Significant seven: best creatives

Over the next few days, we are publishing highlights from this year’s Mumbrella Annual.

1. Ant Keogh, Clemenger BBDO Melbourne
Rivals snipe that Clems Melbourne’s creative department is so big and stable that it lacks dynamism, and creatives must wait in line for time with the agency’s ECD. But the reality is that Keogh has pulled off the seemingly impossible – strengthening Clems’ already formidable creative reputation with a consistent train of world class work. Said to be a handful to work with – but a genuine genius.

2.Ted Horton, Big Red
It is easy to write off Horton’s work for Coles, Westpac and JetStar as cheaply produced, lowest common denominator fodder for the masses. But the veteran has had more impact on the market than any individual creative this year, taking on massive accounts from under the noses of multinational giants almost on his own. After taking over the Coles business from DDB in March, Horton won Westpac with Lavender in May. A true one-off who is not afraid of making enemies, it will be interesting to see who he upsets next year.

3. Micah Walker, freelance
When Walker left Publicis Mojo Sydney in July he left a big hole in the creative department – one which Mojo’s co-chairman Craig Davis is himself struggling to fill. A hands-on craftsman who loves to get close to the work, his touch was there for all to see in Mojo’s work for Coca-Cola’s Burn energy drink, James Boag, Toyota and Hahn Super Dry.
Talked of in the same breath as Ant Keogh, every creative in town wants to work with him. And every agency in town will be fighting over his signature. Place your bets now on who snaps him up in 2012.