Well, it’s been well over a month since I started as a Digital Marketing Assistant at GEL Studios and it feels like it's absolutely flown by!
You know you’re in a good place when it doesn’t feel like work, more like a collaboration of creatives with the goal to make life better for their clients, whilst having a good time in the process.
About me.
I’m Phil, the newest addition to the Marketing team at GEL Studios. I’m a father of two lovely little bundles of joy, Lewis (5 years) and Pippa (8 months) and husband to a wonderful wife, Sam. I have a love for classic cars and I’m currently in the process of renovating my 1986 Mini Mayfair, though I was raised on Land Rovers and spent many a happy weekend with my dad when I was younger learning how to strip and rebuild engines… not as clean as working from a desk, but always enjoyable!
I have a background in design, graphics and print with over 15 years of experience in the design industry, I’ve worked in various roles throughout my career that have given me a great understanding and insight into what works in both a design and marketing perspective. Knowing that no two clients or businesses are the same, even if they are in the same industry, there will always be something that can make them stand out from the crowd.
What is a "typical day" at GEL Studios?
I don’t think there is such a thing as a typical day here, no two days are the same, there’s always something new to work on, also to be able to see what others in the office are doing and to be able to bounce ideas off of each other makes for a beautiful mentally stimulating work environment.
What do you enjoy most?
Working with a team who inspires me to do my best every day, and that there are no stupid questions. If anyone has a problem or needs advice with a piece of work there is always someone there with the knowledge to be able to help. It’s great to be able to see what everyone is working on, although our skill sets may vary from department to department it’s still fascinating to see how it all comes together.
The most challenging part of the job?
Those moments when you’ve got to improve how well the web page for a particular widget or thing performs when you’ve literally seen it for the first time that day. It definitely inspires you to work outside of your comfort zone, but also gives you the opportunity to research into what something is, which in turn gives you the ability to discuss products on a more level playing field with the clients involved. Who knew this job would help me to understand the polish levels available on stainless steel pipework or the license requirements of HGV drivers that want to transport dangerous goods? (Yes, I now know).
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What skills do you need to be successful in Marketing?
An open mind and the ability to be flexible to whatever the task at hand requires of you. Time management is crucial to be able to make sure deadlines are met whilst keeping clients informed along the way. No one wants to get to a point where time becomes tight and suddenly things start changing, good communication helps to keep projects on track and helps to make everyone working on a project feel involved, be it a colleague or client.
In terms of technical skills, GEL has helped me expand my knowledge where necessary, to be able to be in a career that respects forward progression from both a personal and professional perspective is a very rare thing and I’m always thankful for that.
What helps you get the job done?
Coffee. Lots and lots of coffee… It helps but no actually it’s being able to pitch ideas and discuss projects in an open environment, where there are no stupid questions, if it’s relevant to the work it’s great to be able to see things from someone else's perspective and in turn, it can open up new ways of thinking and make the end product that much better.
Having so many services in-house is also a great help in getting things done, the ability to organise our own photo shoots both in the office or on-site, liaise with our design department when it comes to designing graphics to accompany social media posts or to be able to speak directly with the development team involved in building any one of the beautifully bespoke websites we’re working on at any given time is massively useful.
What’s GEL like as a workplace?
It’s a comfortable balance of welcoming colleagues willing to help and discuss ideas whilst also being a highly professional workforce capable of producing truly amazing pieces of work. It doesn’t feel like your typical office, if you want to chuck some headphones on and focus on a project you can just go for it, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been offered a brew, and there always seems to be someone bringing some form of snacks in, I’m glad my kids keep me active or I’d definitely start noticing it!
What are you most looking forward to whilst being at GEL?
The opportunity to learn new skills and to be able to expand on existing ones. Marketing and the methods of getting a client's message out to its intended audience are forever changing and it’s exciting to see what’s possible. It’ll be interesting to see how the company continues to expand and what new revenues that will take us in.
Where do you see marketing going moving forward?
Our role within the company is ever-expanding and it’s great to see that we’re encouraged to think outside of the box. It’s been great to work alongside the development team to make sure we have the analytical data available to us to fulfil our SEO commitments to our existing clients and also to be able to show new clients coming onboard just what’s possible with a dedicated marketing team behind their brand. I’m positive that the marketing department will continue to grow, and I’m definitely excited to see in what direction it goes.
