Emerging Leader
Art Direction & Concept, 2021 (Credits: Copy & Concept - Shannon Coast. Photographer & Director - Claire Harrison. Set Design - Carolina Mizrahi.) We pitched and won the opportunity of redesigning the customer experience for Amazon Launchpad storefront.
We were very proud to see that GMD alumnus, Rianna Woods, had been recognised as an ‘Emerging Leader’ in the Changemakers Awards by BRiM (Black Representation in Marketing) & The Black and Brilliant Advocacy Network last year. This awards initiative was designed to challenge the idea that there is a lack of Black and Brown talent ready to lead in the UK media industry. Identifying a gap between reality and perception, and in an attempt to close this gap and seize the opportunity to move from good intentions to meaningful actions, B&BAN and BRiM worked together to launch ‘The Changemakers,’ to recognise and celebrate Black members of the industry doing extraordinary work.
So we wanted to hear a bit more from Rianna about her career path since graduating from LCC, how she describes her job and design approach.
I am a Senior Art Director at one of the biggest creative advertising agencies in London; Wunderman Thompson. I’m also the Lead on their LGBTQIA+ employee resource group; Unite – where I get to add to the culture of the company and make sure it’s an inclusive and diverse environment.
My job involves working with designers, editors, copywriters, directors, photographers and being part of the whole production process. The best part is that I get to conceptualise and direct those amazing ideas that transform brands and get them talked about. I think of those big ideas, those out-of-this-world concepts and see them through from start to finish. I’m an emotive storyteller and a visual communicator who strives to create an impact and make people feel something. From having a background in design, I understand the fundamentals needed to take an idea beyond just a concept.
Since graduating from LCC in 2018, I’ve worked in-house, within agencies and yes, even enjoyed that sweet freelance life. Some of the brands I’ve worked on have been IKEA, AVON, Virgin Red, Amazon Launchpad, BT, Purina, Duracell, HSBC, Rennie and Microsoft.
Oh, and fun fact: I squat 80kg. That’s nearly 3x my chunky Labrador, Marley!”
Art Direction & Concept, 2021 (Credits: Copy & Concept - Shannon Coast. Photographer & Director - Claire Harrison. Set Design - Carolina Mizrahi.) We pitched and won the opportunity of redesigning the customer experience for Amazon Launchpad storefront.
Art Direction & Concept, 2021 (Credits: Copy & Concept - Shannon Coast. Photographer & Director - Claire Harrison. Set Design - Carolina Mizrahi.) Amazon Launchpad.
Art Direction & Concept, 2022 (Credits: Copy & Concept - Shannon Coast. Photographer & Director - Claire Harrison. Set Design - Carolina Mizrahi.) Amazon Launchpad challenged us to think big to create an Innovation Award showcasing their most innovative and eco-minded startups.
Art Direction, 2022. To celebrate being named a 'Best of British' business by The Independent, Wunderman Thompson was adorned with the largest rosette in the world.