Creative services
Creative Direction
Nearly two decades at Creative Director or Executive Creative Director level means I can not only recognise great creative, but I can make sure this is cultivated into an engaging end product that can work in the appropriate channel.
Ideation
I still enjoy massively coming up with what people call the "Big Idea". Because who really wants the "Small Idea"?
In the spirit of Darkside, the ideas are born from fresh insight, so you can expect the creative to be fresh and exciting too.
Copy and content
I started out as a copywriter because I loved writing. Still do!
From sales materials to advertising.
From videos to infographics.
From long copy to short copy.
From technical to fantastical.
A versatile writer who has kept his hand in for his whole career.
strategic services
Creative Strategy
Great ideas always start with great propositions. But turning a wealth of data into a compelling call to action is not an easy task. Creating the bridge between the data and the brief keeps things relevant but surprising.
Pitch magic
Pitches and RFPs often overstretch the bandwidth of a lot of agencies. Which is why Darkside offers a "turnkey" solution which spans from the client ask all the way to the finished presentation. I'll even stick on a tie and pitch alongside you if so required.
Workshops
Many years' experience running workshops for both clients and agency. Past workshops have included:
- Storytelling and narrative
- Brand purpose, vision and personality
- Facilitation of customer groups/professionals
- Insight mining
- Tactical brainstorming
About jon
A 30-year apprenticeship
My first job in in an Advertising Agency was at WCRS as a copywriter. WCRS was one of the creative powerhouses at the time, producing landmark campaigns for Carling Black Label lager and BMW. It was a fabulous place to learn the craft. Really learn the craft. Every TVC or radio script had to be written and rewritten 10 times. Only then could you put it in front of the CD. Who made you write it 10 more times.
When WCRS//dma Healthcare was formed, I transferred over. And so began a long career as a Copywriter, Head of Copy, Creative Director, Executive Creative Director, and Strategic Creative Director in the Health & Wellness sector.
This journey has taught me many things:
- There are some incredible brands who do even more incredible things for millions of people around the world. I've been lucky enough to be part of their story.
- Communication never stands still. If you do, you become irrelevant.
- Creativity still counts. Sometimes, it's the only thing that counts.
- You can never be too curious.
- You will never stop learning.
Darkside was formed to continue to do all the above for both agencies and clients.
The level of input varies from assignment to assignment. But whether it is creative or technical copy, a new creative expression for an existing brand or a "turnkey" pitch solution, the base philosophy is always applied - Think different, Create different, Do different.
