The Team
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Lee

Founder & Managing Director

I originally moved from Jersey to Nottingham in 1990 to study for a degree in mechanical structural engineering, and thanks to a family member I was able to work between studies for a large multiple D&AD award winning advertising agency.

We were unknowingly just emerging from the Golden Age of Advertising, but at that time it was still very ‘Mad Men’. This was the big lunch culture, with lots of suits (as us creatives called account managers) rushing everywhere, extended daytime ‘meetings’ in the trendy Hockley bars, and diva copywriters storming out of the studio in fits of pique because the designers didn’t like their ideas!

It all seemed incredibly exciting, and designing steel framed buildings lost its appeal very quickly. When a junior designer vacancy came up I seized the opportunity and abandoned the degree.

Biggest creative/marketing inspiration
Growing up I was really into cartoon art. I’d say I was inspired by Gerald Scarfe, and American cartoonists Mort Drucker, Don Martin and Al Jaffee. I even had a few of my own editorial cartoons published, and considered it as a career path for a while. Through my early agency career I developed an interest in typography and remember having to hand render headline fonts using Rotring pens when the relevant letraset sheet was out of stock! At the time all the designers thought it was cool to walk into the studio clutching The Face magazine, and I guess as a result of that a young Neville Brody would be my typographical inspiration.

Favourite Marketing Campaign
Following on from the above my biggest creative inspiration is probably John Hegarty, founder of Bartle Bogle Hegarty (BBH). Maybe a little obvious, but of all his work I’d say the famous "When The World Zigs, Zag" Levi's black sheep campaign is my favourite - because at the time it was a game changer in boldly not showing any people - or any jeans - in the advert. Instead it sold an idea, an attitude; something the audience could identify with, beyond the great product. Amongst other things today Hegarty makes wine. It’s expensive, and doesn’t taste very nice. I wrote and told him so whilst at the same time pointing out a typo in his Hegarty On Advertising book. He actually sent me a hand written and signed note back telling me to f**k off, which I keep in the wine box.

One Interesting Fact About me
I’m related to the landscape artist Richard Parkes Bonington

Anna

Business Development Manager

Hi, I’m Anna, WDA’s business development manager. I worked for 14 years within legal services and have a background in marketing, business development and client account management within that sector. Today, I am fortunate enough to meet and speak with a wide array of people from many different sectors. That is why it is very important for me to understand what drive’s each individual’s business and offer a focussed and informed solution.

Biggest creative/marketing inspiration
Bonnie Maclean is one of the few important women in the world of design who you have probably actually heard of due to her famous concert posters. The Museum of Modern Art currently has two of her pieces on display, including the delightfully trippy piece of art that she created for The Doors in 1967.

Favourite Marketing Campaign
Levis advertising in the 1980’s always comes to mind. Levi's started TV and cinema commercials in 1966. A change occurred in 1985 with the commercial "Laundrette", starring Nick Kamen. This commercial was based on a retro look of the United States fifties which was very popular in that time in the UK and Europe and helped Levi's to achieve an iconic status again - boosting sales of the 501’s by an incredible 800%.

One Interesting Fact About me
Often cited as having the most beautiful beaches in the world, my family are originally from Calabria, in Italy. Whilst I speak Italian fluently, the tradition of picking up the mantle of being a superb cook seems to have skipped a generation - although I absolutely LOVE the food!

Gemma

Creative Lead

Back in 2001 I left Leeds College of Art and Design having earned my Degree in Visual Communication and started my first ever job at WDA Automotive the sister company of Waterhouse Digital Agency. I have over 20 years in Design and Marketing throughout the East Midlands, working on brands such as St. Tropez through to the likes of Rolls Royce. In that period I was one of the fist to be a finalist in the fastest 40 awards in the East Midlands, for being the fastest growing Creative under the age of 40.

I speak with passion, enthusiasm and belief about all things creative. If you’re reading this, you understand the value of creative design, marketing, communication and building strong relationships.

Biggest creative/marketing inspiration
What with my passion for music and all things about the Hacienda in Manchester, I would have to say Peter Saville. Peter Saville Art Director and Graphic Designer designed many record sleeves for Factory artists, most notably for Joy Division and New Order.

Favourite Marketing Campaign
The United Colours of Benetton’s range of provocative adverts produced by Oliviero Toscani. Oliviero being Benetton’s Art Director in the early 90’s produced thought provoking images shaking social boundaries featuring across billboards worldwide and published in Vogue.

