“Bruce was a great creative who has an ability to connect the daily requirements of a creative to the strategic requirements of the brand and a client. He brings a unique artistic perspective that offers a fresh perspective to the work at hand. I enjoyed Bruce's ability to build solid relationships with the client and his ability to exchange ideas/insights in a meaningful way. His feedback was always thoughtful and brought additional insights to the challenge. I would enjoy an opportunity to work with Bruce again and would recommend him for creative roles without hesitation.”
David Greenberg, Vice President of Marketing, Ford of Canada
“Bruce Mckay is a rare creative talent. The kind you only find in advertising. He is the perfect blend where strategic focus meets inspired, raw talent. A beautiful art director and meticulous craftsman. One of the very best. Quite rare. Work for him, or with him, if you ever get the chance.”
Terry Balagia, Exec Creative Director, Saatchi and Saatch
“In an industry fueled by an energy that often crosses into manic, Bruce stands out as a sanctuary; a calm, experienced creative steward. When the chips are down, he always comes through with smart thinking and flawless attention to the art of his craft. You can tell he loves advertising by the depth of knowledge he holds on his brands and the passion he expresses for the product. He has a great sense of when it's the right time to push and when he does his ideas are always on the money. In his time at Y&R, the up and coming members of our team could always count on Bruce to help them sharpen their ideas and the guidance he offered was always positive, constructive and useful.”
Tracy Jones, V.P., Creative Director, Y&R
“Bruce is easily one of the most artistic people I've ever met. He is the calm in the maelstrom; the true NorthStar in the ever changing and confusing constellation of clients, cohorts, opinions, worries and expectations. His countenance is that of a spiritual guru - truly - and is neither a 'put-on' or any sort of front. Bruce is as real as they come, as vital as they get, and as open to possibility as IS possible. Whether for his family, himself or his art, Bruce doggedly strives for, and achieves greatness.
Lasting greatness, too. Bruce's work is both timely AND timeless. I've had the pleasure of collaborating with him on a number of Y&R / Vapor Music projects, and count ALL of them as both professional and personal, artistic successes. I still thrill at watching 'Human Car' and hearing my music, married to Bruce's stunning visual feast, magically unfolding before me.
It made my heart swell then and it still does now. His signature "Groundswell" campaign - featuring signature V
apor Music that he and I personally directed - is still an ongoing TV sensation - one that I KNOW has resulted in across-the-board, Ford sales increases that have lasted as long as the campaign has. And yes, we've won many awards and accolades together, so I am more than a bit biased about my good friend and fellow long distance runner. I'm also intuitive enough to know, without doubt, that Bruce is easily one of the most artistic people I've ever met.”
Gerry Mosby, Music Director/Producer, Vapor Music
“Bruce is exceptional to work with - it is always refreshing to work with seasoned, strategic and talented creatives without an ego and who are passionately focused on breakthrough work that builds the business. While working with Bruce he has delivered breakthrough creative work on the Ford business with research tested results that grew key brand perceptions in the double digits. He delivers brand ideas that are strategically founded and he delivers at multiple levels - creative director / mentor, art director and writer. He's also embraces a collaborative working relationship with account and planning team mates. In short Bruce is a great creative talent to work with and I would not hesitate to recommend him.”
Karla Congson, Planning Director - Ford, Y&R
“Bruce is an outstanding creative talent. He's dedicated, hard working and committed to excellence and creativity. Of the creative work that I'm most proud of being associated within my career, many of them were developed by Bruce. And on top of that he's a passionate artist in his free time! Over our years of working together, Bruce has always delivered. I simply can't say enough good things about him.”
David Postill, Senior VP, Business Leader - Ford, Y&R
“I had the privilege of working with Bruce on the Ford business. Committed to his craft, he relentlessly develops top work and pushes his teams to more effective creative solutions. He's brilliant creatively and a hell of a nice guy too.”
Barry Teplicky, Account Director, Y&R
“I worked with Bruce as a planner on the Ford business. We had three campaigns for testing we and the client were happy with. But Bruce wasn't content. He kept going and at the last minute produced a new spot which we rushed into research. That spot was the Human Car ad which went on to win many awards. That's the kind of guy he is.”
Colin Flint, Planner, Y&R
“I have known Bruce for many years both as gifted Art Director and as a fine art painter. For anyone who knows Bruce you will have to admit that is unique and a one of a kind character. Highly focused and with a finely honed design sense, he has the ability to cut through the B.S, identify the creative solution and then commit to his vision. As a supplier I appreciate Bruce's ability to explain in detail exactly what he is looking for. Curious and flexible he is always open to entertain an interpretation of his ideas, as long as they're on strategy and move the concept in the right direction. When you are speaking to Bruce he has the ability to make you feel like you are the only person in the room. In my book, Bruce is a true artist and master in the Advertising world.”
Don Dixon, Director and Partner, Asylum Artists
“Bruce combines a lot of qualities that make a fine creative a great creative director.
I’ve had the chance to work with him as a Senior Copywriter at Y&R and I can say that his opinion always meant a lot to me. Bruce is very insightful. He manages to transmit his gut feeling and channel the team’s creative work towards inspired material.
I always found him modest, patient and inspired - truly rare qualities in our industry. I was amazed by the respect he always showed to his coworkers, which translated - amongst other things - in a crazy amount of hours, great tact and meaningful feedback.
It was a real pleasure to work with Bruce and would consider myself lucky if it happened again.
Anne-Marie,
your former French colleague!”
Anne-Marie Blouin, Copywriter,Y&R
“Bruce really gets it. A gifted conceptual art director, he brings an artist's visual sensibility and a deep reservoir of automotive advertising experience. Without question, Bruce is the fastest guy I've ever worked with. Bang bang bang, the creative ideas just keep coming.”
John Kewley, VP B2B Creative Director, Cossette Communication-Marketing
“Working with Bruce was both exciting and comforting at the same time. In addition to his obvious creative skills he brought quiet leadership, insightful observation and good humour during some challenging times at the agency. When it came time to slay dragons I was always glad that I had Bruce by my side!”
Rick Smith, Sr. VP Managing Director, Saatchi & Saatchi Canada
“Working for Bruce when I was an art director was an important and invaluable time for me in my career. Bruce not only made the time every day to speak candidly about my conceptual work, he helped move my design and creative skills in a direction that encouraged me to look beyond the obvious and never give up. He is a great leader and a fearless and passionate mentor. We have kept in close contact over the years and he continues to produce best in class work while inspiring those he works with.”
Anthony Wolch, Executive Creative Director Organic
