Nick Bastian | Creative Director

Nick began his career at AKQA, where he became the youngest Creative Director in the agency's history. The role involved leading global brand campaigns, delivering world-class digital products, and winning new business across AKQA's extensive network.

In 2010, following the launch of the Apple iPhone, Nick led the creation of Nike's very first app and the supporting marketing campaign for Nike True City. He then went on to lead the Nike Women’s Global team, where he designed and oversaw the launch of Nike Training Club, an app designed to allow its members to train anytime and anywhere. This initiative transformed Nike Women's into one of Nike’s dominant categories. The product was launched in 11 markets, and within the first year, it had 13 million active users.

In the lead-up to WPP's acquisition of AKQA in 2012, Ajaz Ahmed, the founder of AKQA, set his sights on growth. Great emphasis was placed on expanding the agency's network and securing high-value clients to elevate the company's valuation.

Developing a strong strategic presence in Asia was a pivotal part of this strategy.

While leading the Nike Global Olympics Campaign, Nick seized the opportunity to pitch and subsequently win Nike Japan's local market campaign. This victory marked the birth of AKQA Tokyo. Over the following year, Nick played a crucial role in building the team in Tokyo, developing a strong pipeline of clients, and securing projects for the office. In addition to winning Nike Japan, Nick also secured Muji and American Express, laying a solid foundation for the office's success.

Before launching his own advertising business in 2017, Nick dedicated two years to broadening his experience with a diverse group of agencies and production companies, including RGA, Analogue Folk, Media Arts Lab, Stink Studios, and B-Reel.

With a decade of experience at this highest level behind him, Nick founded Bastian LDN. An agency committed to delivering excellence for global brands, evolving companies, and innovative startups. Over the past five years, Bastian LDN has notably developed brand campaigns and digital products for global brands, including Strava, Google, and Beats by Dre.

In 2020, Nick launched Bastian LDN Ventures, a division of the business designed to accelerate the growth of innovative new businesses. The inaugural project of Bastian LDN’s ventures involved taking a 20% share in the homeware brand Hot Pottery, a ceramics brand that specialises in bringing artisan ceramics from Puglia to customers' tables. Bastian LDN developed the brand, launched the e-commerce platform, and devised the marketing strategy. Within two years, Bastian LDN had turned the initial investment of £10,000 into £750,000 of retail value stock, secured partnerships with globally recognised stores like Liberty London, and cultivated communities across many online platforms. The company continues to see exceptional growth year on year.

Bastian LDN Ventures' next challenge involved taking a stake in the UK FinTech company Money Guided, working with its founders to reshape the world of personal finance. To date, Bastian LDN has worked with Money Guided to raise over £2 million in funding, partnering with them to build the brand, develop the product, and bring the company to market.

At the heart of Nick’s career is a relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether through elevating global brands, fostering startup innovation, or leading new innovative ventures, Nick’s work is driven by a passion for creating impactful, meaningful work that resonate with audiences worldwide.

Awards





Cannes Lion
Bronze | Illustration

Cannes Lion
Bronze | Mobile



D&AD
Graphite Pencil - Digital Design

D&AD
Nominated - Environments





Eurobest
Grand Prix | Mobile

Eurobest
Silver | Retail Design



Clio
Bronze - Interactive

D&AD
Winner - Advertising





Art Directors Club
Merit | Interactive

The Lovie Awards
Gold | Mobile & Experiential



The Lovie Awards
Gold -Lifestyle

The Lovie Awards
Bronze - Viral Advertising





Spikes Asia
Bronze - Digital Tools

IAB Creative Showcase
First Place



IAB Creative Showcase
First Place

IAB Creative Showcase
First Place





FWA
Winner - Mobile Of The Day

FWA
Winner - Mobile Of The Day



iF3 Festival
Winner - Best Storytelling

High Five Festival
Winner - Film Of The Year

Cannes Lion
Silver | Design - Temporary Retail

Cannes Lion
Titanium | Integrated

Andys
Bronze - Interactive

D&AD
Nominated - Digital Design

Cannes Lion
Winner | Digital Installations

Design Week
Winner | Best In Show

International advertising awards
Silver World Medal - Web App

International advertising awards
Silver World Medal - Navigation

Webby
Winner - Sport

LDN International awards
Bronze