Dear Art Producer - Ali Berk

Dear Art Producer: Ali Berk on Creative Partnership, Evolving Production, and Staying Grounded in the Work

With each episode of Dear Art Producer, the goal is to connect the photography and advertising communities through real conversations with the people behind the work.

This week, I sat down with Ali Berk, Head of Creative and Production at Billie.

Her role sits between creative and production in a way that feels very aligned with where things are heading. We covered a lot. But what stayed with me were a few things that feel especially relevant right now.

The role of the producer is evolving.
For Ali, it has never been about simply executing an idea. It’s about shaping it. In her current role, that partnership starts earlier and carries through the entire process.

AI is a tool, not a solution.
It can support parts of the process, but it cannot replace the thinking behind the work. And in a brand built on authenticity, that distinction matters.

What makes someone stand out isn’t just the work.
It’s how they show up. Prepared, yes. But also open to what happens in the moment. Some of the best work comes from what wasn’t planned.

We also talked about budgets, transparency, and how she finds new talent.
But more than anything, we talked about staying connected to the work itself.

In moments where the industry feels uncertain, her perspective was simple.

Keep making things.
Not for a brief.
Not for a client.
But for yourself.

Because that’s often what leads to what’s next.

Link here for this episode with Ali Berk on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music.

This weekly series features conversations with Art Producers in advertising, creating space to think about where the industry is headed and how we can move it forward together.

If you’re interested in joining me on the podcast, you can reach me at Heather@Heatherelder.com. We’re continuing to record new episodes.

And if the podcast resonates, sharing it or leaving a review helps it reach more people. Thank you!