A Creative Odyssey: From Local roots to Global impact

In the world of advertising and creative design, success stories often start with a spark of passion and a determination to make a difference. Andrew MacKenzie, an alumnus of Nelson Mandela University (NMU), has lived this narrative and more. From his humble beginnings in Grahamstown (now known as Makanda) to his current role as an Executive Creative Director at Rooftop, Andrew’s journey is a testament to hard work, creativity, and a commitment to making the world a better place.

Andrew MacKenzie's journey begins in the picturesque city of Grahamstown, now known as Makanda. Growing up, he attended Graeme College and developed a deep love for art, thanks to the encouragement of his mother, who shared his passion. The city itself provided a vibrant environment for outdoor activities and sports, shaping his love for adventure.

When his family moved to Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha), Andrew continued his education at Victoria Park High School, where he embraced the diversity in culture, academics, and sports. It was during this time that he laid the foundation for his creative future by attending Port Elizabeth Technikon (now NMU), where he obtained a National Diploma in Graphic Design in 1995.

The university's hands-on approach and the mentorship of experienced lecturers like John Herbert and Bruce Cadle left an indelible mark on Andrew’s career. John Herbert, an industry veteran, brought a wealth of knowledge to his guidance, while Bruce Cadle's 'bring out the best in you' philosophy set the stage for his future success.

As he completed his final portfolio submission at NMU, he secured employment as a graphic designer, marking the beginning of his professional journey. He honed his skills at various local agencies, one of which merged with the global powerhouse Young and Rubicam. This period provided invaluable learning experiences, and Andrew steadily climbed the creative ladder, transitioning from a graphic designer to an art director and, eventually, a creative director.

His entrepreneurial spirit led him to start his own agency, Elevation, which thrived for several years. It was later merged into Vooma! - a below-the-line specialist agency, in partnership with local agency Boomtown, owned by fellow NMU alumni Neil Hart and Glen Meier. This strategic collaboration transformed Boomtown into a national agency contender.

Andrew's roles at Boomtown included Creative Director, Executive Creative Director, and Managing Director. Under his leadership, the agency achieved remarkable success by winning local and international advertising awards, including Cannes, Clios, Epicas, Loeries, and Assegai awards. His achievements extended to being invited to judge at prestigious events like the Loeries and Cannes.

In 2020, Andrew joined Rooftop as the Executive Creative Director, embarking on a new phase of his creative journey. Over the past three years, Rooftop has delivered impactful projects for global organizations focused on social and environmental change, earning accolades at Smarties, Webby, Shorty, and Indie Awards.

As the Executive Creative Director at Rooftop, he leads a team that partners with some of the world's largest social and environmental impact organizations, including UNICEF, UNESCO, WHO, UNDP, and many more. Their work encompasses video production, animation, digital, and social media, with a focus on driving positive change and making a difference in the world.

Andrew's journey to success is not solely about his career but also his commitment to giving back. He served as the Chairman for the Community Chest of the Eastern Cape and currently sits on the board of the St Francis Hospice Trust. Additionally, he has taken on a mentoring role for Umzi Wethu, affiliated with The Wilderness Foundation, where he guides young people on their path to realizing their dreams.

Looking ahead, he sees a bright future within the Rooftop organization and hints at exciting developments on the horizon. With a passion for using creativity as a catalyst for positive change, he remains motivated to make a difference in the world.

Reflecting on his journey, he highlights the pivotal role that NMU played in his career. His time at the university was filled with memorable experiences, driven by a close-knit group of graphic designers who motivated each other and pushed their creative boundaries. Their shared love for design laid the foundation for his successful career.

Andrew shares, "Success is not determined by luck but rather by your attitude and hard work. Success is not going to come to you; you have to go out and hunt it down, every day, on repeat."

Andrew MacKenzie