Mark Welsh is a New Zealand born ad man, copywriter and brand voice consultant with over 30 years experience creating communications that cut through the clutter.

THE WRITER’S LIFE (SO FAR)

1958.  Born on a sheep farm in New Zealand.

1965.  Writes and directs 3-act play.  Exhibits little affinity for farming.

1971.  Is shipped off to Dickensian boarding school. Blacks out for 4 years.

1975.  Returns to farm, fails spectacularly – crashes tractor, poisons cat, electrocutes self.  

1976.  Wakes up with sudden desire to be a journalist. 

1977.  Attends Wellington Polytechnic Journalism School – learns to type 60 words a minute!  

1979.  Turns 21 and flees to Sydney.  Grows first afro.

1980.  Joins Ogilvy and Mather advertising and learns secret art of good, effective copywriting.  

1983.  Is offered transfer to Ogilvy and Mather Seattle or New York.  Quickly chooses New York.

1983 - 1996.  Enjoys (really) lengthy career with Ogilvy and Mather advertising.  Creates campaigns for companies including At&T, American Express and Seagram.  

1997.  Makes fiscally foolish decision to abandon advertising.  Writes columns for magazines – Elle and Elle Décor – and authors the book,  “Sweetie From the Gutter to the Runway”.

2001. Makes fiscally smart decision to return to advertising. Types fingers to the bone helping companies find, implement and develop their brand voice.

2002 – now.  Happily collaborates with clients including Jonathan Adler, Barneys New York, Baron + Baron, Bloomingdale’s, Coach, J.Crew, Liz Claiborne, Giorgio Armani Skincare, Lucky Brand Jeans and west elm.