We are excited to welcome Emma Blackburn as the new Growth Manager at STM AGENCY! With a background in art history, a passion for creative design and a love for everything from IKEA’s storytelling to the art of quantum physics, Emma brings a unique and exciting blend of interests and experience to our team.
In this exciting new role, Emma will be focused on generating new business, building strong relationships with prospective clients and working closely with the team to showcase STM’s capabilities.
We sat down with Emma to learn more about her journey, what drew her to STM and what she’s most excited to bring to the table. From her love of film photography to her fascination with cultural property, Emma’s answers gave us a glimpse into what makes her tick - both professionally and personally. Read on to find out more about the person behind the new role and why we’re so excited to have her on board!
Welcome, Emma! To get us started, can you tell us a bit about your background and previous experience?
Hello! I studied art history, specialising in contemporary for my masters. I then went on to work for a commercial art gallery in client services and sales, with bits and bobs of freelance graphic design and illustration in-between. Then I moved to Manchester and got a job as an account manager for a new business agency. This was my first encounter with creative agencies in marketing, and I enjoyed them so much that I jumped over to STM to manage new business here!
What have been your first impressions of working at STM so far?
Everyone is super lovely! Honestly, it’s the first thing that clients feedback so it’s great to be a part of a team that cares about each other and the culture in the room as much as delivering fantastic work.
What are you looking forward to most about working at STM?
Of course helping the team get their talent recognised by their dream brands, but also being closer to the creative process and seeing the evolution of the finished projects I get to share with people.
If you could work with any brand, which would you choose and why?
I've become like a magpie for brands, it’s so hard to choose one! I am a bit obsessed with IKEA for their products and how much fun and storytelling they channel into their campaigns, so maybe them. Or Jellycat.
What alternative career route would you have taken if you didn’t do this?
Probably something in collections and cultural property, or I would have pursued my own art more. Or, in another life, quantum physics (rogue but I find it so interesting).
What do you do in your spare time?
Running, film photography, reading, hiking.
Favourite artist, place, and dessert?
Vermeer (this was really difficult but View of Delft is my favourite painting), Edinburgh, tiramisu.
Finally, what is your brew of choice?
Oat milk flat white!
