In my relatively short career, I’ve been lucky enough to learn and work under some of the industry’s great creative minds.
Here are some exaggerated truths from those wonderful people.
Alex GreiveS
ECD at AMV BBDO before his move to BBH Global CCO.
”Swiss watches, the AK47, Calpol. There are some things in life that just work. That won’t let you down. That you go back to time and time again. Ash & James are that kind of creative team. They are hard-working but not hard work. They seem never to have heard of the word ‘ego’. And that hard work had paid off because they are also good. Very good. They don’t look directly at a problem but rather around it and from the side and this means they come up with new angles and new ideas. They are in other words, fresh. I shall miss them enormously at AMV. They are kind and collaborative and curious. If only everything in life was as reliable as an Ash and James.”
STEPHEN STRETTON
Creative Director for AMV BBDO, amongst many other impressive titles.
“James is that rare creative.
One of those that somehow manage to blend lateral thinking with a healthy dose of pragmatism. Add to that, an understanding of his craft that goes way beyond his years in the business and you have a real asset for any creative department.
His only real weakness is his football team.”
PAUL YULL
Ex BBH CD/Partner and the ECD during my time working at GTB/ Ogilvy UK.
“Firstly I just want to say what a lovely, fun and talented person James is and would be a great addition to any creative department that’s for sure.
We worked together when I was the ECD on the Ford UK account for over two and a half years where he produced a large body of work with the biggest highlight being the launch campaign for the all-new Ford Focus.
The proposition was ‘Everything has changed on the new Focus’ He along with his creative partner came up with a fantastically simple idea!
To create the car out of butterflies - famously known for their total transformation. We loved it and so did the client. And finding a top Director wasn’t a problem either with Peter Thwaites helping to bring it to life in a stunningly beautiful 60” spot.
James produced everything from social, digital, print, OOH & TV.
If you are looking for a talented all-rounder that can work on anything i wouldn’t hesitate on recommending James.”
Paul Yull
Former Executive Creative Director (Ford UK) at GTB/Ogilvy’s
ADRIAN BERKINSHAW
Ex BBH CD/Partner and the ECD during my time working at GTB/ Ogilvy UK.
“If you’re considering working with James, let me help you make up your mind. I found him to be a hardworking, conscientious individual who produced a constant stream of well-written work for a very demanding Ford client.
But his talent isn’t limited to the day to day, bread & butter stuff every client demands. He’s equally capable of producing big, original and engaging ideas. One shining example being an impressive campaign for the launch of the new Ford Focus. Fantastic creative work that really stood out and did a great job for the client’s business. And that’s what it’s all about.”