Meet: Lesley Sprouse
Team member of our LGBTQIA+ Task Force
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Location: Los Angeles
Job Role: Brand Specialist
Years in Industry: 6+
Hey Lesley, tell us about yourself!
Hi, I’m Lesley! I have a B.A. from the University of Maryland, College Park where I studied Graphic Design and Business. I have experience in a diverse range of brand services. I started my career in the arts and entertainment industry where I helped market artists and events. I then moved into UX/UI design, creating apps and websites for various brands. Further into my career I led all of the marketing and design efforts for a Baltimore-based company in the medical cannabis industry. This is where my experience in advertising and social media marketing blossomed. Most recently, I worked in progressive politics with brands such as Planned Parenthood in their marketing strategies. Currently, I am again working in the arts and entertainment industry with branding, design, and marketing.
How did you get into marketing?
I first began studying marketing in college. There is a huge connection between marketing and design. The two fields go hand and hand. This is what led me to get involved in marketing.
Marketing is a tough industry,what keeps you in the field?
Marketing is such a fun industry to work in. Each brand is unique in its needs. Each industry has a different audience. There is so much diversity and creativity involved in the marketing field. I really enjoy that it’s always changing and growing.
Where do you go for inspiration?
Inspiration is everywhere, especially living in LA. I am constantly being exposed to new marketing campaigns just by walking out my door. Instagram has also kept me up to date with new marketing campaigns in all different industries. Instagram is where I was recently inspired by a cool campaign from GRLSWIRL, a women founded skate collective. They had an event called Swirl Surf Skate Fest and I loved the campaign for it. They were active on social media to post about the event and share fun videos leading up to it. The branding was amazing. I loved the vintage typefaces, photography, and color palette that they used for the posters. A huge reason that I enjoy this brand so much is their major emphasis on inclusivity.
Why do you think it’s important for brands to be inclusive?
Being inclusive as a brand is so important. As a consumer, I personally do not want to support brands that are not supporting the community. Making everyone feel seen and embraced is key.
What’s a brand you think is doing a good job at being inclusive?
I think Nike does a good job at being inclusive year round. For 11 years they have issued a Be True collection, designed by their LGBTQ+ employees. They have also contributed millions to LGBTQ+ causes.
What do you think brands have gotten wrong when itcomes to marketing to the LGBTQIA+ Community?
Brands often tend to only show support during Pride. There are more ways to show support than by simply using rainbow colors in campaigns during Pride month.
Want to work with Leslie? Check out our LGBTQIA+ Marketing Services.