ABOUT | mysite

Mike O'Rourke

Big agencies, small agencies, own agencies. I’ve done it all. And it’s driven by a big-eyed enthusiasm for a great idea, a funny insight or a pleasing composition - to make communication work with simple, effective cut-through.

I spent my twenties at uni, travelling and teaching, and then answered my creative calling – winning Award School and a three month placement at DDB as Art Director. That turned into ten great years, where I picked up international and local awards including Award, D&AD, One Show and Cannes along the way and, with my partner, became creative group lead on some of DDB’s biggest accounts like McDonalds, Volkswagen and Arnott’s.

Before leaping into the unknown, I enjoyed 4 years at BWM being responsible for Sanitarium and NIB and creating campaigns for brands such as WeetBix, So Good, Up & Go, NIB as well as Telstra and ING.

From 2012 to 2018 I became Co-Founder and Creative Director of a full service Sydney agency based in Chippendale (Bloke and then The Certainty Principle). This was a quantum leap in terms of experience and insight into the whole business. I got the opportunity to work more strategically and directly with clients and to lead and be responsible for all creative output within the agency.

I started my own direct to client agency in 2018, working hands on, from a strategic level through to ideation and final design.

In my other life, I’m a music fan and have musical ambitions way beyond my talent level. I'm a big reader and have a keen interest in indigenous history and current affairs. Three offspring (two adults, one teen) keep my partner and I engaged, in tune and on our toes.