After graduating with an MA from Glasgow University, I spent several years working in the motor industry, due to a longstanding passion for cars. Feeling that this just wasn't scratching that creative itch, I started looking into advertising. After reading George Lois's 'Damn Good Advice' I quit my job and decided to return to uni to attain my Masters in Creative Advertising.
I worked for STV Creative for the last 4 years, just over 2 in Glasgow, and just under 2 in London. In 2015, just before I made the move, I won the Marketing Society's 'Rising Creative Star' award. I've written, art directed and directed on air promos, multi-platform partnership campaigns with brands such as Lidl, one minute programmes, sponsorship bumpers, and spot commercials.
I've worked with mainly low-mid budgets, focussing on production quality and value for each of my clients. I've directed highly stylised ads, with beautiful sets and practical effects, and also ads that combine live action footage with CGI.
I've directed stop motion ads featuring dead squirrels for a holiday company, persuaded Europe's biggest independent car dealer to shoot an ad where the cars were invisible, and created a Roses nominated campaign for a little Scottish personal injury firm... I'm not fazed by a challenge.
I am now working between London and Glasgow on a freelance basis as both an Advertising Creative and Director. My aim is to work towards creating / directing content for car brands, ultimately combining my passion for cars with my passion for advertising.
Work history
Creative Lead
- London, United KingdomFull Time
I started at STV Creative as a Junior on a placement a few days after finishing my Masters in Creative Advertising. I was then employed full-time and promoted to Creative within 6 months. I wrote, art directed and directed campaigns for clients such as Arnold Clark, Secret Escapes, Ford, Visit Scotland and NTS. I moved with the company to London after 2 years, taking on the role of Lead Creative and pitching to and working with national clients such as Vauxhall, Aldi, Sony, Specsavers and Lidl.
Skills
- Art Direciton
- Ad Copywriting
- Creative Pitches
- Directing Shoots
- Digital/ Print
- TV Advertising
- Treatment Writing
- Client Pitches
- Animation Directing
- Big Ideas
Education
MSc Creative Advertising
- Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Having decided I wanted to pursue a career in advertising, I quickly applied to the Masters in Creative Advertising course at Napier Uni. It was an intense 6 months baptism of fire into the world of advertising, and I loved every second of it. I completed my dissertation whilst working at STV Creative.
MA (Hons) English Literature 2:1
- Glasgow, United Kingdom
I studied History of Art and English Literature during my undergrad degree, deciding to take just English Literature for Honours. I received a 2:1, narrowly missing out on a first.
Awards
Rising Creative StarThe Marketing Society