I’m Art Director & Creative Consultant with 25+ years of experience, including 15 in the digital space. I thrive on the craft of creating advertising that is engaging, entertaining, and genuinely disruptive. As welI as ad agencies, I partner with startups and brands to help them ‘outthink’ their competition through strategic creative thinking rooted in human insight. By leveraging my network of top freelance specialists, I provide agile, high-quality solutions that deliver exceptional value and a clear competitive advantage—functioning not just as a service provider, but as a committed ally invested in your success. I work with national and international clients across a variety of timezones and can also work remotely or on site if required.…

John Martin

PRO
5.0 (2 reviews)

I’m Art Director & Creative Consultant with 25+ years of experience, including 15 in the digital space. I thrive on the craft of creating advertising that is engaging, entertaining, and genuinely disruptive. As welI as ad agencies, I partner with startups and brands to help them ‘outthink’ their competition through strategic creative thinking rooted in human insight. By leveraging my network of top freelance specialists, I provide agile, high-quality solutions that deliver exceptional value and a clear competitive advantage—functioning not just as a service provider, but as a committed ally invested in your success. I work with national and international clients across a variety of timezones and can also work remotely or on site if required.…

Available to hire

I’m Art Director & Creative Consultant with 25+ years of experience, including 15 in the digital space. I thrive on the craft of creating advertising that is engaging, entertaining, and genuinely disruptive.
As welI as ad agencies, I partner with startups and brands to help them ‘outthink’ their competition through strategic creative thinking rooted in human insight. By leveraging my network of top freelance specialists, I provide agile, high-quality solutions that deliver exceptional value and a clear competitive advantage—functioning not just as a service provider, but as a committed ally invested in your success.
I work with national and international clients across a variety of timezones and can also work remotely or on site if required.

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Language

Irish
Intermediate
English
Fluent

Work Experience

Independent Creative Consultant & Art Director
January 1, 2019 - Present
Collaborated with premier Irish and international advertising agencies, providing strategic creative direction and digital innovation expertise. Notable agency partners include Chemistry, The Tenth Man, Forsman Bodenfors, BBDO Dublin/London, BBH Dublin/London, Ogilvy Dublin/London, Publicis Dublin, Folk Wunderman Thompson, The Fourth Idea New York, McCann Manchester/London.
Senior Art Director at Chemistry
December 31, 2019 - September 5, 2025
Led digital creative concepts for major brands including Dunnes Stores, Audi, and The Irish Examiner. Specialized in new business pitch development and execution.
Senior Art Director at ICAN
December 31, 2018 - September 5, 2025
Pioneered digital advertising solutions during the industry's digital transformation. Spearheaded award-winning campaigns for Jameson Irish Whiskey, Vodafone, RTÉ. Key accounts included Jobs.ie, FBD Insurance, Bulmers, Engineers Ireland, permanents b.
Senior Art Director at BBDO
December 31, 2007 - September 5, 2025
Delivered award-winning print, outdoor, and TV campaigns. Major clients included Aer Lingus, Diageo, Bank of Ireland, 7up International. Led projects from concept through production.
Art Director at Ogilvy
December 31, 1999 - September 5, 2025
Developed campaigns for premium brands including Ford, Bupa, Lyons Tea. Focused on integrated marketing solutions.
Freelance Art Director
December 31, 1998 - September 5, 2025
Created award-winning Club Orange Campaign with Cawley Nea. Served agencies including The Larkin Partnership, Javelin, Publicis QMP JWT DDFH&B.
Junior Art Director at JWTDDFH&B
December 31, 1996 - September 5, 2025
Progressive career growth from studio production to creative role. Worked with prestigious brands including Nestle, Burger King, SAAB, Murphy's Irish Stout.
Independent Creative Consultant & Art Director
January 1, 2019 - Present
Independent creative consultant and art director providing strategic creative direction and art direction for premier Irish and international advertising agencies; collaborating with partner agencies; delivering innovative campaigns and nurturing client relationships.
Senior Art Director at Chemistry
January 1, 2019 - September 10, 2025
Led digital creative concepts for major brands, including Dunnes Stores, Audi, and The Irish Examiner; specialized in new business pitch development and execution.
Senior Art Director at ICAN
January 1, 2018 - September 10, 2025
Pioneered digital advertising solutions during the industry’s digital transformation; spearheaded award-winning campaigns; managed key accounts such as Jameson Irish Whiskey, Vodafone, RTÉ.
Senior Art Director at International BBDO
January 1, 2007 - September 10, 2025
Delivered award-winning print, outdoor, and TV campaigns; led major clients including Aer Lingus, Diageo, Bank of Ireland, 7up; oversaw projects from concept through production.
Art Director at Ogilvy
January 1, 1999 - September 10, 2025
Developed campaigns for premium brands including Ford, Bupa, Lyons Tea; focused on integrated marketing solutions.
Art Director at Freelance
January 1, 1998 - September 10, 2025
Freelance art director delivering campaigns for varying agencies; built a diverse portfolio across print, outdoor, and TV.
Junior Art Director at QMP/JWT/DDFH&B
January 1, 1996 - September 10, 2025
Progressed from studio production to creative roles; worked with Nestle, Burger King, SAAB, and Murphy's Irish Stout; focused on strategic creative direction, digital innovation, brand development, and cross-platform storytelling.
Independent Creative Consultant & Art Director at Independent / Self-employed
January 1, 2019 - Present
Collaborating with premier Irish and international advertising agencies; providing strategic creative direction and digital innovation expertise.
Senior Art Director at Chemistry
December 31, 2019 - September 10, 2025
Led digital creative concepts for major brands including Dunnes Stores, Audi, and The Irish Examiner; specialised in new business pitch development and execution.
Senior Art Director at ICAN
December 31, 2018 - September 10, 2025
Pioneered digital advertising solutions during the industry’s digital transformation; spearheaded award-winning campaigns and managed key accounts.
Senior Art Director at International BBDO
December 31, 2007 - September 10, 2025
Delivered award-winning print, outdoor, and TV campaigns; major clients included Aer Lingus, Diageo, Bank of Ireland, 7up.
Art Director at Ogilvy
December 31, 1999 - September 10, 2025
Developed campaigns for premium brands including Ford, BUPA, Lyons Tea; focused on integrated marketing solutions.
Freelance Art Director at Freelance
December 31, 1998 - September 10, 2025
Developed campaigns for Nestlé, Burger King, SAAB, Murphy’s Irish Stout.

