As part of an ongoing series highlighting young talent in the industry, Branding in Asia presents “One Under 30” – a special feature that focuses on up-and-coming talent in the ad world, one person at a time.
This week we talk to Yin Tan, a native of Beijing, the 26-year-old is Senior Account Manager at BBDO in China and a recent recipient of The China Young Lions Award.
Over the course of our conversation, she talks about how she got her first break in the industry, what she loves about the work, what she doesn’t like about it, and more.
The Basics
Name: Yin Tan
Age: 26
Agency: BBDO
Position: Senior Account Manager
Hometown: Beijing
Current Location: Beijing
Seven Questions
How did you get your first break in the industry?
Actually, when I was a student in New York, BBDO was my dream company. When I returned home after graduation, I noticed that BBDO Beijing was hiring and the office was only 2 blocks away from my house!
A 10-minute walk later, I had gotten a job at my dream company and that’s when my advertising career began.
What is your personal mantra?
“Live with your heart.” For me that means:
- To focus on small things. Although we should strive for big changes in our world, it’s our small, often invisible actions that actually make a difference.
- Change the way you measure success in life. Every life has value and purpose.
- Risk being hurt. As this only makes you stronger.
- Live for impact.
- And let life change you.
From what person, place or thing have you drawn your greatest creative inspiration?
In the past, I believed that inspiration had to come from top/great people, but I’ve come to realize that just watching real life is extremely inspiring.
It doesn’t come from one person or a specific place, but rather from what one experiences on a daily basis. You just need to keep an open mind.
What do you love about the job?
My favorite part of my job is getting to work with talented people towards a common goal, and solving problems together.
What about your job are you not so crazy about?
It would have to be that I spend a lot of time inside instead of going out and taking in the world. Still, I get it, work has to get done. 🙂
What is some work you’ve done that you’re most proud of?
“The Mercedes Originals” work I did with my team last year. We created a series of Ready-to-Wear pieces for Mercedes-Benz based on the history of Mercedes and the evolution of its brand logo. We were in charge of everything from designing, to sampling, TVC & Beauty shooting, production of the official website, and working with KOLs and social communication.
Even though we accomplished a lot in just six months, the biggest takeaway I got from this project was learning all the things I had to do in order to maximize my success.
Also, I just won first prize at The China Young Lions Award. Definitely a career high! It was my second time attending and while I’m really happy to have won this year, I mostly just focus on producing the best work I can, that I can be proud of. If it wins an award, well, that’s awesome of course
If you had to choose another career what would it be?
It would have to be something I am passionate about. Maybe a music producer. I love music and I like how it can actually help people get through tough times, or generally just a bad day.
But it is definitely a hard question to answer since right now in my life, I just can’t imagine doing anything else besides what I do now:)
