Ollie Piddubriwnyj
Creative Director
Where did you start?
I started my career as a graphic designer in 1997. I studied at Loughborough University and had the most fantastic tutors such as Peter Webster (an absolute top notch designer in the 80’s and 90’s), and Ola (who designed the Walkers crisp packet in the 80’s). How cool is that?
So, my point is, I had a great start to my design education and that put me in really good stead securing the first job I applied for after finishing at Loughborough.
My first job was at an agency called WM Associated, in Nottingham, that worked for some really big brands across a wide range of sectors. This was such a lucky start to my career and I learned so much from people that I really respect. Quick name drop for Colin Wood and Jo Muddiman here.
About your role
Well, as I started at Fifteen when it was born, I guess I’ve done it all. Designer, Production Manager, Print Buyer, Account Manager, Artworker, Creative, Manager, Chief Cook and Bottle Washer etc…
Today sees me as Creative Director, looking after a team of some of the best young creatives I’ve ever worked with in my 18 years in this industry. I’m also heavily involved in the running and management of the whole company.
What is your favourite project that you’ve worked on?
Being part of the creative team I get involved in most projects so this is going to be a tricky one to decide.
I’d say the IKCA Website for Imran Khan and there’s several reasons for my decision.
It was a really big and really challenging project for all the team, but to see them handle it so competently was fantastic. It was also for a great cause that the team and I were able to get more involved in. Collectively we raised over £1,000 for the charity when the team supported me in climbing Mount Snowdon for the cause and to mark the completion of the project.
The team and IKCA were fantastic to work with and I genuinely believe that the end result is much better for that. Also, we’ve been lucky enough to win a Web Award for the website, and have been nominated for Charity Website of the year in the ‘Website of the Year’ awards 2015 which, to be up against names like Macmillan and Just Giving, is a wonderful achievement for the company.
What have you learnt at Fifteen?
I’ve learned that having the right staff is key to the success of the business. I’ve learned rolling your sleeves up and mucking in is the way a good manager should lead, and I’ve learned to get in early and stay late.
What is rewarding about working at Fifteen?
What’s rewarding is that I believe, if you love what you do, then you never work a day in your life. And that is honestly how I feel about working here.