Johnny Cooke

There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down with a laptop and bleed.

I believe in the power of creativity to change everything – from the shape of a brand to the pulse of a team. And I believe in putting your guts into the work, or not bothering at all.

That’s what I’ve done every day for 20 years at many of London’s top shops and the past two as Associate Creative Director at VML Germany.

Here, I helped turn a €100k Körber brief into a million-euro creative engine in under a year. I didn’t do it alone – but I led from the front. Crafting the strategy, shaping the story, building client trust, selling in campaign after campaign.

I’ve told stories since I was a kid – first by ripping off Orwell, Woody Allen and John Cooper Clarke, then by living enough to write my own. After a Philosophy degree, I started a band, signed to Universal Island Records and toured the world, producing 2 critically acclaimed albums with 3 x top 40 UK singles. The Observer magazine said my lyrics were "like Morrissey in a Paul Weller headlock." Which was nice. But nothing lasts forever.

Advertising got under my skin. I’ve worked with causes I truly care about – Greenpeace, Teenage Cancer Trust, British Heart Foundation – and brands I’ve helped shape into something braver. I’ve led global creative, consistently delivering high-performing integrated work, building deep client relationships, and mentoring my teams with energy and intent.

Outside the day job, I write and produce short films. RUNNING MAN (2019) starred Raff Law and hit 14 global film festivals. CONTACT (for LOVE magazine) and THE HAT (shot on an iPhone during lockdown) both became powerful youth mental health pieces – THE HAT picked up The Spirit of Raindance and an official Cannes selection. I'm now developing both into feature scripts. Dark comedy fantasy drama’s my thing. I also made a music video where I played Trump, but that’s another story.

I’m here to make creative that moves people, grows businesses, wins hearts, minds, stomachs and groins. I care fiercely about what I put into the world.

Johnny

Me on the TRUEGROUP AGENCY PODCAST talking about my creative career, if you fancy it.