As part of an ongoing series highlighting young talent in the industry, Branding in Asia brings you “One Under 30: Young Creative Spotlight”, a feature focusing on up-and-coming individuals in the ad world.
This week we feature Thanapol Jiratadaporn, creative group head at GREYnJ United in Bangkok – the agency behind one of our favorite ads in recent years, “Friendshit“.
OK, so he’s not actually under 30, but we’ve decided to allow an exception for someone in the midst of another trip around the sun. And what’s not to like about a guy who lives life with a one-word personal mantra?
The Basics
Name: Thanapol Jiratadaporn
Age: 30
Agency: GREYnJ United, Bangkok
Position: Creative Group Head (Copywriter)
Hometown: Bangkok
Current Location: Bangkok
Education: Bangkok University, Bachelor of Arts in Advertising; Graduation Year: 2011
Seven Questions
How did you get your first break in the industry?
I got my break in my fourth year of university. I got the role as university representative for the B.A.D Young Cannes 2011 which then goes on to find Thailand’s representative for the Cannes Young Lions competition.
This was my first foray into the advertising world and it piqued my interest. I then asked a creative (friend) advice on which agency I should try to intern with. He recommended JEH United and I joined them and that’s how I got my first break working in a boutique advertising agency.
Definitely, the right choice as I have been with Judee (CCO, Jureeporn Thaidumrong) ever since.
What is your personal mantra?
My personal mantra is ‘YES’. At first, it came from me not having the courage to refuse. But later I found that it’s a simple word that unlocks possibilities and takes me to new heights and experiences. This word is also a relief to those who seek help. But one has to use it with care because sometimes it can also be a burden!
From what person, place, or thing have you drawn your greatest creative inspiration?
“Me” is who I always draw my creative inspiration from. When I think of ideas, I like to put on ‘a consumer hat’ and imagine myself in that role, experiencing the Film, Outdoor work or whatever, to get a good idea of how it would feel as the client or consumer. If it thrills me, then yes, I am inspired, and I will go for it.
What do you love about the job?
When I have a ‘Eureka!’ moment, when I come up with good ideas. When a problem gets solved with your work for both clients and consumers. That is a great feeling of satisfaction. And, someone’s paying you to do what you love.
What about your job are you not so crazy about?
Scam ads and similar. I was taught to put everything into a real brief and produce real work. It’s a total waste of time to think of ideas just to win over juries and metals -that is too one-dimensional. One must have a bigger picture, or else your work will end up missing out on reaching its true value and having a reach to more people and ideas.
What is some work you’ve done that you’re most proud of?
The work that I’m most proud of is a Stroke Awareness Film ‘The Worst Viral Clip’. It educates Stroke symptoms and tells you what to do when it occurs.
What I’m proud about is that there were people who watched this film and remembered the symptoms, and they could help their loved ones.
If you had to choose another career what would it be?
Maybe a chef? I feel it’s a career I would enjoy and it’s somewhat the closest to advertising -the ideas involved with producing original dishes, the work pressure and deadlines and then waiting for the outcome of the product and receiving feedback on how successful it is with the clients.
