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2 Minutes With … Brandon Rochon, Former Head of Creative at Hothouse
On authentically connecting brands to culture
Brandon was most recently head of creative at Hothouse, a content and design agency. Earlier, he served as CEO of Kastner North America, the global agency for Red Bull. His portfolio also includes projects for Louis Vuitton, Hennessy, Perrier and Ford.
We spent two minutes with Brandon to learn more about his background, his creative inspirations and recent work he’s admired.
Brandon, tell us …
Where you grew up, and where you live now.
I grew up in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I now live in Atlanta.
How you first realized you were creative.
I did a talent show in the third grade. It was a creative take on the popular song “Word Up” by the group Cameo. I won third place. From then on, it was my goal to captivate an audience.
A person you idolized creatively early on.
A moment from high school or college that changed your life.
I became a cast member on a BBC reality show in London during high school.
A visual artist or band/musician you admire.
A book, movie, TV show or podcast you recently found inspiring.
Origin, directed by Ava DuVernay.
One of your favorite creative projects you’ve ever worked on.
Samsung’s “The Developer” with Lionel Messi:
A recent project you’re proud of.
The creation of the bourbon brand Good Trouble with founder Dee Robinson.
Someone else’s work that inspired you years ago.
Erik Vervroegen Playstation 2 group play.
Someone else’s work you admired lately.
Pharrell Williams x Louis Vuitton: 2024 Spring/Summer fashion.
Your main strength as a creative person.
Finding the harmony of connecting brands to culture and making it feel as though it is an authentic way of being.
Your biggest weakness.
Being a Black creative—because every time I use the word “culture,” people automatically assume I can only be talking about one kind of culture.
A mentor that helped you navigate the industry.
Renetta McCann, chief inclusion experiences officer at Publicis Groupe.
How you’re paying it forward with the next generation of creatives.
I mentor, speak, teach and try to not only open doors for them, but also make sure they are nurtured and guided to truly show their talent.
What you’d be doing if you weren’t in advertising.
An architect and residential designer/builder/developer.
2 Minutes With is our regular interview series where we chat with creatives about their backgrounds, creative inspirations, work they admire and more. For more about 2 Minutes With, or to be considered for the series, please get in touch.
