Meet Adam.
Nine years in and ACG has come a long way from a side project to the creative agency it is today.
We dragged founder and Director, Adam Gower, away from his Mac and shot him nine questions about his inspiration, routine and approach to design.
_1 What sparked your love of design?
I’ve always enjoyed observing the visual world around me, and this started from quite a young age.
I remember a preschool project. We had to draw a house. All the other kids drew cute, little cottages. I drew a bird’s eye view of the internal layout. I remember being self-conscious of how differently I approached this task. It took me a long time to realise this was a strength, not a weakness.
And when I realised I could be part of shaping my world and influencing how things looked, and communicated visually I was hooked. I now feel lucky that this curiosity has remained with me since.
“All the other kids drew cute, little cottages... I drew a bird’s eye view of the internal layout.”
_2 Who are your greatest collaborators?
The team has enjoyed many wonderful collaborations over the years. Highlights would have to be Twohill & James (architects/clients) and 26 Street (client) and the work we do on many built environment projects. I especially thrive on our unique way of working - collaboratively and dynamically, where the focus is always about the best possible outcome.
I also thrive on working closely with my wonderful and talented team Mitchell, Stacey, Kristian and Tess - they are full of energy, are incredibly supportive and provide plenty of daily LOLs.
_3 Who was your first client?
My long-time friend and Brisbane bar owner, Simon Martin with his brief for Super Whatnot. While I was technically still employed by a nameless, multi-national advertising agency at the time, I worked on Simon’s brief after hours from my guest bedroom. It is still one of my favourite pieces of work and I cherish the ongoing professional and personal relationship with this visionary human.
_4 Do you have a dream brief?
An Olympic Games Brand Identity would have to be the ultimate.
_5 Can you finish these sentences?
The best clients always…Get overly invested.
The trickiest brief I ever had was…Convincing people to get a colonoscopy.
The craziest brief I ever had was…developing some branded collateral for a plastic surgeon in the form of nipple stickers.
When I’m not working I’m…Enjoying pancakes at home with my wife and two munchkins.
Nothing fuels creativity like…That little voice that tells you you’re not good enough and that one day you’ll be found out.
_6 Do you have a morning routine?
Kids, Kindy, Coffee. Then think about going to work.
_7 How do you balance having a family and running your own business?
I have found the the work / family balance a hard one to strike. Up until recently, things have skewed a little heavily on work. One of my goals this year is to achieve a better work / dad balance.
“One of my goals this year is to achieve a better work / dad balance. ”
_8 How would you describe doing business in Brisbane?
I’ve always loved Brisbane, it’s my home town and I’ve always felt proud to be a Brisbanite. Business in the Design Communications space has always been extremely varied in terms of clients we've worked with and the breadth of our offering over the past nine years, which I thrive on. Every day is exciting and dynamic and I’m always learning.
It’s the local partnerships that develop over time that I most enjoy though. Whether it be with a client, supplier, collaborator, I believe that Brissie folk raise above the BS the best and get on with it...
_9 What do you like about your studio location in West End?
The sense of community is wonderful. We’re fortunate enough to work within a little hub alongside some great and talented businesses like 26 Street, Milani Gallery, Vokes and Peters and artist Eric Bridgeman. There’s always a spirited and energetic vibe about the place which is special to me.
