We get the lowdown on Rocket Licensing’s ambitious licensing coordinator.
Louisa Skevington,
Licensing Coordinator, Rocket Licensing
My route into the licensing industry went something like this…
Typically, I came to licensing quite unexpectedly. When I graduated, I wanted to work in a role connected to art and design (I studied History of Art), and interviewed at Santoro, knowing it to be a creative and design-driven company. I ended up taking a role in the licensing department and grew to love it! I was part of the growing team there for a year before taking the full licensing leap and starting at Rocket.
How long in the industry?
3 years
When I was growing up, I had no idea that ‘licensing’ was an industry, so I wanted to be…
Anything creative. Writer, journalist, artist… I think I basically wanted to do a bit of everything, so it’s great to have ended up in a job where every day is different.
Biggest inspiration in the licensing industry?
It’s hard to single out one person, everyone I’ve met in licensing has been so approachable and so nice. The whole of the Rocket team has been amazing in sharing their experience with me and I have learnt a crazy amount in my two years here.
Best thing about your current role?
I love the variety of what I do, working across such a diverse and evolving portfolio of brands on a daily basis, and switching between so many different areas, from pitching for new brands to overseeing PR, planning events and managing product categories. Being part of a small and friendly team, I am given a lot of autonomy and say in what I do which is fab, and makes it all the more rewarding when everything comes together.
What are you most proud of within your licensing career to date?
It’s always exciting to have worked on a brand from the very start and see it grow, and this has been the case with The Elf on the Shelf. Over the last year or so, Rocket has built a strong campaign for the brand which includes three wonderful licensees within my publishing category – I can’t wait to see the product on shelf this Christmas! It’s also been fantastic to have had the opportunity to be on the Licensing International YPN Committee this year and help plan a variety of successful events for industry Young Professionals, including the recent licensing and retail event at the V&A which I was particularly involved in.
Licensed character you can most identify with (and why)?
Out of the Rocket characters, I’d obviously want to be a Derry Girl. Probably Erin – determined, loyal, sassy, she’s a girl on an absolute mission!
What were your first thoughts when you were revealed as a nominee for the Licensing International UK Rising Star Award?
Surprised and delighted! There are so many bright and driven young people in licensing that it’s a great feeling to be recognised.
The adage goes, once you enter the licensing industry, you never really leave… what are your short-term goals for your career in licensing?
To continue to learn, build successful brands and bring new ideas to the table. There’s lots happening at Rocket in 2020 and some exciting projects in the pipelines, so I’m looking forward to taking all this on!
The Licensing International UK Rising Star award will be presented as part of The Licensing Awards, which take place on Tuesday September 10 at The Grosvenor Hotel, London.
