Creative Q&A: Leo Burnett Melbourne's Jason Williams

How did you get into advertising?

I was accepted into a Fine Art degree and an Advertising degree in the same grad year from high school. My dad said, “Don’t be stupid son, there’s no money in art”, so now I’m in advertising.

What was your first ever ad?

My first ‘decent’ ad ever was a poster for TAC (Transport Accident Commission). I art directed that poster within an inch of its life.

What was your first ever job?
An entrepreneur. Well not quite, I door knocked the neighbourhood offering to wash cars for 5 bucks. Did OK actually.

What was your worst job ever?

Helping out my old man on the work site. He was a brilliant carpenter, I wasn’t. I loathed getting my hands dirty, cried when I got a splinter. I’d rather hang out with my sister than go to work with my dad. Advertising is very kind on the hands.

What does it take to impress you?

Ingenuity and intelligence. I love being surprised by people and what they’re capable of.

Where do you go to be inspired?

Nowhere in particular. Inspiration can be anywhere. It’s such a motivating feeling when you find it.

If you can spend one day with a celebrity or historical figure, who would it be? Why?

I feel like I should say someone inspirational like Obama or Mandela.
But to be honest, I wouldn’t mind having a beer with The Coen Brothers or maybe Genghis Khan.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Buying sneakers. Love buying sneakers.

If you have to come back as an animal, what would you be? Why?
A mountain goat for sure. I’m a keen mountain hiker, so they’d be no backpack required. Plus, the view up there everyday would be awesome.

What is the last book you read?

I have this weird, morbid interest in the Iraq and Afghan conflicts. Just finished The Good Soldiers by David Finkel, he’s a reporter that spent 12 months with an American platoon in Iraq during the surge. It’s an incredibly hard going and confronting book.

Which ad do you wish you had made?

We like a laugh at LB Melbourne, so I wish we had the Skittles account and had made one of the many brilliant spots in its history. Rabbit, Beard, Touch, Piñata Guy, there’s loads.

Worst haircut you’ve ever had?

Right now, my hair is grey, long and out of control.

Describe your typical day.
Talking. I feel like all I do is talk. Talk about ideas, peoples weekend, money, clients, football, politics, ads, awards, blogs, problems, life, etc. Man, I talk a lot in a day.

Can you suggest a question for our next Q&A candidate?
Yes or No. If given the opportunity would you be the first human guinea pig to land on Mars? And why?

If you’re not working in advertising, what would be your dream job? (Question provided by Bates 141 Philippines’ James Bernardo)

Without a doubt I’d be a hiking guide. I’ve discovered mountain trekking over the last few years. It’s the most pure life experience you can get. Yes please!