Phone: +64 27 935 3005
Email: michaelashford@gmail.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mcashford
Currently based: Auckland
Currently
Since January of this year, I have dedicated myself to expanding and diversifying my expertise in UI and UX design. During this period, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of the latest UI design trends, enhanced my skills in prototyping, and developed a solid foundation in user research fundamentals. I have also mastered various user research methods, research analysis techniques, and heuristic evaluation, among other specialised UI and UX design topics. This ongoing upskilling reflects my commitment to staying current with industry best practices and my passion for creating intuitive, user-centred digital experiences.
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Creative Director – Artikel & Swint
June 2024 to December 2024
June 2024 to December 2024
This 6-month maternity cover contract was for a specialist Agri-business ad agency based in the South Island. It was a remote working arrangement, taking on the responsibilities of the Creative Director, whilst injecting a fresh sense of creativity and ensuring their current creative maintained the usual high standard of delivery.
Content Design Manager – Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
August 2021 to January 2024
August 2021 to January 2024
At AUT I played a key role in enhancing the university’s digital presence. Responsibilities included overhauling and maintaining the student services website, ensuring a seamless integration into AUT’s main website. I led the creation of engaging campaign concepts and managed the development of social media and on-campus digital screen content, significantly improving student engagement across multiple channels. In this leadership role, I provided strategic direction in the design and delivery of creative multimedia content for a variety of student campaigns, communications, and informational initiatives, consistently focusing on delivering clear, accessible, and engaging content tailored to the student community.
Senior Art Director – Michael Ashford Creative
June 2017 – July 2021
June 2017 – July 2021
I have also built and managed my own business, servicing a range of clients locally, including Fletcher Building and leading global IT brands such as Microsoft and AWS. With experience across many industries, I can provide a range of advertising and marketing communication solutions to suit any product or service.
Senior Art Director – TRACK Aotearoa (DDB Group)
April 2016 – June 2017
April 2016 – June 2017
Upon returning to Auckland, I became part of the TRACK CRM team, producing award-winning campaigns for Westpac and their ‘First 100 Days’ program and Air New Zealand’s Airpoints program launch. Customer journey and satisfaction are at the core of this work, and those values are woven into the solutions I delivered during my time there.
Art Director – RAPP Collins (DDB Group), Havas Host & Ogilvy & Mather Sydney
January 2006 – February 2013
January 2006 – February 2013
I started my career in Sydney working for numerous global agencies (DDB, Havas Host and Ogilvy) on many household brands including: Telstra, Audi, Australian Red Cross, Vodafone, Bankwest, IBM, Tourism NSW, Purina, KFC and Qantas – producing a variety of work that was recognised at both Cannes and the DMA's as a finalist.
Previous to becoming an Art Director, I worked as a 3D modeling and animation artist for Bruce Dunlop & Associates in Sydney, creating motion graphics for Sky News, Fox Sports and the Weather Channel. I completed my first design diploma at the Media Design School in Auckland and furthered my studies at the Computer Graphics College in Sydney studying Graphic Design.
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Testimonials
Michael is an extremely capable Art Director and a real pleasure to work with. He goes the extra mile every time, develops great work and all in a timely fashion and to top of is a great bloke. Moreover, he has an eye for detail and is happy to take recommendations from clients - if needed that is. I would highly recommend him and have on many occasions asked if I could work with him again - he is that good!
Nick Symister
General Manager at Artikel & Swint Advertising
General Manager at Artikel & Swint Advertising
Michael is one of the most talented creatives I have ever worked with and above all has a pool of never ending ideas coupled with a genuine passion to produce great work for his clients. He also goes out of his way to truly understand his clients industries, visions and objectives. I loved working with Michael not only for his great ideas and creative talent but also because he has a thorough understanding of account service and is a true collaborator. In short Michael is the creative the suits love to work with.
Reto Wolf
Director Marketing, Mastercard
Director Marketing, Mastercard
Mike has great craft and an even better eye, always looking to improve the look. Plenty of energy and, above all else, a real pleasure to have in a team - enthusiasm is in short supply these days and it's a commodity Mike always delivers.
Barrie Seppings
Executive Creative Director at Splendid Group
Executive Creative Director at Splendid Group
I was fortunate enough to work with Michael at Ogilvy One on various highly creative and unique projects for IBM. Michael is an extremely talented creative with highly unique ideas. His patience, calm and sense of humour, even in the face of extremely tight deadlines made it such a treat to work with Michael.
Courtney Robinson
Digital Strategy and Content Director at The Bicester Village Shopping Collection
Digital Strategy and Content Director at The Bicester Village Shopping Collection
I worked in partnership with Michael at DDB Australia on interactive campaigns for Telstra and the Red Cross. He's a pleasure to work with – a conscientious thinker and a craftsmen. The thing that impressed me (and the Creative Director we were working under) was how committed he remained in his last month in the agency, when we were under pressure to deliver on some big campaigns. Most people tend to fade off. Michael didn't. He was there on the front line until the last day. I was sorry to see him go, and so was the rest of the department. However, that's life, and under the right conditions, perhaps we may end up working together again.
Ron Anderson
Senior Copywriter
Senior Copywriter
Michael is a talented and motivated Art Director. He was an asset to the team and always came up with the goods. His attention to detail and attitude are outstanding. I would definitely recommend him as a key player in your creative department. It was a pleasure to work with him.
Kylie Suttor
Creative Director at the Pure Agency
Creative Director at the Pure Agency
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Qualifications
Top 10 Graduate – News Limited Award School Sydney
Diploma of Graphic Design – Computer Graphics College Sydney
Diploma of 3D Animation – Media Design School Auckland
Awards
NZDM Awards: 1 x Gold & 3 x Silver – Westpac First 100 Days eDM campaign
DMA Echo DM Awards Finalist – IBM The Lunch Bag High value DM
Cannes Lion Direct Lions Finalist – IBM The Keyboard High value DM
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