Oh hey!

I’m Frances, a Creative Director at VML, London. Ad people call me Frankie, my real nickname is Francie, my sun is in Sagittarius (the best one) and I get a kick out of solving gnarly problems with strategic creativity. 

I’ve placed a bet with New Zealand to prove the prevalence of drug-driving harm, created an immersive experience to help people understand the burden of casual racism, and worked with real crash survivors to sell the unsexiest car accessory to NZ’s toughest guys – the seatbelt.

My work has been recognised for both creativity and effectiveness globally –  including D&AD, Cannes Lions, The Webby Awards, New York Festivals, Spikes and Effies. 

What makes me really proud is when my projects find themselves a lasting place in culture. Belted Survivors is featured at the New York Poster House Gallery. Voice of Racism is exhibited in New Zealand’s Waikato Museum and Give Nothing to Racism endures as a tool to combat racism online, within organisations and on the streets.

I also care deeply about growing our industry from the inside out. I’ve mentored with Ujima and D&AD New Blood, and I'm a proud member of the WPP Creative Community UK, where I champion emerging creative talent and advocate for inclusive, meaningful work.

I’m up for all sorts of creative challenges, and if you’d like to say hi, you can reach me here: frances.cooke@gmail.com

VML London, UK
Creative Director
2022 - Current

Clemenger BBDO, Wellington, NZ
Senior Art Director / Creative Director
2013 – 2022

M&C Saatchi, Auckland, NZ
Art Director
2011 – 2013

Colenso BBDO, Auckland, NZ
Young Creative
2010 – 2011

FCB, Auckland
Creative Intern
2010 – 2010

Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
Graduate Diploma in Advertising Creativity (Art Director of the Year)
2010

Massey University, Wellington
Bachelor of Visual Communication Design (Hons)
2001 – 2005