With over 25 in the world of creative agencies, I am an experienced graphic designer, Creative Director, writer and marketeer with a CV boasting stints at McCann Erickson Manchester, WWAV North and 3 years as Creative Director at McCann Erickson Leeds. I have run three creative agency businesses over the last decade.

Over the last few years, I have taken an active interest in scriptwriting and am currently doing an MA in TV and Radio scriptwriting at the University of Salford, based at Media City.

This year, I have ‘Avocado Hand’, a comedy stage play in production, have done paid rewrites for a horror feature and a short drama and have my own short film currently in production.

In 2017 I was a semi finalist in the Finish Line Script Competition, placing me in the top 4% of scripts submitted.

In 2016 I was a double finalist in the Impact: 50 screenwriting competition and quarter finalist in the Shore Scripts competition, placing my work in the top 6% of submissions. November 2016 saw the debut of my short comedy play, Test Match Battle Field Special, performed in York, a winner of the Salon Showcase submission by Two Bit Theatre Company.

I’ve always been invested in the value of creative ideas brilliantly executed. My work can be cool, imaginative, hard-working, fun and inspiring – but I like to think it’s always clear, eloquent and effective.

In my agency career I worked with an enormous range of clients ranging from start-ups to plc brands with global reputations. I was part of a successful launch of a Virgin business in the Middle East, I rebranded and handled worldwide communications for both J&C Joel and Idwal Marine, I  have launched e-commerce websites and I created the identity for The Tetley, a major Leeds cultural attraction. I have also worked with Bentley Motors, Procter & Gamble, Mitsubishi, Harewood House, Croda plc, William Hill and Bootea.

Creative agency services

I provide a range of creative services across a diverse range of online and traditional marketing channels.

• Services include:
  Branding and logo design
  Digital creative, writing and graphics with SEO in mind
  Social media content & infographics
  Email communications
  Web design and build
  Packaging

Take a look at the gallery for samples of my work.

Copywriting

I have a history of working with complex subject matters, like stem cell donation and storage (for Virgin Health Bank), the science behind squatting on the toilet (for a toilet step company (it’s all about the puborectalis muscle)) and presenting degree courses for roadies (for Backstage Academy).

In 2018 I co-wrote and edited the Leeds 2023 Bid Book for the application to become the European Capital of Culture.

I am particularly adept at taking large quantities of source material, sorting the wheat from the chaff, seeing the wood for the trees and then editing it down into clear, concise copy.

Screenwriting

As my career progressed as a Creative Director on the art direction and copywriting side, I have developed my skill as a writer. I have written scripts for corporate films, commercial radio and TV, as well as music videos and short films.

Now, writing  for TV, radio, film and the stage is part of my portfolio of activity.

Email me at paul@harker.works if you’d like to discuss a project.

To get in touch, email paul@harker.works or compete and return the form below. Thanks!