Our Meet Our Team interview series continues with B-Print Client Services Manager, Sam Ruston. B-Print (formerly Adam B) works in partnership with LEAP to provide print and digital repro services mainly for the advertising and creative industries.
Can you tell us about who you are and what you do?
I grew up in London and have worked in the ad industry for nearly ten years. In my current role, I do a mixture of marketing, social media, account management, new business, and project management for B-Print.
How did you get into the advertising industry, and what led you to where you are now?
When I was eighteen, I started working for 20th Century Fox in Vancouver as a production assistant. I worked on lots of Hollywood movies before studying history at university, mainly because I had an interest in the subject but didn’t really have a clear idea of what I wanted to do.
I began my ad industry career by starting a little design agency with my girlfriend at the time. (She worked in an ad agency.) We focused on branding and print design. At the same time, I started working for my father’s company Adam B as a rep, and the rest is history!
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love the colourful characters we get in this industry; many people have interesting hobbies and are by no means boring. Secondly, I love the unique role we, as a company, have found within this industry, and I like working with such a widespread client base. Also, It’s not your typical desk job. I am always running about all over the capital. There is always an event installation to oversee or a client to go to visit. London is a vibrant place full of history and art, and I am still to this day discovering new places.
What’s the project you’re most proud of?
One that stands out was working on the first House of Peroni for M&C Saatchi in Portland Place. It really was a great experience. I loved the venue, the art curation, and the food and drink that made it a great event and so on-brand for Peroni.
I was also very proud to have my first book published. I ghost wrote it about my friend’s crazy life in Soho in the 70s and 80s. I look forward to the documentary which will hopefully be on TV in the next few years (fingers crossed).
What’s your favourite ad and why?
This is probably said by many, but I have to say the old Guinness Surfer commercial is my favourite. I love the baseline that builds up and being a keen swimmer and surfer (albeit not very talented), it was right up my street.
Do you have any hidden talents, interesting hobbies or do something else that’s really important to you?
I am passionate about history; I occasionally co-host a historical podcast on YouTube with my friend who lives in Ohio. We have covered the Native Americans, Pirates, the American Civil War, and we recently released an episode on one of the early Roman Wars.
Who’s your inspiration?
My dad was a big inspiration for me growing up and certainly still is. I learned a lot just by observing him in his many entrepreneurial ventures over the years. I got involved with many of them. Other than that, Napoleon Bonaparte taught me the importance of persistence!
What’s your biggest motivation?
My biggest motivation is reminding myself that life is short and to be enjoyed, to be lived to the fullest; we are always laughing and joking at work. I am motivated by constantly growing and evolving myself and our company. Getting back into digital work has been nice. Our partnership with LEAP has enabled us to expand our creative services, so we are able to offer a variety of advertising production work, like we did in the old days of Adam B rather than just print; there’s plenty to be excited about on that front. I also think it’s important to pursue a variety of hobbies outside work, particularly spending time outdoors.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in this field?
I would say that you don’t need to go to university, although a lot of agencies still require a degree (which I think is short-sighted). If you are passionate about something, you should be capable enough to be self-taught and demonstrate that in a portfolio or interview. Secondly, I would encourage people to visit art shows and industry events to make connections. Lastly, I would recommend working those late nights and early mornings whilst you are still young and without commitments. It’s still the best way to get ahead!
