letter of recommendation
Philippa Heal
Executive Creative Director - multichoice connected video
Philippa.Heal@multichoice.com, +27 72 928 0339
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"We were fortunate to have Georja work with us at our Showmax in-house agency for two years, in which time she conceptualised and produced numerous integrated campaigns that drove significant business results and scooped up multiple high profile awards.
Georja is a highly strategic creative, able to combine business objectives with stand-out creative strength. She has a great attitude and is full of optimism and passion on every project – no matter how big or small.
Highlights of Georja’s work at Showmax include an integrated campaign for HBO’s Game of Thrones, which drove the Showmax app to trend at #1 on the App store, and drove a 281% increase in episode views. Her work on the Showmax Original series Somizi & Mohale: The Union, helped drive the show to trend organically at #1 on Twitter, and to become the most watched show on its debut. She was also integral to launching our launching our sports streaming service in South Africa, Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria – a gruelling challenge that took place during the restraints of remote working, which Georja navigated professionally and positively.
I trust Georja implicitly. She is a total all-rounder: creative, strategic, responsible, diligent, and brings optimism and energy to any environment."
EXPERIENCE
FREELANCE SENIOR ART DIRECTOR
FEBRUARY 2024 - Present
Working both with a writer and on my own at various agencies such as MSQ Sport + Entertainment, MSQ Sustain, The Gate, DDB Remedy, Joe Public UK and Affix Studio on conceptual creative campaigns, global pitches, and graphic design work.
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Amazon Brand Innovation Lab
Senior art directoR (freelance)
July 2023 - JANUARY 2024
Conceptualising innovative advertising and shopping experiences across the Amazon media landscape for a multitude of entertainment brands such as Warner Brothers and Universal, as well as toy brands such as LEGO and Playmobil.​
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The Gate London
Senior art directoR
January 2022 - June 2023
Working closely with Strategists, Writers and clients to develop creative for brands such as Royal Mail, G.Network, Hofmeister Beer, Visit Britain, SMARTY and Shell.
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Emakina Brussels
Senior art director (freelance)
March 2021 - JANUARY 2022
Working closely with Strategists and a Copywriter to develop conceptual Digital and ATL advertising campaigns for the EMEA and Benelux markets, working on brands such as KitchenAid, Visit Qatar, PMI, and Honda.
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showmax & dstv now
lead art director (freelance)
december 2018 - september 2020
Working closely with a Copywriter to develop conceptual ATL and Social advertising campaigns promoting local and international film, series, sports and entertainment content for major networks such as HBO, as well as launching brand campaigns for new products and services, including the launch of a Sports Product across Africa, and launching the Showmax brand in Ghana. I also had to be present to oversee film and stills shoots involving junior creatives.
Freelance senior art director
agencies:TBWA Hunt Lescaris,
FCB, JWT, metropolitan republic,
M&C saatchi Abel, open co.
February 2016 - December 2018
Working in a team with a Copywriter to develop conceptual, integrated campaigns for various brands including Coca-Cola, Fanta, Standard Bank, Toyota, Nissan, Ribena, Kellog's, Discovery, Debonaire's Pizza and Netflorist amongst others.
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Notable: Lead Art Director for the winning ABSA Bank pitch for FCB Johannesburg. Lead Art Director on global Fanta pitch campaign for FCB Johannesburg, executed and rolled out across three different global territories.
ogilvy johannesburg
Creative group head
February 2010 - february 2016
I started my six years at Ogilvy Johannesburg as a Junior Art Director working in a conceptual team with a Copywriter, and was promoted to a Group Head position after 5 years, where my responsibilities included overseeing junior teams and taking an active role in nurturing client relationships. I worked on brands KFC, DStv, SuperSport, Cadbury, Castle Lager, Pond's and Kotex amongst others.
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Notable: Chosen to represent Ogilvy Johannesburg at a global hothouse project for Pond's over two weeks in Singapore. Work featured in the Ogilvy network's annual Cream publication.
Ireland Davenport
Junior art director
january 2007 - february 2010
My first year at Ireland Davenport was spent as a Studio Art Director, primarily assisting more senior creatives with research, mock-ups and putting presentations together. Thereafter I worked in a team as
a Junior Art Director alongside a Copywriter developing conceptual integrated campaigns for brands such as Castle Light, Investec and BMW.
accolades
skills
Cannes Lions
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Radio Finalist
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Promax
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Gold: Best Social Media Campaign
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Gold: Best Integrated TVC
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Gold: Best Integrated TVC
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Gold: Best Integrated Marketing Campaign
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Gold: Best Social Media Campaign
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Gold: Best Promo for a Streaming Platform
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UK Content Awards
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Gold: Crisis Response Content Campaign of the Year
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loerie awards
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Bronze: Poster Campaign
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Bronze: Best TVC
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Craft Certificate: Film
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Craft Certificate: Film
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Finalist: Best TVC
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Finalist: Art Direction Craft Print
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Finalist: Best TV Promo
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Finalist: Best Social Media Campaign
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assegai awards
for effectiveness
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Gold: Best Direct Marketing Campaign
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Gold: Art Direction
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Sat on Assegai Awards judging panel 2019
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creative circle
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2nd place x 3
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Sat on the Creative Circle judging panel multiple times
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further references
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Adobe Creative Suite
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Figma
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KeyNote
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PowerPoint
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Microsoft Word
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Strong Conceptual Skills
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Presentation Skills
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Team Leadership Skills
education
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Bachelor of Arts Degree in Brand Communication majoring in Visual Communications from Vega School Johannesburg 2006
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High School Diploma from Aurora Private School 2002