Meet Our Creative Advertising And Design B&T 30 Under 30 Winners!
There were a lot of wonderfully talented people handed large glass gongs for their work at last Thursday’s B&T 30 Under 30 Awards. And to continue the celebrations we want our audience to meet the young guns from each section of the industry.
Below we have the five creative individuals who nabbed a coveted B&T 30 Under 30 Award for their work in advertising and design. Coming up across the week will be everyone else. See all the winners here and photos here, and check out some little titbits about the ad/design guns below, posing for a celebratory photo with Ashley Sheard, sales director from News Corp and one of our lovely sponsors.
Archana Murugaser – Copywriter at The Monkeys
Archana has never met another Sri Lankan woman working in adland in her seven years within the creative industry. “I know I’m under-represented in most creative departments around Australia,” she says, but stresses this is what keeps her from taking her career for granted. As a young girl at 12 she saw the struggles her mother went through trying to find work in the industry, despite her being a successful copywriter back in Sri Lanka.
It’s made Archana even more determined to succeed. And succeed she has! After falling into advertising at uni, she embarked on three internships with big name companies; JWT, DDB and Saatchi & Saatchi.
Her first grown up job was at creative agency Us Sydney in 2010. She was involved with creating a Nike running event for women, a brand relaunch and came runner up in the Australian Young Lions competition.
She then moved to Bashful where she won her first AWARD, APMA and Spikes awards. During this time she also created the work she’s most proud of – a sculpture that was selected for Sydney’s coastal art exhibition, Sculpture by the Sea. From there Arnold Furnace called her name, before moving to Havas and winning employee of the year.
Now she’s at The Monkeys, the agency she’s wanted to work for since she started. It’s only a few months in, but already she’s got an international print campaign under her belt and two more brand projects.
Tara Shelton – founder at Dream & Do
It was 2012 and Tara wanted to create gifts for girls, made by girls, minus the cheese factor of inspirational messages. She founded her first company, a beautiful hanky brand called Moi Self. Her hankies were featured in InStyle, Vogue and Hello May, and hanky stocks in New York and Hong Know, Tara’s design and creativity was highly recognised with an incredible win of Young Designer of the Year.
But one company wasn’t enough for Tara. Just under two years ago, she founded her second business, a design and branding agency called Dream & Do in Sydney. It’s clear Tara has creativity bursting out her every pore. And creativity is what she says every business needs. Ideally, Dream & Do will move beyond an agency and into a creative space with a café and bookshop attached.
One downside in the design industry though, she says, is the lack of originality. “A lot of designers out there simply provide aesthetic answers that are on-trend to briefs rather than strong thinking, design and creativity. There’s a lot of talking design lingo and pulling the wool over clients’ eyes, which is an inauthentic way to do business. We try to break down those barriers.”
With a new little bub gracing her apartment the notion of finding balance between work life and home life is becoming much more apparent to Tara. And when asked to describe her attributes in no more than five words, she said: “Passionate, creative, dedicated, positive, authentic.”
John Marshall – senior account director at Ogilvy & Mather
John has won the David Ogilvy award (best employee of the year) twice. That’s more than a many can say. In less than five years he’s transitioned from just graduating from university to group account director.
It didn’t take long for Ogilvy to snaffle up John when traversed the ditch from New Zealand.
After just five days in our fine country, and a year of account coordinating at GSL Network and full-time study in New Zealand, he was offered a job at Ogilvy & Mather to work on the agency’s St George business.
A mere six months later – and with the client’s strong endorsement – he was promoted to senior account manager. Then, in November 2013, he was made account director to lead the agency’s blue-chip account, Coca-Cola. Leading the biggest and most creative piece of business in the Ogilvy portfolio is where he excelled, helping to develop world-class campaigns that won numerous awards.
After 18 months he was asked to lead the newly won Lion business as a senior account director. The agency’s first task was a brand relaunch for Hahn SuperDry, and the subsequent ‘Experience Collectors’ platform helped drive strong sales growth in a declining category. Now he leads the agency’s Lion and Seafolly accounts.
Leadership to John is not about being front and centre or craving the spotlight. Rather it’s having the courage, conviction and confidence to build your team up, so that each one of them can make the right call at the right time, even if you are not present in the room.
“A great leader is authentic, compassionate and has a strong value base that he or she never waivers from,” he says, “even during intense adversity. I hold all these principles very close to me, and work hard on a daily basis to ensure that I continue to live up to them.”
Craig Adams – strategy director at Naked Communications
Despite the agency’s name, we assume Craig always comes to work fully clothed. He has been at creative agency Naked most of his industry life, having started at the British version before transitioning to the Sydney office.
Beginning ad life in London as a junior strategist in 2008, Craig soon displayed the full force of his talent and jumped to communications manager before launching a sustainability marketing division within the agency called Naked Planets. He also lectured at the London College of Communications and the School of Communications Arts in 2010-11 on opportunities for advertising in solving environmental challenges.
