Nicky Bullard

Jan 2024: Cracking start to the year with onboarding 4 new clients Feb 2024: Signing our biggest client to date April 2024: Quietest month at Infinitistudios to date, whilst celebrating my daughters first birthday May 2024: Ran my first marathon September 2024: Spent more time managing potential clients than actual projects. Lesson learned: not everyone’s ready for the £8k glow-up. 2024 in summary: lots of wins, some fails, Here’s to doing it all over again in 2025. 

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Surprisingly, there is very little guidance for those wanting to step up to the Creative Director position or those who have landed in the role and are looking for more advice. That’s why, as part of my coaching services, I have added a programme focused solely on how to be the best Creative Director you can be. I’ll be sharing, via video calls, insights and the lessons I have learned along the way on my creative leadership journey. Details are in the carousel below. #creativedirector #creativity #creativeleadership #advertising

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In London this Wednesday morning? Will you join us for breakfast? The Marketing Society invites you to join us with our friends Publicis Groupe for a thought-provoking discussion around the ‘Uncomfortable Conversation’ on the evolving landscape of diversity in communications and advertising. 28% of UK adults say they actively avoid brands that don’t embrace diversity but it’s hard to authentically represent diverse communities. Here’s the question for discussion: 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻? 💭 ◽ Is diversity in comms as critical for product-led sectors vs service-led? Or are there more important elements to communicate about? ◽ Is diversity in advertising now genuine or is it still just a token gesture in some sectors?  ◽ Do diverse ads boost sales or risk alienating customers? JOIN US - in a lovely comfortable setting with breakfast and great company… as well as and some expert food-for-thought from great panellists (now including extra Emma Harris). A time-efficient and enjoyable way to learn and pause to think together. Thought-provoking, useful and a brilliant way to start your day! Date: Wednesday 22 May Time: 8.30 - 10.30am Venue: London WC2A 1JA JOIN US - book your place here - https://lnkd.in/eG7yE672 #uncomfortableconversation #diversity #advertising

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"Brand Patience" It's hard to understand the importance of patience and consistency when there are short-term pressures on brands and their marketers because of this there's often an urgency to find an idea that can break through the clutter and land the brand on the cultural map. However, there's another way. Create a powerful platform for the brand and consistently execute against this over time. It requires discipline and patience, but it's a little like compound interest- the consistency pays off and reinforces the brand's position. Take VCCP and its work for Cadbury built on a platform of generosity- which, of course. \allows them to do great advertising, but also. supplement it with smart ideas like this one. Creating a breakthrough cultural hit isn't easy. However, having the discipline and patience to stick to a strategy and platform for years is a different kind of challenge.

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‘I designed that… and it’s one of my proudest achievements’ mark whelan said to me as I walked out of the Havas London HQ. There are two things I love about out this… 1. An accomplished (British) leader being ok with saying ‘that’s one of my proudest achievements’. That just doesn’t happen. 2. The proudest achievement being something physical. That you can walk on. Look at. Touch. I wrote a thing about Spatial design making a resurgence recently. And I think a return to ‘physical’ isn’t just a counter movement to all the chat about AI and screens. I think it’s primal. I think humans want to feel things again. I think it’s why Cannes was flooded with humans. And I think it’s why Brands are investing in retail, experiential, events. Either way, if you didn’t know, now you know that Mark designed those cool stairs at Havas… and it’s actually a map of Kings Cross made from used metal from Kings Cross station. Luzz it. Thanks, Mark.

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✅ Transforming Events into Positive Impact Stories Ever wondered how an event can change the world? At MUT Agency we’re not just organising events; we're crafting experiences that leave a lasting positive impact on both people and the planet. 💡 The last 2 years I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how our creative endeavours are reshaping the landscape of brand experiences. Based in the vibrant city of Barcelona, our team specialises in #CorporateEvents such as #MICE and conventions. Also experiential events like brand experiences, product launches and celebrations. But what truly sets us apart is our commitment to Positive Creativity®. Our methodology is a #DATAcentric unique blend of strategic analysis, emotional ideas, and scientific rigor. This approach ensures that every project we undertake maximises business and #socialimpact while minimising #environmentalfootprint. And with our #MUTImpactDashboard, we measure both generated and saved impact, aligning with international standards. 🌍 Being a certified #BCorp we’re proud to stand as a beacon of #sustainability in the #marketing and #advertising sector. Yet, like any journey, ours is not without its challenges. From acquiring new partners to increasing our pull of #ESG metrics, very day is a learning curve. But with a dedicated team focused on such an innovative offering we’re poised for growth. Our ideal partners are those who share our vision. Together, we can create events that not only captivate but also contribute positively to society. In the ever-evolving world of events, staying ahead means being modern, cutting-edge, and always inspired by sustainability. Whether you find us on LinkedIn or TikTok, our story is one of innovation and impact. Looking to create an event that matters? Let’s make it happen. Connect with us, and let’s craft a narrative of change together. 🌟 #PositiveImpact #Sustainability #CreativeEvents #MUTAgency #Barcelona

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Impact is our output. We talk about modern marketing being able to deliver two types of impact - cultural and commercial. How do we move beyond the brand purpose debate and into a more grown up and nuanced conversation about the different types of impact we all create as marketers every day? Come and join us to find out.

