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Oisin Hurst

by alexparr April 12, 2012

Creative Director
Dublin

How odd it is to write a bio. It’s like being asked to pen your own obituary, but without the punchline. So after much stalling I’ve decided to go off-brief and write a Top Ten list of what I think I’ve learned working in the creative industry.

10. Always trust your instinct, it’s years of experience whispering in your ear.
09. Challenge your instinct, would you trust the voices in your head?
08. If a picture is worth a thousand words, you should choose better words.
07. Bad design is everywhere, making mediocre design look good.
06. Designers can’t draw.
05. Always carry a pencil.
04. Someone else is always better.
03. Always strive to be someone else’s ‘someone else’.
02. Keep it simple.
01. Never trust Top Ten lists.

Sarah Maguire

by alexparr April 12, 2012

Creative Director
Dublin

Like most Irish, I love to tell a good story. Uncovering the compelling story behind a brand and bringing it to life is what really drives me. And we get plenty of chances to do that here in Dublin. I joined The Brand Union in 2003 working on both corporate and consumer brands. Over the last eight years I have led the creative team on personality brands such as Cully & Sully, through to large rebrand projects such as National Lottery. Very different experiences, but both incredibly exciting and fulfilling.

As a creative director I’m challenged to think differently. As a full-time mum in my spare time, my daughter helps me to see everything with new eyes. Prior to working at The Brand Union I travelled 6000 miles to San Francisco to work as a corporate and consumer brand designer. And to meet my husband, who it turned out grew up two miles from me in Dublin. Which just goes to show that sometimes the best idea IS right under your nose.

 

Tab Lai

by alexparr March 26, 2012

Client Director
Shanghai

As a Client Director in our China offices, my work means that I’m integrating creative resources for business goals, helping to build and grow brands, and initiating rebranding processes for existing brands. Nurtured by the experiences across fields of business consulting, brand design, culture, art, film and TV production, I integrate these skills creatively, into my work, to develop projects with clients in the emerging China market.

I also sometimes contribute as an Event Designer and Consultant for cultural events such as Shanghai Jing’an International Sculpture Exhibition Project and “China! China? China…” the special event for the Chinese Cultural Year in Germany. And as a contributor to filmmaking, art and Chinese tea features, I also practice in film production, script writing and film critics, sometimes participating in stage performances and tea events around Asia.

 

Rene De Paus

by alexparr March 26, 2012

Business Director
Jakarta

Hi, I’m Rene; since February 2012 I seek & maintain business in The Brand Union Jakarta while also helping our clients to develop the strategy for their brands. It’s something I love to do, with me being a role-playing-strategy-video-game geek, because both activities require a similar true grit & wit!

I’ve been doing branding & PR on “consultant side” these last 5 years, handling clients from various industries: banks, airlines, and consumer goods, to name some. Previously I’ve spent a couple of years on “client side” doing marketing & communications.

Born & raised in Jakarta, although I’ve travelled far & wide to many countries my heart belongs here. It’s a culinary paradise, a haven for my second passion: food! So whenever you come down here remember to buzz me and I’ll take you to a delicious tour of truly diverse cuisines.

Paige Munro

by alexparr March 26, 2012

Client Manager
Johannesburg

I recently joined The Brand Union team after a 4-year stint in banking. I am absolutely loving agency life and enjoy working with an array of different brands.

My day to day involves meeting with clients, liaising with the studio and generally making things happen! In my spare time, I try to get to the gym (as often as possible) and catch up with friends over a good glass of wine.

 

Nikki Frey

by alexparr March 26, 2012

Business Development Executive
Dubai

As the Business Development Executive for The Brand Union Middle East no two days in the office are ever the same. Having lived in five countries on four continents I can say Dubai is one of the most diverse and a reason why I love living here. The Brand Union Middle East is a hub of cultures and perspectives and I enjoy working with the highly creative and talented team to strategically build branding relationships.

Originally from Minnesota, I grew up next door to some of the biggest brands in the US (General Mills, Target and 3M). After graduating from the University of Colorado at Boulder with degrees in Systems Operations Management, French and International Business, I pursued a career in Revenue Management at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. Seeking international experience, I moved to Dubai and Shanghai to complete my MBA from Hult International Business before joining The Brand Union in 2012.

I am passionate about adventure sports and believe a passport is your license to travel.

 

Claire Foucault

by alexparr March 26, 2012

Artworker
Paris

Hi, I’m Claire and I’m one of the artworkers at The Brand Union Paris. I first started here as Junior Artworker a number of years ago but have come back after a five year period at Dragon Rouge. The people, the projects, and even the place have changed but i’m glad to be back and part of the team here.

When people ask me what my work involves, I usually tell them that I ‘play Tetris’ all day as I’m adjusting words and pictures to make them printable and closest to the creative desires of the design team.

How would I describe myself? I’d say I’m straight-forward, shy but open-minded, optimistic but realistic and I think that what we do is what defines us. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with family and in particular sharing my passions in life with my son, such as cooking, nature, cartoons…

Tarek Khalil

by alexparr January 12, 2012

Associate Client Director
Dubai

I joined TBU in December 2011. I have 8 years of experience in the marketing and communications field working both as a proprietor of my boutique events agency in Beirut and working for agencies like Leo Burnett and BBDO in Dubai.

I’m a travel junkie. I’ve been to 40 countries to date and I hope to visit 60 more and write a book about it one day. I’m also an avid music lover, foodie and fan of a good quote.

 

Clare Styles

by alexparr January 12, 2012

Creative Director
London

As a child I couldn’t draw very well so instead I would spend my time colouring in the counters on any type that was to hand, usually beer mats, cigarette coupons or my dad’s latest edition of Publican Monthly. As this was such a success I decided I would go to university to further my love for all things type. Naturally this extended into the words themselves, the big ideas and how I could bring them to life through creative execution. Whilst there I decided to design and publish my own magazine ‘g’—an exploration of graphic language. This then became the driving force behind my move to London.

It was here I worked alongside Alan Fletcher at Phaidon designing beautiful books and whilst enjoyable I was eventually tempted into the world of Identity & Brand. This is where I’ve happily spent my last 13 years working on brands such as McLaren Automotive, Prada, Levi’s, Sony, Rizla, Nokia, Honda, Nike, Ellesse and Coca-Cola.

Aurélie Bernes

by alexparr January 12, 2012

Communications Manager
Paris

I joined the The Brand Union Paris office in December 2011. Before, I worked at CANAL+ where I was in charge of communication for the entertainment department and assisted with the production of new shows.

I graduated with a degree in Communication and I spent half of my student years studying in Washington DC. I also spent a few months as an intern in Dublin where I developed quite a taste for the local beer!

I love to travel and have had some amazing experiences, from watching the beautiful aurora borealis in Iceland to travelling Kazakhstan. I eat, love and live for chocolate (as well as foie gras, pasta, Mediterranean food, Japanese food, or really any kind of food)… so I do sports, a lot! I been in a ski-club for 12 years, bike everywhere (I don’t have and don’t want a car), and do aquagym and squash.

I cook all the time and just bought a sewing machine… I have no clue how to use it but I love having one!

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