Logic without magic is boring.
Magic without logic is meaningless.

Home image
Annette Nel's Portrait

I create

Content that sells. Brands that inspire. Ideas that change perception. Advertising that works.

I understand people. I know what moves them to do something, buy something, believe something. I have a knack for simplifying the complex, a mind that always finds fresh ways to do it, and the creative judgment to know what works.

I have international awards to prove it, brands to showcase it, and clients that can attest to it. Because I’ve been doing it for more than 25 years.

What’s stopping you?

Brands that I’ve worked on:

mnet logo
Disney Channel logo
AVIS logo
Dove logo
Growthpoint Properties logo
GSK logo
Virgin logo
Australian Private Hospitals Association logo
Liberty logo
McDonalds logo
realestate.com.au logo
McCain logo
Plant Health Australia logo
National Portrait Gallery logo
Nestle logo
AFP logo
Toyota logo
Lifeline logo
Club Lime logo
Nandos logo
National Gallery Australia logo
Nedbank logo
Mazda logo
Coca Cola logo
The Treasury logo
Visit the USA logo
hiit republic logo
Unilever logo
UNSW Canberra logo
Australian War Memorial logo
University of Canberra logo
Vodacom logo
Jaguar logo
Discovery logo

What’s stopping you?

Creative Direction

“We need a senior creative who can
jump in, create, and lead fresh ideas”

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Creative Direction

Leap.
From showing up to standing out

Hands-on creative leadership that creates and shapes ideas from concept to execution.

Creative Strategy

“I need a strategy that makes my brand stand out”

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Creative Strategy

Leap.
From complexity to clarity.

Clear, actionable brand strategy built to cut through crowded markets.

Content

“I need content that cuts through and connects” 

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Content

Leap.
From noise to narrative.

Compelling words and ideas crafted to engage audiences and deliver results.

Examples of my work

Customer Owned Banking Association featured image
Concept & copywriting
Creative direction
Creative strategy

Customer Owned Banking Association

Agency

Supercurious (Canberra)

Concept

Take back your banking.

Results

10% lift in new customer enquiries.
Sector grew by 4% over 6 months - the equivalent of two years of average growth.

Australian Government featured image
Branding
Concept & copywriting
Creative direction
Creative strategy

Australian Government

Agency

Supercurious (Canberra)

Concept

The Cultural Icons. Made of Australia.

M-Net South Africa featured image
Concept & copywriting
Creative direction

M-Net South Africa

Agency

Black River FC (Jhb)

Concept

Magic lives on M-Net

Nando’s featured image
Concept & copywriting

Nando’s

Agency

Black River FC

Results

Ad went viral. Mentioned on the Ellen show.

Land Rover Jaguar featured image
Concept & copywriting

Land Rover Jaguar

Agency

Spark 44

Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) featured image
Concept & copywriting
Creative direction
Creative strategy

Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC)

Agency

Supercurious (Canberra)

Results

Local campaign driving record regional visitation during COVID-19.
Recognised with a government effectiveness award for impact.
Still used as the official QPRC tourism creative platform.

Reach For A Dream featured image
Concept & copywriting

Reach For A Dream

Agency

Black River FC

Concept

To encourage payroll giving to the foundation, we got an artist to convert actual payslips into paper art, each representing a dream of a terminally ill child.
These were photographed and used in the campaign and auctioned to large corporations, raising even more funds for the foundation.

I have had the privilege to work with a wide range of agencies in just about any possible industry.

Contact me to see case studies of my work relevant to your requirements.

Testimonials

“If you’re lucky enough to work with Annette, prepare to have your mind blown (in the best way possible). She’s not just a brilliant writer, she’s a creative force of nature. With a trophy shelf that’s practically groaning under the weight of her awards, Annette doesn’t just write copy, she crafts magic. Sharp, witty, and endlessly original. She brings big ideas, bold energy, and a whole lot of brilliance to every brief. Plus, she’s just an all-round fantastic human. Hire her, collaborate with her, learn from her. You won’t regret it.

David JoubertChief Creative Officer, Dig (Sydney)

“Annette brings a unique blend of sharp strategic thinking, creative bravery, and an infectious sense of humour to every brief. She’s deeply consultative in her approach, never precious, always collaborative and has that rare ability to push creative boundaries while still bringing people along for the ride. Just when you think you know where a concept is headed, Annette surprises you with something unexpected, clever, and memorable.

Warren AppsPartner & Director, Supercurious (Canberra)

“I have had the pleasure of working with Annette many times throughout my career. You won’t find a smarter, wittier, more experienced creative than her. Her writing is impeccable, her ideas huge and her approach so professional. And to top it all of, she is one of the most decent human beings you will meet. But hire her because she’ll make you look really good. Yes that good!

Ahmed TillyCreative Consultant, Number 10 (Johannesburg)

“Annette's exceptional talent for bringing concepts to life in the studio is unparalleled. Her profound understanding of storytelling and audio production, combined with her calm professionalism, allows her to effortlessly guide talent to perfect performances. She's a true partner in the creative process, helping me consistently achieve amazing soundscapes. Annette is an invaluable creative director and an extraordinary wordsmith. I wholeheartedly recommend her.

Paul BaxterSenior Sound Designer, Baxter Sound (Melbourne)

“I worked with Annette at Net#work - doing some of our boldest, freshest work.
Her positive attitude, ability to think deeply and keep a light working atmosphere, hasn't faded over time.
And would strongly recommend working with Annette, to experience that for yourself and the team.

Julian WattChief Creative Officer, Europe, Ford at VML

“Unequivocally one of the greatest creatives I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. Annette is an absolute genius. Her ability to take an insight and craft a brilliant and effective idea time and time again, never ceases to amaze me.
She’s also just a wonderful person. Her intelligence, empathy and humour lift everyone around her.

Rhys MorrisonSenior Client Director, Forsman & Bodenfors (Dublin)

“Annette brings not only decades of writing experience, but also award-winning talents that will move your brands and campaigns forward by miles! Choose to work with her now, you won't be disappointed!

Katinka PretoriusSunshinegun, Managing Director

“I've worked with Annette for 8 years, and her ability to craft unforgettable, human-centred stories – from the whimsical and downright hilarious to the deeply moving – is unmatched. She is a truly exceptional Creative Director, an amazing human being, and an absolute joy and delight to work with.

Kate EdwardsCreative Director and Partner, Supercurious (Canberra)

“Annette is whip smart and a delight to work with. She always brings strong, differentiated concepts to the table with a high level of craft when it comes to the writing. Always smiling and always fun to work with, she’s a great addition to any team!

Asheen NaiduGroup Executive Creative Director, Leo Singapore