An agile agency for a fast-changing world

Candy Creative was built to help ambitious brands move faster, think smarter, and deliver work that sticks. Between us, we’ve won awards for creativity, design, and effectiveness at D&AD, Cannes, DMA, Effies and more – in categories ranging from Direct and Outdoor, to Mobile, Social and beyond.

We work lean, but not alone. Alongside our core team, we tap into a trusted network of proven specialists, bringing in exactly who you need, when you need them. So whether it’s a one-off film, a 360 campaign or a whole new brand identity, our flexible, collaborative approach helps you get to the right idea, faster. Giving you big agency thinking, without the bloat and bureaucracy.

 

Simon Welsh
Creative Director (Copy)

One of two Simons in the Candy crew, this one is a well-travelled creative director who writes for fun as well as for work. He’s created integrated global and regional campaigns for clients including FedEx, P&G and HSBC. But the work he’s most proud of has been for charities and NGOs.  By collaborating closely with clients at WWF, Save the Children, The Women’s Foundation HK and ChildHope Asia, he’s helped them launch high-impact low-cost campaigns that have won the world’s top creativity and effectiveness awards (in categories ranging from Direct and Outdoor to Social and Mobile). Before stumbling into advertising, he taught English in Spain and was offered a job as a spy.

simonwelsh@thecandycreative.com

Stuart Cronin
Creative Director (Design)

Stuart is an award-winning Designer who has built and led creative development teams at top London agencies. Before co-founding Candy Creative with the two Simons, he headed Candy Studio, delivering world-class design, production, and innovative AI services across print and film. Among his notable projects, Stuart was commissioned to design a coffee table book for the new Home Office building – a collaboration with Sir Terry Farrell and filmmaker Marcus Robinson that earned recognition from RIBA and a Silver at the World Printing Awards. His work has also been honoured at D&AD, DMA, Cannes Lions, and Design Week Awards. With a proven record in high-calibre design and an innovative approach that embraces technology, Stuart’s creative vision ensures that every campaign not only looks outstanding but is deeply rooted in the essence of the brand

stuart@thecandycreative.com

Simon Stephenson
Creative Director (Art)

Simon is a highly conceptual Creative Director, whose work spans direct mail, digital, TV, outdoor, and beyond. He’s won countless awards in all kinds of media, with his 360 campaign for WaterAid picking up accolades for creativity and innovation, and his RNLI Kit The Crew DM pack winning for both effectiveness and art direction craft. When he’s not creating impactful campaigns at Candy, he’s busy making art in his studio. His spray-painted “Urban Animals” pieces have been exhibited in London and New York, and are currently on display in a landmark London hotel. As an insightful and visual creative, Simon brings fresh ideas, a sharp eye for detail, and a real passion for creating campaigns that make a difference.

simon@thecandycreative.com

Yoyo
Head of AFX Design

Yoyo has over 10 years experience working in London but is now based in her homeland – Lithuania. Her diverse skill set includes AFX motion graphics, editing and infographic vector illustration.

She has been Candy’s lead AFX editor for Boardomatic+ and animatics for the last 5 years and is now head of production for Candy Europe, Candy’s new European based team. Yoyo also has extensive experience in both educational and corporate animations, in addition to her advertising expertise.

Yoyo always goes the extra mile to ensure the best creative results possible and always does it with a smile.

yoyo@thecandystudio.com

 

Jonas Persson
Head of Digital

For over 20 years Jonas helped agencies, product teams, and brands deliver user experiences for global audiences. He’s worked at the intersection of digital and brand, building interfaces & design systems that help forge relationships between people and products.

Driven by creating engaging experiences through purpose, strategy and design, to deliver solutions that help make our everyday digital encounters more memorable. He truly  believes that a solid workflow and clear communication are fundamental in creating great work. Whether it’s presenting to stakeholders or mentoring team members – he always aims to keep the conversation productive and inclusive. Helping both clients and colleagues to achieve their goals.

jonas@thecandystudio.com

Angus Chalmers
Production Director

Angus has over 30 years experience in the business. He has worked with a who’s who of the advertising world and has literally seen it all – working on storyboards and animatics for some of the most iconic adverts in the history of advertising.

Having been Senior Production Director at two of the largest storyboard and animatic production houses in the business for the past 28 years, Angus has worked on a great many large campaigns and has been involved in securing clients some of the highest research marks recorded.

angus@thecandystudio.com

 

Kate Henderson
Lead Designer

Kate’s a Lead Designer based in London with extensive experience in the advertising industry. I’m deeply passionate about creating visually stunning designs that leave a lasting impact. Her focus is on bringing creativity, innovation, and magic to every project I undertake.

Throughout her career, she’s had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse range of clients, from small businesses to global brands and enjoys  building strong relationships and transforming clients’ visions into compelling visual narratives that resonate with their target audience.

Kates’ experience spans from logo design, branding, print collateral, digital media, and packaging. She pays meticulous attention to detail, ensuring every element of a design is thoughtfully crafted.

kate@thecandystudio.com

James Taylor
Head of Photograpy & Retouching

James has worked as a commercial artist for many years, traditionally trained when film was still relevant then moved seamlessly to digital.

He creates beautiful and intricate digital impressions for some of the world’s most iconic brands, Governments, agencies and photographers. Working with prodigious clients and captivating people. Your image is in safe hands.a.

james@thecandystudio.com

 

Leigh West
Head of Illustration

Leigh has over 30 years experience in the advertising industry – working for both WPP and Omnicom Groups, as well as some of the biggest storyboard/animatic businesses around London.

Leigh’s experience in fashion advertising has made her the go to artist in London working on brands such as L’Oreal, Lancome and Max Factor.

Leigh joins Candy as Director of Illustration and Talent, making sure we showcase the best artists across the pond.

leigh@thecandystudio.com