About

I’m Hollie, I'm a multidisciplinary Creative Director with 15+ years experience creating modern, cultural, conversation-starting work and repositioning brands big and small. I'm the founder of We Are Shelance, a global network of female freelance creatives.  

My career began in classic ad agencies, crafting 30-second TV spots and billboards, until I strapped a GoPro to a small dog at London Fashion Week and sparked a media frenzy. That’s when I fell in love with talkable work. So, I moved into PR and mastered the art of big ideas that aren’t just creative but truly earned.  

Now, I bring both worlds together — developing big ideas that earn attention, not expect it. A true hybrid of art and copy, I create sharp writing and bold visuals. And have led teams across many sectors from beauty, haircare, tech, healthcare, and CPG, always aiming to create work that doesn’t just stand out, but gets talked about.  

My work has been recognized by Cannes Lions, Clio Image Awards, The Webbys and BIMAs.  

Lastly and most proudly, I’m the founder of Books on the Subway and Books on the Underground, now a global book sharing initiative. And have been a speaker at Cannes Lions Festival For Creativity, Simon & Schuster Digital Innovation Festival, Penguin Random House Influencer event and panelist at Chicago Ideas.

Experience

July 2022 - Present

Nov 2011 - Nov 2015

Senior Creative
Leo Burnett | LDN

Jan 2021 - July 2022

Creative Director
Beautiful Destinations | NYC

July 2011 - Oct 2011

Creative
Razorfish | LDN

Jan 2017 - Jan 2021

Creative Director
MMC | NYC

Dec 2009 - July 2011

Creative
20:20 | LDN

Dec 2015 - Dec 2016

Associate Creative Director
Grey | NYC

June 2008 - Dec 2009

Placements
Various London Agencies | LDN

Awards

Finalist - Creative Freelancer Of The Year 
pHD - Smarty Pants | Nominee Best Campaign
Merck "Can't Wait For" Video - Branded content & entertainment (shortlisted)
The Outnet - Sergio The Shoe Hunter (Prestige Social Media Campaign)
- WINNER - Consumer Retailer | The Outnet - Sergio The Shoe Hunter
- WINNER - Content | The Outnet - Sergio The Shoe Hunter
- WINNER - Social | The Outnet - Sergio The Shoe Hunter
- Shortlisted - Video | The Outnet - Sergio The Shoe Hunter
- Shortlisted - Well-being & Health | ghd - Christmas campaign 2014
- GOLD - FMCG | ghd - Christmas campaign 2014
- GOLD - Retail | The Outnet - Sergio The Shoe Hunter
- SILVER - Integrated | ghd - Christmas campaign 2014
- Shortlisted - Experiential | The Outnet - Sergio The Shoe Hunter
- Shortlisted - Integrated Strategy of the Year | ghd - Christmas campaign 2014
- Shortlisted - Customer Insight Strategy | ghd - Christmas campaign 2014
Honoree - Social, Animal | The Outnet - Sergio The Shoe Hunter
High Commendation - Marketing on a shoestring | The Outnet - Sergio The Shoe Hunter
Commendation 'In Book' - Photography | Grazia Weekly

And also…

2023

Founder @ We Are Shelance
A collective helping to connect and promote female freelance creatives in the advertising industry.

2019

Podcaster
Co-host of Books on the Subway The Podcast. An interview series with authors and humans who have impacted the city of NYC.

2012

Founder - Books on the Subway + Books on the Underground
A worldwide book sharing initiative. Originally launched in London in 2012 I now have branches across the world.

2018

Panelist at PAMA and Simon & Schuster
PAMA, an event for Penguin Randomhouse, educating marketers on #bookstagram. Speaker at SImon & Schuster's Digital Innovation Festival.

2014

Speaker at Chicago Ideas Week
'The Sharing Economy - What's mine is yours'

2015

Volunteer at New York Cares
Working on the educational arts and mentoring program. Enabling underprivileged children, partially-sighted and disabled adults the opportunity to explore art, creativity and literature.

2014

Speaker at FutureRising
'21 things about Advertising I wish I could've told my 21 year old self'

2014

Mentor
School of Communication Arts 2.0