Creativity Without Borders: The Role of Julie Chamberland, Marketing and Communication Advisor

Montreal and its suburbs pulse with energy where culture and business converge, and it is here that Julie Chamberland has carved her unique path. Blending a background in cinematography and design, she has successfully merged cultural passion with event expertise. Let’s discover her journey, her contribution at Creos, and her mastery of remote work, as she is now based in Macedonia.

Julie, can you tell us about your journey before joining Creos??

My academic path began with an artistic touch, as I studied cinema and design. This dual curriculum laid the foundation for a career intertwining creativity and a sense of event management, propelling me into the excitement of Montreal's festivals such as the famous Jazz Festival and Francofolies. I then moved to France, where I worked at the Biennales Internationales du Spectacle in Nantes, before taking the helm of an Alliance Fran?aise in Macedonia. My deep knowledge of the North American, European, and international cultural life is an asset in my current work.

What attracted you to Creos, which was then a start-up??

It all started over a glass of wine with a former colleague who told me about this new company, Creos. I was living in Macedonia in the Balkans then, and when this opportunity presented itself, I knew it was for me. I saw it as a chance to contribute all my diverse experiences, reconnect with former colleagues, and get closer to my Quebec network; the stars were aligned! In the beginning, I was even asked to help with administration to allow a colleague to take paternity leave. At that time, we worked in the basement of the family business in Sainte-Julie. Everything was to be done and built! What captivated me about Creos was the promise of accompanying a company from its inception. Participating in its growth from the very beginning to its global ambitions was a challenge that seduced me and that I wanted to take on enthusiastically.

What is your role and main mission at Creos??

As a communication and marketing advisor, I am at the heart of coming up with communication strategies and marketing plans that we develop as a team. I orchestrate media presence, create compelling content for the website, supervise social media content, and promote our installations and the creators behind these creations in all our marketing tools. Daily, a large part of my role is also to accompany clients during the activation of their public space with our installations.

You have a real passion for customer service. How do you build relationships with Creos' clients and creators?

Creating relationships with clients is like conducting an orchestra. I am fortunate to work with fantastic clients who wish to promote public art and animate their community. My goal is to harmonize our clients' vision with our offer to ensure their event is a resounding success. From the signing of the contract, I am by their side to ensure that each installation is showcased in its new environment. My professional background and international experience allow me to understand their needs and vision well so that I can support them with the right tools.

I also collaborate closely with the creators to make their installations shine. My passion for art and my artistic background deeply inspire me to value the creative work of the installations we represent. As a fervent defender of the importance of artistic credit, I am committed to ensuring that creators receive all the recognition and appreciation they deserve, by highlighting their unique talent and essential contribution.

What types of tools do you provide to clients to help their events shine?

?I am responsible for creating a variety of effective promotional tools and materials, including detailed press kits. Each tool I design is specifically tailored to the concerned installation and results from my deep understanding of the client's needs, constant industry monitoring, and research on best practices. Whether it's the press kit, the creator's vision, a description of the installation, catchy headlines, testimonials, photos, or videos; these resources allow our clients to promote their events brilliantly. My goal is to create these supports with meticulous attention, ensuring they harmonize with the Creos brand while telling a captivating story to the public.

Can you give us a concrete example of the impact of your work on a client's event??

I have the opportunity to share the best practices accumulated over time with each of our clients. These are diverse, and the magic happens when these tips support our clients' initiatives in optimizing their reach. When possible, I suggest putting the client in contact with the creator. This has led to beautiful moments between the creators, the client broadcasters, and the local media. The creators have been invited to share their story and their vision of art in public space, in the form of a blog, written interview, or even video conference. This allows the public to discover not only the installation but also the creative genius behind it.

You're based in Macedonia in the Balkans, how does remote work influence your routine and your work at Creos?

Established well before the remote work trend, Creos' forward-thinking approach to online collaboration has enabled an effective remote work routine to be established. When I start my day, it's 4 a.m. in Montreal. It's fair to say our communications workday spans 13 hours! While everyone else sleeps, I can do in-depth work and thus deliver files at the start of my colleagues' workday. Originally, I was sending my emails in the middle of their night, which led some to believe I had insomnia ;) To reassure everyone, I set up an automated email-sending strategy, ensuring they are received at an appropriate time in my correspondents' time zone. My afternoons are then dedicated to teamwork and client support. It's like having the best of both worlds.

How do you manage to remain a central element of the team despite the distance?

Constant communication and involvement in common projects are crucial. I may not have spontaneous interactions as if I were on-site, but thanks to our collaborative tools, I stay perfectly synchronized with the team. Each year, I try to spend a few months in Quebec to see my loved ones, which is the perfect opportunity to collaborate on-site with the teams; I make the most of it!

And outside of work, what are your passions?

Music, photography, hiking, and travel are dear to me. Playing the guitar and cultural discoveries rejuvenate me. These passions have adapted over time, now including hiking adventures with my three-year-old daughter, a joyful evolution of my hobbies.

My career is proof that an unconventional path can lead to professional success. Especially since when my passions intersect with dynamic needs, I can accomplish great things. And I appreciate Creos' openness in giving me a place within their team.