Dean Demellweek

In my early twenties, I was completely immersed in studying visual communications and drawing comics. I used to publish illustrations and comic strips in student papers, but - in spite of all my efforts - I was not able to publish anything in any of the mainstream newspapers. Moreover, I couldn’t understand why? I thought my work was 'good enough'. After all, I studied the masters of the trade and was able to imitate their style pretty well.

My persistence finally paid off one day when I received a phone call from Rudy, a well known comics strip editor. Rudy asked me to bring in my portfolio. You can imagine my excitement! Could not sleep that night!

After browsing through my work, Rudy picked up - to my amazement - only one comic, unfinished, still half in the pencil which I had forgotten to take out. "I like this one!" he said. Then he paused, leaned slightly towards me and continued: "Kid, This is YOU! You have to tell an authentic story through your unique style if you want to succeed in this business."

The very same day I completed my unfinished comic strip, and the following week I saw it in Rudy's iconic newspaper.

Nowadays, when I think about it, I feel very grateful. Thanks to Rudy, in my early years I understood the power of a good, authentic story, clear message and originality - all of which I took with me into my fist advertising job.

During my years in media, I have further refined the art of making the complex simple and compelling.

My passion and great enthusiasm for using technology in creative ways made me trade old media for new media, and join digital brand marketing pioneers in changing digital communications. In my pier circle online, I have become known as @Branding_Guy.

My interests are connected to Digital Strategy, Digital Marketing, Branding & Identity and Brand Development.I mainly blog about building relationship and reputation through brand storytelling in the digital space.

My expertise and experience:

I have 20 years of FTSE 100 company experience on both corporate and agency sides, and have specialised in B2B Integrated Marketing Communications. My global experience includes EMEA, APAC, US, as well as Developing and Emerging Markets.