Richard Ashdown
Many years ago I was given this bracelet as a gift when I worked in the music business. There are two elements on the bracelet, both taken from Native American culture and both important to me. One is the maze of life and the other is the music/creative spirit Kokopelli.
Biography
As Innovations Director, Richard is responsible for bringing new solutions to our clients; adding value through creativity and technology. Richard has a 20 year career history in marketing and communications, delivering digital solutions to both private and public sector clients. His client experience is extensive having previously worked for NWDA, AstraZeneca, EA games, Queen, adidas and many others.
I'm most proud of
My family.
The one thing people don't know about me is
I am a published author.
- I don't get much time to watch TV – current favs. Reruns of My Name Is Earl and Torchwood; which has become a lot darker
- Grateful Dead, Cracker, Teardrop Explodes, Bruno Mars
- Simon Scarrow and most Historical fiction as well as William Gibson and most Sci-Fi
- I'd go back to anywhere warmer but have a nostalgia for the old Etruscan capital of Volterra in Tuscany and I'd love to take my family to Kyoto - it's such a different place
David Bentley
The image on my business card is a Korg MS-10 monophonic synthesizer. This is one of the many instruments I wish I had not sold in order to buy more instruments. I enjoy composing/recording/producing/performing music in a variety of genres.
Biography
My role as a Video Producer at HGA involves working on video projects from initial ideas and storyboarding, through to completion.
I'm most proud of
Robin Van Persie's hat-trick against Chelsea, Robin Van Persie's free-kick against Sunderland, Robin Van Persie's two fine finishes against Stoke, Robin Van Persie.
The one thing people don't know about me is
I once lost a cricket match to a blind team. They were not gracious in victory.
- I enjoyed Drive at the cinema recently. It was as brilliant as it was brutal.
- Bombay Bicycle Club, Alison Hannigan, Ryan Adams and Bon Iver.
- One day I will read. Not now, but soon.
- I'm looking forward to going to Budapest in December. I visited Madrid this summer, which was nice.
Dave Burke
Music is a real passion for me. For me there are few things in life more satisfying than having an idea then creating something that previously didn't exist, it's really quite amazing. I love being outdoors, in a forest, by the ocean or especially on a snow covered mountain on my snowboard. Live life and enjoy every second because you don't get the time back. All you need is Love x
Biography
Dave is responsible for all things technical and logistical in the Live Events Department. When all the ideas have been finalized from our design team, it then falls to Dave to make them a physical reality. Often there are some rather interesting logistical challenges to overcome, but it’s Dave’s job to see that each event runs smoothly. To help him achieve this he will put together a hand picked crew (sound, lighting, video, set/staging etc) for each event.
I'm most proud of
Lots of things, but I think I'm currently most proud of being able to learn and grow.
The one thing people don't know about me is
When I was 12 I crashed a forklift truck into a container truck and my dad had to take the wrap. He was mercilessly teased by his co workers for months for not being able to operate heavy machinery. Cheers pops :)
- Films, I don't really watch TV (maybe the Apprentice and Merlin)
- Anything and everything
- I love to read but I'm reading nothing at the minute (suggestions welcome)
- Vancouver (Grouse Mountain) Best Holiday Ever!!
Charley Caines
The image on my card is cupcakes, I love baking and in particular cupcakes – much to my own demise.
Biography
Charley is a Journalism MA graduate and our resident Social Media Strategist. Entirely focused on engaging and building communities online for both HGA Creative and our clients, she loves nothing more than to create and share content within the social sphere using an integrated approach.
I'm most proud of
Everything I've achieved over the past year.
The one thing people don't know about me is
I'm a mine of information on 15th-16th century British history.
- True Blood, Spaced, Black Books, Brass Eye
- Arcade Fire, Radiohead, Lady Gaga, Wham! & Friendly Fires
- I'm obsessed with the Tudors, so anything remotely related
- I would love to be fluent in a foreign language – not fussy about which one
Diane Connor
I have always wanted to own a beach hut! My ideal Sunday afternoon is to walk down to the beach and relax outside my beach hut with the sun shining down.
