About Me

Nic Allum

I’m a Creative Director.

I’ve worked in and around agencies, artists and studios, boutique businesses and publicly listed companies –  but where I’m at my best – and most comfortable – is working with and around fashion, music, film and art. I don’t believe in career classifications (ATL/BTL, Agency-side/Client-side, Tactical/Strategic etc etc), and have made breaking those boundaries a hallmark of my career. As a wise man once said: Next to love, the most sacred thing you can give someone – is your labour. And if that’s the case, why would you allow anyone to define something that’s so personal – and precious?

But I digress. My professional genesis? Writing my degree thesis on hip-hop. From there, it all began for me at The Mean Fiddler Group (now Festival Republic), working on the management team that created the Reading and Phoenix Festivals, and producing year-round shows at 10+ venues in London. I also worked with some phenomenal independent record labels (including Mo’Wax, Acid Jazz and Dorado) and helped produce The VW Beetle Bash, home of the extraordinary project “Dub Henge”.

Relocating to Australia, I was one of the founding team behind Pacific Circle Music Expo, Asia-Pacific’s 1st major music industry event. And after managing a band and a bit of freelancing, I then wrapped my head around digital, establishing 24/7 Real Media’s youth/music portfolio which included some groundbreaking digital and integrated content. No, really. It did.

Stepping up to the executive team at Staging Connections (one of the biggest live production groups in the world), I was in charge of an international brand portfolio, and managed all facets of the group’s marketing and internal communications presence – as well as strategic partnerships with major hospitality and tourism brands.

Having built a department from scratch, I then redeveloped a department at Maverick, one of the original non-traditional agencies in Australia. We created campaigns, structures and environments that I’m really proud of – as I am the outstanding team I was able to bring together.

And so what next? Full speed into the world of design, and another Head of Department gig, working with Dinosaur Designs on their extraordinary products and collections. In a truly original creative studio, with an original business philosophy, I worked directly with three of the most highly regarded artists/thinkers/designers it’s ever been my honour to associate with. This inspirational experience led me to the attention of Kaleidoscope, where I now lead the strategy, creative and production of 360-degree experiences.

After 20 years, I guess I can sum it up: Give me a brief, and I’ll come up with the big idea, design it, produce it, manage a team that gives 110% (and has a good time doing it) – and hopefully, I’ll change the way you do business. Most importantly, whatever I’m doing, I’ll make sure it’s culturally relevant, witty, stylish, accessible and sustainable.

DISCLAIMER: The information in this weblog is provided “AS IS” with no warranties, and confers no rights. This weblog does not represent the thoughts, intentions, business approach or strategies of my employers, suppliers or clients, past, present or future. It is solely my opinion, and I have an inalienable right to express it. Feel free to challenge me, disagree with me, or tell me I’m completely nuts in the comments section of each blog entry, but I reserve the right to delete any comment for any reason whatsoever (abusive, profane, rude, or anonymous comments) – so keep it polite, please.

NOTE TO SELF IS A WEDGIE WORD-FREE BLOG.