When Sarah Cook and Luke Kellett took over Newcastle-based creative agency Headjam twelve years ago, they were a pair of fresh-faced 22-year-olds, pioneering the use of digital media, applying their love of design, and experimenting with new ways of running an agency.
Jump to 2023 and, together with Mike Preston, the three are celebrating Headjam’s 20th anniversary as a multi-disciplinary, independently-owned creative studio operating on Awabakal land, Newcastle.
During this time, they’ve focused on working with the community, education, health and arts sectors, contributing to the local economy through projects with organisations like Awabakal medical service provider, ACON and Greenpeace, to name a few.
Headjam’s uniqueness is in its success at creating world-class social impact work – from a regional city in Australia.
Cook, Headjam's chief creative officer, said the team are an eclectic bunch of creatives.
"Driven by the idea that their work can have a positive impact," she said.
Headjam’s focus on positive social impact over profits is shared by Headjam’s executive creative director, Mike Preston, whose career in creative agencies spans over 50 years.
“A principle is only a principle if it costs you money," he said.
The Newcastle-based agency has no plans to go anywhere.
Luke Kellett, Headjam’s chief operating officer, believes that the long-held perception that a creative agency in a regional centre can’t reach a national or international standard is just not true.
"You can do great work from Newcastle, and that’s what we’re doing," he said.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.