Biography
My job changes day to day and depending on who you ask! My roles include looking after the office, liaising with the account manager and clients on making sure the project progresses smoothly; and general delegate management responsibilities for events & conferences.
I'm most proud of
My family.
The one thing people don't know about me is
I have 27 medals for dancing!
- Come Dine with Me, Who do you think you are?, Mock the Week
- I like listening to most music
- My newspapers!
- Australia. I've always wanted to visit as I have family living there
Andrea Donaldson
Biography
Andrea is the lady who holds the purse strings and is surrounded by cash flow forecasts and Excel spreadsheets. She works alongside Janet to ensure the smooth running of the finances.
I'm most proud of
My children.
The one thing people don't know about me is
I'm a Brownie leader.
- NCIS Los Angeles, Greys Anatomy
- Manic Street Preachers
- Pauline Mclynn - Something for the Weekend
- New England
Ian Grime
The first image is a shot I took in New York – one of my favourite cities! (I’ve been 3 times in the last 4 years!). The second shot is one I took at the top of the Langdale Pikes in the Lake District. I have a passion for mountain walking and am currently trying to tick off the 214 Wainwright summits in the Lake District. I've currently just done over 100, so still a way to go!
Biography
Spent over 25 years in events and it's high time I retired! (No chance as yet!)
I'm most proud of
Turning 50 this year and still acting like I was 21.
The one thing people don't know about me is
I'm the reigning Wii Golf Champion at HGA!
- Fringe Series 3
- Noah and the Whale, John Mayer, John Grant and plenty of old Springsteen!
- Wainwright's Walking Guides and always have a paperback novel on the go!
- Would love to travel to India, New Zealand, Thailand and Nepal (again!)
Sean Harris
I'm a proud Geordie boy so my image is a good reminder/representation of Newcastle, where I come from!
Biography
With over 20 years experience in the conference industry, Sean is one of HGA’s Graphic Designers. Part of the team that delivers the creative output, he also specialises in presentation design. During his 10 years here, Sean’s role has expanded to encompass looking after HGA’s IT infrastructure.
I'm most proud of
My wife for her patience with myself and little Archie, who continues to amaze us as he develops as a person.
The one thing people don't know about me is
When my hair gets long it goes curly!!!
- CSI: Vegas & CSI: New York, Fringe, the new Hawaii 5-0 and NCIS
- Fleet Foxes, Paul Weller amongst many others, also some classic 80's tunes
- Soon I will be Invincible, a caped superheroes story and Give Me Liberty graphic novel collection by Frank Miller & Dave Gibbons
- More places in America followed by the land of the rising sun, Japan
Adrian Hawtin
My photo is of Blackcomb Mountain at Whistler ski resort in British Columbia Canada. Whistler is an incredibly beautiful place, home to some of the worlds best skiing and snowboarding and also where I went to get married.
Biography
After eight years freelancing around the North West, Adrian joined HGA Creative as Senior Video Producer. Passionate about great filmmaking, he's the man behind the camera, bringing his skill, creativity and enthusiasm to HGA.
I'm most proud of
My daughter - Maddie.
The one thing people don't know about me is
I'm a qualified chef.
- Man v. Food, Sherlock, Top Gear, TV Burp
- Teenage Fanclub, Ryan Adams, Dinosaur Jr, Band of Horses, Wilco, The Lemonheads, The Jayhawks
- Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
- I'd go back to Whistler in a heartbeat. Hopefully I'll also get to New York before I'm 40
Michael Henderson
Piccie 1 is my favourite guitar – a flame top 1959 Gibson Les Paul. Unfortunately one of these little babies will set you back around £200,000! I content myself with a little collection that includes a 1955 Goldtop, 1956 Junior, 1957 Custom, 1958 Plaintop and 1959 Flametop reissues that cost a fraction of the price – but look, play and sound absolutely awesome!
