Channel 5: idents
These idents were created at Devilfish for Channel 5. And yes, that is the Channel 5 logo made out of meat being eaten by a great white shark. Ahh, there was still money in the naughties.
I spent all of 2006 at the brand design start-up, Dave where I worked three days a week. The rest of the time was spent making music for The International Christian Playboys
Better Ski Rental: Cadogan Guide
Most of my time at Dave was spent working on nonsense luxury brands such as Vertu phones and an Alpine chalet rental brand owned by the S of ad agency, WCRS who shared our building as part of the Engine Group. Better Ski Rental offered some light relief, especially as they let me illustrate the ads too.
Ski Republic: 'Manifesto'
Today every brand has a manifesto, back in 2006 this was a little more unusual. Thanks to our efforts, Better Ski Rental relaunched as Ski Republic and was creating a revolution in ski hire, taking business away from local family cartels who had never had any proper competition.
Hot Leg: I've Met Jesus
With the Darkness in hiatus, Justin Hawkins' solo project Hot Leg was in full flow. While not writing ads for luxury phones, watches and mountain lodges, I wrote this song, as well as Gay in the Eighties and Cocktails. This earned me membership of the PRS and the MCPS as well as the thrill of seeing my songs played live to a screaming audience. A rush.
Cafe Mana
This fabulous sushi cafe in Gracechurch St couldn't afford Dave so I took them on as my own client. The owner, Rueben Guerra was trained by Gordon Ramsay and used to be head sushi chef at Nobu. I created a line, some cards to pop into sandwich bags and wrote a book.
In June 2006, the Che Jesus ad appeared in an exhibition in the V&A in London commemorating Alberto Korda's iconic image
Wikipedia contributions
OK, so this isn't advertising but I have put more than 50 articles on Wikipedia since 2006. This was one my first. Most centre around the region of North Cornwall where I grew up and the area of Southern Tasmania where I now live.
Facebook: Cricklewood is Brilliant
In 2006, I launched a community page for Cricklewood, NW London where I lived, and hosted it until the move to Aus in 2021. It still has 1000s of followers.
