Taken from: https://www.factscollective.org/alan-hong-conceptual-creative-multidisciplinary-art-director/
Your right-hand man, on the creative frontlines!
In a world full of talented creatives, Alan always likes to think himself the underdog! Hungry to learn and grow, hungry to prove himself, hungry to make his mark. The underdog creative that keeps the best in the industry on their toes, because his focus isn’t to be the best, but fearlessly risk it all to push the creative limits and bring value to brands and creative teams across the globe!
An origin story like no other!
Alan’s experiences allow him to not only be a well-rounded creative, but someone with a fascinatingly unique perspective and approach to creativity. A poor kid from London, with only his desire to make it in the industry. Alan took a risk and flew to Shanghai, starting his career working for free as a design intern. A sponge hungry to learn, surviving off the kindness of strangers. Which led him to Cairo to shoot a documentary, where part of the adventure of the job was to hide from police. His passionate personality caught the eye’s of papercraft artists in NYC who flew him over to learn their skills and help make sculptures. His desire to create engaging experiences led him to being commissioned to create a kinky installation in London. To finally, being so unconventional, he was made an offer he couldn’t refuse and mastered the art of advertising, living in Dubai. His most recent endeavors found him learning how to harness the power of storytelling from the masters at Pixar.
A creative marksman who never fails to deliver!
From establishing Cadillac’s presence in the middle east, to losing at Young Lions on a technicality but winning a client instead, to convincing the government of the UAE to introduce a new law to make abandoning dogs a crime. Alan always has a solution. Alan focuses on conceptualising strategic and effective ideas with that magical creative twist, creating opportunities to reimagine our world in fun ways! Bringing ideas to life through collaboration, empowering people with different talents and inspiring them to be their best, and together create unforgettable work! Alan is not afraid to get his hands dirty and use his wealth of skills to craft wherever he can, ensuring projects are delivered at the highest level to effectively build brands.
Stepping away from the creative bubble.
Having come close to death, Alan has a new perspective on life and the creative hustle. More than awards and glory, Alan realised what gave him true joy and accomplishment was starting the Saatchi and Saatchi internship programme, which taught him there’s nothing more rewarding than helping people and nurturing talent. He applies this wherever he can, whether that be making sure creative teams feel supported, loved and appreciated. Or offering free creative education and mentorship to anyone who wants it. He also created the social channel “Diary_of_an_Underdog”, where he shares his sabbatical story, to inspire and help anyone who’s struggling from career burnout or had to step away from their careers to fix their health.
Campaign Magazine Middle East 2017
"Straight from graduation into advertising, 1 year and 8 months on, this young creative is hungry to make a change to the world. In under a year, he came Bronze at Young Lions, competed in Young Lynx and awaiting results for D&AD New Blood. He is constantly striving to not just win awards, but also create work that can make a positive impact on the world.
Prior to this he accumulated success as a student, working across 4 different continents, in respected companies such as Landor and Nexus Productions. He was commissioned to exhibit at London Science Museum, showcasing his creativity to educate and make a change.
It is only the beginning, as a young creative, Hong understands success will not come straight away and that it has it's failures.
He continues to pursue greatness everyday, regardless of day-to-day struggles, which will lead to his goal of being one of the best.
That's what makes Alan Hong, “Advertising Faces to Watch”, it is not just his accomplishments so far, but the passion and desire to embrace the grind, and challenge himself until he makes it on top."
“Alan is one of the most passionate human beings I’ve worked with. His energy and spirit feeds into the stars- the ones that others can’t help but look up to.”
-Tala Ali, senior copywriter Saatchi & Saatchi
“Alan Hong, a young Hungry designer, smart and sharp thinks out of the box with
a big potential to create and shine. He has no limits”
– Komal Bedi Sohal, C.C.O Saatchi & Saatchi M.E.N.A
“We often come across talented individuals or extremely hard working individuals. But it is rare to come across a unique combination of both, instilling the very ethos of Saatchi & Saatchi – Nothing is impossible. Embraces every challenge thrown at him with open arms, while not knowing when to quit would be his only flaw. There is no stopping this one from changing the world around him.”
- Nihal Salim, Account Director – Saatchi & Saatchi Dubai.
" I hired Alan to work at Saatchi & Saatchi because he embodies the ‘Nothing is Impossible’ spirit. He has proved this both in his personal life and professional. He will do things that people will wish they had done – it’s his ambition."
- Richard Copping, Ex-E.C.D Saatchi & Saatchi Dubai.
