Meet The B&T 30 Under 30 Creative Finalists!
In these strange plague times, B&T is more determined than ever to unite the industry and revel in the glory of our industry’s best and brightest overachievers.
That’s why over the next few weeks we’ll be celebrating adland’s youngest and most talented individuals; that’s right, B&T‘s 30 Under 30 finalists.
There are 10 finalists in each category, and 10 categories overall. So, if you’re keen to see who made the ultimate list this year, now’s your chance. Let these individuals inspire you, make you seethe with jealousy and ultimately motivate you to do the best work you can, and enter the Awards in 2021.
Without further ado, here are the 10 Creative finalists.
Alessia Castiglione, Brother & Co
Alessia began her career in Brisbane, graduating on the Dean’s list with a Masters of Creative Advertising from QUT. She immediately applied to agencies with a number of means and mediums. She once delivered chairs to Y&R with resumes on them in black decals, asking them to give her a chance with “here are our chairs if you have a spare desk”.
Since then, she’s worked at most of the major agencies around Brisbane garnering new relationships and working across a number of clients in Retail, Food and Confectionary, Insurance, Government (State and Federal), Lotteries, Health, Education, Superannuation, Banking and Universities. She’s completed Award School, winning silver and bronze at the BADC awards. She also did Copy School in Sydney and served on the QLD Youngbloods committee in 2019, taking the position of Co-Chair for 2020.
Georgia Patch, Bastion EBA
Georgia joined advertising because in her words, “ideas don’t discriminate; anyone can come up with an idea no matter your age, gender or experience”. But it was the type of ideas that she loved that made me realise I wanted to be a creative.
Eager to apply creative thinking to a high impact area, Georgia and a colleague founded #RedefineWomen. This was a social campaign that challenged Google to update sexist dictionary definitions (such as ‘nagging – a nagging wife’). With no budget, they generated over 80M OTS, $4M organic PR, removed sexism from over 21M searches per year and won a One Show Gold Pencil, Silver Effies, Silver Spikes Asia and placed finalist for Glass, Cyber & Media Canne award .
Since joining Bastion EBA, Georgia has been the creative lead for Kia and Garnier’s 2020 Australian Open activations, won key pitches for Microsoft, Bunnings Warehouse, Ferrari, L’Oreal and Samsung.
Hayley Needleman, The Haus
Hayley currently leads The Haus’ Design Studio, overseeing the design for five specialist agencies. She began as junior all-rounder working in children’s fashion in Sydney as a design school graduate. Then, she took a leap and moved to London where she worked with Twitch, creating content for activations, live streams and marketing materials. Here she had her first exposure to working with global brands such as EA and Duracell.
Over her career, she’s had many achievements including being a critical part of the launch of a Unilever brand, Day2 Dry Wash Spray. And, in 2018, she was shortlisted for a Cannes Young Lion in the digital category.
Marina Vasilieva, Host/Havas
Marina’s foray into the industry began with her AWARD School tutor asking her to come work for them, meaning she had scored a full time ad gig before graduating. Fast forward five-six years later and she’s found herself lucky enough to work across well-known agencies such as Meerkats, VMLY&R, McCann, The Monkeys, and now Host/Havas. Her end career goal is to become an ECD.
Her time in the industry has seen her achieve a lot, including: getting young men talking about depression for The Lighthouse Foundation; raising millions for Ronald McDonald House; encouraging young women to get into rugby league for NRLW, and helping educate and guide Sydney through one of its worst droughts for Sydney Water.
Melanie Huang, AKQA
Melanie’s heart was always set on a creative career. Beginning in the world of interactive installations, she was a designer fascinated by the potential of technology to improve the world around us. She has collaborated with clients such as Adidas China, Fusion Brazil, NGV, Science Gallery, Dark Mofo and Dementia Australia.
When Melanie realised she hadn’t taken the path of a normal designer, she began to share her knowledge through talks and teaching workshops. In 2018, she started Technecolour, a collaborative workshop environment partnering with like minded organisations such as Code Like a Girl, Melbourne Design Week and SIGNAL to run creative workshops that teach coding and electronics. She was a mentor at The Lab Online, a network of technology clubs for young people with high functioning autism and she’s also a sessional lecturer at RMIT teaching Creative Coding.
Melissa Hawkett, M&C Saatchi
The moment Melissa knew she would make it in advertising was the moment she found herself unemployed, broken down on the Nullarbor Plain, without reception, in a beat up 98’ model Volkswagen Transporter.
In the beginning, she turned her creativity into a career plan. She studied Graphic Design, did well, and was employed before she graduated. She wanted more, however. She wanted to come up with the ideas and call the shots, so she applied for the highly competitive AWARD School, and got in.
She then convinced 303 MullenLowe Perth to take her on as an intern, and threw herself at every opportunity with enthusiasm. She entered ADMA’s ‘Young Creative of the Year’ competition, and won. She got gold at the PADC Awards, worked on a ‘Young Shits’ international competition brief and won that too. And now, she’s at M&C Saatchi, her dream role.
