Simon Buutveld

Welcome

Welcome to the most succinct representation of what I’ve been up to for the last fifteen years – well in the professional space at least. I’m an internationally awarded Creative Director/Art Director currently based in Brisbane, Australia. I create positive, fanatical passion for brands and products through solid insights, smart strategies, and unexpected solutions to unique business problems. This is not just good marketing talk; people have actually said this stuff to me. I deliver my expertise with honesty, transparency, accessibility, and believe client-agency relationships don’t need to be adversarial – they should be exciting and invigorating.

Here’s to thinking differently and shaking things up a bit.

WORK

I take the word ‘creative’ seriously. Whether it’s a fully integrated brand campaign, website, TV spot or even a double-sided flyer, I simply love making stuff. Check out some of my favourite creations and find out how strong strategies and insights were used to solve some truly unique and often difficult business problems.

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FOR ART’S SAKE

I’m constantly making stuff. Whether it’s for work, or for myself, it’s always for fun. Explore an evolving collection of samples showcasing different styles that I've created.

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Skills & processes

Every situation, and therefore every solution, is different. To set up a project for success I'm a big fan of a little extra effort at the beginning to ensure I (or the team I’m working with) understand the client’s business problem on a deeper level. After doing a little more digging I’ve often found that the problem a client is facing might be a little different than they initially realised. Like an investigative journalist, as communication experts, I believe it’s our job to extract the necessary information from the client rather than relying on them to provide everything we require on a silver platter. Once a clear understanding of the problem is achieved, I love to put together a strategy.

STRATEGY

A strategy is vitally important as it sets out how best to solve a client’s problem and points the creatives in the right direction. On smaller jobs, a single page may suffice, but there’s nothing like running a full strategy workshop with all the stakeholders involved to really identify how as creatives we can ‘win’ for the client. I love this part of the process as it is where the client’s passions are exposed and a positive energy begins to emanate from the project – it’s invigorating and everyone feels it.

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ADVERTISING

A strong strategy creates a strong brief and from there it’s all about finding that killer idea. I’ve always used the mantra; find the insight, find the idea – it helps to create the most engaging creative solutions that connect customers with a brand or product on an emotional level. Client reactions like, “this is the most intelligent ad I’ve ever seen”, are nice proof points to this.

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DESIGN

What separates a good piece of communication from another? Almost always, the difference is the level of design acumen and craft applied. After all, design is born with purpose and therefore should never be arbitrary – the visual language must tell a story. It’s what makes me obsessed with craft, almost to a fault – but trust me, that’s a good thing.

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PRODUCTION

There’s nothing like watching a good plan come together before your very eyes. Whether it’s working with a photographer to capture the perfect mood or coaxing a digital experience to life with a team of web developers, the ability to direct and work with other industry professionals is critical to ensuring the vision becomes a successful reality. I have been fortunate to work with some of the best in the industry and pride myself in being able to talk shop with all of them.

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ABOUT

 
 
USA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NEW ZEALAND
 
 
 
AUSTRALIA
 
 
 
PACIFIC
 
EUROPE
 
 
 
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I have worn many hats in advertising, strategy, and design agencies in Australia and overseas. For 15 years, I’ve helped create, build, and grow hundreds of brands (including but not limited to the brands you see here) of every size and shape across pretty much every category imaginable.

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Abbott Australian Government BOQ BP Coke Crocs Digicel Dominos Hennessy Mack MacPac Omaka Origin Queensland Government QUT SAIC The Star Starlight Tramontina Ubisoft Unilever US Army Vanuatu Vicinity

CONTACT

Hello
 
 
Howdy
 
 
ALRIGHT?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
kia ora
 
 
 
 
 
 
G’DAY
 
 
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I love a chat. Whether it’s about a new position or a new project, I promise you won’t get a dull sales push. Instead, you’ll have a super informative conversation and some genuine enthusiasm that will leave you feeling optimistic and maybe even a little excited. So don’t hesitate to reach out.

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