The other piccie is Scooby Doo who is my hero and my commercial role model!
Biography
I'm one of the lucky people who comes up with great creative strategic and creative solutions – and then gets to make and deliver them... and I get paid for it too!!
I'm most proud of
Managing to get up at 5.50am to get to the gym for 95 of the last 100 days!
The one thing people don't know about me is
Still a BIG secret.
- Les than ever - Sky Arts and Football are just about the lot. The news is too depressing to watch anymore
- DSOTM Immersion set - awesome, The Answer - one of the best gigs of the year; Alison Krauss
- David Ford - I Choose This; Red - Sammy Hagar Autobiography; Iron Man - Tony Iommi biography
- Rocktoberfest in Ludlow - an amazing town; the very best of England
Matty Joyce
My photo is of two of my favourite things – my son charlie and the beach.
Biography
Recently joined HGA as Senior Designer after 9 years working as a Designer and Art Director around the North West. Passionate about ideas based communication and believe that design should always start on a layout pad, never a Mac...
I'm most proud of
Running a marathon and the birth of my son (although the first one took more effort on my part).
The one thing people don't know about me is
If I let my beard grow it goes ginger.
- The Apprentice, Masterchef, Being Human, Peep Show, C Beebies (especially Rasta Mouse)
- The Coral (from my home town Hoylake), Kasabian, Ottis Reading, Jamie T, Jurassic 5, DJ Format
- Never seem to make time for books but mainly read The Guardian, The Metro and design magazines
- Would love to go to Australia and also get back to festivals after a couple of years out being a respectable Dad
Dan Laurence
This picture was taken whilst on honeymoon in Kenya. Having just arrived back from our 3 day Safari fresh from seeing animals galore, we were greeted by a family of monkeys at our hotel. This little guy was playing with the other and I couldn't resist snapping away, despite having hundreds of animals already on my camera! Out of all the pictures I took, this was my favourite as it captures his expression perfectly. Never has the phrase 'Cheeky Monkey' been more appropriate!
Biography
My role as Director of Film and Video involves managing the busy Film and Video department and finding new and exciting ways to engage our clients audiences through the moving image. Having a passion for films from an early age, being brought up on Indiana Jones and Star Wars, you could say I am in my ideal job... although I'm still waiting for the perfect opportunity to use my lightsaber sound effect!!
I'm most proud of
Lots of things... My wife, being the fastest person over 200m in Manchester at 15 and completing Uncharted 1, 2 and 3!
The one thing people don't know about me is
I am a dab hand at DIY, don't know how or why, but there's not much I can't do when it comes to home improvements. I'll also give any premiership footballer a run for their money... On FIFA that is!
- Watching; How To Cook Like Heston (Great programme, great shots) Playing; Fifa 12, Batman Arkham City, Kinect Sports 2! (Loving Kinect darts!)
- Mark Kermode's film review, Guardian football weekly podcast, 5Live every morning
- The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs and T3 magazine every month!
- Most memorable travel experience is a close one between Safari in Kenya and the Alcatraz tour in San Fran (strange, but amazing experience!)
Janet Nugent
Biography
Janet has been working for HGA for almost 15 years and is the lady behind the scenes who makes things tick regarding all matters financial. She likes nothing better than double entry bookkeeping and filing everyone’s expenses. Janet is also the HGA Health and Safety Officer and can often be heard preaching her new mantra to anyone who is prepared to listen!!
I'm most proud of
My boys.
The one thing people don't know about me is
I am very shy!!!
- NCIS/NCIS Los Angeles, Mrs Browns Boys
- Adele, Take That
- Kathy Reichs, Dorothy Koomson, James Paterson, Karen Rose
- Cyprus
Nick Pyett
This is a picture of my Paiste ride cymbal. Its resonating sound is perfect to accompany a thrash on the drums at the end of a long day!
Biography
Nick is a science graduate who develops web sites with a focus on usability and SEO, and has more recently received a Chartered Institute of Marketing accredited qualification in Digital Marketing.
