About

I’m Erik Hay, an independent creative, writer, art director, designer, and director. HOOF is my company.
Having worked at a senior level in advertising, branding, communications, digital, exhibition, and film, I’m a bit of a unicorn. From big screen ads to digital banner builds, treatments to pitch ideas, storyboards to style guides, press releases to speeches, I’ve worked hard to master it. So, when you need to plough on, I’m the right person for the job.

Happiest when I'm making stuff that stands out, I fall in love with anything that’s honest, mischievous, innovative, or simple.

Previously, I was Wētā Workshop’s Director of Creative Strategy, working with the location-based experience and media teams, and on the Senior Leadership Team. I've also been a creative leader at VMLY&R, Clemenger BBDO, and digital agency Little Giant.

I'm locally and globally awarded in brand, campaign, digital, product, content, design, and location-based experience. A father of one, I live in Wellington, New Zealand, but I work with people all over Australasia.
A photo of Erik with his son Harvey

Skills & Services

01
Creative
Across advertising, content, social, location-based experiences, and product design, HOOF can help with:
  • Streamlined strategy
  • Brief development
  • Ideation
  • Concept art
  • Copywriting and script writing
  • Art Direction
  • Mood reference and reels
02
Design
  • Branding
  • Campaigns
  • Websites
  • Publications
  • Motion graphics
  • Spatial plans
  • Wayfinding
  • Exhibition and event graphics
03
Studio Production
  • Decks and pitches
  • Campaign rollout
  • Guides and templates
  • Digital banner development
  • Photo and footage grading
  • Photo retouching
  • Website development
  • AI integration
04
Video Direction
  • Commercials
  • Content
  • Interviews
  • Animations
  • Social videos
  • Exhibition and event videos
  • Storyboards and animatics
05
Communications
  • Strategy
  • Content development
  • Media releases
  • Media relations
  • Press visits
  • Speeches
  • Ghostwriting

experience

Hoof Creative
Freelance creative director
• FIZZYPOP
• Ghost
• GREEN HAT
• REASON
• SPECIAL
• STORYBOX
• WēTā WORKSHOP
• WRESTLER
• YARN
2022 - 2024
VML
Creative director, innovation
Senior Art director
2020-2022
Wētā Workshop
Director of creative strategy
head of media and communications
2015-2020
Clemenger BBDO
Senior copywriter
2012-2015
Publicis Digital
Senior digital creative
2008-2011
Saatchi & Saatchi
Senior digital creative
Art director
graphic designer
2000-2008
A Reason logoA Wētā Workshop logoA Special logoA Storybox logoA Wrestler logoA Green Hat logoA VMLY&R logoA FizzyPop logoA Silk logo
A Reason logoA Wētā Workshop logoA Special logoA Ghost Partners logoA Storybox logoA Wrestler logoA Green Hat logoA FizzyPop logoA Silk logo