I write, design, build brands, and tell captivating stories. I also create retro-inspired videos that bring ideas to life in different ways. If words or visuals need to connect or persuade, then this is when I'm at my best. I'm British, based in Graz, Austria, and working across copywriting, design, branding, voiceover, and creative direction for the past 10 years. I was born in Singapore, grew up in Australia and the UK, studied in the US and Canada, and have lived in Germany, Hong Kong, Austria, and England. That mix of places has shaped a fascination with people, culture, and storytelling. My first job was with USA Today in Hong Kong, and I have a book coming out this year, *Gear Down and Growing Up*, which tells the story of my one-way trip to find a job and get a life at the age of 21. I later worked as a teacher, where I set up a school-based design agency run by students. I wrote the curriculum, and the students worked with real local clients, developing creative solutions and learning by doing. During that time I also wrote a creative handbook for teachers called *People, Pens, and Paper*, filled with project ideas and ways to help young people think more creatively and use ideas to engage with the world around them. Since then I have worked on campaigns, websites, pitches, education, and real estate projects, anything where ideas need to work hard and land well. I have collaborated with Moodley Brand Identity, Engel & Völkers, ECIS, and agencies in Berlin and Vienna, with clients including eBay, DHL, Audi, and Opel. I also spent a couple of years at sea with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, working as a Youth Activities Manager, a role that taught me a lot about energy, communication, and keeping things moving. Alongside writing and design, I have worked as a voice actor for years. I am warm, upbeat, and adaptable, with a wide range of tones, characters, and accents. I have worked across advertising, corporate, film, and radio, with clients including Paramount, Red Bull, Orange, and Findus. You can hear me right here: _Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_/voice-talent

James Wren

I write, design, build brands, and tell captivating stories. I also create retro-inspired videos that bring ideas to life in different ways. If words or visuals need to connect or persuade, then this is when I'm at my best. I'm British, based in Graz, Austria, and working across copywriting, design, branding, voiceover, and creative direction for the past 10 years. I was born in Singapore, grew up in Australia and the UK, studied in the US and Canada, and have lived in Germany, Hong Kong, Austria, and England. That mix of places has shaped a fascination with people, culture, and storytelling. My first job was with USA Today in Hong Kong, and I have a book coming out this year, *Gear Down and Growing Up*, which tells the story of my one-way trip to find a job and get a life at the age of 21. I later worked as a teacher, where I set up a school-based design agency run by students. I wrote the curriculum, and the students worked with real local clients, developing creative solutions and learning by doing. During that time I also wrote a creative handbook for teachers called *People, Pens, and Paper*, filled with project ideas and ways to help young people think more creatively and use ideas to engage with the world around them. Since then I have worked on campaigns, websites, pitches, education, and real estate projects, anything where ideas need to work hard and land well. I have collaborated with Moodley Brand Identity, Engel & Völkers, ECIS, and agencies in Berlin and Vienna, with clients including eBay, DHL, Audi, and Opel. I also spent a couple of years at sea with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, working as a Youth Activities Manager, a role that taught me a lot about energy, communication, and keeping things moving. Alongside writing and design, I have worked as a voice actor for years. I am warm, upbeat, and adaptable, with a wide range of tones, characters, and accents. I have worked across advertising, corporate, film, and radio, with clients including Paramount, Red Bull, Orange, and Findus. You can hear me right here: _Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_/voice-talent

Available to hire

I write, design, build brands, and tell captivating stories.

I also create retro-inspired videos that bring ideas to life in different ways. If words or visuals need to connect or persuade, then this is when I’m at my best.

I’m British, based in Graz, Austria, and working across copywriting, design, branding, voiceover, and creative direction for the past 10 years. I was born in Singapore, grew up in Australia and the UK, studied in the US and Canada, and have lived in Germany, Hong Kong, Austria, and England. That mix of places has shaped a fascination with people, culture, and storytelling.

My first job was with USA Today in Hong Kong, and I have a book coming out this year, Gear Down and Growing Up, which tells the story of my one-way trip to find a job and get a life at the age of 21.

I later worked as a teacher, where I set up a school-based design agency run by students. I wrote the curriculum, and the students worked with real local clients, developing creative solutions and learning by doing. During that time I also wrote a creative handbook for teachers called People, Pens, and Paper, filled with project ideas and ways to help young people think more creatively and use ideas to engage with the world around them.

Since then I have worked on campaigns, websites, pitches, education, and real estate projects, anything where ideas need to work hard and land well. I have collaborated with Moodley Brand Identity, Engel & Völkers, ECIS, and agencies in Berlin and Vienna, with clients including eBay, DHL, Audi, and Opel.

I also spent a couple of years at sea with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, working as a Youth Activities Manager, a role that taught me a lot about energy, communication, and keeping things moving.

