Hello, I’m Ken, Creative Director, and Writer.
I’m a creative leader with over 20 years of experience in art and copywriting. I have a Bachelor of Applied Communications Degree from Western Sydney University, majoring in Advertising, Public Relations, Literature, and Film. I’ve also gained insights from the best in the industry at AWARD’s Creative Leadership Course enhancing my ability to lead and inspire creative teams. Most recently I’ve completed a Mini MBA in Brand Management to deepen my strategic acumen and ensure I remain at the forefront of industry trends.
Since 2021, I have led Blue Dot, BIG W’s in-house Creative Department at Woolworths Group. I have built and led a team of two Art Directors and two Copywriters, fostering collaboration with a talented group of Digital Designers and Animators and overseeing project execution with our wider production teams at Blue Dot Studios within Hogarth. Working in-house allows me to establish close partnerships with other departments within BIG W, including Brand Marketing, Commercial, Social teams and Woolies X, as well as our PR and Media partners Red Havas and Carat. I also enjoy direct engagement with teams at Meta, Pinterest, SnapChat, and TikTok.
Over the past 25 years in ad agencies, I’ve had the fortune to work on award-winning campaigns with talented creatives and some of the world’s best directors and photographers across multiple channels including; Film, Entertainment, Social, Digital, Public Relations, Activations, and Retail.
I pride myself on versatility, writing everything from big brand platforms to social, PR to pop-up activations. I’m a big believer that the size of the screen shouldn’t limit the size of the idea and I’ve won awards along the way in both social and digital categories.
Before jumping ‘client-side’ I was a Senior Writer at M&C Saatchi Sydney, working on CommBank, TAB, Steggles and of course the brand I’ve helped shape the most – BIG W. Maybe that’s because I’m a father of three, which gives me the insights needed to relate to growing families.
I also spent 4 years as Creative Director across TBWA, Eleven PR, Media Arts Lab and Integer Sydney, working on global brands like; Apple, ANZ, Amazon, Campari, Gatorade, Mastercard, Lion Breweries, NRMA, Tourism New Zealand and Singapore Airlines.
As Ken Buchan Creative I’ve also helped my own clients grow their businesses. Take a look at the National Geographic / Canon documentary ‘Tales by Light’ now streaming on Netflix. I wrote the narration. I’ve also crafted the visuals and written the action for several animated War Films now on display at the Sir John Monash Centre in France.
I’ve judged at AWARD and also enjoy helping budding creatives break into Adland, which is why I’ve tutored AWARD School three times and ADMA Ad School twice and have spoken to ADGA design students about the art of copywriting.
My work has been recognised for both creativity and effectiveness at all the usual award shows including; Cannes, Effies, London International, New York Festivals, Spikes Asia, AWARD, Adelaide Art Director’s Club, PromaxBDA, Austereo, AGDA, ADMA, APMA, REMI, Austereo and ATV awards
So if you’re looking for a writer-based Creative Director who can lead a team to greatness or a versatile Copywriter – get in touch.
0416 132 355
Ken Buchan
kenbuchancreative@gmail.com
Passports: Australian & United Kingdom.
