Joao Inacio

Joao Inacio

Creative Director at DEPT
Amsterdam, Netherlands

About me

João is an internationally awarded creative with a fascination for human behavior.

At the age of 7 he came across a 486 intel computer from his uncle at grandma’s place. That started a journey of discovery into indie games, technology and diving deep into the early days of the internet.

He majored in journalism and film studies and almost by accident stumbled upon the advertising scene. Since then, he’s been using the power of creativity to change the fate of global brands like Uber, Johnnie Walker, Philips and Adidas at several creative agencies in Lisbon, Hamburg, Prague and (now) Amsterdam.

Considered by the Dutch press as one of the top 10 ad creatives to watch out for in the Netherlands, João is passionate about creating ideas that go beyond selling a product and leave a lasting impression. His work has been recognised by different creativity festivals, from D&AD to the OneShow, Webbys, Lovies and more.

He is now steering creativity at one of Europe’s fastest growing digital agencies: Dept.

In his spare time, he devours documentaries on a daily basis, spins records at a very amateur level and learns something new every day with his baby boy Viggo.

Awards

Positions

Associate Creative Director
Global
February 2018 - Present (7 years)
Enjoying a hybrid role where I apply strategy and creativity to key global players on a daily basis.

Key Accounts: JBL, Mizuno, Philips, Melkeunie, Brooks, Tommy Hilfiger, Converse, Ubereats.
Senior Creative Strategy / Concept / Copy
friend of mine (part of Dept)
Netherlands
2016 - 2018 (2 years)
G-Star, JBL, Unilever, Phillips, Univé, FrieslandCampina, Brooks.
Freelance Creative / Copywriter
Amsterdam, Netherlands
April 2016 - June 2016 (2 months)
Creative / Copywriter
Nomads Agency
Netherlands
2015 - 2016 (1 year)
P&G, Adidas, Grolsch, DKMS, SKINS and Dubai Holding.
Freelance Creative Strategist / Concept / Copywriter / Entrepreneur
Freelance
Netherlands
2011 - 2015 (4 years)
Freelanced and worked on advertising, branding and entrepreneurial projects internationally, for brands such as Sugar Factory, Aviva, IKEA, City of Amsterdam, Enana, Cuca, Durex, City of Prague, UTZ Certified, Samsung, City of Istanbul, Mongolian Spirits, Beeverycreative and Watershop.

Other professional activities

AME judging awards

Grand Jury Member (Europe)
2014 - 2016 (2 years)
Judging the best of worldwide advertising at the AME Awards.

PHNX Tribute 2020

Awards Jury Member

PHNX 2021

Awards Jury Member

PHNX 2022

Awards Jury Member

PHNX 2024

Awards Jury Member

PHNX 2025

Awards Jury Member

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