NOT OUR FIRST RODEO

We are a seasoned creative agency that blends our extensive expertise in the formerly known “above the line advertising” with a pragmatic approach. With a wealth of experience collaborating with multinational companies and acclaimed advertising agencies, we have a solid foundation in best-practice marketing philosophy. Our experience includes renowned international blue-chip brands, and we have had the privilege of partnering with exceptional film production companies, media and digital firms, photographers, illustrators, art directors, and copywriters. This exposure has spoiled us for anything less than the extraordinary.

Our track record encompasses brilliant marketing strategies across various FMCG, retail, and corporate sectors. As a result, we possess a keen understanding of market segments and specialize in delivering relevant, fresh, and captivating creative solutions that drive positive results through today’s digital communication channels. We believe in thorough preparation and research before engaging any project. Experience has taught us that successful outcomes stem from a combination of comprehensive research data, market opportunities, and well-defined briefs. We acknowledge that there are no magic wands or shortcuts to achieving business growth.

THE PARTNERS

Byron Brink

Senior Developer

Byron is a director and shareholder of Imagine Creatives. A digital virtuoso, seamlessly blending his expertise in design, web development and illustration. With a vast repertoire of experience across diverse industries, Byron has built and project managed many online platforms, social platforms, websites, e-commerce and apps solutions in the corporate, hospitably and retail categories. Some of these companies include the Distell Group South Africa, Communicare, MCP Insight (UK), Evina (France), Africa Prime Streaming (USA), Pigalle Restaurant, Beeline Clothing, Specs Direct, Cape Cup, (AWCF) Africa Wildlife Conservation Funds and (CAP) Communities Against Pollution. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and design thinking, he constantly pushes the boundaries of creativity, constantly evolving his skill set. He fearlessly tackles any project that comes his way, unleashing the full potential of digital possibilities. He also manages a network of digital specialists both domestically and internationally, enhancing Imagine Creatives' prowess in the digital sphere. With his favourite mantra, "anything's possible," Byron epitomizes the relentless pursuit of technological innovation.

Chris Casalena

Creative Director

Chris (Italian) is the founder member & brings 30 years of advertising experience with him. Chris, a former musician, built his career in some of the most awarded advertising agencies in South Africa and the UK. His creative leadership and fanatical drive for excellence inspired many creative departments he headed up, to create advertising that resulted in brands and businesses to grow exponentially. He earned the respect of his peers by winning over 50 major local and international advertising awards. He believes that to create impactful advertising you need to enjoy people and understand what motivates them – it’s key to creating brand loyalty and builds profitable brands. Chris spearheaded concepts and strategies, creating national advertising campaigns for Unilever, Procter & Gamble, Reckitt & Colman, Liptons, Elida Ponds, and brands like Mercedes Benz, Honda, Ford, KLM, British Airways and Standard Bank. At Imagine Creative Services, Chris currently works with a wide range of clients from South Africa, UK, France and USA in the Retail, Hospitality and Corporate industry.

Ellen Casalena

Senior Designer

Ellen is also a director and shareholder and senior art director, designer, illustrator, painter, box packaging sculptor, photographer, finished artist & magician, having gained experience in many award winning advertising and design agencies. She thinks ‘out of the box’ and has the ability to ‘realise’ anything you can think of. Her sunny personality and enthusiasm mixed with a perfectionistic streak ensures that high production standards are maintained. Chris & Ellen met in the advertising and design industry and celebrate their 42nd anniversary this year….and yep, they do enjoy working together. Ellen is also an accomplished artist. She paints with oils on canvas and has won numerous awards for her work.

WHAT THEY SAY

“Imagine Creatives are an absolute pleasure to work with. Previously, I have tried other digital agencies, but nobody hit the mark with such accuracy. Professional clarity in all work done. The friendly ICS team zoned in on our requirements and met our expectations consistently. Good, insightful suggestions and attention to the finest detail, combined with brilliant photography and clear communication skills, produced a website that we are proud of. This was not their 1st rodeo. Our website and Facebook pages are delivering on their promised ROI. I can only recommend ICS as your “One Stop Shop “ for all your digital requirements”

Peter Solomon | Owner, Specs Direct

“I have been working with Imagine Creatives for some time, on a few projects that they have been providing services for. I have found them to be professional, efficient and out of the box thinkers that has greatly assisted us on our objectives that we wanted to achieve. Service delivery is of the highest quality and I will definitely recommend them as a valued supplier. They treat all projects as personal and this is their strength that ultimately produces top class service”.

Samier Saban | CEO, Premier Fishing

“I was recommended Imagine, to assist me in editing and producing a 300 page book on the ancestry of our family. This took me 10 years of research and 2 years of production. My relationship with the Imagine team from the beginning was amazing. Their professional approach to all facets of the book was beyond my expectation and their unwavering need for perfection was way in excess of my expectation. I have had rave reviews from all parts of the world. Well-done to the team.”

Rolf Frölich | Braamcor Management Services

“I have had the great pleasure to work with Imagine Creatives. Their creativity and knowledge is second to none. I would recommend them highly, in particular, for a partnership to grow small to medium businesses.”

Rafik Romaney | Managing Director, Tripos Travel

“Imagine Creatives are true professionals with a genuine interest in delivering against the client’s brief. They are always willing to problem solve and to find the best solution within budget and has consistently gone the extra mile to ensure that the job gets done.”

Samantha Stillborg | Group Brand Homes Manager, Distell (14 Wine & Spirits Brand Homes)

“As one of the largest housing Non-Profit Organisations in the country, we are proud of our association with Imagine Creatives. Over the last five years we have called on their expertise for a broad range of marketing and advertising activities including web development, annual report design, videography and photographic assignments. I highly recommend Imagine Creatives to any organisation contemplating to position themselves from a brand perspective”.

Raymond Schuller | Marketing & PR Manager, Communicare

“I have known Ellen and Chris for the past 7 years, they helped me launch a highly successful loyalty club at my last company, and today have helped us with our website and marketing of my launch of the Makeover Cosmetic range. They give each and every project a 100%, they offer strategy willingly and are an absolute pleasure to work closely with.”

Farrell Ratner | Partner, Makeover International (Ex MD of Woolworths)

“Chris and Ellen, you have most certainly been the most helpful and amazing team to work with. Their amazing creative efforts makes such a world of difference in our business and I look forward to a very long working relationship with you. You are a true blessing to work with.”

Jolene Conradie | Marketing Manager PG Bison, Surface Innovations

“I would just like to thank you for all the hard work and excellent service since we have started working with you. Imagine’s work is of the highest class + creativeness. The punctuality on deadlines has been 100% since we started working together. Thanking you and your team”

Robbie Setton | CEO Cozmetek Cosmetics

“Working with Imagine since 2005 has been a pleasure. Reliable, professional and going the extra mile service has always been on offer. In business partnerships, trust is a major factor – this is relevant when it comes to Imagine Creatives”.

Nicole Merdjan | Rewards Club Manager, The Hub

”By going the extra mile when it comes to understanding my business, Imagine Creatives consistently delivers material that not only looks good, but also meets both brand and consumer objectives.”