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In the second instalment of our series on effective Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) communications, we explore the importance of crafting a cohesive brand identity… Establishing trust starts with a strong brand narrative that can be used repeatedly across all your marketing and PR. For more top tips on delivering your SEND communication plan, visit the link in the comments 👇 #Westco #communications #SEND #brandidentity

"Stories don’t just capture our attention. They keep us engaged, and they stick with us afterwards. All the ingredients for an effective ad - and an impactful photo." Joanna Barnett, our brilliant new Strategy Director, featured this week in the 'I Tried This' series, for Creativebrief BITE, asking industry leaders to share the #experiences which have positively impacted their creative outlook and how they have influenced their work. Joanna shares how #photography has broadened her perspective and reminded her of some of the fundamentals of #advertising. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gB3FzUep

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🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🫶🏼To all the LGBTQ2S+ allies who, when asked by their clients to create a #Pride post, responded with, “Absolutely, can you tell me what the brand does to support the community?”—thank you. Challenging clients and rejecting showmanship and pink washing is crucial. I love seeing all the rainbows 🌈 and Pride posts, but what truly matters is a brand standing up and showing genuine support for their employees and customers. However, these days - Real support is what makes a difference. As for this new wave of “fear of bigoted backlash” let’s do what strategists do best, look at the numbers! 📈👨🏼‍💻- Take Marlon Wayans, for example. He caused an “uproar” after posting a happy Pride message to support his trans child. The headline read, “Marlon loses thousands of fans due to Pride post,” but in reality, he lost just 10,000 out of his 7 million followers—only 0.14%. That’s negligible compared to the support and love he garnered, deepening his public persona as a great, supportive father. So, if you’re brave enough 💪🏽 to say something, ensure there’s real effort behind it. And if you fear losing share or followers, remember that those small-minded individuals aren’t paying your bills. “And honey, if they ain’t paying yo bills, pay them no mind!” Real courage and genuine support always win. Shout out to a few great brands that do real work with the community: IKEA, Starbucks, adidas - to read what they do check out this link: https://lnkd.in/g9UYQ_db Happy pride from my chosen and real family to you and your loved ones 🏳️‍⚧️❤️🏳️‍🌈 #Pinkwashing #lgbtq #Pride #DEI #Marketing #Advertising #PR #SocialMedia #media #brand #strategy #SlayMama #BootsTheHouseDown

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🎮 How does a small city like Dundee go from industrial roots to being a global gaming hotspot…? Find out in our latest #PlayableFutures article - in partnership with Ukie GamesIndustry.Biz and Amazon Web Services (AWS)

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Transform your ideas into a fully funded deal. 🤝 suzanne alizart, Creative Business Affairs Consultant, will host an insightful masterclass tomorrow for our Autumn Cohort on our Create Growth Programme, which examines all aspects of business affairs for the creative industry.  Matching the right money to the right idea is key to success, so knowing what different types of funding mean for your concept is essential to striking the right deal.  Discover more about this session, link in the comments. #Funding #CreativeFunding #FundingSupport #GrowthProgramme #CreativeEast

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As we come to the end of 2024 the tone of AI posts (if you can find them in the sea of 'what-I-reckon-ism' about the Jaguar rebrand) is very different to this time last year Gone is the clarion cry of doom, and along is a world where AI conversations are rooted in the art of the possible The comparisons with Pandora's Box (of jar depending on how you interpret the translation) are becoming more apt - the last thing to enter world when the box/jar was opened was Hope We're moving past AI being a Victorian parlour trick and into it being a tool for enablement - no more smoke and mirrors, 2025 this is when things get interesting What are you AI hopes for the year to come? #ai #aiinnovation #brightondigital #sussexdigital #2025planning #digitialsolutioons

