McCanners of New York: Ginine Gordon
Welcome to 'McCanners of New York', a series that delves into the lives of the talent behind McCann New York's greatest work. Featuring employees across departments and various roles, this series is an exploration of their personal stories, side-hustles, passions and the projects they cherish.
'McCanners of New York' offers a glimpse into the lives of these talented advertisers, showcasing both their professional and personal journeys.
In this edition, we’re getting to know Ginine Gordon, associate creative director, McCann New York.
Q> Why did you decide to pursue a career in Advertising?
Ginine> I chose to pursue advertising when I discovered the opportunity to merge creativity with a viable career. The beauty of my profession lies in the unpredictability of each day—I might be crafting a game today and creating a traditional ad tomorrow. It's kind of amazing.
Q> Outside of work, do you have any personal interests or hobbies that you're particularly passionate about? Has this hobby/passion influenced your work in advertising at all?
Ginine> I’m passionate about not gatekeeping all that I’ve learned in my career and letting the youth that look like me know that if they love art, they can do it and make decent money at it. This is what drives me to work hard knowing I’m leaving a path for them.
Q> Can you share a project or campaign you've worked on that you're particularly proud of?
Ginine> I took great pride in contributing to "The Little Things at the Table" project by Chick-fil-A. I appreciated its simplicity, showcasing families engaging in authentic conversations around the table. It served as an effective and inviting way to welcome people back to Chick-fil-A after the challenges of the covid-19 pandemic.
Q> Are you involved with any other initiatives within the agency?
Ginine> Yes! I'm an active member of the VOICE, a collective of McCanners addressing issues and engaging directly with the leadership team at McCann. Additionally, I am part of The Cookout, McCann’s Black Employee Resource Group (ERG). I take pride in establishing The Cookout as a prominent brand within the agency, and I deeply appreciate the team's dedicated efforts in maintaining a strong sense of community. This year, our Black History Month theme is "Rooted in Excellence." Our programming revolves around the idea that, despite our diverse backgrounds, we all share a foundation of excellence. We explore this theme through various lenses, including history, music, hair, and culture. Emphasising our diversity, we affirm that we are not a monolith, and this commitment holds true both this year and in the times to come.
Q> What advice would you give to someone aspiring to pursue a career in advertising, especially at a large agency like McCann?
Ginine> My key advice is to recognize the frequent shifts in advertising strategies. Staying attuned to the evolving landscape of the advertising industry is crucial for success in this business. What sets McCann apart is our continuous embrace of the dynamic nature of the advertising world, navigating both its highs and lows.
Q> What is your favourite area in NYC and why?
Ginine> Soho is great. There’s a healthy mix of grunge and luxury that makes it so authentically NY.
Q> If you could recommend one hidden gem in NYC that not many people know about, what would it be?
Ginine> Tamashii Ramen has the best ramen in NYC and you can quote me on that.