Education

BA Marketing and Advertising at Dublin Insitute of Technology
September 20, 1989 - May 20, 1992
Diploma at Dublin Insitute of Technology
September 20, 1987 - May 20, 1989
Visual Communications
Diploma at Digital Marketing Institute
January 12, 2024 - February 12, 2025
Diploma in Artificial Intelligence at Digitial Marketing Institute
January 12, 2025 - June 12, 2024
Ai in Digital Marketing
Certificate in Generative Artificial Intelligence at Udemy
January 12, 2024 - January 12, 2025
Diploma in Visual Communications at Dublin Institute of Technology, College of Marketing and Design
January 11, 2030 - September 5, 2025
Diploma in Advertising at Dublin Institute of Technology, College of Commerce
January 11, 2030 - September 5, 2025
Certificate in Advertising at Dublin Institute of Technology, College of Commerce
January 11, 2030 - September 5, 2025
Joint Diploma in Advertising at DIT/JNNR/ IAPI
January 11, 2030 - September 5, 2025
Diploma in Visual Communications at Dublin Institute of Technology
January 11, 2030 - September 10, 2025
Diploma in Advertising at College of Commerce
January 11, 2030 - September 10, 2025
Certificate in Advertising at College of Commerce
January 11, 2030 - September 10, 2025
Diploma in Advertising (Joint DIT/JN NR/IA PI) at DIT/JN NR/IA PI
January 11, 2030 - September 10, 2025
Diploma in Visual Communications at Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT)
January 11, 2030 - September 10, 2025
Diploma in Advertising at College of Commerce
January 11, 2030 - September 10, 2025
Certificate in Advertising at College of Commerce
January 11, 2030 - September 10, 2025
Joint Diploma in Advertising at DIT/JNR/API
January 11, 2030 - September 10, 2025
Diploma in AI-Driven Digital Marketing at Digital Marketing Institute
January 11, 2030 - September 10, 2025

