Hi there,

Now all of the April public holidays are over, we’ve had fun and a rest,  it's time to get stuck back into work. 

The good news is that you can still take a short break, sit down and become inspired with The Brownbill Effect newsletter. 

Enjoy the read and a cuppa.

Sally and Eliza

Showstopper  

In conversation with Kieran Moroney 

This year we want to highlight some of the ads and campaigns that grabbed our attention for all right reasons. The recent recruitment campaign for the Royal Australian Navy stopped us in our tracks and we appreciated the opportunity to talk to Kieran Moroney, VMLY&R Creative Director, about the work.

After more than a year of research, production, and approval processes, Kieran Moroney and his team launched their remarkable campaign for the Royal Australian Navy. The intent is to show how fulfilling life at sea can be, but it is not the usual gung-ho delivery we have come to expect from defence force recruitment ads. This somehow manages to be both epic and intimate.

The campaign theme is ‘Live a Story Worth Telling’ and the TVC has a cinematic quality with moments of beauty and vulnerability breaking into the broader heroic sweep.

It shows the breadth of experience it’s possible to achieve from a career in the Navy.

“We wanted to show how different their world is”, said Moroney. “ It is remarkable and special”.

Recent work from
our Creatives

CREATIVE GENERALS | CREATIVE AGENCY

A Story as Rich as the Earth

Picture this… a farmer dusts off his boots after a long day and gazes over his family of generations as they welcome him home, a glint of pride in his eyes.

We love getting to the heart of a story. It’s what we do best, unearthing the genuine values that drive a business and translating them into a visual narrative, full of sentiment.

Working with the passionate farming family at CSG made this process easy. The extent of knowledge they loved to share and genuine care they’ve provided each customer for over 50 years was striking. Working sustainably with some of the most fertile soil in the country and producing top-quality grain also shone as important values to highlight.

We arrived in Cowra during the most epic sunset to start filming this story of passion and pride. Up early each morning and then at it again each sunset to capture the best lighting was well worth it. 

We rebranded CSG with a full list of services, including:

• Brand strategy
• Brand naming and logo design
• Stationery and packaging design
• Corporate literature
• Website design and development
• Brand video

PHILIP TAFFS | COPYWRITER

Philip Taffs. Quite good at making things up.

Like the unshod cobblers’ children, it has often been noted that ad agencies are notoriously bad at coming up with a powerful creative positioning statement (or slogan) for their own business.

According to Senior Writer/Creative Director/Brand Consultant, Philip Taffs:

“Many agencies settle on an instantly forgettable 3-word mantra that means something to them at the time – as they may have just come back from a fist-pumping, team-building weekend away – and everyone’s feeling the love...  Except their target audience: clients.  Who didn’t get to go on the weekend away.   And are wondering what DEEPER.  HIGHER.  FASTER. actually means…

I still use ye olde real life business cards to get my creative positioning statement across.   

PHILIP TAFFS.  QUITE GOOD AT MAKING THINGS UP. 

You can call it a slogan.   Never call it a tagline.  It is not tagged on. It is the foundation of what I do. My business card campaign has been running for almost 20 years.  This is the 5th iteration. I can’t tell you how many clients have told me how much they loved receiving the little envelope in the mail and finding my mini-ad inside.   People still love to receive a fun, real life communication over an email.  

And I’m not making that up."

PS Designer:  Dianna Thornley

LEE HERBET | CINEMATOGRAPHER

The Benefits of Neurodiverse Talent in the Workplace 

"The nature of our work means that I don't get to share much that me and the team create. So I am extra chuffed that I can share this project we worked on for CPA Australia talking about the benefits of neurodiverse talent in the workplace."

BROOKE MILES | PHOTOGRAPHER

Island Wallpaper and Underwater Art

"We were thrilled to be asked to undertake not just one installation, but two. Elevating the empty walls at two iconic Whitsunday business spaces with our photo wallpapers. It started with a phonecall from Rob Taylor, the Principal of Taylors Property Specialists, seeking a unique and dynamic way to make their new office spaces stand out."

Our Newest Members

SCOTT SPARKS | ART DIRECTOR

"An internationally acclaimed creative, I began my career as a Copywriter before transitioning to Art Director, drawing from my roots in art and graphic design. This shift equipped me with a versatile skill set, allowing me to craft engaging and captivating content. My expertise has been honed through my work with renowned agencies in the UK, including Legas Delaney, FCO, Leo Burnett, DDB, Publicis, and Inferno. In Australia, I have held multiple roles such as Senior Art Director (Havas), Creative Group Head (M&C Saatchi/LIDA), and Creative Director (Ogilvy), along with consulting as a Senior Creative and Creative Director.

Throughout my career, I have consistently generated innovative ideas, executed seamlessly across various mediums, such as digital, print, TV, activations, and experiences. 2021-22 was a dynamic year filled with a flurry of projects and pitches for some excellent agencies, working alongside talented individuals that I truly enjoyed collaborating with. Looking forward to 2023, I am excited to embrace new challenges and opportunities that allow me to continue producing exceptional creative work."

NEIL CHARTER | COPYWRITER

"10 years working in large and boutique advertising agencies as well as 25 years working in strategic government and local government communications. Broad spectrum of copywriting accounts from hard retail to corporate across all forms of multi-media, social and above and below-the-line marketing collateral. Strategic marketing with award winning campaigns for Health and Emergency Service State Government directorates.

I have a wealth of life experience that contributes to a qualified and real approach to my writing. Experience has included: writing 7 Guides to Canoeing the River Murray (still in publication), 8 years with the Australian Rugby Union, 7 years as a Marketing Manager in the Snowy Mtns at the time of hardwood forest closures and the Thredbo landslide disaster, 3 years Zoo Advertising Canberra, Coo’ee Advertising Adelaide, established and managed East Street Advertising (Gerard Group), KWP! Advertising, RDNS, SA Health, SA Country Fire Service, State Library of SA, brand, marketing, and campaign management."

STEVEN XIAO | PHOTOGRAPHER

"As a photographer, I have a deep passion for capturing the beauty of fashion, portraiture, and real-life stories through my lens. While I spend most of my time shooting with film, I am equally adept with digital photography, ensuring that I can meet the needs of any client. With a strong background in analog post-production techniques, including film processing and darkroom skills, I am committed to creating stunning images that truly capture the essence of my subjects. I bring a unique perspective to every project I work on, and I’m always eager to explore new creative opportunities in the world of photography."

Creative Directory

Creative Directory

This is one of the best, most effective creative networking tools in Australia. It connects and showcases hand-picked, high-level photographers, creatives, industry influencers, agencies and studios.

Testimonials

HOLLY NUGENT | CREATIVE SERVICES
PROJECT MANAGER

“Upon graduating university I felt overwhelmed at the idea of entering a new profession, however Sally gave me the confidence and opportunity to secure a dream position. From application to interview, Sally was a huge help. Her genuine kindness as well as her knowledge of the industry was invaluable. I am forever grateful for her constant support and wonderful guidance!"

RMIT Hungry Talks:
Between Two Ferns

Episode 7

Tune in for another wacky Between Two Ferns with Emilia Lakhi this week, where we examine collaboration Collaboration means more than just working with other people - it also brings out your creativity. Why not have both?