Canva and Dentsu Alum Join Apparent as Creative Directors

Following significant growth, independent full-service agency Apparent has made three major new hires.

Sam McGuinness joins as creative director, visual design. With global experience including Canva, R/GA Sydney and New York, Turner Duckworth and Re, Sam will oversee the agency’s entire team of brand, visual and motion designers, working closely with Cristina Douglas who leads the agency’s experience design team.

Sam said, “It feels like no-one has quite cracked the integration of brand, visual and experience design. What really attracted me to Apparent is the way they put the customer at the centre of everything, creating work that doesn’t just look good, it’s deeply connected to how people actually think, feel and behave.”

Further strengthening its offering, Apparent has also appointed Leisa Ilander and Gillian Dalla Pozza as joint creative directors, adding even more firepower to its creative leadership team.

Previously associate creative directors at Dentsu Creative, Leisa and Gillian are an award-winning creative duo with over a decade of successful campaigns under their belt as a team, including their most recent standout work for THE ICONIC, which won acclaim for its insight-driven and brand-building innovative use of media.

Leisa said, “We’re passionate about odd-shaped ideas that make people feel something and deliver real impact, especially in digital and social spaces. Apparent is a growing agency with the talent and firepower to bring those ideas to life. I’m also fortunate to share this role with someone who can finish each other’s…”

“…sandwiches -- and ideas too,” added Gillian. “Apparent is an agency with a shared vision, where big ideas, experience design and best-in-class execution all come together. The chance to join at such a pivotal moment and be part of the team that helps shape where the agency is headed creatively is hugely exciting.”

Hamish Stewart, chief creative and experience officer at Apparent, said, “I’m incredibly excited to have Sam, Gill and Leisa join the team. Modern brands are increasingly complex, coming to life across the brand experience. With the calibre of leaders we’re attracting, plus our flexibility, structure and scale, we can bring best-in-class thinking to clients at pace. Best of all, all three are already adding immeasurably to our brilliant culture.”

As Apparent continues to evolve, it remains focused on creating work that lives at the intersection of brand, experience, and communications, delivering ideas that connect with consumers no matter where they appear.

With a client roster including Google, Volkswagen, Audi, Optus, Vanuatu Tourism Office, Tip Top, and more, the agency is building a team to deliver undeniable creative, cultural and commercial impact.