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Brand Watch. Trussell. Ending Hunger Together. The Trussell Trust (now Trussell), and its community of more than 1,400 food banks across the UK, has refreshed its brand identity for the first time in 20 years, to improve accessibility and galvanise more people to play their part in ending hunger. With more people than ever before struggling to afford the essentials, Trussell’s updated brand aims to ensure that everyone seeking support can easily access the information they need. Trussell’s refreshed brand focuses on community and highlights the difference people can make when working together. The new strapline, Ending hunger together, emphasises that everyone has a part to play in ending the need for food banks. Emma Revie, CEO of Trussell, said: “Barriers such as disability, limited internet access and isolation all make it more difficult for someone experiencing hunger to seek support. We have worked closely with food banks and people with lived experience of hardship to create a brand that makes it as easy as possible for people to get the help they need by improving accessibility”. The brand refresh with OPX Studio was co-designed with people with lived experience of hardship and food banks working on the frontline, ensuring it has been built with and for the people Trussell aims to serve. Alongside updates to the logo, Trussell has updated its fonts, colours and visuals so they are clearer, more accessible and fit for purpose. David Bennett, Creative Director of OPX Studio, said: The ‘together’ theme is woven into every aspect of this project, from the language and logo to the photographic approach. Our collaboration with Monotype to refine the logotype and display typeface has given Trussell a clear and accessible brand.” See the brand in action here https://lnkd.in/eFRqVrMW #Charity #Brand #Purpose 

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Need a creative director to mentor your team but can’t afford a full time role? How would a mentoring programme delivered by a Creative Director and founder with over 24 years experience and a desire to help others grow impact your team? If you would like to support your blossoming talent and offer space for supportive open conversation, creative critique and guidance in how to elevate their creative potential then this is for you. You will improve your creative output, delight your clients, demonstrate your dedication to helping your people grow and create loyalty and trust. Feel free to ask me more about this great service to elevate your creative team. This is the value add service you might have been waiting for. #creativementor #mentoring #creativetalent #fractional

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A few positive things in light of the negative response to the Boots UK Christmas ad (basically: drug store Boots released its holiday end of ad last week which features Adjoa Andoh as protagonist Mrs. Claus and generally contains lots of camp-inspired references, all of which led to negative responses): 🎄 The positive conversation far seems to outweigh the negative 💄 If anything, the negative conversation seems to have inspired more people to come to the ad's defense 💰 And despite critics' calls to boycott the ad, this doesn't appear to have impacted sales negatively (apparently, the Boots website already crashed due to high demand for Black Friday Sales) In general, negative social conversations around specific ads being "too woke" tend to be driven by very few accounts – and the best thing a brand can do is either ignore the negativity OR take an active stand against it. (I'd generally advise the second.) Basically: it's cute and fun and is clearly taking DEI and representation into account.

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In 2019 Cadbury UK launched a masterclass in our first Principle: Distinctiveness. And no, this campaign doesn't feature a sad lass on a bus, or in a petrol station, or a drumming gorilla. And it's not even about purple as a 'distinctive asset'. The launch of their Dark Milk was an impressive exercise in decision making - by being ruthless in deciding who their product isn't for, they could position it much more clearly, and therefore develop a much more distinctive proposition to an older audience. Instead of being a forgettable half milk, half dark chocolate hybrid, this creative gave it a shot at being the chocolate for those old enough to know better. #advertising #marketing

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HIRING! STAND-OUT-IN-THE-CROWD DATA DYNAMO REQUIRED Data insight takes us to more creative spaces. Like this….our data team spotted conversations around Glastonbury being full of Waitrose shoppers, & voila, meme accounts go wild. If you are a creative thinking data person who can spot interesting insights in a sea of sameness, then Wonderhood Studios could be your new Soho home. A creative environment, a host of cool clients to cut your teeth on, and a variety of disciplines (we create cultural visibility through TV programmes, social content, advertising, and brand boosting customer experience). We’re not interested in demure and mindful insights…we’re all about the colour not the beige when it comes to data (when it comes to people, everyone with a creative mind is welcome, wherever you are on the demure-scale). To find out more and apply, click here. https://lnkd.in/eZaw7SYu And if this isn’t for you, well you probably know someone who it could be for (please share and comment). Wonderhood Studios DMA (Data & Marketing Association) UK #opportunities #data #insight #hiring #dataledcreativity

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Tomorrow is World Suicide Prevention Day. And today marks the start of the next chapter in our campaign to unite the nation against suicide. Together, adam&eveDDB, the Campaign Against Living Miserably and ITV are launching Missed Birthdays. A campaign to draw attention to the fact that suicidality amongst children and young people is at a record high. 10 years ago, the single biggest killer of young people was accidents. Today it’s suicide. It has claimed the lives of 6,929 young people. Every single one of those lives is represented by a missed birthday balloon: a simple, powerful symbol of the hope, happiness and humanity that has been so tragically lost. It should make you angry. It should make you feel outraged. But it shouldn’t make you feel hopeless. Because we can all play our part in ending youth suicide, for good. Today, we aren’t asking you to donate. We’re not asking you to sign a petition. We are simply asking you to CARE. C: Check In with the young people in your life. A: Ask if they’re feeling suicidal. R: Remain close and remove them from harm. E: Escalate to emergency services - like CALM’s suicide prevention line or 999 - if necessary. To understand how to use CARE more, please visit care.thecalmzone.net Please share if you see fit; one conversation can be the difference between a life saved and a life lost. Today, tomorrow and every day after, we are #unitedagainstsuicide.

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