Rhys Malcolm
Senior Art Director and Creative Lead with more than a decade of experience across design, motion, video, branding and integrated creative work. I develop ideas, guide the creative process and deliver polished, effective campaigns for agencies and brands. My background covers strategy, concept development, visual direction and hands-on execution across print, digital, social, motion and video.
I have worked in fast-paced agency teams, long-term contract roles and direct-to-brand environments throughout Australia and the UK. I bring a strong visual and conceptual point of view, the ability to work across multiple disciplines and a commitment to producing thoughtful, crafted work that helps brands communicate clearly.
For a downloadable version of my CV please click here.
Key Skills
Creative Direction and Strategy
Campaign concepts, idea development, brand storytelling, pitch work, client presentations.
Art Direction
Visual identity, design systems, typography, layouts, storyboards and campaign look-and-feel development.
Design
Brand identity, digital content, social creative, print design, OOH, editorial, presentation design and toolkits.
Motion and Video
Motion graphics, animation, video editing, storyboarding, content development and post-production support.
Integrated Creative
Multi-channel campaigns, social-first creative, brand launches, event creative and video-led storytelling.
Professional Experience
Senior Art Director / Creative Lead
Now We Collide, Sydney
Permanent
Clients: ESPN, Goodman, Meta, BridgeClimb, Modern Dental Pacific
Developed and delivered integrated creative work across design, motion, video, animation and digital content.
Managed full campaign lifecycles, from initial concepting and strategy through to final delivery.
Maintained visual identity and design consistency across all mediums while working closely with producers, account managers and studio teams.
Supported the agency through shifts in the market by improving creative work flows, refining processes and broadening the range of services to include AI specific project delivery.
Helped ensure strong client outcomes by balancing creativity with practical delivery requirements.
Senior Creative / Designer /
Motion Specialist
Apparent, Sydney
Multiple long-term contracts
Clients: Google, Cisco, Cricket Australia
Created concepts, campaign visuals, motion graphics and video content for integrated campaigns.
Produced work across brand, advertising, B2B content and large-scale social output.
Delivered branding, motion design, animation and edited video pieces for various client initiatives.
Worked closely with creative directors, copywriters and producers on high-profile projects and pitches.
Collaboration
Strong experience working with copywriters, strategists, producers, account teams, editors and developers.
Software
Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere, Lightroom, Figma, Presentation Tools, AI Tools, ComfyUI.
AI Skills and Experience
I have developed strong experience in using AI tools within the creative process, both for my own work and for wider team delivery. This includes building and refining AI-assisted workflows for ideation, concept development, image creation, style exploration and motion-led content. I am comfortable guiding others in how to apply AI within their own processes, improving production speed without compromising creative quality. My approach focuses on using AI as a practical, collaborative tool that supports craft, strengthens storytelling and opens new creative possibilities.
Art Direction, Design and Motion
Growth Mantra, Sydney
Multiple long-term contracts
Clients: Superloop, Great Southern Bank, Xero
Produced the motion and video components for major brand refreshes.
Created brand launch videos, animated tool kits and supporting campaign assets.
Delivered video content and animated explainers for clients including Xero.
Helped translate brand thinking into clear, effective visual and motion-led pieces.
Creative and Design Specialist
GPJ, Sydney
Multiple long-term contracts
Clients: AWS, Toyota, IBM, Accenture
Developed ideas and design solutions for brand experiences and large-scale corporate events.
Produced event identities, screen content, motion graphics and environmental design elements.
Worked with strategy, production
and installation teams to deliver complex experiential work.
Created brands for large-scale thought leadership campaigns, including events, video, websites, social, and print.
Senior Creative / Designer / Motion
BBC Studios Australia, Sydney
Long-term contract engagement
Projects: re-branding BBC Earth,
BBC Knowledge
Developed rebrand and identity refresh work for on-air channels and internal communication.
Created broadcast graphics, promo content, motion packages and video material.
Supported day-to-day design needs across broadcast, digital and social platforms.
Worked in a fast-paced production environment with producers and editors.
Personal Attributes
Easygoing, collaborative, and solutions-focused.
Strong communicator with excellent stakeholder management.
Highly conceptual with strong craft across design,
motion, and video.
Adaptable across industries, timelines,
and creative styles.
Enjoys experimenting with new tools, workflows
and technology.
Experienced in leading teams and mentoring
junior creatives.
Education
Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)
University of South Australia — 2010
Marketing/Management
(Initial year before transferring to Design)
Motion and Video Creative
Tourism Australia, Sydney
Multiple Freelance Contracts
Delivered social and web content focused on motion and video storytelling.
Produced short-form edits, animated assets and supporting campaign creative.
Worked to strict time lines and brand guidelines for high-volume content output.
Motion Designer
Akcelo, Sydney | Freelance
Clients: Doritos, James Squire, Smith’s, Off The Eaten Path
Produced motion graphics and animated content for FMCG and lifestyle campaigns.
Created digital and social assets for product launches and brand activations.
Delivered well-crafted work suitable for a range of media placements.
Earlier Experience
Hotwire Global, Sydney
Permanent
Senior Designer and Creative
Vice TV, London
Permanent
Senior Designer and Creative
Vice Media UK / Virtue, London
Freelance
Designer / Lead Creative
TBWA, London
Freelance Designer
SapientNitro, London
Freelance Designer
Walter Crow, Auckland
Contract
Art Direction and Design
Experience included branding, motion design, digital creative, television promotions, campaign work, editorial design, pitch decks and multi-platform content.