ELMA A THACKRAY
I’m an award-winning Creative Leader and Designer who loves turning ideas into immersive, multi-channel experiences. I create campaigns across digital, social, video, print, and experiential formats that connect with global audiences, spark curiosity, and leave a lasting impact.
I’ve worked in a variety of creative environments, from Dorling Kindersley to Channel 4, rebranding a 134-year-old music magazine, to leading teams at The Telegraph on award-winning campaigns and industry-first innovations, including a responsive immersive story format recognised for innovation. What drives me is seeing strategy, storytelling, and hands-on design come together and actually resonate with audiences worldwide.
Curiosity and experimentation are what drive my work. I love exploring immersive ideas, from AI-generated visuals to clay and paper constructions, illustration, and hands-on making. I thrive when I can take a complex problem, roll up my sleeves, and turn it into something clear and practical. My work has reached global audiences through integrated campaigns, and I’m always looking for new ways to inspire, engage, and bring ideas to life.
I’m open to new opportunities and challenges. If you’re looking for a creative leader or designer who balances inventive thinking with hands-on execution, I’d love to hear from you.
Clients I have worked with
News UK / What On Earth! magazine / The Independent / Barclays / British Heart Foundation / Cancer Research UK / Caudalie / Channel 5 / Clarins / Decca Records / Disney / Fenwick / Geberit / Grundig / HSBC / Investec / Jaguar / Jet2Holidays / John Lewis / Jupiter / Kelly's Ice Cream / Liontrust / Mastercard / Aldi / Nature Valley / Royal London / Samsung Knox / SAP / Skoda / Viking / Visit Denmark / Visit Guernsey / Warner Bros / Yorkshire Bank / Invesco Perpetual / Yorkshire Bank / Amazon / Audley / Cupra Fleet / Vodafone / IBM Watson / BritishAirways / Braun / Bottega Veneta / StudioCanal / eOne Entertainment
Services
Brand Identity and Strategy
Creative Leadership
Digital Design
Print Design
Event Design
Book Design
Concept Design
Art Direction
Illustration and Illustration Commissioning
"Elma is bold in her creative approach and fearless when taking on complex projects"
Awards and Accolades
ITV Ident
#ITVKidsCollaboration, 2021
Content Studio of the Year
Spark Campaign Publishing Awards 2020
Business Event of the Year 
SAP Campaign Publishing Awards 2020
Digital First-Ever: Responsive AMP story
Visit Guernsey
Google AMP Conf 2019 (Japan)
Publishing First-Ever: Embedded videos and sound 
Bottega Veneta, AMP story, 2019
The Chair Award
Skoda UK Telegraph Women's Sport
Newsworks Planning Awards 2019
Best Creative Content Partnership
Skoda UK Telegraph Women's Sport
Newsworks Planning Awards 2019
Best Topical Campaign
Skoda UK Telegraph Women's Sport
Newsworks Planning Awards 2019​​​​​​​
Ad of the Week 
Skoda, Newsworks.com 2018
Ad of the Day
Closing the gender gap in cycling
Newsweek, June 2018 
Winner, Online Services category
Samsung Knox and The Telegraph
Campaign Media Awards 2018
#Top 25 Art editor
Creativepool.com, 2016-2017
Are Design Graduates Motivated By Success, Passion or Money?
Creative Review, May 2008 issue
The Richard and Judy Show Christmas book collection
Earth: A Visitors Guide, The Penguin Group (UK), May 2008
Contact me
Interested in working together? I'd love to hear from you. 
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