I'm most proud of
My Mum.
The one thing people don't know about me is
I make rigatoni alla carbonara just like an Italian!
- Top Gear
- El Camino by The Black Keys, BBC 6 Music
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, classics on my new Kindle
- Would love to go to South Africa and New Zealand
Andy Rotheram
The image on my business card is the 'tracking' software I use to make electronic music using samples and effects. I have always been interested in music and can spend hours at a time sat at my beloved G5. Maybe one day I will produce a million selling record!
Biography
I have been in the Conference and Events industry for 10 years now, usually honing my skills on the Sound Desk although I can assist in all aspects including Video, Lighting, Set and Stage. This has also enabled me to travel all over Europe driving many miles over the years and meeting a broad spectrum of people and clients.
I'm most proud of
Being a Preston North End season ticket holder – someone has to.
The one thing people don't know about me is
I have spent time recording at Abbey Road Studios, London.
- Match Of The Day, Top Gear, Sky Sports News
- From The Prodigy to The Beatles
- I read one of these at school once!
- South Africa - stunning!
Julie Shenton
My business card image is of vinyl toys, which I am an avid collector of. I chose these particular ones out of my collection because of the beautiful style of illustration and the themes they are designed around - nature and travel – both of which are a great love of mine.
Biography
Julie graduated with a 2:1 in graphic design from Staffordshire University in 2010. Bringing with her her youthful enthusiasm and boundless energy, she is the newest member of the HGA team and is eager to prove herself with the many challenges that lay ahead, gaining valuable experience and knowledge from working with her colleagues.
I'm most proud of
I am most proud of how much I have achieved in the past year.
The one thing people don't know about me is
I have a phobia of goats!
- Criminal Minds, Bones, Family Guy, The Apprentice
- Belle and Sebastian, Camera Obscura, Elbow, Lady GaGa
- Art Box Magazine, The Gum Thief by Douglas Coupland
- Going to Barcelona later in the Year and planning Marrakech next year. Love to explore more of America in particular go to Astoria, Oregon where the Goonies was filmed
Richard Whitehouse
Here you can see the headstock of my Jackson guitar, based on a design by the legendary guitar player Randy Rhoads. Its un-mistakable pointy shape, front pinstripe design, gold hardware and amazing tone make it a pleasure to play. I've been using Jackson guitars for a while, but this beast is arguably my favourite piece of kit.
Biography
Richard graduated in Interactive Multimedia from Staffordshire University. He has over 9 years experience working on a wide range of web projects. His focus on web technologies include HTML, CSS, PHP, MySQL JavaScript and Flash. He enjoys the challenge of delivering on-line projects in the fast paced world of the web.
I'm most proud of
My family and friends.
The one thing people don't know about me is
I'm pretty good at arm wrestling barmaids.
- Dog Face, Green Wing, Garth Marenghi's Darkplace
- The Black Crowes, DMB, Pink Floyd, Manchester Orchestra
- Biographies or web manuals
- Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia
Jansen Yee
The image on my card is of Hong Kong, the city I feel most at peace with in life. On an early summer's evening, you can buy an ice cold beer, sit on the Kowloon harbour promenade and with the sun setting, watch the skyscrapers light up and come alive on Hong Kong island.
Biography
As the studio manager/senior designer at HGA, Jansen is responsible for the creative output and the running of the HGA studio. With over 13 years experience, Jansen has covered the entire spectrum of the design industry - creating for print, multimedia, events and dressing up as a bear for a viral campaign.
I'm most proud of
My little daughter learning to blow raspberries.
The one thing people don't know about me is
I'm planning to drive in the Mongol Rally in the next two years.
- Just finished The Girl Who Leapt Through Time and now have a hankering for Battle Royale again
- My 18 month old daughter calling me Dad and not Daddy
- I'm a third through Stephen King's 11.22.63 with intervals of Aquaman, Secret Avengers, Resurrection Man and X-Factor
- I'm in the mood to go to Hong Kong again and get lost in the crowds
