For 50 years, Advance has worked in an industry defined by change. Since our founding in 1976, almost every part of the creative process has been reshaped: the tools we use, the channels we create for and the challenges clients ask us to help solve.
The way we work today would have been almost unrecognisable when Advance began. But as we look back, we’re also taking a moment to consider what has stayed with us. Because while keeping pace with change has been crucial, keeping a pulse on what matters has carried us through the last 50 years.
Here, five Advancers from different teams and stages of the agency’s history reflect on what has changed and what they still recognise as unmistakably Advance.
Nina Dyreborg Bruun, Senior Project Manager
When Nina joined Advance in 1996, work moved at a remarkably different pace.
“We were sending taxis back and forth to printers and reprographics companies to implement corrections from clients, and an image scenario could take a full month to build,” Nina says.
What has not changed, however, is the Advance spirit. “Our founder, Bernt Hjorth, believed in bringing mind, heart, and soul to everything we do, and that spirit is still alive today,” Nina continues. “It shines through in who joins our teams, how we work and the clients we work with.”
Martin Sørensen, Concept Developer & Art Director
For Martin, the work itself has changed less than the way he approaches it.
“I started as an assistant, and now I’m a senior art director,” Martin shares. “When you’re driving a creative process and carrying more responsibility, a lot more thinking goes into how you solve the task.”
Working with The LEGO Group as a long-term client has taught Martin the value of paying attention to the details. “Nerding out on the tiny details always pays off,” he says. “Few will notice them, but many will sense when a piece of communication has been carefully crafted.”
But nearly 30 years on, the starting point remains the same. “The best work still starts with using your imagination and having fun,” Martin shares. “If you’re not enjoying it, it’s going to be uphill.”
Thomas Østerby, Graphic Designer & Final Art
Since joining Advance in 2007, Thomas has seen brand communication expand from primarily print and film to social media, influencer content and digital out-of-home.
“The tools we use and the formats we create for have changed dramatically,” he reflects. “For graphic design and final art, that means translating an idea across many more touchpoints without losing sight of what makes it strong.”
For Thomas, that evolution also highlights what has stayed consistent. “Good communication still begins with a strong strategy and a great creative idea, brought to life by curious and passionate people working together,” he says. “Craftsmanship and collaboration were at the heart of Advance when I joined, and they continue to be at the heart of how we create strong work today.”
Yingzi Ni, Digital Designer
Since joining Advance in 2023, Yingzi has been struck by how different generations shape the agency’s work.
“Working with colleagues from different generations means everyone brings a unique perspective,” she says. “More experienced team members share valuable industry insights, while newer perspectives introduce fresh cultural references, social media ideas and emerging tools.”
For Yingzi, that mix of experience and new perspective is what keeps the agency moving forward. “Learning across generations allows us to continually adapt while creating stronger work,” she says.
Henrik Seeward, Client Service Director
In Henrik’s 5 years at Advance, he has seen the role of client service continue to broaden beyond delivering on the brief.
“A big part of the job is connecting strategy, creativity, and execution to solve broader business challenges,” Henrik says. “In the end, clients want people who understand their businesses, challenge them when it matters and deliver on their promises.”
While the scope of the work continues to evolve, Henrik notes that what makes a strong client relationship has remained remarkably consistent. “Trust, curiosity and a genuine understanding of our clients’ businesses have always been part of Advance’s DNA, and they will never go out of style.”
Much has changed over five decades, but what matters most has stayed with us. This Friday, we’ll come together to celebrate 50 years of Advance and everything that has brought us this far. Here’s to many more years of great work ahead.
