Matt Van Ness
Professional
For nearly 30 years, I've served as a Strategic Creative Director, guiding teams and clients to build powerful brands from the ground up. My work is defined by the belief that a brand's success begins with a clear, original strategy—one that focuses on what a brand stands for and how it can achieve lasting relevance and differentiation. I have a deep passion for leading designers through both integrated and identity projects, ensuring that every big idea is grounded in a realistic and beautiful execution that delivers tangible results for the client. My extensive experience spans a wide range of sectors, from corporate identity to fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). I've consistently helped clients achieve their goals to create a lasting connection with their audiences, new and old.
Personal
My life is centered on ambition, whether it's in my career or my personal passions. As a devoted parent to four children, I've honed skills in time management, problem-solving, and leadership. My hobbies, including climbing, training, and a passion for cars, reflect my dedication to mastering new skills and pushing personal boundaries. I am a firm believer in the importance of health and fitness and value spending quality time with my family, all of which contribute to my well-rounded and disciplined approach to work.
Clients
Aeroflot, Akzo Nobel, Alcatel Lucent, Astana Property, A1 (Austrian Telcoms), Dentsu Aegis Network, Barcard, Barclays, Barclays Capital, British Airways, Blistex, BMW, BP, Cambridge Audio, Childline, Coca-Cola, Comcity, Dentsu Aegis Network, Domino's, Ernst & Young, FSA, Guinness, Heinz Beanz, Heineken, Hippeas, IHG, intu (CSC), ITV, Jet Airways, Kia, Land Rover, Megafon, Lucozade, Magnum, Matalan, Microsoft, Morrisons, NSPCC, Nokia, Orange, Penny Freedom, Pepsi, Pepsi MAX, Peugeot, Plan UK, QEPrize, RBS, Revolymer, Rexona, Robinsons, Royal College of Music, River Island, Skolkovo, Skyscanner, Smith & Nephew, SonyEricisson, Snickers, Swift, Nestle Purina, T-Mobile, Toblerone, Total, Tropicana, Tribal, TTA, UKTV, Unilever, Warburtons, Virgin, Volvo, ZipCar.
Career
• Brand Strategy Creative Director, Sunhouse Creative Ltd
11.24 > Present
• Freelance Strategic Creative Director
11.20 > 10.24
• Creative Director, Co&Co Studio
06.17 > 10.20
• Creative Director, jonesknowlesritchie
06.14 > 06.17
• Creative Director, Landor Associates
07.13 > 06.14
• Design Director, Landor Associates
03.10 > 07.13
• Design Director, Kindred
03.09 > 03.10
• Freelance Creative, W+K, Saatchi Design,
Draft, Landor, 300 million
03.07 > 09.09
• Senior Designer, Landor Associates
03.04 > 03.07
• Senior Art Director, EURO RSCG KLP
08.99 > 11.04
Awards
2017 • Creative Pool - Effectiveness - Hippeas
2017 • Creative Pool People's Choice - Branding - Hippeas
2017 • Creative Pool - Graphic - The Domino Effect
2017 • Creative Pool - Packaging - The Domino Effect
2017 • DBA Gold - V.I - Hippeas
2016 • Eurobest Gold - V.I - Hippeas
2016 • Eurobest Silver - Pack - Hippeas
2016 • Clio Gold - Domino's
2016 • Pentaward 2016 - DIAMOND - Domino's
2016 • Pentawards 2016 - Best in show - Domino's
2015 • RAR+ Awards - JKR Best Agency
2015 • RAR+ Awards - JKR Creativity and Innovation
2015 • RAR+ Awards - JKR Design
2015 • Transform Awards - Best Overall V.I - Intu
2015 • Transform Awards - GOLD - Best Retail V.I - Intu
2015 • Transform Awards - GOLD - Best Imple. - Intu
2014 • Graphis Design Annual - Comcity
2014 • WPP/LCC League - No.1 - intu Group
2012 • EUROBEST - SILVER Design - QEPrize
2012 • LIA - SILVER Logo - QEPrize
2012 • WPPed Cream - Highly Commended - QEPrize
2012 • WPPed Cream - GOLD - Landor Xmas Card
2012 • WPPed Cream - GOLD Digital - QEPrize
2012 • GLOBAL WALTERS - GOLD - Landor Xmas Card
2012 • GLOBAL WALTERS - GOLD - QEPrize
2012 • CANNES LIONS - SHORTLIST - QEPrize
2011 • TRANSFORM - BRONZE - British Airways EC
2010 • ISP - FINALIST - BMW 5 series
2009 • UK Pack Awards - Re-Brand – Heinz Beanz
2008 • GRAMIA - GOLD - Morrisons Brand experience
2008 • DBA - GOLD - Morrisons Brand experience
2005 • MCCA - Best art direction – Guinness/Witnness
2003 • MCCA - Best junior creative
2002 • CANNES LIONS - SILVER - Guinness/Witnness