Our latest talent transfer has everything you want in a high-profile signing: he’s young, skilled, ambitious, and he’s a real team player. Here’s what we’ve learnt about our newest creative goal-scorer.
Footie. Soccer. The beautiful game. It doesn’t matter what you call it, unless, of course, you’re referring to the ‘different’ sport in America with body armour and cheerleaders. Then it does matter; you’re in the wrong place. Here, we’re talking about the sublime skills of men such as Pelé, Maradona, Zidane, Messi, and yes, of course, Cristiano Ronaldo.
These light-footed legends, especially the last one, all hold a special place in our new signing’s heart, as Darren, our new talented designer, is a die-hard fan of Manchester United. He has grown up with a ball at his feet and his red-shirted heroes on his television, albeit watching from the other side of the world. “I love watching soccer or playing soccer,” says Darren. “I used to play at a semi-pro level as I was in a soccer academy in Cape Town. I now play for fun at a local amateur club in Cape Town on Saturday afternoons.”
When Darren isn’t nutmegging opposition on the turf or crafting eye-catching graphic designs, he can be found behind a camera lens or in the great outdoors. “I haven’t got any secret talents. Just soccer, more soccer, and did I mention soccer? Haha,” says Darren. “I studied graphic design and I’ve taught myself some videography. I also like hiking, and sometimes I go and catch fish with my Dad. And yes, I consider that a talent as well.”
If you think that Darren is done explaining his love for the beautiful game, then you’d be wrong. It’s also the common ground for his downtime with friends. “My friends and I like to meet up spontaneously and eat at restaurants or just grab a coffee. Sometimes, we just hang out and play FIFA. Most of us also play five-a-side soccer on weekdays, and we recently started a weekly football podcast about the Premier League,” explains Darren. It’s safe to say that football is an easy topic to kickstart a conversation with the new guy.
Darren’s friends describe him as down-to-earth, hardworking, ambitious but humble, and even though he can be quiet sometimes, he has a great sense of humour. We’re looking forward to getting to know him better ourselves, so we asked this fleet-footed designer our five essential get-to-know-you questions.
1. Which campaign or role in your career are you most proud to have worked on?
The campaign I’m most proud of: when I got to work with Puma. They were doing a campaign called Puma – #DoYouStories that celebrates females in all fields. I was a second camera operator, and I filmed the charismatic South African actress Nomzamo Mbata. These were a series of authentic, down-to-earth Insta-stories that encouraged women to enter and be part of the #DoYou campaign with Nomzamo.
2. Which person, dead or alive, would you love to have dinner with?
David Beckham. I would love to pick his brain about not just the football side, but also how he built such a strong brand for himself. I believe graphic design played a key role in the building of his brand. However, there’s a little more context for this: I love football (in case you hadn’t gathered) and I’m a Manchester United supporter. So, there’s that too.
3. What show are you currently bingeing on Netflix? And what makes it so ‘bingeable’?
I have just finished Ozark. It’s about this normal family that gets involved with the cartel and becomes partners with them. But then they are forced to do… Wait, let me not give any more spoilers away. Watch it! It’s a real rollercoaster of emotions, and now I’m waiting for Season 4. Right now, I’m currently bingeing the latest season of YOU what an intense show!
4. What’s your go-to drink? And why?
I don’t really drink, but I do like the non-alcoholic cider called Savanna. This is not to say that I don’t drink at all though; I’ll have a light beer or cider with all of you here at Because to help get to know you.
5. Name one thing on your bucket list.
Simple. I want to go and watch Manchester United play at least once at Old Trafford.
Want to join an award-winning, creative-experiences agency? Check out our latest vacancies and you could be featured here!
[cta-btn-1] [cta-btn-2]