Hailing from the South Coast of England (famous for seagulls, summer holiday camps and being the stunning Mediterranean of England with mile-upon-mile of pebbled beaches), Matt brings 30 years of creative experience across New Zealand, the UK, and the Netherlands. A seasoned designer, creative director, and brand strategist, he has worked with businesses of all sizes - from startups to global brands - helping to build distinctive brands that resonate deeply with audiences and turn big ideas into impactful realities.
As Creative Director at Onfire Design in Auckland, Matt excels at transforming brand strategy into cohesive, powerful creative visions. A storyteller at heart, he blends words and visuals to create emotionally engaging brand experiences. His work mixes product and material innovation with analogue storytelling, producing brand messages that are as meaningful as they are visually striking. As a people-focused leader, he ensures smooth project delivery, aligning client goals with creative outcomes.
Outside of design, Matt’s had his share of adventures and less successful endeavours. He’s a former Southern England U15 Trampoline Champion, a brief U17 West Sussex Squash representative, and a BBC Screenwriting intern (for a disastrously memorable four weeks). He also participates in Ironman events on occasion, and if you need an average juggler or spin cycle instructor, he’s your guy.
He is an also a terrible coffee snob, which he blames on 4 weeks experiencing the social rituals and cafes in Milan - are you even a coffee drinker if you are not two shots deep before 9am!?
Recognised globally with awards from Type Directors Club, Art Directors Club, Pentawards, The Dieline, and the World Brand Design Society, Matt has built a strong track record. He’s also judged various design awards, conference speaker and is a professional stakeholder for the Whitecliffe College Design Faculty in Auckland.
Recognition
2025
Type Directors Club | USA - Certificate of Excellence
Communication Arts | USA - Award of Excellence
World Brand Design | UK - Black Pin + Best of Show
World Brand Design | UK - 3 x Gold
World Brand Design | UK - 1 x Silver
World Brand Design | UK - 2 x Bronze
2024
AGDA | Aus - Distinction
New Zealand Best Awards - Bronze
FAB Awards | UK - Silver
Pentawards | UK - Bronze
World Brand Design | UK - 1 x Gold
World Brand Design | UK - 3 x Silver
World Brand Design | UK - 1 x Bronze
World Brand Design | UK - Top 10 Global Studio Ranking
2023
Art Director Club | USA - Shortlist
Pentawards | UK - Bronze
World Brand Design | UK - 2 x Silver
World Brand Design | UK - 3 x Bronze
World Brand Design | UK - Top 10 Global Studio Ranking
New Zealand Best Awards - Graphics Judge
2022
The Dieline | USA - Finalist
The Dieline | USA - Top 10 Rebrand of the Year - Talbot Forest Cheese
Pentawards | UK - Silver
Transform Magazine Awards | Asia - Bronze
World Brand Design | UK - 2 x Gold
World Brand Design | UK - 1 x Silver
World Brand Design | UK - Top 10 Global Studio Ranking
2021
Type Directors Club | USA - Certificate of Excellence
The Dieline | USA - Top 50 Global Packaging Designs - Finery Cocktails
World Brand Design | UK - 1 x Silver
World Brand Design | UK - 3 x Bronze
World Brand Design | UK - Top 10 Global Studio Ranking
The One Show | NYC - Jury Member The Next Creative Leaders