Mothers In Advertising: Anna Taylor, Art Director/Sr. Designer, BBDO Atlanta.

von Sarah Cullen , Adforum

To celebrate Mother’s Day, AdForum sat down with a series of mothers to hear first hand what it is like to be a working mother in the advertising industry. We would like to thank Anna Taylor, Art Director/Sr. Designer at BBDO Atlanta for taking part in this interview series.  

By Sarah Cullen

Perspectives: Mothers In Advertising

How would you describe the culture at your agency?
I think our agency is trying to be helpful to working mothers, but similar to other companies, it’s not typically the institution, it’s often your direct manager that dictates how you as a working mother are treated. When reporting to someone that does not have children and has only work as a primary focus, it does make it more difficult to function at a high level at work and to be promoted.
What advice would you give to other mothers who are trying to find the right work and life balance?
To give yourself a break and not feel like you have to do it all. For example, some times I use a house cleaning service so that my Sunday isn’t consumed with cleaning and laundry, and I can spend that time with my child.
What changes do you hope to see for future working parents?
I hope to see continued acceptance of flexible schedules and working from home options. I still find that people with no children look at working parents as not “pulling the same weight” because they are not chained to their desk.
Has being a mother changed how you approach any aspects of your job; how?
It has. I have always been a very calm/chill person and being a parent just enhanced that vibe making it easier to deal with difficult clients, peers or managers.
What would you say is the most rewarding aspect of being a working mother?
Knowing that I am kicking butt out here to take care of my child and ensuring that he has a good life.