Qualifications

BA Marketing and Advertising
September 20, 1989 - May 20, 1992
Diploma
September 20, 1987 - May 20, 1989
Diploma in Digital Marketing
January 12, 2024 - February 16, 2025
Diploma in Generative AI
January 12, 2024 - June 12, 2024
Diploma in AI-Driven Digital Marketing
January 11, 2030 - September 5, 2025
Diploma in Digital Marketing Professional
January 11, 2030 - September 5, 2025
Diploma in AI-Driven Digital Marketing
January 11, 2030 - September 10, 2025
Diploma in Digital Marketing Professional
January 11, 2030 - September 10, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Other, Professional Services
    paper Phonewatch Irrational fears

    This campaign positions PhoneWatch as the ultimate solution for home safety by leveraging a strategy of contrast and irrational relief. Instead of using generic fear-based messaging, we demonstrate the system’s comprehensive protection by humorously acknowledging the only threats it can’t stop: absurd, cinematic disasters like alien invasions and giant asteroids.

    By adopting the aesthetic of 1950s B-movie posters—a genre built on paranoia—we create visually distinctive and memorable ads that reframe home security. The approach sells confidence and peace of mind, communicating that with PhoneWatch, the only dangers left are the make-believe ones. The witty tagline, “Don’t be alarmed. Be Phonewatched,” perfectly encapsulates this shift from fear to assuredness.

    https://www.twine.net/signin

    paper Caldor Solar

    Caldor Solar - total rebrand

    uniE621 Club Orange Squeezer
    An outdoor and print campaign launching Club Orange’s new branding and positioning across its range. ooh advertising artdirector…
    uniE621 SOS give blood
    A call to action print and outdoor campaign was required to run when the demand for key blood groups was high and the stocks low. We created a simple, clear, visually engaging campaign highlighting the importance and urgency of each blood group using acronyms. ooh giveblood artdirector advertising…
    uniE621 Aer Lingus Christmas Outdoor
    We created special outdoor message wishing visitors to Ireland’s major airports a Merry Christmas. The outdoor sites were back-lit and this enabled us to come up with this dynamic and engaging execution. ooh aerlingus advertising artdirector…
    uniE621 Guinness Cans
    A print execution that demonstrated that the Guinness in cans was of the same quality and taste as the draught. guinness artdirector…
    uniE621 Jameson Irish Whiskey Christmas OOH
    To build awareness around the integral role of Jameson in Christmas celebrations, we crafted three striking visuals featuring Jameson whiskey caps artistically drawn in the snow. These high-impact designs were showcased on 96-sheet posters across Northern Ireland. The campaign successfully resonated with consumers, resulting in a significant increase in sales compared to previous holiday seasons. photo designer artdirector…
    uniE621 Irish Examiner Sleep in Campaign
    The brief asked us to create a campaign to remind people how good the Irish Examiner weekend supplements are on a Saturday. We leveraged that laid back feeling people have over the weekend. Communicating that the weekend supplement so good you would do anything not to miss it, even sleep in. photo designer artdirector creativedirector illustrator photo designer…
    uniE621 Irish Examiner Sleep in Campaign
    The brief asked us to create a campaign to remind people how good the Irish Examiner weekend supplements are on a Saturday. We leveraged that laid back feeling people have over the weekend. Communicating that the weekend supplement so good you would do anything not to miss it, even sleep in. photo designer artdirector creativedirector…
    uniE621 Irish Examiner Sleep in Campaign
    The brief asked us to create a campaign to remind people how good the Irish Examiner weekend supplements are on a Saturday. We leveraged that laid back feeling people have over the weekend. Communicating that the weekend supplement so good you would do anything not to miss it, even sleep in. photo designer artdirector creativedirector…
    uniE621 Irish Examiner Munster Rugby
    The Irish Examiner proudly highlights its enduring partnership and comprehensive coverage of Munster Rugby. Inspired by Munster Rugby’s ethos, “We rise by lifting each other,” and their core values of Community, Teamwork, Ambition, and Integrity, we crafted a powerful visual narrative. Our imagery portrays players and fans united, charging across the Thomond Park pitch amid fireworks and billowing red smoke, reminiscent of a historic battle scene. Despite budget constraints, we leveraged Mid Journey AI and Photoshop Generative AI tools to bring this vision to life designer artdirector creativedirector…
    uniE621 Discover your playful side
    Virgin Media’s campaign celebrates play’s transformative power. Teaming with the Science Gallery, they created an exhibition on the science behind how play drives innovation and wellbeing. The campaign showed renowned professionals at play, reinforcing that it’s a fundamental human need. This narrative framed Virgin’s high-speed broadband as an enabler of these meaningful, joyful moments.…