About Bill
It's so embarrassing talking about yourself. But it can be helpful knowing a little bit more about the people you work with, so here goes.
Ancient history
My first full-time job (1980-83) was as a Copy Editor with Avon, the American cosmetics giant.
I then worked for six years for a specialist advertising agency as a Copywriter, working on accounts such as American Express Travel, NCL, Cunard, Trafalgar Tours and Travelscene.
In 1990 I moved into the Toy and Games industry, working as European Copy Manager for Hasbro, writing and localizing hundreds of innovative products, including brands such as Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit, Cluedo, Subbuteo, Play-Doh and countless licensed properties from Disney to Star Wars.
Going freelance
In August 1999, I left corporate life, sold my house and moved in around the corner to house-sit for some friends. In a loft room, armed only with a borrowed fax machine, a second hand computer, my first mobile phone and with a solar eclipse going on outside, I was in business!
Professional qualifications
As well as clocking up years of valuable experience, I have some professional qualifications up my sleeve.
I began with a CAM Certificate in Communications Studies which covered Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations, Media, Research and Behavioural Studies. I then went on to qualify for the CAM Diploma in Advertising, specialising in Management, International Advertising and Consumer Advertising. This allows me to use the designation DIP.AD (CAM) after my name. I never do, as people think I may be about to perform some kind of invasive surgical procedure.
CAM is the Communications, Advertising and Marketing Foundation, a national educational body supported by those industries. Its qualifications are awarded by the British Chartered Institute of Marketing.
My USP
I normally let others judge, but if pushed, I would say that I bring an international perspective and awareness to the work I do. I was brought up in Belgium and remain fluent in French. I have a good working knowledge of Dutch and German. Years of working in international organisations, localizing and coordinating dozens of languages help me to see the bigger picture.
This helps when thinking creatively about themes and ideas that need to work across different borders, cultures and languages. It helps when looking at issues of planning, design and distribution. It oils the wheels of implementation and ultimately delivers words, products, services and benefits which look, read and feel as if they were designed at home – wherever you are in the world.
For an informal chat, or to arrange a face-to-face meeting, don't hesitate to get in touch.