My name is Gerhard. However nobody in Australia can pronounce it properly, so people tend to just call me “G”.
I've been in advertising for over 25 years. I started my career in Johannesburg as a graphic designer (about which I remain nerdishly passionate) and moved into art direction relatively quickly. Along the way I climbed through the ranks from Junior with all the stops along the way to Creative Director
I've been in advertising for over 25 years. I started my career in Johannesburg as a graphic designer (about which I remain nerdishly passionate) and moved into art direction relatively quickly. Along the way I climbed through the ranks from Junior with all the stops along the way to Creative Director
In 2008 I was lured from Draft FCB in Jo’Burg to take up a role as Creative Director at The Campaign Palace - first in Melbourne, then Sydney. I’ve since worked at JWT Sydney and The Monkeys and most recently at M&C Saatchi.
The last 6 years
Six years ago Tom McFarlane asked me to join M&C Saatchi’s Greenhouse - a dedicated unit within the agency that looked after one of the biggest brands in Australia, Woolworths. And when a legend of the Australian advertising industry makes you an offer you can’t refuse, you don’t.
I started off just on the Australian side of the business as Senior Art Director, but soon after, The Greenhouse was asked to take over creative duties on the Countdown business in New Zealand. Tom partnered me up with Paul Hankinson for the very first job, a partnership that would endure for the next six years. Paul became ECD of the New Zealand business and I was appointed Head of Art. During that time I divided my time 50/50 between Woolworths Australia and Countdown New Zealand.
In summary
I have worked on some of the most iconic brands in Australia, including Target and Bonds. I have intimate knowledge of how to make a Domino’s Pizza, and have been part of making people’s lives better by making them aware of heart disease, diabetes and helping them decide to give up smoking. Other clients include NRMA, RAC WA, Vodafone, Telstra, Bayer, J&J, SCJ, Kimberly-Clarke, HSBC, Subway, Origin Energy, IGA and Murdoch University to name but a few.
Back in South Africa I played a key role in making Toyota the country’s most loved car brand as creative director on that account and as creative custodian of Vodacom, helped make some of South Africa’s most loved ads.
My work has been recognised in Cannes, by the D&AD, Clios, One Show, The Art Director's Club, The Loerie Awards, Award Award, Spikes and the Effies.