At ChangeUp, we’re inspired daily by the people we work with. This led us to launch “Five Questions With” – a monthly series that spotlights a different employee, asking them five questions that we hope sparks some inspiration in you too. Next up, get to know our newest Creative Director, Marty McCauley.

What are you currently reading?

I read The New Yorker pretty religiously and always trying to stay up to date on the latest issue. Their depth and range of content always keeps me on my toes while providing me with a bit of an escape from the daily grind. I regularly find myself enthralled in these impossibly well-researched and written stories on topics that are seemingly random to what I do every day but fill me with a deeper understanding of the human dynamic and ever-changing culture. 

What made you want to join ChangeUp? 

I was excited to work at a creative powerhouse in retail design that embraces its independence. It was apparent to me from the beginning that ChangeUp effortlessly blends strategy and brand activation to solve their clients’ goals. The team’s level of talent, along with the energy and momentum to grow the agency, has made it a really exciting time to work here!

What do you believe is the biggest design challenge for brands to overcome in today’s landscape?

We’re currently in a place where the market is changing faster than most brands can move. While brands have always had to evolve to remain relevant, more than ever businesses need to use this unique moment in time to REALLY innovate. Where brands go wrong is that they don’t use the time to build, test, and learn, and then as a result many of them end up with something similar to what they already had. The companies that do use this time strategically will find that they’re establishing an expanded expression ecosystem that will give them the tools to stay fresh, while also stretching their brands internal culture to embrace new thinking.

What are you most passionate about outside of work?

I’m a total music junkie that frequents live shows and collects rare records. My collection is now in the thousands and whenever I visit a new city, I love to check out the favorite local record shop. But these days I’m most passionate about my family. I’ve always been a champion of embracing the present moment to find inspiration to enhance my design lexicon. Now that I’m having an opportunity to experience it all through the lens of my two young daughters and amazing wife – I’m blown away by my new level of awareness and the clarity of my evolved perspective.

What excites you most about the work we do at ChangeUp?

Being able to influence beloved brands of all sizes to move the needle on their built experience to inspire guests through the power of design. A new puzzle is always being solved and it truly never gets old. There’s also nothing like seeing something that you worked on live in the market, and observing real customers interact with an experience that you helped create.