I'm Martin Gleeson, a versatile art director, designer and illustrator with a career spanning Ireland, Australia and beyond. I help brands tell their story through bold visuals, strategic design and craft. Since founding CloverRua.com and continuing to work as a freelance creative, I enjoy turning ideas into lively, effective visuals. I also share ideas through teaching and mentoring, bringing curiosity and collaborative energy to every project.

Martin Gleeson

I'm Martin Gleeson, a versatile art director, designer and illustrator with a career spanning Ireland, Australia and beyond. I help brands tell their story through bold visuals, strategic design and craft. Since founding CloverRua.com and continuing to work as a freelance creative, I enjoy turning ideas into lively, effective visuals. I also share ideas through teaching and mentoring, bringing curiosity and collaborative energy to every project.

Available to hire

I’m Martin Gleeson, a versatile art director, designer and illustrator with a career spanning Ireland, Australia and beyond. I help brands tell their story through bold visuals, strategic design and craft.

Since founding CloverRua.com and continuing to work as a freelance creative, I enjoy turning ideas into lively, effective visuals. I also share ideas through teaching and mentoring, bringing curiosity and collaborative energy to every project.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance Art Director/Designer/Illustrator at Self-employed
June 1, 2004 - Present
Freelance art direction, design and illustration work for clients and personal projects.
Founding Creative Partner at CloverRua.com
January 1, 2013 - March 31, 2026
Co-founded CloverRua.com, a print and greeting card business; responsible for creative direction, product design and branding.
Art Director at M&C Saatchi
August 1, 2002 - December 31, 2003
Led art direction for campaigns for Audi, Qantas, DHL, British Airways, Optus, ANZ Bank, Insurance Australia Group, MBF among others.
Freelance Creative/Art Direction/Design at Various Agencies (McCann-Erickson, Simon Richards Group, M&C Saatchi)
January 1, 2002 - August 31, 2002
Freelance creative work for advertising agencies.
Group Creative Director at WSA Online
March 1, 2000 - October 31, 2001
Led group creative for online campaigns; clients included Mitsubishi Motors, Thrifty, Citibank, IBM, Foxtel, Maquarie Bank, Chaosmusic, Aussie Home Loans, Accor Hotel Group, Accenture, Department of Defence, Australia Post.
Senior Art Director/Creative Director at Spike Networks
May 1, 1999 - March 31, 2000
Senior art direction and creative leadership for clients including Toyota, Southcorp Wines, Sydney Festival, Rip Curl, Federal Casinos.
Freelance Art Director/Graphic Designer at Freelance
July 1, 1998 - May 31, 1999
Freelance art direction and graphic design work.
Lecturer Graphic Design Diploma at Billy Blue School of Graphic Design, Australia
July 1, 1998 - June 30, 1999
Lecturer delivering AQF Level 5 course; teaching graphic design diploma.
Art Director at OgilvyOne
August 1, 1996 - July 31, 1998
Art Director for clients including American Express, Commonwealth Bank, Daewoo, Australian Federal Government, Hitachi, Holiday Inn, IBM, NRMA, James Hardie, Sheraton Hotel Group, Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival, WWF.
The Forte Group at The Forte Group
November 1, 1995 - July 31, 1996
Joined The Forte Group in Sydney, Australia during the mid-1990s.
O'Regan Design at O'Regan Design
July 1, 1995 - November 30, 1995
Design role in Dublin, Ireland.
Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising at Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising
January 1, 1994 - July 31, 1995
Design, Finished Art & Illustration.
Profile Plus at Profile Plus
January 1, 1994 - May 31, 1994
Position at Profile Plus in Dublin, Ireland.
at The Creative Department
May 1, 1989 - September 30, 1989
The Creative Department, Dublin, Ireland.
at The Creative Department
June 1, 1990 - September 30, 1990
The Creative Department, Dublin, Ireland.

Education

Certificate in Art & Design at DIT College of Marketing and Design
January 1, 1989 - December 31, 1990
NCEA Diploma in Design Communications at Dun Laoghaire College of Art & Design
January 1, 1990 - December 31, 1993
Part-time course in children’s book illustration at University of Sydney
January 1, 1998 - December 31, 1998
Part-time course in film production at University of Sydney
January 1, 2001 - December 31, 2001

Qualifications

Certificate in Art & Design
January 1, 1989 - December 31, 1990

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education