Oliver Ree, Digitas
Oliver is a designer with ten years experience in solving business challenges and building movements that fight societal injustices. He’s currently the Design Lead for Digitas Australia and New Zealand, where he connects design, data and technology to find unexpected creative solutions and create measurable impact for our clients.
At Digitas he’s helped win and implement digital transformation projects and campaigns for Tourism Australia, Qantas, TigerAir, Toyota, EA Games, FCA, Westpac, and Arnotts. This work has been recognised at Cannes Lions, LIA, and for the past three years has contributed to winning Gold and Silver at Campaign’s “Agency of The Year” award.
Phillip Robbie, Isobar Australia (DAN)
Despite growing up rural, Robbie’s career as a creative started out with a pencil, paper, and plenty of time. The pencil and paper were important, but the time was crucial in landing one of his doodles an appearance on Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s TV Program: HitRecord. While the program may have earned itself an Emmy, it earned him his first pay-check and a career.
After graduating from UNSW, he landed his first role as Designer at Arc Creative and simultaneously completed AWARD school. Next, he joined WiTH Collective, and was unleashed on clients like Optus, Qantas, Fairfax, and Pfizer. Some of his key achievements include: Cannes Lion Finalist, AWARD Pencil Winner, AC&E Winner, Dentsu ANZ Innovation People’s Choice Winner, Tropfest Finalist 2017, 2018, 2019, and ADMA 30Below.
Ruby Boynton-Boardman, The Royals
Starting her career at JWT Melbourne, Ruby worked on a range of clients from insurance to fashion. She was the lead creative on Yellowglen – sparkle on! – and for the Victorian Youth Symphony Orchestra.
She is currently at The Royals where she is forging her art direction style. It’s paid off well so far, with her and her copywriter winning three large pitches with two clients within six months against some really tough competition. Her biggest achievement has been mentoring younger people within the agencies she’s worked in.
Stephanie Allen, BMF
Stephanie grew up on a sheep and cropping farm in rural NSW. She always knew she wanted to do something creative. Her friends had favourite movies, she had favourite ads. She attended CSU where she completed a double degree in Advertising and Marketing, Diploma in Communications and later a Diploma in Graphic Design. Her first job was as a hybrid, half Account Executive, half Junior Copywriter at a boutique creative agency where she worked on brands like Oral-B, Wrigely and Dettol.
Here are some of her key achievements to date: Creating The Miracle Ham ad for the ALDI 2019; turning World Children’s Day into #WorldChildrensSay for UNICEF in a social takeover; experimenting with different techniques for Abbott’s Village Bakery such as a one-shot ad and some stop-frame animation; playing with the Dulux dog to push paint; launching an activation for Weight Watchers by hosting The World’s Biggest Degustation Dining Event; winning awards in the Effies, Sirens, Shots, The World Animation Celebration Festival, The Animattikon Project and Vimeo Staff Pick of the Week and loads more.
p.s There’s no big in-person party like usual this year and we’re going to have to content ourselves with virtual drinking games and remote flirting. We’re rapidly figuring out just how the fuck we’re actually going to do that so stay tuned, but don’t buy any bloody tickets just yet.
Thanks to all of our sponsors!
Latest News
Sydney Comedy Festival: Taking The City & Social Media By Storm
Sydney Comedy Festival 2024 is live and ready to rumble, showing the best of international and homegrown talent at a host of venues around town. As usual, it’s hot on the heels of its big sister, the giant that is the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, picking up some acts as they continue on their own […]
Global Marketers Descend For AANA’s RESET For Growth
The Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) has announced the final epic lineup of local and global marketing powerhouses for RESET for Growth 2024. Lead image: Josh Faulks, chief executive officer, AANA Back in 2000, a woman with no business experience opened her first juice bar in Adelaide. The idea was brilliantly simple: make healthy […]
Is Meta’s New AI Chatbot Too Left-Wing?
Meta's chatbot accused of being left-wing after being caught wearing a Che Guevara T-shirt & listening to Billy Bragg.
TV Ratings (23/04/2024): Why Did No One Tell Angela That Farmer Wants A Wife Is Set On A Farm?
As wonderful as this headline is, let's face it, we all know an 'Angela', don't we?
PubMatic Unveils New AI Partnership To Turn Social Posts Into Ads For Any Digital Channel
Here's some nifty tech for turning social posts into ads. Assuming said posts aren't one-star character assassinations.
Intuit Mailchimp Makes A Splash With Its First Australian Brand Campaign
Ever laugh along at a gag you didn't get so as not to appear dumb? Get ready for more feigning with this new work.
GumGum’s Rob Hall: Advertisers Can No Longer “Rely On Binary Descriptions” Of Consumers
If anyone's got their finger on adtech's pulse, it's Rob Hall. He also avoids using the good paper in the office printer
Mastercard Nabs Florencia Aimo From Marriott International
Marriott International's Florencia Aimo jumps from the hotel business to the exploitative credit card one.
Bastion Agency Appoints Cheuk Chiang As New ANZ CEO
Cheuk Chiang takes the reins over at Bastion Agency. But not the rains down in Africa.