When he was recruited to the Sydney office in 2013 he broadened his skills as a campaign strategist and was promoted in 2015 to strategy director at just the mere young age of 28.
Still, it’s not just his work that sees his unwavering dedication. Craig also launched the Sydney chapter of Good for Nothing, a global movement of creative people who volunteer their skills to local social enterprises. Launching in 2014, the movement has amassed 233 volunteers, run four events and helped seven causes.
And in his eyes what needs to be improved in our industry? “Our future. Currently, I fear, we don’t have a very good one.
“Advertising agencies need to rebuild their reputation as the best problem solvers to turn to for advice and solutions. The ones that are truly in touch with people, and fiercely up to date with the nature of their relationship with media, brands and each other. The ones that are worth the money to engage.”
Looking at the change the advertising industry has experienced in just the past ten years, it’s impossible to ignore the fact that the next five years will hold even more disruption, he says. “Bring it on.”
Madeleine Livesey – project director at The General Store
Starting out a lawyer doesn’t usually present the ultimate advertising talent – but that’s exactly what happened to Madeleine.
She studied a double degree in Law and Communications at UTS in Sydney and worked as a lawyer at Gilbert + Tobin in Intellectual Property and Mergers and Acquisitions. Her most memorable case was a copyright suit over pornographic DVDs, which required Madeleine to work late into the nights labelling ‘evidence’ by summarising the titles of the DVDs down to names that wouldn’t make the judge blush. “Funnily enough, I could never quite shake the feeling that the career path I was heading down wasn’t the right one for me.”
Luckily her marketing break finally came. A start up retail strategy and creative agency called The General Store was looking to hire their first employee, a Project Director. Madeleine took a chance on The General Store and The General Store took a chance on her. This leap of faith was a major turning point in her career, and her life.
Her boss, Matt Newell, said she’ll make a smashing future leader because she cares, she is respected and she’s a good teacher.
“It’s easy for a young person to take a role in a big agency, surrounded by the safety nets of existing process and systems,” he says. “But Maddie has taken the harder path of joining a start-up agency that is trying to define new ways of working and ways of delivering on big promises. Here, she is playing a pivotal role in building a business out of nothing. And every award that we have won, is largely because of what Maddie has delivered.”
When asked to describe her attributes in five words or less, she says: “Tenacious, energetic, inquisitive, supportive.”
Latest News
Allied Nabs Nicola Gold From Pico International Dubai
Allied Global Marketing (Allied), a full-service integrated marketing agency working with entertainment, consumer and lifestyle brands, has announced the appointment of seasoned executive Nicola Gold as business director APAC, brand experience, effective immediately. Gold assumes a pivotal role in building the Brand Experience offering as part of Allied’s strategy to develop a truly integrated full-service […]
Nine’s Push For Gold, Silver & Bronze Ad Opportunities Could Break New Ground In Broadcasting
Nine insists that AI won't dominate its Olympics coverage. And not merely because Bruce McAvaney doesn't understand it.
TV Ratings (16/04/2024): Toxic City Girls Too Much For Farmer Bert
Fans calling out toxic behaviour on Farmer Wants A Wife, seemingly unaware that's the very premise of any dating show.
Kaimera Wins Afterpay ANZ Media Account
Have couriers even started to mention you're overdoing the online shopping? Probably best to avoid this Afterpay news.
Industry Reacts: Stuff Group Swoops In To Save 6pm News After Newshub Closure
As you'll read here, New Zealand's media's in a right state of flux. And nor have they forgotten 1981's underarm.
a2 Milk Launches “Only a2 Will Do’ Brand Platform In First Work From BMF
A2 milk drinkers tend not to bother everyone with their gut health issues & it's a lesson for vegans & the gluten-free.
Can You Recite It In Under 4 Seconds? Maccas Relaunches Iconic Competition With Modern Twist
Do you know what would make a fantastic ad? Drunk people at 3am trying to recite the ”two all-beef patties"
‘Liar, Liar’: Lehrmann Exposed As High Profile Defamation Case Comes To A Close
Having exhausted all avenues in his defamation case, is there only one option left for Bruce - reality television?
MECCA & Fendi Among Premium Advertisers For oOh!media Woollahra OOH Network Launch
If you've not been to the snooty suburb of Woollahra, the locals would like to thank you again for staying well away.
Yahoo Academy Announces Class Of 2024
This academy is strictly for "emerging leaders". Courses don't include 'sleeping at your desk' or 'bunking off early'.
Top 35 Media Leaders Announced For 2024 TikTok Agency Accelerator Program
Despite the ban threats, TikTok keeps marching on. Cementing its reputation as the Julian Assange of the tech.
AiMCO Announces First-Ever Diversity Webinar To Explore Inclusion In Influencer Marketing
Think influencer marketing's a little on the white side? This free webinar's for you. Sadly, it's not given TV ideas.
