I am a strategic, conceptual Creative Director with over 20 years global experience working in Design and Creative Agencies. I specialise as a creative lead, conceptor and storyteller, strategically using data and creative strategy to build a narrative that enhances a customer's experience throughout their brand's journey and evolution. I am focused on brand experiences, concept development, pitching, integrated scalable campaigns, art direction, design, content storytelling & creation, engagement and trend related research. I have led, built and successfully managed full and inclusive creative teams. I pride myself in the creation of ideas and the associated creative narratives, and I have a passion for people and skills development, always creating positive monsters within my team.

Gary Payn

I am a strategic, conceptual Creative Director with over 20 years global experience working in Design and Creative Agencies. I specialise as a creative lead, conceptor and storyteller, strategically using data and creative strategy to build a narrative that enhances a customer's experience throughout their brand's journey and evolution. I am focused on brand experiences, concept development, pitching, integrated scalable campaigns, art direction, design, content storytelling & creation, engagement and trend related research. I have led, built and successfully managed full and inclusive creative teams. I pride myself in the creation of ideas and the associated creative narratives, and I have a passion for people and skills development, always creating positive monsters within my team.

Available to hire

I am a strategic, conceptual Creative Director with over 20 years global experience working in Design and Creative Agencies. I specialise as a creative lead, conceptor and storyteller, strategically using data and creative strategy to build a narrative that enhances a customer’s experience throughout their brand’s journey and evolution.

I am focused on brand experiences, concept development, pitching, integrated scalable campaigns, art direction, design, content storytelling & creation, engagement and trend related research. I have led, built and successfully managed full and inclusive creative teams. I pride myself in the creation of ideas and the associated creative narratives, and I have a passion for people and skills development, always creating positive monsters within my team.

