There are eight key traits we look for in the creatives we represent:
- Multi-skilled – are you highly creative in more than one discipline?
- Creatively rounded – do you participate in the wider creative community?
- Enjoyable – are you fun to have around?
- Business minded – do you understand how business and creativity work together?
- Creative excellence – can you show us examples of award-winning work?
- Experienced – do you have a minimum of five years experience in agencies?
- Collaborative – do you enjoy working alongside clients and other creatives?
- Strong personality – do you confidently express opinions and demonstrate thought leadership?
If you can say yes to all of these points, we’d love to chat.
How does The Pond work?
We promote you through our website, email marketing and client presentations. Then when a client comes to us with a talent brief that matches your skills and experience, we call you. If you're happy to accept the brief we put you forward as one of only two recommendations. What's more, we will negotiate the best rate and structure for the role, set up any initial meetings with the client and cover off all the minor details such as confidentiality agreements.
Can anyone join?
Because we promote The Pond as a premium service, we can only represent the best creatives. This is one of the key differences between The Pond and most recruitment agencies. We basically look for creatives with a minimum of five years commercial experience.
Do you really 'understand' creativity and creative people?
Well, an art director and a copywriter founded the Pond. That should tell you a lot. We’re creatives who understand creative work and what makes creative people tick. So you don't have to worry about us not understanding your needs or putting you forward for the wrong briefs.
What can I earn?
Your potential earnings via The Pond depend on your availability, how proactive you are and the demand for your skill set. We typically find Pond creatives anywhere from $25,000 to $100,000 of work each year. When you join we’ll set a financial target then review how it went towards the end of your first year. To make sure our relationship is worth your while, we will only bring you on board if we believe we can find you a minimum amount of work each year.
Can I expect the same rate on every job?
Rates are based on a number of factors including how long you will be needed, how urgently the job needs to be done, and whether or not it requires any specialized skills. So when you join The Pond we'll work with you to create a flexible rate structure based on your expectations and current industry rates.
Does The Pond actively promote members?
We pour a lot of resources into an annual marketing and promotional plan that has included sponsorship of industry awards, client events, direct marketing campaigns, press releases and online web initiatives.
Is there a joining fee?
Yes, we have an annual membership fee that goes towards your own personal marketing plan when you join. This fee also covers any operational costs and the time we spend to get you positioned, promoted and in work quickly.
Can I join The Pond from anywhere?
Unfortunately not. At this moment in time we only represent creatives in New Zealand, Australia and Asia.
Do I have to sign anything?
Yes. We have a contract that covers all the small but important details, like liability and confidentiality. Trust us, it's always good to get these things down on paper so we all know where we stand.