Spotlight On Sponsors: Major Sponsorship Wins After A Disappointing Week In Sport
B&T continuing our deep dive into local sport sponsorships & that's despite not a single offer of a free ticket as yet.
Macca’s Marketing Director, Samantha McLeod On Big Mac Chant: “What Was Once Old Is Now Cool Again”
Macca's using the power of nostalgia in latest Big Mac campaign. Well, only for those who've ever eaten one sober.
World Premiere Of Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line To Open Sydney Film Festival 2024
Oil's biopic to open Sydney Film Festival. Here's hoping Molly Meldrum will take his pants down at the premiere.
Entries Are Now Open For The 2024 Brandies, IntelligenceBank’s Annual Brand Marketing Awards
The Brandies are, of course, a prestigious marketing gong and not the mystery tipple favoured by nannas everywhere.
The Fred Hollows Foundation Appoints Ardent For PR
Yes, we all like to have a joke at PR's expense. But sometimes it does important work, like this.
AI, eCommerce & Marketing Specialists Are In Increased Demand By Businesses, New Data From Fiverr Shows
Has your philosophy & anthropology degree left you with nothing but a huge HECS debt? Here's what you should've studied.
Perth’s First 3D Anamorphic Billboard Arrives Courtesy Of oOh!media
Do you love a buzzword? Now you can add anamorphic to the list as it relates to billboards, not a colleague's ears.
MasterChef Australia & Crown Resorts Launch Unique Dining Experience With ALUMNI
A pop-up restaurant staffed by MasterChef contestants! That's fine dining prices for first-year apprentice chef cuisine!
Amanda Laing Announces Resignation From Foxtel Group
Foxtel's chief commercial & content officer heads for the exits. Read nice things the bosses said about her right here.
The Lost Letters From Our Diggers: News Corp Unveils ANZAC Day Special
It's nice when brands respectfully acknowledge ANZAC Day.
Howatson+Company Acquires Akkomplice
Large indie acquires a slightly smaller indie. Much like a shark eating a tuna, just with less thrashing and blood.
Google Delays Third-Party Cookie Deprecation Again
In good news for the sale of picture library biscuit photos, Google continues to tease over the end of cookies.
Education A Low Priority For Aussies More Concerned With Cost Of Living Forethought Study Reveals
Study finds Aussies cutting back on education due to cost of living. Booze & Uber Eats sales remain largely unaffected.
“I’m Still The Same Person That I Was”: Rikki Stern Says “Fucc It” To Cancer Stereotypes
B&T always happy to promote the anti-cancer cause. Even brands that massively overdo it with the hot pink.
The Unapproved Climate Certification Allegedly Causing Mass Greenwashing
Are you left flummoxed in the canned tuna & free range eggs aisle? Just wait till this green certification gets up.
TV Ratings (22/04/2024): Fans Mock “Over The Top” Reaction To New MasterChef Judges
MasterChef returns for its 2024 season. B&T stands by putting peppercorns in Gravox & no one will be any the wiser.
Dentsu Restructure: Muddle, Harvey & Johnston Take Leadership Baton As Bass & Yurisich Exit
A large broom has swept through Dentsu's local ops this morning, taking with it some big names & the air con's cobwebs.
Industry Shares Trends Shaping The Industry This International Creators Day
B&T's asking adland creators to reveal their top trends. And it's not good news for your Jenny Kee cardigan collection.
Mable Extends HOYTS Sensory Screenings Partnership
Mable has extended its HOYTS sensory screening partnership. Vigorously defends its two-star Oppenheimer review.
Orphan Launches ‘They Need Our Help. We Need Yours’ For Children’s Cancer Institute
Anything to do with childhood cancers has B&T's 110% support. That said, we do ignore the red meat & alcohol warnings.
Smile Team Orthodontics & Keep Left Collaborate On Smile-Inducing Campaign
As parents would attest, given the cost of orthodontics you'd expect this campaign to be a lavish production indeed.
Opinion: How Video Calls Neglect Learning Diversity
Need an excuse to duck out of a video call this arvo? Show this to your boss.
DoubleVerify Achieves First-Of-Its-Kind Responsible AI Certification From TrustArc
DoubleVerify receives responsible AI certification. However, not its robotic vacuum that's been seen menacing the cat.
Smile For A Good Cause: The Social Media Campaign Giving Back To The Community
Are you known as the office Austin Powers? More for you teeth than shagability? Get snappy new fangs with this news.
Elon Musk Mocks Albo After ESafety Wins Court Injunction Against X
Albo's 2024 from hell continues - Rabbitohs in crisis, down in the polls and now feuding with world's richest man.
Real Estate Developer In Hot Water Over “Sexually Exploitative” OOH Campaign
Real estate agents again tops in the 'least trusted profession' polls, nudging used car salesmen & ad creatives.
Epsilon’s Shane Hanby: Post-Cookie Era Relies On “Teamwork” Between Brands, Marketers & Tech
This pro predicts more "teamwork" in a post-cookie era. Which spells bad news for the uncooperative or plain stubborn.