Gatecrashing with Adobe Ambassadors

Welcome back to our interview series where you can meet and connect with people in the creative industries.

🔥 No fluff, no jargon, no gatekeeping: just practical advice

This one’s a bit different. Instead of one guest, we asked fellow Adobe Ambassadors to answer some questions. They are content creators, marketers, photographers and a brand strategists.

Since there were MANY questions from you on using Adobe on our latest series, I wanted some intel into their career and how they use these tools at work. Of course, they also tell you how to connect with them to hear more and expand your network.

As I’ve said before, beyond the tools, and how cool it is to work with a brand that also provides paid work opportunities for early-career creatives, meeting so many creatives is one of BEST things of being an #AdobeExpressAmbassador

Find out more about the Adobe Express ambassador programme here and head to this link to try it free.

Naomi: I’m a brand and marketing strategist on a mission to help the little guys stop wasting time and money on the wrong or less important fixes, so they can grow and scale faster without having to self-sacrifice for the business. Or, the short version: a unicorn.

DSG: I’d say I’m a photographer and content creator.

Kim: The short answer is that I’m a marketing consultant, public speaker and the founder of Kim Does Marketing. The long answer is I wear a few different hats day to day. I work with new and growing businesses, usually founders or small teams, helping them shape and strategise their marketing.

Darren: I’m a content creator, and also do email marketing.

Peter: I’m a multi-disciplined B2B marketer with over 22 years’ experience shaping go-to-market strategies, positioning and value propositions across construction, manufacturing, technology, SaaS and complex service environments. I recently completed the Mini MBA in Marketing. I also won a colouring competition when I was young, but didn’t pick up the prize!

Naomi: Charge more from the beginning. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and lower prices tend to attract customers who love scope creep.

Kim: One of the most valuable things I did early on was surround myself with other entrepreneurs and freelancers. Being close to people who are actively building businesses and sharing real experiences gives you perspective you simply can’t get on your own.

Darren Meredith: Ooof, that was a long time ago! I’d probably tell myself to trust my instincts more and enjoy the process. Our journey to where we are is what makes us unique.

Peter Sumpton: Travel. Experience new cultures and countries that offer different ways of doing things — ideally before starting a career — and gain as much experience as possible in as many places as possible.

DSG: I’d put myself out there earlier, take more opportunities even when I don’t feel fully ready, and build my network from day one.

Darren: Ask people about themselves! People like to feel heard.

Kim: Wear something memorable. A hat, interesting shoes, a fun bag. Anything that can become an easy conversation starter. I used to take my bunny-shaped bag to networking events!

Peter: Introduce yourself by asking if they’re in the same position as you and don’t know anyone at the event. If they do know people, ask for an intro. If they don’t, you’ve made a new networking buddy :)

DSG: Be genuinely curious about people and focus on building real relationships rather than just collecting contacts.

Naomi: Comment sections are a great place online, but nothing really beats attending in-person events.

Darren: Firefly Boards for ideation. And Premiere Pro mobile’s Enhance Audio has saved me a lot.

Kim: Two features I love: Remove Background (Adobe Express), probably the one I reach for most. It works on photos and video, which is what makes it so handy for marketing assets. Cut out your product, drop it on a branded background or put a video behind it. It's a simple hack but super eye-catching especially on social media. Extend Image (Adobe Firefly). You know when you've got a square photo and you need a banner? This is what I use. It fills in beyond the edges of your photo so it fits whatever size you need.

Naomi: I actually think Adobe Express animations beats all! And the AI assistant does a brilliant job of creating new brand images.

Peter: It’s got to be Caption Video…I use it weekly for my podcast!

DSG: Adobe Firefly, especially Generative Fill. It makes removing unwanted objects and editing images so much faster and easier, while still giving really polished results!

DSG: Hello@shootlikedsg.com or Instagram

Naomi: Naomi@wickedbrands.co.uk or via Instagram DM

Kim: The best place is LinkedIn. You can also follow me on Instagram for practical marketing tips and a behind the scenes look at creative life in London. And of course, my website is the place to go if you’d like to collaborate.

Darren: bettercontentcreators.com or DM on Instagram

Peter: peter@builddifferent.marketing or on LinkedIn