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Nicholas Bergantin of Africa DDB on Putting Your Soul Into the Work
Telling stories with impact
Nicholas is co-chief creative officer at Africa DDB. Though based in Brazil, he generates ideas for global campaigns. Earlier, he served at CP+B, Anomaly, Isobar and Young & Rubicam. He has led campaigns for clients such as Budweiser, Brahma, Johnnie Walker, ESPN, Heinz and House of Lapland.
We spent two minutes with Nicholas to learn more about his background, his creative inspirations and recent work he’s admired.
Nicholas, tell us …
Where you grew up, and where you live now.
Born and raised on Planet Earth, Solar System (actually, Brazil). Dreaming about living somewhere out in space.
How you first realized you were creative.
When the school principal called my mother and told her that I was daydreaming in the classroom and writing stories that weren’t relate to classes.
A person you idolized creatively early on.
Mané Garrincha. The greatest dribbler of all time. My grandpa had VHS tapes of Mané and I used to watch them every day. The improvisation. The unexpected. The unpredictable movements. I loved the feeling of surprise that he instilled in us.
A moment from high school or college that changed your life.
When I was a teenager, the movie Mississippi Burning caught my eye. For the first time, I began to realize I could tell a story that might impact someone I never met in person—and it would somehow touch their soul.
A visual artist or band/musician you admire.
The hottest band in the world: Kiss.
A book, movie, TV show or podcast you recently found inspiring.
The Video Archives With Quentin Tarantino & Roger Avary podcast is amazing.
The book The Coming Wave is a great reflection on the speed of technological expansion.
Drive to Survive on Netflix is always on my wishlist. I’m sharing Shogun, Dynasty and Together from the Manchester City Treble Season. Dune: Part Two is a must see. And speaking of sequels, I’m itching to watch Gladiator II.
One of your favorite creative projects you’ve ever worked on.
During the last Carnaval, we launched Brahma Phone. The worst phone in the market. The best phone for Carnaval.
Someone else’s work that inspired you years ago.
As a sports fan and a Nike fan, “Write the Future” is my personal Star Wars. The epic that I’m always looking for.
Someone else’s work you admired lately.
“Clash From the Past.”
Your main strength as a creative person.
Being curious, open minded and NEVER EVER giving up.
Your biggest weakness.
Knowing when to give up.
A mentor that helped you navigate the industry.
Carlos Domingos was my first mentor that taught me the craft of copywriting.
André Kassu taught me the art of being unafraid to express myself.
Sergio Gordilho is my mentor who teaches how to win championships on a daily basis—how to build a team and compete on a global level.
How you’re paying it forward with the next generation of creatives.
In a time where AI is dominating the discussion and demands are faster and more urgent, my goal is helping each creative find their own voice, to put their DNA in the work. Information is everywhere, but ChatGPT would never guess something your grandma said when you were a little kid. Or the feeling you had when you experienced something unforgettable. These fears and joys aren’t things technology can replace. So, put your soul into the work. Your uniqueness is something we must encourage and stimulate.
What you’d be doing if you weren’t in advertising.
I grew up in Brazil having Ayrton Senna as my hero. In my deepest dreams, I’m a Formula One pilot racing in the circuits across the globe.
2 Minutes With is our regular interview series where we chat with creatives about their backgrounds, creative inspirations, work they admire and more. For more about 2 Minutes With, or to be considered for the series, please get in touch.
