About

Nick Darken is a Creative Director who builds brands and teams for fast-growth businesses.

_ATNif9I_400x400.jpg
UNICORNS.png

Nick is consultant Creative Director // Brand Chief who has been part of the success of many iconic European tech companies via his creative agency, Albion London. He sold this business to the MDC group in 2014 before taking his first brand-side role at Farmdrop.com. He now consults, helping fast-growth companies find brand-market fit.

Nick has experience across the digital marketing landscape from brand identity, TV advertising, customer acquisition marketing, digital product development, PR and social. He has presided over integrated digital creative teams in both agency and brand-side roles.

Series A stage businesses have become Nick’s sweet spot, but he draws from experience on established brands such as Nike, Honda and McDonald’s. He understands the cut and thrust of early stage companies. Nick can help emerging marketing teams navigate spending their marketing budget effectively - balancing pragmatism and creative cut through. Nick can build the necessary skills in small, bespoke teams or as a stand-alone consultant.

 

Nick’s Work Life


PRESENT
Consultant Creative Director, London
Chip, Rekki, MessageBird

2021—2022
Zapp, VP Creative Director

2020
Hunter Melbourne, Creative Partner

2016—2019
Farmdrop.com, London, Chief of Brand

2013—2016
KBS Albion London, Group Creative Director

2004—2013
Albion London. Executive Creative Director

2003—2004
St.Lukes, London. Senior Art Director

2000—2003
Wieden & Kennedy, London. Art Director

1997—1999
DDB, Sydney. Art Director
 

Juries

Nick has sat on award juries including Campaign BIG, Cannes Young Lions, Dubai Lynx, D&AD Student, Creative Circle. He has also mentored at The School of Communication Art.

Awards


Campaign Top 10 Digital Creative Director
D&AD Wood Pencil – Online Branding giffgaff tool hire
D&AD Wood Pencil – Print advertising (Honda Tap)
D&AD Wood Pencil  (TV & Integrated Campaign) Nike Run London
D&AD Wood Pencil – Packaging Design Lily’s Kitchen
Cannes Lions Bronze – Radio Anthony Nolan “Perfect Match”
Cannes Lions  – Finalist (Print & Poster) Nike
Cannes Lions  – Finalist (Print & Poster) Age Concern
Campaign BIG – Finalist Poster Age Concern
Campaign – Top 10 prints ads Nike Book of Lies
Campaign Top 10 (No.1) Radio ads Anthony Nolan
British Television Awards – Diploma Nike Run London
Webbys Honoree – Non Profit “Draw and Fold Over”
Webbys Honoree – Rich Media Air New Zealand “Personality Allowed”
Webbys Award – People’s choice award Myspace banners
Webbys Honoree – Banners Air New Zealand “Personality Allowed”
Creative Circle Gold – Radio Anthony Nolan “Perfect Match”
Cristal Awards Gold – Radio Anthony Nolan “Perfect Match”
Aerial Awards Gold – Radio Anthony Nolan “Perfect Match”
Eurobest Finalist Radio Anthony Nolan “Perfect Match”
The Annas Gold – Digital display Air New Zealand “Forget everything you know about flying”
One Show Interactive Merit – “Slapometer”
Promax Gold – Channel 5 “Don’t stop believing” promo
Interactive Marketing Association Gold – Skype Nomad
Kinsale – Diploma (TV) Nike Run London
Ad Shel Awards – Finalist Age Concern