Alongside writing and design, I have worked as a voice actor for years. I am warm, upbeat, and adaptable, with a wide range of tones, characters, and accents. I have worked across advertising, corporate, film, and radio, with clients including Paramount, Red Bull, Orange, and Findus. You can hear me right here: Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup/voice-talent

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Language

English
Fluent
German
Intermediate

Work Experience

Copywriter (Freelance) at Moodley Brand Identity, Graz
June 1, 2024 - Present
Copywriting for new client pitches
Copywriter (Freelance) at Engel & Völkers
June 1, 2022 - September 20, 2022
Copywriting for regional real estate websites, both for buyers and sellers of high-end properties around the world
Copywriter at ECIS: The Educational Collaborative for International Schools, London
March 1, 2015 - Present
Copywriting for website, print, and digital; Social media campaign management; Brand design for events and courses; Graphic design
Copywriter (Freelance) at Various international clients
August 1, 2013 - March 1, 2015
Copywriting and campaign concepts for a variety of international clients including BMW for TBWA, Vienna; Kilgraston Language and Activities Centre; Salalah Hotel and Resort, Oman
Owner at The School of Creative Thinking
August 1, 2013 - March 31, 2015
Designed and facilitated design agency-style workshops for schools; in-school creative agencies managed by students; presented at schools worldwide
Marketing Manager at Kilgraston School, Scotland
August 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013
Marketing and communications leadership
Teacher of Communication Design at St. Gilgen International School, Austria
August 1, 2010 - July 31, 2012
Teaching design-related subjects
Copywriter at KMF Werbung, Berlin (Ebay Account)
August 1, 2009 - August 31, 2010
Copywriting for Ebay accounts; freelance
Freelance Copywriter at Various agencies/clients
August 1, 2007 - August 31, 2009
Copywriting for McCann Erickson Vienna (Opel, Mastercard); Sesso Vienna (Red Bull, Audi); other accounts including Toshiba, ATG Training, Siemens
Copywriter at Engel & Völkers
June 1, 2022 - Present
Copywriting for regional real estate websites, buyers and sellers of high-end properties worldwide; international copywriting assignments.
Copywriter at ECIS: The Educational Collaborative for International Schools
March 1, 2015 - Present
Copywriting for website, print, and digital; social media campaign management; brand design for events and courses; graphic design.
Marketing Manager at Kilgraston School
August 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013
Marketing management and strategy.
Teacher of Communication Design at St. Gilgen International School
August 1, 2010 - July 31, 2012
Teaching Communication Design.
Copywriter at KMF Werbung
August 1, 2009 - August 31, 2010
Copywriting; Ebay Account.
Freelance Copywriter at McCann Erickson (Vienna); Sesso Vienna; Toshiba & others
August 1, 2007 - August 31, 2009
Copywriting for Opel, Mastercard (McCann Erickson Vienna); Red Bull, Audi (Sesso Vienna); other accounts: Toshiba, ATG Training, Siemens.
Copywriter at Moodley Brand Identity
June 1, 2024 - Present
Freelance copywriting for brand identity projects.

Education

BA in Design (focus on branding) at University of Worcester, UK & University of Tennessee, USA
January 1, 2001 - December 31, 2004
BA in Design (focus on branding) at University of Worcester, UK & University of Tennessee, USA
January 1, 2001 - December 31, 2004

Qualifications

Author, People, Pens and Paper - a handbook for teachers
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 2026
An ‘80s Boy: Tales from Childhood
January 11, 2030 - December 31, 2024

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Real Estate & Construction, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Travel & Hospitality
    Muscat 1987
    When I was a kid, my dad worked in Oman, and I spent every spring, summer, and Christmas out there for three years. The place had a profound effect on me, and it continues to be a country that is close to my heart. During lockdown in 2021, I decided to create a retro map/infographic and make it available for those who had (or have) a connection with Oman. I designed it all, including the adverts and creative copy. It was a real labour of love. It's actually A1 in size, and this is just a preview. If you'd like the full-sized version, please let me know. I hope you like it! graphicdesigner illustrator designer Maps Design
    Video Production: Retro James

    I make tons of retro videos using old commercials - here are a few of my flashback creations. You can see more like this on my YouTube account, Retro James.

    The ABCD of me: Advertising, Branding, Copy, and Design
    A few examples of my work - from big brands to not-for-profit to local start-ups, I've worked with a range of different clients with different needs. I hope you enjoy checking out what I can do. branding graphicdesigner logo designer
    My voice work(s)!
    Here's a little taster of what I've got to say, and if you like what you hear, there's plenty more here! https://www.twine.net/signin/voice-talent voiceover vocal voicetalent
    Conference Branding - ECIS - 2016- present

    Produced all physical and digital assets for the international education conferences, including banners, posters, logo, brochures, social media campaigns, video, flyers, stage backdrop, web, and signage.