Today we’d like to introduce you to Caroline Lobo.
Hi Caroline, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
As a kid, I’d write poetry, doodle on every scrap of paper in sight, and pretend to run my own stores (forcing my five siblings to be patrons). So, for as long as I can remember, I’ve been creative but also business-minded. The shining achievement of my youth was winning a design contest at Publix, which they made into a personalized cake. Looking back, I think seeing an idea of mine come to life was part of what sparked me to want to work in a creative field.
I studied Advertising and Business Administration at the University of Florida (Go Gators!), then moved to Atlanta for an advertising internship and never left. I worked on a small account and got client face time with a front-row seat to the creative process. The “people-person” in me fell in love with client management and being a liaison to creative teams. It inspired me to pursue jobs at small ad agencies, where I gained experience with clients across many industries. This gave me a diverse portfolio to bring to the table.
Then I jumped “client-side”. At AT&T, I learned more about media and the strategy behind building recognizable national marketing campaigns. Being part of the thrills and pressures of live-action work is undoubtedly where I found my love for production.
Fast forward a few years to when I got a text from one of my very first co-workers, who was looking for an Executive Producer for his animation studio, Fern. I had a lot to learn about the world of animation but I jumped in and haven’t looked back. I love the flexibility, range of methods, and uniqueness of each project. The pandemic forced my team to work more efficiently together while we were remote and it’s opened up more doors than I could have dreamed of. Now I get to work with clients and creative talent from all over the world. I’m continually impressed by the ways people can use animation to tell their stories and I’m excited about its future.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a cakewalk (pun intended). The industry is always changing. Between technology, media, and creative methods, it’s important to stay open to new opportunities. My biggest personal and career successes have come from essentially starting over.
As a manager, it can be challenging to keep teams motivated while balancing the needs and expectations of clients. I always try to understand clients’ strategies while transparently communicating with my creative teams. Doing this creates trust on all sides and also leaves the door open for solutions to be shared that might not have been thought about otherwise.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Part of being a producer is creative problem-solving to help bring ideas to life. It’s one part balancing budgets, schedules, and creative teams; one part helping people showcase brands, services, and products through advertising, storytelling, and entertainment. I love that my role allows me to be surrounded by beautiful design, humor, and collaboration on a daily basis. Animation offers opportunities to amplify voices and stories that may not have been heard otherwise. My work with nonprofits and community-based organizations has been some of the most fulfilling. I’ve built a strong network over time by being genuine, having a strong work ethic, and caring for peoples’ mutual success. I’m occasionally a couple of minutes late to meetings, but only because I’m filling up my coffee mug.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is when I can take pride in the work I produce and find joy in the people I produce the work with.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carolinelobo.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinedlobo/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinedlobo/
Image Credits
AT&T Entertainment BBDO Atlanta Made by Fern LLC Beardy Glasses Elizabeth Laferrière