One Interesting Fact About me
I won my first ever art competition at the age of 4 - Creative is obviously in my blood.

Matt

Digital Marketing Manager

I broke into the Digital Marketing industry 9 years ago as an apprentice. Since then, I’ve had roles as Digital Marketing Assistant, Junior Account Manager, Marketing Executive and now Digital Marketing Manager.

My broad digital marketing experience covers the entire spectrum, from SEO and Social Media through to Email Marketing and Paid Advertising. However, the industry is changing constantly so there’s always something new to learn, something which I pride myself on doing as much as I can to stay ahead of the curve and drive profitable business for our clients.

Outside of work, I love to travel and go fishing, particularly on a Sunday! I also enjoy gaming and watching anime.

Biggest creative/marketing inspiration
Directly linked to my favourite marketing campaign, my biggest marketing inspiration has to be Steven Bartlett. At just 27 years of age he's built Europe's fasting growing Social Media agency - Social Chain. He's an industry thought leader and inspires others with his motivational talks, previously speaking at VTEX Day alongside Barack Obama, Ted Talk, SXSW 2019 and more.

Favourite Marketing Campaign
My favourite marketing campaign is actually a very recent one. It's the Samsung Banderstatch-style interactive adventure on Instagram Stories. It was devised and created by Social Chain and is a really unique, unconventional approach to marketing a new phone. It took 20 individual Instagram accounts and 50 Stories to make it!

One Interesting Fact About me
Before diving into the world of marketing my dream was to become an astrophysicist. I'd never look back!

Anne

Core Market Manager

My career has focussed on publishing, offline marketing, digital marketing and broadcasting. This breadth of experience allows me to bring a wide range of applicable skills to the WDA team. Having worked for many years in the United States and more recently in the UK, I’ve developed specialty market knowledge that helps to place brands at an advantage. With a proven ability to develop and deliver copy and campaigns that resonate with consumers, my expertise complements that of the rest of the team.

Biggest creative/marketing inspiration
Milton Glaser is an American graphic designer. His designs include the I ❤ NY logo, the psychedelic Bob Dylan poster, and the logos for DC Comics and Brooklyn Brewery. In 1954, he also co-founded Push Pin Studios, co-founded New York magazine with Clay Felker, and established Milton Glaser, Inc. in 1974.

Favourite Marketing Campaign
My favourite marketing campaign was the truly inspired creation in 2006 by Garmin promoting their GPS devices at Christmas. The instantly recognisable song using “Carol of the Bells” music and the catchphrase “give-a, give-a, give-a Garmin” made the ads catchy for some and irritating for others. Above all they were very memorable and put Garmin’s brand at the forefront of people’s minds.

One Interesting Fact About me
I’m a bit of a foodie, but my particular weakness is freshly prepared sushi.

Alex

UX / UI Designer

I’ve always wanted to be involved in the world of marketing but found myself loving design. I’ve worked my way up from being a marketing apprentice to what I would now consider a professional designer. So, I bring a wealth of marketing knowledge from previous experiences and my design skills to WDA. I believe I’m at my best when creating fresh, new graphics and website designs for clients.

Biggest creative/marketing inspiration
Donald Norman, a cognitive scientist, joined the team at Apple in the early 90s as their User Experience Architect—making him the first person to have UX in his job title. He came up with the term “user experience design” as a way of encompassing all that UX is. As he explains, “I invented the term because I thought human interface and usability were too narrow: I wanted to cover all aspects of the person’s experience with a system, including industrial design, graphics, the interface, the physical interaction, and the manual.”

Favourite Marketing Campaign
My favorite marketing campaign is Happy Moving Day. This particular McDonald's Moving Day print ad cleverly places Pantone swatches to depict a sausage and egg McMuffin, fries and a Big Mac. One of the best print adverts.

One Interesting Fact About me
Outside of the marketing world I’m a lover of anything techy – mostly video games and eSports. I’ve also got the required passion for cars and have owned 5 different cars in the 6 years I’ve been driving. I’m currently still enjoying my latest – a Fiesta ST, whilst I wait for the Ford Mustang to arrive on my drive!

Sun

Digital Designer

I’ve been making websites for clients since 2011 and before that studied fine art at university in Seoul, South Korea. I’ve been in the UK since 2015 and have recently landed at WDA as a web designer/developer.

