photography by STANDA MERHOUT
grooming by ANTHONY JOSEPH HERNANDEZ @ WILHELMINA

As President and CEO of Mekanism, a top advertising agency with offices in New York and San Francisco, Jason Harris, speaks about creativity, ambition, “whatever it takes” attitude and balance of rich personal life with the professional desire to excel. 

SPIRIT & FLESH: How did you decide to go into advertising?

JASON HARRIS: Ever since I was 12 I wanted to be in advertising. I was lucky because early on I found the one thing that I wanted to do. I just thought it would be a great career for someone with an active imagination who doesn’t really want to grow up. The first ad I remember loving is the Kool-Aid man, a talking pitcher saying “Oh Yeah!” It just seemed like stupid fun.

How would you sell your choice of profession to young adults choosing their fields?

If you love to create things and solve problems, advertising is a great industry—and there’s never been a more exciting time to be in this business because everyone is looking for new ways of reaching people.

What personal touch do you add to your company?

Obsess over culture. We exist to surround ourselves with innovation, friendship and the love of creativity. We need to have people that love doing this type of work and will go after it with a joie de vivre. We want everyone to wake up everyday thrilled to go into the office and help create something for our clients. If the founders have this contagious spirit it will trickle down to the entire company.

How has advertising changed since you’ve been in the business?

Advertising is always changing and evolving – so I learned early on that being able to adapt to change is key to being successful. But even as technology changes and new platforms are created, ideas will be the most important asset an advertiser can have.
Great ideas – are and always will be – an endangered species, so that is the one constant to the business. The way those ideas reach the audience will always change.

Great ideas – are and always will be – an endangered species, so that is the one constant to the business. The way those ideas reach the audience will always change.

As you continue to shape the image of Mekanism, what do you hope to project to future clients?

Innovative Creative met with Undeniable Hustle. If you match the best ideas with the best work ethic, you can’t lose.

Collaboration is an essential part of advertising; could you describe your creative/collaborative process?

Big ideas often come from someone saying something strange at any moment, so we foster an environment where all ideas are welcome and there are no second class citizens – every role in the building is fundamental to our success.
We often meet in groups and have long discussions to crack a problem or land the right idea. Our open environment at both offices are set up without any offices. Everything is open and everyone can hear everything. This naturally fosters collaboration and people either thrive or die in this type of environment.

Do you take a “no” for an answer?

To be successful you need to have a “whatever it takes” attitude. We lead by example to create a culture of going for the big idea even if the first response is a “no”.

How would you describe a perfect relationship with a client?

Three things:
          1.     Perspective.
It all starts from the client knowing what they are really looking for.
          2.     Partnership. 
Both partners hearing each other out and looking at it from both sides. We are in it together after all. Our fates are tied.
          3.     Passion.
Putting it all out there and actually, truly without a doubt, giving a shit.

What qualities do you have that make you successful?

Two qualities. I’d say hustle first and foremost. I’m also obsessed with quality. The end product that goes out the door is everything. Unless it is fantastic, it is not going to get the results our clients want and need.

I’m obsessed with quality. The end product that goes out the door is everything. Unless it is fantastic, it is not going to get the results our clients want and need.

How do you find a balance between the business side and the creative side within your profession?

I’m lucky to be in business where there isn’t a need for that distinction.

What is your happiest personal moment?

Cliché but the truth is when I come home from a trip and my kids run to hug me. That is the best feeling in the world. I would love to bottle that up and travel with it.

When I come home from a trip and my kids run to hug me… That is the best feeling in the world. I would love to bottle that up and travel with it.

If you were going to change careers right now, what would you want to do?

I would want to be playing Bass Guitar in a festival level touring band. But I would also be the “old ass Bass guy” eating a burrito.  So there’s that.

Where do you see yourself and your career in the future?

Short term future is trying to grow the independent Mekanism and turn it into a global powerhouse agency known for outstanding creative work.

What are some of the most difficult things for you professionally? Personally?

One professional challenge is that we are always changing and improving our model. Whenever we make a change, there is disruption to our employees and sometimes to our clients. I have learned it’s really important to articulate the new approach, the benefit and the ultimate vision to our team. It is imperative to put the goal of Mekanism ahead of any personal goals, so the growth of the company must be looked at through an impartial lens. As a leader you have to try to wire your brain to think about the whole — not just the sum of the parts.

If your life was a movie, what would be its title, its slogan, and who would you cast as yourself?

Title:  Running Down A Dream. Slogan:  Fake it. Till you make it. Cast: Steve McQueen (because he was a bad ass).

The photo-shoot featured you in different fashion personas; which one reflects you the best?

I think day to day I am the sport-coated-jeans-wearing business guy. But inside I am the punk t-shirt guy (in the same pair of jeans).

If you had to describe yourself now to someone who never met you, what would you say?

An almost funny and curious thinker.

Who is your biggest influence?

David Bowie. Ever since I can remember I have followed his music and loved the way he tells stories and how he packages up his brand, his style, his performances. He has been doing things his way for close to 50 years. Bowie is about innovation, entertainment and the power of good storytelling.

What is your favorite music?

LCD Soundsystem, The Clash, Joy Division, The Smiths, Fugazi and of course, Bowie.

What is your fashion style?

Always jeans. And a sportcoat a few days a week.

What do you think beauty is?

Beauty is all about attitude and how you approach the world. What is your POV?

What are the most important principals for you?

Follow the golden rule and you can’t lose.

What were the most important lessons you learned up until this moment?

Focus. Be clear on what you want to achieve. Let it Go. You can’t control things you can’t control. Bust your ass. Hardwork really does pay off. There is no substitute.

What is you most valuable possession?

The Kiss Alive II album. It is a constant reminder that in any industry creating a story is what it’s all about.

What is your latest obsession?

The song “All My Friends” from LCD Soundsytem. It is 7minutes and 37 seconds of perfection. I forgot about it and now I keep playing it on repeat.

What legacy do you want to leave?

Who has time to think about legacy?

Which of your senses is the most developed? Which ones do you rely on most?

Trust your gut. You always know the answer, you just have to figure out how to get everyone else to agree.

Trust your gut. You always know the answer, you just have to figure out how to get everyone else to agree.