About
Hi
My name is Nicholas Soper, I was born in London, England and I currently live in Cape Town, South Africa. I work with the Bester Burke Slingers advertising group, heading up their digital division.
What I do
Bester Burke Slingers is a through the line advertising group comprising of Bester Burke (ATL), TBSP (The Brian Slinger Partnership), Underground (BTL) and Red Crown (strategic packaging design). Being head of digital for the group involves a broad range of day to day tasks from digital strategy and development, implementing new digital process and services, educating the group and client on the what’s happening digitally. Key to my role is working to try and make sure the digital services we offer are complementing the group’s existing expertise in advertising, shopper marketing and corporate communication.
It’s a fascinating role that keeps me learning and challenged every day.
Going way back – growing up
I have a twin brother Andy, and I moved around lots growing up, going to about 12 different schools and living in England, Kenya, America, South Africa and Cyprus before I left home at 18.
Getting into computers
I was hooked on computer games since I was 7 or 8. Back in those days the power adapter of my brothers and my “white label (fake) NES” would over-heat and 5 hours invested in Super Mario Land would go down the drain.
I got hooked onto PC’s in my mid teens, when I would install the game demos included on the cover CD of PC Pro magazine on the family desktop. Then I’d have to un-install them when I was done to save space and manually remove the extra clutter the un-installer left behind. I also built a couple of PC’s for a neighbor and school friends, after seeing my step dad make a few. I guess this was the start of my entrepreneurial spirit, or more accurately the beginning of finding ways to earn money.
Getting educated
Admittedly my work ethic was a bit slack before I hit 17. I pretty much sailed through school. However I got a wake up call when I was in the upper sixth of my A-Levels and I had to knuckle down and study for my Chemistry, Biology and Maths exams!
After school I worked and saved up to do a surfing trip around the world, where I visited USA, Hawaii, Fiji, Australia, South Africa and Kenya. This was a really great idea and I would recommend traveling before and after university to anyone.
I studied Engineering at The University of Plymouth for a year, before switching to what was know as Media Lab Arts, which is now know as Digital Art and Technology (you have to stick with the times don’t you know). When I started I honestly didn’t think I was going to be able to finish, and pass, the course. It is a highly competitive course and has been cited as one of the UK’s top digital/design course by Computer Arts Magazine and other publications on numerous occasions.
Part of the Media Lab Arts degree was what’s called an “Industrial Placement” or placement year where in the 3rd year out of the total of 4 years, you go out into the wild (workplace) and work for a year. Then you (hopefully) come back to university with all the necessary skills to complete the degree.
I was lucky enough to attain a permanent residency for South Africa, so when I was planning my working year, I chose Cape Town. During my year I was lucky enough to work with some great people including Sploosh, Prezence and Cubamoon.
After working for a year, I returned to the UK to finish my degree, and after 8 months of working till 4am I managed to get a 2:1 in Media Lab Arts Bsc (hons). [I'd like to point out I had recurring nightmares about not having enough words for my dissertation only a week before the deadline for about 2 years! Which is odd because I was quite well prepared in real life!]
Getting to where I am now
Since finishing my degree I then decided to move to South Africa and I ran a web design company, NS Digital, from 2006 to mid 2010. I grew the company from me freelancing, to having 5 full time staff and an intern under my management. I did this with nothing but operating capital, which was quite a challenge.
I also have some various side projects that I have been involved in, including an Environmental Consulting co called Carbon Harmony, a Web Development company called The Code Studio, and I have a entertainment/travel guide website called Going Out. I also did a stint of part time Lecturing at The Red and Yellow School of Marketing at the end of 2009, which was very fulfilling.
Making all this sustainable
To keep it all going, I like to go surfing as much as I can. In a weird kind of way, I attribute my work ethic to surfing. I had to work in order to get money so I could have some spare time to surf! Surfing keeps me healthy, and it keeps me grounded.
I also try to do my best to hit the gym and eat healthily (thanks to my Mom there). I have gotten hooked on hot yoga, the Bikram and Vinyasa varieties that take place in a 38 degrees (Celsius) room.
Where to now?
Right now I am looking to continue to try new things, and develop personally. I am really enjoying living in Cape Town and I believe South Africa will see good economic growth right into the future. I am thrilled with the development and growth of the Digital Sector in South Africa and I intend to make the most of it.
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