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Language

English
Fluent
Afrikaans
Fluent
German
Advanced

Work Experience

Executive Creative Director // Art & Digital at Jung von Matt Neckar
April 30, 2020 - August 27, 2025
Led creative excellence within the creative unit, focusing on concepting and developing digital 360 campaigns, brand experiences, creative content, customer experiences, and digital branding. Provided brand and design direction, fostered customer centricity, strategically developed clients, led pitching efforts, and nurtured existing accounts.
Head Creative Director // Design Director at Greator (formerly Gedankentanken)
April 30, 2022 - August 27, 2025
Oversaw creative direction and design leadership in the development of brand experiences and campaigns.
Creative Director Concept & Strategy at Uniplan, Cologne
April 1, 2022 - Present
Focused on creating 360 brand experiences, concepting customer experiences into brand stories to foster closer relationships between customers and clients. Led concept development, design, coaching, and mentoring of a full creative team.
Creative Director - Creative Content, Digital at Maven Digital Agency, Cape Town
December 31, 2016 - August 27, 2025
Directed creative content and digital initiatives, driving brand engagement.
Creative Director - Head of Design at Conversation Lab / THB (WPP), Durban
December 31, 2014 - August 27, 2025
Led design and creative initiatives as head of design.
Senior Art Director // Team Lead at Wisdom & Youth, Durban
December 31, 2012 - August 27, 2025
Senior art direction and team leadership responsibilities.
Senior Art Director Contractor // Digital at Republic / Ogilvy, New York & London
December 31, 2010 - August 27, 2025
Senior art direction for digital campaigns on a contractor basis.
Senior Art Director // Campaign Branding at International Trend Institute, Durban
June 30, 2008 - August 27, 2025
Senior art direction focusing on campaign branding.
Junior Art Director // Branding at International Trend Institute, Durban
January 31, 2007 - August 27, 2025
Junior art direction duties focused on branding.
Intern > Trainee > Graphic Designer
June 30, 2005 - August 27, 2025
Progressed from intern to graphic designer through various roles.
Head Creative Director // Design Director at Greator
January 1, 2017 - April 30, 2020
Led creative direction and design strategy, overseeing brand development and experience design.
Creative Director - Concept & Strategy at Uniplan
June 1, 2020 - April 30, 2022
Directed concept development and strategic creative for integrated campaigns, leading cross-functional teams in Cologne.
Creative Director - Creative Content, Digital at Maven Digital Agency
April 1, 2022 - Present
Creative content and digital strategy leadership, shaping brand experiences and campaigns.
Creative Director - Head of Design at Conversation Lab / THB (WPP)
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2016
Creative director and head of design, leading brand and design efforts for Durban-based agency network.
Senior Art Director // Team Lead at Wisdom & Youth
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2014
Led design and team efforts, shaping youth-focused brand experiences.
Senior Art Director Contractor // Digital at Republic / Ogilvy
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2012
Oversaw digital campaigns and art direction for global brands across New York and London offices.
Senior Art Director // Campaign Branding at International Trend Institute
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2010
Campaign branding and art direction, building brand identities for regional clients.
Junior Art Director // Branding at International Trend Institute
January 1, 2007 - June 30, 2008
Early branding and art direction responsibilities.
Intern / Trainee / Graphic Designer at International Trend Institute
December 1, 2001 - June 30, 2005
Grew from intern to graphic designer, building foundational design skills.
Junior Art Director // Branding at International Trend Institute
June 1, 2005 - January 31, 2007
Further branding and art direction responsibilities.
Executive Creative Director // Art & Digital at Jung von Matt Neckar
January 1, 2017 - April 1, 2020
Led the creative vision for art and digital initiatives across the Jung von Matt Neckar portfolio. Oversaw concept development, cross-disciplinary teams, and brand experience design. Built and mentored high-performing teams, aligning creative output with client business goals, ensuring the delivery of innovative ideas and compelling storytelling across campaigns.
Head Creative Director // Design Director at Greator (formerly Gedankentanken)
June 1, 2020 - April 1, 2022
Directed creative strategy and design for Greator, guiding brand storytelling, design systems and production of integrated campaigns. Led multi-disciplinary teams and client collaborations to elevate the brand and drive growth.
Creative Director Concept & Strategy at Uniplan
April 1, 2022 - Present
Creative Director responsible for concept development and strategic direction across Uniplan's brand experiences and experiential design projects. Focused on storytelling, customer journey mapping and scalable campaigns.
Creative Director - Creative Content, Digital at Maven Digital Agency
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2016
Creative director for digital content and campaigns, shaping brand experiences and content strategy for clients in Africa and beyond. Led concepting, design, and production, and collaborated with clients to translate business goals into engaging digital narratives.
Creative Director - Head of Design at Conversation Lab / THB (WPP)
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2014
Head of design and creative lead at WPP's Conversation Lab / THB, steering design direction, brand identity, and digital campaigns. Built and mentored design teams, integrated research insights, and delivered end-to-end brand experiences.
Senior Art Director // Team Lead at Wisdom & Youth
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2012
Senior Art Director and team lead, responsible for brand campaigns, art direction, and creative output across multiple clients. Mentored junior designers, fostered collaboration, and ensured high-quality design across touchpoints.
Senior Art Director Contractor // Digital at Republic / Ogilvy
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2010
Contractual Senior Art Director delivering digital campaigns and brand work for global clients; led design execution, contributed to concept development, and ensured digital strategies aligned with brand objectives.

Education

Bachelor of Technology Degree in Graphic & Communication Design at Durban Institute of Technology
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2004
Matric Exemption in 6 Subjects (Independent Examination Board) at Crawford College Durban
January 11, 2030 - August 27, 2025
Bachelor of Technology Degree in Graphic & Communication Design at Durban Institute of Technology
January 11, 2030 - February 16, 2026
Matric Exemption at Crawford College Durban
January 11, 2030 - February 16, 2026
Bachelor of Technology Degree in Graphic & Communication Design at Durban Institute of Technology
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2004
Matric Exemption in 6 Subjects at Crawford College Durban
January 11, 2030 - April 7, 2026

Qualifications

Cum Laude Graduated Bachelor of Technology Degree
January 1, 2004 - August 27, 2025
Matriculated with Merit (Distinctions in History & English)
January 11, 2030 - August 27, 2025
German Design Award
January 1, 2023 - April 7, 2026
Assegai Awards
January 1, 2014 - April 7, 2026
Assegai Awards
January 1, 2016 - April 7, 2026
Smartie Mobile Winner
January 1, 2015 - April 7, 2026
Nigerian Advertising Award
January 1, 2014 - April 7, 2026
Assegai Awards Judge
January 1, 2014 - April 7, 2026
BookMarks Awards Judge
January 1, 2013 - April 7, 2026
Best Student Portfolio Award
January 1, 2003 - April 7, 2026
Voted Top 10 Designers H&L Magazine
January 1, 2003 - April 7, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Consumer Goods, Financial Services, Telecommunications, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Education, Other