• Jonathan Palasty
  • About
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Jonathan Palasty

Award Winning Creative Art Director

  • Jonathan Palasty
  • About
  • Blogs

RMS

RMS is a small, independent surfboard shaper on the NSW Central Coast rich in craft, light on exposure. With no big sponsorships or high-budget media behind them, the challenge was simple: how do you earn attention from surfers without trying to shout like the big brands?

The answer came through The Bearded Twins - a playful, character-driven concept designed to reflect the one-on-one nature of working with a custom shaper. Built with humour and attitude, the characters gave RMS a human face, turning a single ad banner into a moment of connection rather than promotion.

More than a visual hook, the idea spoke directly to surfers who value individuality. It highlighted what RMS does best custom boards shaped around the rider, not the masses using a tone that felt relaxed, authentic, and rooted in surf culture.

Sweet tidbit. We shot it at the north end of Palm Beach. The twins were inspired by some old, quirky drawings Jonathan Palasty came across.

Woolworths Pick Up

When the brief came through, Woolworths was in the middle of updating its overall look and feel - a moment of transition for a brand deeply embedded in everyday life. The task was to create a standalone TV campaign that would introduce and encourage people to embrace a new way of shopping, while reflecting this broader shift in how the brand presented itself.

The challenge was to communicate this change in style and approach in a way that felt engaging and easy to understand. It wasn’t just about announcing something new, but about making that change feel natural and inviting. The campaign needed to align seamlessly with Woolworths’ evolving brand identity, signalling progress without losing the sense of trust and familiarity customers already had.

At the same time, the work had to clearly highlight the benefits of the new shopping experience. Every element needed to resonate with the audience speaking to real needs, real habits, and real moments so the idea felt fresh and contemporary, yet unmistakably Woolworths.

Sweet tidbit. The idea of change in Jonathan Palasty’s mind came from listening to David Bowie's song Changes.

Zavance

Nurofen has a wide range of products designed to treat different kinds of pain, from general aches to more specific conditions. Each one is created with a clear purpose, helping people find relief in the areas they need it most.

One of the most common types of pain is tension headaches. This is the kind of discomfort that builds when the muscles around your head, scalp, and neck tighten something that affects about 80% of people at some point. It’s persistent, distracting, and often hard to shake off.

Nurofen Zavance is specifically formulated to target this type of pain, easing the muscle tension around the scalp and neck where tension headaches usually begin. The challenge was to communicate this benefit in a way that was immediately understandable, visually striking, and memorable.

The illustrations bring this idea to life in a bold, metaphorical way. A figure is shown being wrapped by a slick, flowing octopus, its tentacles curling tightly around the head and neck. The grip of the tentacles instantly conveys the sensation of tension, making an invisible pain feel visible. The fluid movement of the octopus, combined with its exaggerated yet elegant form, gives the illustrations energy and drama, while still remaining playful and engaging.

In a single glance, the imagery communicates both the problem and the solution. The octopus represents the pressure and tightness of a tension headache, while the concept of Zavance suggests relief and release. It’s a creative, simple, and instantly recognisable way to show how the product works turning a common pain into something audiences can see, feel, and understand.

Sweet tidbit. The illustrations came from a graffiti artist in W.A.

INNA

The Republic Hotel has combined its lounge and dining into one space, spread across two floors, with a fresh new name and interior. The branding brings this vision to life with classy, fun illustrations and clean lines that capture both the vibe and the variety of what we offer. It’s all about unexpected combinations and flawless execution, creating a look that’s stylish, social, and uniquely Republic.

Sweet tidbit. The client wanted a name with a similar vibe to 'Nomad.' 'Inna' was a play on the idea of the spaces being inside The Republic."

Anti Wrinkle

Botox is the original leader in anti-wrinkle therapy, but with cheaper options popping up, it’s important to show why Botox is still the top choice. The idea is to position Botox like high-fashion—something premium but totally attainable for those who want quality. Just like designer brands, Botox gives you trusted, lasting results without the gamble of newer, unproven alternatives. It’s the smart, reliable choice for anyone serious about looking their best.

Sweet tidbit. The backgrounds were inspired by geometric patterns. We shot the bag, but everything else was created with 3D programs.

Adelphi Lounge

The Adelphi Hotel is reimagining its Kitchen and Floor-Bar into a new lounge space with an art-inspired vibe. The interior takes cues from bold artistic styles, and the branding needs to match that energy. The idea is to draw on the Bauhaus design movement—known for its clean lines and geometric shapes—to create a modern, refined atmosphere that fits the Adelphi’s artistic, contemporary feel. It’s all about bringing together art and design in a fresh, stylish way for the hotel’s rebranded lounge.

Sweet tidbit: we had a crazy turnaround time, and the illustrator had to make several attempts to nail the style.

Typography

Alzheimer's Australia

Alzheimer's Australia had a tight $30K budget to raise awareness about spotting early signs of Alzheimer's and starting conversations sooner. "The Forgotten Bag" taps into an emotional moment that will resonate with those experiencing early symptoms. By creating a powerful, moody ad, which stands out in the crowded TV space, delivering a strong message about the importance of early recognition and action.

Sweet tidbit. The music is original, inspired by the Danger Mouse track 'Her Hollow Ways.'

Woolworths Summer

At the time, Woolworths was stuck with nothing but green backgrounds and a pretty tired in-store presence. With the Summer in-store campaign, we had the chance to shake things up and give it a fresh, bright look that really captured those summer vibes.

Children's Nurofen

Nurofen is known for fast relief, but we need to make sure parents know Nurofen for Children works the fastest for their kids' fevers. The idea is to tell a fun, visual story that shows its quick action through a playful, childlike personality—making it clear that Nurofen for Children is the go-to choice for fast fever relief.

Sweet tidbit. We shot this in New Zealand using a local photographer and I somehow managed to score a free trip out of it, while also taking advantage of the NZD to cut production costs. Choice!

Make Your Insides Beautiful

The Metamucil ad shows how it helps keep your insides healthy and balanced, turning your gut into a happy place. Simple, colorful, and all about feeling good.

Odesys

RMS

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Woolworths Pick Up

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Zavance

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INNA

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Anti Wrinkle

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Adelphi Lounge

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Typography

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Alzheimer's Australia

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Woolworths Summer

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Children's Nurofen

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Make Your Insides Beautiful

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