Anthony Ellis Promoted To CEO Of Publicis Media Exchange
Anthony Ellis takes the opportunity to thank the office fern in his press photo following recent work promotion.
Indigenous Stars 3% & Jessica Mauboy Fuel New Supercars Campaign Via WILDCARD
Jessica Mauboy brings the tunes to new Supercars campaign. Meanwhile, Shannon Noll promises a revenge best served cold.
Nine Launches New Look Olympic Experience 100 Days Out From Paris 2024
9Now rolls out Olympics push, but can it bring Aussie gold in handball?
Must-Watch Marketers At Cannes In Cairns!
Is there a better conference agenda than Cannes In Cairns, we ask? Sure, Captain Feathersword yet to put pen to paper.
Retail Media Demands A New Organisation Dynamic
There's no denying retail media's become adland's hot button topic du jour. Much like tomato being the soup du jour.
News Corp & NRMA Unite For Urgent Action To Fix Notoriously Dangerous Bruce Hwy
A top road safety initiative from News & the NRMA. If they could turn their attention to potholes next would be ideal.
Facebook And X Ordered To Remove Sydney Church Stabbing Video; Meta Swiftly Responds, X ‘Too Busy’ To Care
Tech giants ordered to stop running video of Monday's church attack. Not that it's bothered most major news sites.
Tara Ford To Serve On Titanium Jury At Cannes Lions
Monkeys seemingly ruling themselves out of back-to-back Titaniums, as agency ECD takes up Cannes red pen & clipboard.
“Be Like A Skunk At A Garden Party”: Author Patrick Radden Keefe On Investigating Pharma
Patrick Radden Keefe (pictured), author of global bestseller, Empire of Pain, talked to B&T‘s Nancy Hromin at the Samsung Jaipur Literary Festival about reputation laundering, aggressive marketing strategies and the privilege of still being able to practice pure journalism and be paid for it. Keefe’s in-depth reporting in publications such as The New Yorker and […]
Stuart Archibald Departs Half-Eponymous Agency, Archibald Williams
Stuart Archibald departs Archibald Williams after 12 years. And, no, it's not for golf & bowlo club-priced schooners.
B&T’s Campaign Of The Month Wrapped: Queensland Health’s Frightening Skin Cancer Campaign, Via CHEP
Queensland's beautiful one day, perfect the next but there's still lots that can kill you - crocs, skin cancer & XXXX.
TV Ratings (15/4/24): Amidst It All, Seven News Is The Most-Watched Program In Australia
Network 10 may have had a win in the courts yesterday but, alas, it appears viewers heard all about it on Seven.
Even More Cairns Crocodiles Awards Judges Added As Entries Go Gangbusters!
Cairns Crocodiles assembling ominous judging panel that just so happens to coincide with B&T's office sponge bake off.
“Bias Influences Who & How We Appoint”: Aimee Buchanan On Why Diversity In Leadership Matters
When Aimee speaks, B&T goes full Vanilla Ice: "Stop collaborate & listen, GroupM boss back with a brand new invention."
Dove ‘Won’t Use AI To Represent Women’ To Celebrate 20 Years Of ‘Campaign For Real Beauty’
Yet again, Dove pioneering the adland zeitgeist but ignores current clamour around AI, thank god.
Multicultural Comms Agency Ethnolink Announces AI-Enhanced Multilingual Campaigns
Here's an excellent multilingual AI initiative that will hopefully allow us all to finally comprehend drunk Irish people.
Gate 7 Bolsters Visit California & Brand USA Teams
Travel marketer boosts its team for its US destinations. Any talk of the Aussie dollar remaining strictly off limits.
Mediahub Snares Linda Fagerlund From Carat
Mediahub nabs Carat's Linda Fagerlund after reportedly dangling a large carrot or similar root crop vegetable.
BMF’s Tom Hoskins & Dave Roberts Promoted To Group Creative Directors
More evidence two brains are better than one comes these two promotions. After all, a third brain can cause tensions.
QMS Secures Toyota, Stan, Allianz and Patties Food As Paris 2024 Launch Partners
No one's looking forward to Paris like B&T. We're particularly excited about watching countries who detest one another.
Publicis Groupe APAC Strengthens Its Senior Leadership Team With Key Appointments
Publicis rings the changes with three new appointments. No wonder, given it got all that new biz money last year.
Slew Of Promotions & A New Hire At History Will Be Kind
It's promotions & new recruits at History Will Be Kind. Plus the inevitable angst for staffers who didn't get one.
Latto “Talks Snack” With Menulog Via Thinkerbell
Do Aussie agencies think ads with Americans makes us want to eat more? The food deliverers appear to think so.
ING Invests In Finance Partnership With Seven
Seven amps up its finance coverage in latest partnership. Sadly, it's not bringing Kochie out of the cryogenic freeze.