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Will S.
Global Photo Lead | Executive Content Production | Strategic Creative Curator
Professional Background
Will S. is a distinguished director-level executive with over 15 years of extensive experience in artist and creator management, sales, and production. His expertise lies in collaborating with some of the most talented creatives in the photography, film, and beauty industry. Will has built a remarkable career focusing on delivering substantial revenue growth for artists while generating impactful impressions for brands in the fashion, advertising, and beauty sectors.
Throughout his career, Will has developed a keen ability to navigate the intricate world of content creation. His work has placed him at the forefront of editorial collaborations, boasting partnerships with renowned clients like The Gentlewoman, Dazed, i-D, M Le Monde, Conde Nast, and T Magazine. His impressive portfolio also includes collaborations with globally recognized brands such as CHANEL, Hermès, Jil Sander, Apple, and Uniqlo. Will's initiatives have made substantial contributions to both the artists he manages and the brands he supports, showcasing his ability to bridge the gap between creative vision and commercial success.
As a multi-faceted problem solver, Will excels in interpreting the creative needs of clients. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration and creative synergy, making him an asset in any executive role. Will has successfully led teams and projects that require an eye for detail, an understanding of market dynamics, and the ability to drive results through innovative strategies. His role as Global Head of Photography - Global Content at Christie's exemplifies his capability to manage high-stakes environments while cultivating relationships that last.
Education and Achievements
Will's academic background is rooted in Asian Studies, having earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the prestigious University of Michigan. His educational journey began when he completed his GCSE and A Levels at ISLAND SCHOOL in Hong Kong. This diverse educational foundation not only provided him with a robust understanding of global cultures but also honed his analytical skills, laying the groundwork for his career.
In his professional pathways, Will has held significant roles across various prestigious organizations in the creative industries. His experience as Senior Agent at CLM Agency and later as Director at theCollectiveShift has equipped him with first-hand knowledge of the dynamics of agency work, enabling him to effectively advocate for artist rights and needs. During his tenure as Photographic Director at D + V Management and Senior Photography Agent at Jed Root, he developed a profound understanding of the market, which is critical for successful artist representation.
These roles underscore Will's transition from the creative side into leadership, showcasing his versatility and adaptability in a fast-paced industry. His experiences across different markets, including the US, UK, Europe, and East Asia, have given him a global perspective, making him a sought-after expert for brands looking to expand their reach or engage with diverse audiences.
Notable Achievements
- Strategic Collaborations: Will’s ability to curate impactful collaborations between artists and leading brands has earned him recognition in the industry. His strategic insight rapidly increased visibility and revenue for countless projects, earning the trust of both clients and collaborators.
- Pioneering Leadership at Christie's: As the Global Head of Photography, Will played a pivotal role in enhancing the global content strategy of Christie's, establishing a framework for innovative marketing initiatives that combined artistry with cutting-edge trends in the art world.
- Diverse Industry Expertise: Will has successfully managed projects that extend beyond traditional photography, encompassing the realms of creative direction and influencer initiatives across multiple platforms and channels. His comprehensive skill set allows him to tackle opportunities that require cross-functional coordination and strategic foresight.
- Cultural Competency and Market Understanding: With extensive experience working within the Asian markets, his insights contribute significantly to understanding cultural nuances—a rare skill that distinguishes him in the industry.
- Negotiation and Project Management Proficiency: Will's proven abilities in negotiation, sales, curating contracts, budgeting, and comprehensive project management have consistently translated into successful outcomes, whether in securing artist deals, managing productions, or coordinating with a cross-disciplinary team.
In summary, Will S. stands out as a dynamic leader in the creative industry, melding artistic vision with commercial acumen. His extensive experience collaborating with globally recognized brands and top-tier talents, coupled with his strategic insights, positions him as a visionary executive well-poised to drive continued success in the rapidly evolving landscape of photography and the creative arts.
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Clay offers many advantages over other personal CRMs. Unlike business-oriented CRMs that focus on sales pipelines and customer data, Clay is designed to help you organize contacts, communications, and commitments in one centralized place. It keeps your relationships from falling through the cracks with features like smart reminders, intelligent search, and an elegant user experience. Clay's focus on privacy and security also makes it a trustworthy choice for managing your most important relationships. Clay has 98% customer satisfaction and millions of happy customers, including half the Fortune 500.
Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
Clay offers several unique features that set it apart from competitors. Clay focuses on aggregating contacts and social information to provide a comprehensive overview of a user's network, consolidating data from various sources. Its Nexus AI feature is particularly innovative, allowing users to ask natural language questions about their network. Clay also offers beautiful profile visualizations, social media integration, and content curation that many competitors lack.
Yes. Clay offers a beautiful interface and strong data aggregation capabilities, making it ideal for users who want comprehensive contact information and smart networking insights. Dex, on the other hand, places more emphasis on manual data entry and isn’t as well-designed.
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