"We're a digital agency whose founding mantra was to be a pleasure to work with. In reality that means being honest, producing great work and achieving our clients' objectives. And being nice, but that just comes naturally to us."
What do you actually do?
Ensure we create great work (Creative) and make profit doing it (MD). Contrary to popular belief, the two roles are not necessarily contradictory.
What would you be doing if you weren't doing that?
I'd love to be a craftsman - a master of a niche art. A whittler of wood perhaps.
How did you get started in the industry?
As a painter striving to make it in the art world, I needed some cash. Building websites provided the answer, allowing me to combine my creative and computer programming skills (inherited from developer parents). It turned out that the early digital industry was a lot more engaging than a life of selling paintings that meant nothing to anybody but me.
What's your current favourite piece of creative work at the moment?
This morning I've been enjoying the browser experiments of Mr.doob - the geek in me really can't get enough of this sort of thing. Or maybe it's the artist in me that just enjoys (mostly) frivolous but interesting visual exercises.
What do you love about your job?
If you were going to force me to name one thing, it would be interacting with the BLISS team, our clients and our partners to generate ideas. In the right environment, with the right people, there is nothing more satisfying that an animated, excitable, creative meeting.
If you could give one piece of advice for someone starting out, what would it be?
Develop your portfolio and send it to agencies you really want to work for. The individuals that stand out are the ones that can demonstrate passion for their work - creative or technical talent alone is not enough. A lengthy CV with no web address wastes my time; a brief email with a link to a portfolio of personal work brightens my day.
If you have one Super power what would it be?
Having just recently watched some videos of wingsuit base jumping, I'd have to say flight.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
When I was five I wanted to be an astronaut. I'm still clinging on to the possibility at thirty-five.
What was your worst job and what did you learn from it?
Head Staple Removerer at a credit card company one summer. Every morning I'd be greeted with a 6 foot high stack of paper laden with staples that needed removing. I learnt that paper cuts hurt more than staple punctures.
You have already worked with some amazing brands, who would you like to work with next?
Anything that would align with my personal passions - Burton Snowboards, Waterstones, Ninja Tune, Visit Manchester to name but a few.
Iphone or Blackberry?
I'm an Apple fanboy through and through I'm afraid.
Your favourite app?
Maps. Without it I would be lost.
Too Cool for School or too School for Cool?
Too modest to answer.
Facebook or Twitter?
Twitter.
Eat In or eat out?
Given the choice I will always go out - I can't stand the thought of missing out on something fun.
Follow Jon:
Twitter: @jonstutfield
Visit my website
