that here. 4.       In your constantly growing and expanding industry, how do you find inspiration to keep your work fresh, innovative and relevant?Ideas can come from anywhere - the world is an amazing place! For me, it's as simple as going outside and travelling...absorbing what's around me rather than looking online. In this digital age everyone is looking at the same references but I find that by experiencing things first hand, travelling and looking at the world around you, this is where you find the little things that spark imagination and creativity and lead to big ideas. 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?There's quite a few I'm proud of however I am always proud of my career in the fashion world. Seeing my creations on the red carpet or in high-end fashion magazines was always satisfying. But to actually see someone walking down the street wearing my designs and knowing that they have spent their hard earned money on it always gave me a thrill. Hearing how they really love and treasure the piece or are proud of it, or seeing how it changed their persona be it making them feel better about themselves, sexier, more beautiful or handsome, confident or whatever - knowing my work has somehow impacted on someone’s life is a very nice feeling. 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) Mainly lifestyle photography and campaign imagery as well as some CGI work. It’s always great to see all the new work at Connections to see the global trends.