Gailey: Originally from the Eastern Cape, I’ve just recently left my larger-than-life balcony in Long Street, to move to the quiet suburban life of Vredehoek. I’m a true festival fairy, so you can find me frolicking in and around the city. I stay away from the burbs. No shade.
Newman: I live and work in Cape Town and play anywhere that guarantees a cheesy hit to sing along to!
Gailey: I’m a ‘little human with a lottle sass’. An aspiring artist and filmmaker since 11-years-old, I was an ‘influencer/YouTuber’ before South Africa even knew what that was. Some of my videos racked up over a million views, but I’ve packed up my selfie stick and ‘retired’ from that now.
Newman: I’m secretly a Disney Princess. No really, I’m constantly breaking into song like my plotline depends on it – the OFYT team secretly loves it. Armed with a flawless Aussie accent on demand, I apologise in advance for getting that song stuck in your head.
Ironically, I do have a background in musical theatre, so I also write and perform musical comedies.
Gailey: I started at OFYT as a creative intern on their graduate programme when I was fresh out of high school, at the ripe age of 18 – I had no clue how to use the Adobe Suite. I count my lucky stars every day!
Newman: Unconventional. Having graduated with a BA Live Performance from AFDA in 2016, I discovered my love for song- and script-writing.
Fast-forward a few years and an original script later, I danced my way (literally) into OFYT to join the digital team as a copywriter.
Gailey: My iPad and Apple Pencil. GAMECHANGER.
Newman: Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. But also breakfast food and show tunes.
Gailey: I’m literally selling dreams.
Newman: I’ve always loved writing, this industry is a place I can productively channel my creativity.
Gailey: Either ploughing through 10 briefs in a day, or sitting on one for six months. There is no in-between.
Newman: Lots of coffee – the only thing that remains unchanged in my day.
Gailey: My Adobe files are labeled perfectly, with 0 missing links. Fight me.
Newman: Problem solving, out-of-the-box thinking and the ability to tell a story that people want to connect with.
Gailey: Brands that understand their target audience and what they would like to see. True relatability. Putting aesthetics first.
Leigh Andrews 20 Sep 2016
Newman: Those creating truly honest and relatable South African stories.
Gailey: They want disruption, but when you give them disruption, it’s too disruptive. Take more risks!
Newman: Yes, I think brands in South Africa need to be more willing to take risks!
Gailey: Myself.
Gailey: “Disruption”, “Mid-scroll”, “diversity”. “I want to vomit” – me whenever any minor inconvenience occurs.
Newman: Human truth, disrupt, cut-through.
Gailey: I couldn’t pinpoint it if I tried.
Gailey: I can whistle like a bird. My cat loves it.
Newman: I can whip out pretty much any accent on demand. #HumbleBrag
Gailey: I love and hate technology at the same time. But as a designer, I’m a technophile for sure.
Gailey: Screenshots, cats, food.
Newman: Really low-angled, as-unattractive-as-possible selfies and screen-grabbed recipes, usually something drenched in chocolate.
Gailey: Work hard. Also, use the knowledge you have of your generation, to help these oldies learn how to market to us. It ain’t easy for them, but we know what we want to see.
Simple as that. Follow Gailey and Newman on Instagram; and OFYT on their LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram feeds for the latest updates.
*Interviewed by Leigh Andrews.