Biggest creative/marketing inspiration
Louise Fili is an Italian-American graphic designer recognised for her elegant use of typography and timeless quality in her design. Her work often draws on inspiration from her love of Italy, Modernism, and European Art Deco styles. Since opening her own design studio, her work specialises in restaurant identity, food-related logos, and packaging.

Favourite Marketing Campaign
My favorite marketing campaign is the famous gorilla by Cadubury. The advert was specifically designed to go against standard industry practice. There was no mention of Cadbury or even chocolate. Instead of telling consumers that the product would elicit happiness, the advert itself was designed to make viewers feel good.

One Interesting Fact About me
I love chilling at home with Netflix although when I have the chance to go out with my gang, you will find me at pubs dancing like a go-crazy person!

Sarah

German Marketing Specialist & Copywriter

I’m a native German speaker with a background in academic research and language teaching. Since I earned my PhD in 2013, I have created content for e-commerce platforms as well as online and offline marketing actions. I specialise in website content creation, translations, social media management and keyword research.

Biggest creative/marketing inspiration
Stefan Sagmeister, an Austrian born graphic designer and typographer who did album covers for The Rolling Stones, Pat Metheny, David Byrne and OK Go. Sagmeister’s innovative - and often provocative - designs have been awarded the Grammy Award thrice and the National Design Award, because he’s not afraid to turn conventions upside down and alter popular perceptions.

Favourite Marketing Campaign
The Dove Real Beauty Campaign from 2004, which aims to make women feel beautiful, no matter how old, flawed, big or small they are. Based on a research project, Unilever created emotional advertising that is still relevant in today’s discourse of body positivity.

One Interesting Fact About me
I’m passionate about science fiction, heavy metal bands and a zero-waste lifestyle!

Will

Digital Marketing Executive

Before my final year at University, I completed a 12-month placement in Marketing working for one of WDA’s clients actually – Fuchs Silkolene. During my time there I gained experience on a range of projects including numerous brand-building exercises and TV advertising where I worked alongside WDA on storyboards and production. My main area of expertise is in social media and influencer marketing.

Biggest creative/marketing inspiration
Jessica Walsh is the founder and creative director of &Walsh (andwalsh.com). She lectures about design at creative conferences and universities internationally. She teaches design & typography at The School of Visual Arts in NYC. Her work has won numerous awards from most major design competitions including Type Directors Club, Art Directors Club, SPD, Print, New York Festivals, D&AD, TDC Tokyo, and Graphis, among many others.

Favourite Marketing Campaign
I would have to say Guinness. There have been several Guinness adverts throughout the years worthy of a spot here, but I think we all know it was always going to be this one. Billed as one of the best adverts of all time, the “Surfer” ad shows Polynesian surfers riding alongside the ‘white horses’ of a massive wave, all set to a now-classic soundtrack by Leftfield. Simple but good, it won more awards than any other advert in 1999 and remains to this day one of the most memorable campaigns ever.

One Interesting Fact About me
I’m a recent Loughborough University graduate, where I’ve studied a wide range of Modern History modules from the Atlantic World to Modern China, with elective modules in Psychology. I also have a particular interest in the automotive sector and enjoy live music and keeping fit.

Ellis

Digital Marketing Executive

I’ve been in the digital marketing industry for 5 years, following a successful 2 year apprenticeship at one of the UK’s leading equipment rental businesses where I progressed to Digital Marketing Assistant. I write engaging social media content and blog articles for our clients, working alongside Matt.

When I’m not working, I like to travel and one day want to travel the world by cruise ship. I also enjoy baking and keeping fish!

Biggest creative/marketing inspiration
Naomi Klein's 2000 book "No Logo" was something of a watershed in the advertising world. Its premise, that branding had become so universal it qualified as a form of global oppression, was the most successful full-frontal attack on advertising since Vance Packard's "The Hidden Persuaders" in 1957. Her ideas were examined closely by those in the business (Nike even issued a point-by-point response to the book), who loathed her opinion but enjoyed the attention she paid them.

Favourite Marketing Campaign
I’d have to go with the highly successful, multi-national "Share a Coke" campaign where the brand replaced its iconic brand name with the most popular names in that specific country on its labels. It got people trying to find a bottle with their name on and talking/sharing with the hashtag #ShareaCoke. Who doesn’t love personalisation in marketing?!

One Interesting Fact About me
I own a fish called Pixel!

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