Sarah Stretton
Senior Conceptual Creative
I think the best ideas are often already there.
Hidden in the brand. Buried in the brief. Sitting in something everyone has seen but nobody has quite noticed.
My job is to find them.
I’m a creative problem solver. I join dots, make unexpected connections and look for the human truth behind a brand that makes people smile, think and feel.
A line. A visual thought. A campaign. A brand platform.
I’ve been doing that for more than 20 years, across strategy, writing, art direction and creative direction.
And I still get a little bit over-excited when that big idea clicks into place.
A little more about me
I’m a mum.
I’m dyslexic.
And I have really big hands for a girl.
All surprisingly useful.
If you’ve got a problem that could do with a good idea, or you’d like to shake (large) hands in person, please get in touch.
Selected Experience
Freelance Senior Conceptual Creative - Cygnus 2026
Concept development, writing and art direction across integrated and social campaign ideas for Brioche Pasquier and Fruit Bowl.
Freelance Senior Creative - Fred. Olsen Cruises 2025
Developed the core campaign concept and line, including the TV script, which was carried through the wider campaign across film, OOH, press, DM and PR.
Freelance Senior Creative - Add Mustard 2024–2025
Clients included Feefo, Pantheon International and Holiday Extras and Rated People.
Creative direction, concept development, writing and art direction across brand and campaign work.
Creative Consultant - Shires & Spires 2023–present
Ongoing direct-to-client creative consultancy spanning brand positioning, campaign development, writing, creative direction and art direction.
Creative Consultant - Marsh & Parsons 2014–2022
Long-term direct-to-client creative consultancy, developing and evolving brand and advertising platforms across integrated campaigns spanning OOH, print and digital.
Creative direction, writing and art direction.
Freelance Senior Art Director - OLIVER 2022
Partnered with a senior copywriter to develop creative territories and campaign concepts for Beyond Meat.
Freelance Creative - Havas Helia 2022
Solo creative developing campaign territories for a new GWR product launch, spanning concept development, writing and art direction.
Creative Comeback London - Creative Equals 2022
Selected for the Creative Comeback programme, delivered in partnership with Diageo, D&AD and leading agencies, culminating in a winning Guinness pitch at D&AD.
Creative Partner - FROM Ltd 2011–2021
Co-created and developed an independent retail brand and physical store in Oxfordshire, spanning brand creation, creative direction, store design, visual merchandising, campaign development and project management.
Freelance Creative - Stretton Creative Consultancy 2011–present
Independent creative consultancy across branding, positioning, campaign development, writing and art direction for clients in healthcare, hospitality, retail, property and professional services.
Selected clients and projects include Sony Professional, TVF, Little Italy Espresso Bar, Norsk, Marylebone Denim, STAY, Bigger Splash and Bloomsbury Home.
Senior Art Director - Archibald Ingall Stretton 2003–2011
Eight years creating integrated campaigns across OOH, TV, direct, digital and mobile for clients including O2, Škoda, Scope, BMW, EDF Energy, Moët Hennessy, WRAP, AOL and UIA Insurance.
Education
First Class BA (Hons), Graphic Design & Advertising
Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College, 2000
Selected Awards
The Drum Awards - 2021
Highly Commended, Out of Home -Marsh & Parsons
DMA Awards -2019
Bronze, Best Integrated -Marsh & Parsons
The Drum Awards - 2019
Best Local Campaign - Marsh & Parsons
Creativepool Awards -2018
Bronze, Photography -Marsh & Parsons
AOP Awards - 2017
Best in Advertising, Single Image -Marsh & Parsons
The Times & The Sunday Times Estate Agency of the Year Awards -2015
Gold, Best Marketing -Marsh & Parsons
DMA Awards - 2010
Gold, Automotive - Škoda
Gold, Best Online Display Advertising - Škoda
Silver, Art Direction - Škoda
Chip Shop Awards - 2009
Chip, Packaging / Point of Sale -WRAP
LIA - 2006
Finalist, Copywriting
Creative Circle
Photography - Scope
DMA Awards - 2005
Gold, Copywriting - Scope
Campaign - 2005
Faces to Watch
Precision Marketing - 2004
Young Team of the Year