Tara Ford talks to Cam Blackley. On the eve of his move to M&C Saatchi, Cam reveals what it was like to grow up with a Mad Man for a Dad, as well as an unexpected penchant for face paint. But behind the mask, Tara discovers a creative giant with a big heart.
Tara Ford is the Executive Creative Director at DDB, Sydney. She’s worked at advertising agencies around the world including London and Amsterdam. And her experience ranges from cars, banks and politics to fashion, alcohol and gaming and everything between.
She’s won lots of awards, on lots of clients, in lots of categories, both for creativity and effectiveness. She also judged and chaired many awards shows, including being Australia’s representative at this year’s Cannes Lions on the Promo & Activation jury.
Tara has also been an active mentor to young creative talent through the Cannes ‘See It Be It’ and young Lions Program, RMIT student program, Miami Ad School and AWARD School. She was a panelist at the inaugural 3% Conference Australasia.
In between all this, Tara also squeezes in raising her four spirited boys and making art.
Cam is one of Australia’s top creative minds. He is son of ad legend David Blackley and has just recently announced he is to join M&C Saatchi as chief creative officer after a four year stint at BMF as executive creative director. Cam has over 20 years experience at agencies both locally and in international markets including the UK and US. He has worked at Grey Melbourne, AMV/BBDO London and Droga5 New York and Sydney. More recently at BMF, he has been responsible for a creative resurgence across clients such as ALDI Australia, TAL Insurance, MLA, Australian Government and Football Federation Australia. Cam’s work has been recognised at every major show globally including a D&AD black pencil, three yellow pencils and several Cannes Lions.
