Director Mardo El-Noor Signs to Octopus Inc

Mardo is a director-designer of ads & music videos from New Zealand. With a keen interest in combining live action with animation & typography, he approaches all his projects through the lens of a graphic designer. You will clearly see evidence of that in the style frames he creates for his projects & his referencing to UI design & poster design when pitching for projects. 

As a self-professed style-chameleon, Mardo is less concerned with recognition for a particular aesthetic or genre, & more about finding creative solutions for his clients. This rather utilitarian approach had led him to become New Zealand’s go-to director-designer for mixed-media ads, with clients such as Toyota, Subaru, Lexus, SsangYong, Visa, Vodafone, Samsung, Serato, Burger King, Red Bull, Team Emirates NZ, Auckland Transport Agency, University of Auckland, Queensland University, University of Waikato, Bank of New Zealand, & Government of New Zealand. 

Mardo tends to do all his projects’ post production work himself, this has proven to be a winner with agencies and clients, knowing what’s required in post-production while still in pre-production. 

After releasing four music albums with EMI (Dubai) & Sony Music (International) between 2001 & 2012, he pivoted from electronic music to visual arts; starting with album covers for EMI before focusing solely on music videos, with more than 40 credited to his name. 

As a hobbyist photographer, he had his coffee table book Dogs With Stories published in 2023, featuring stories & artworks that capture dogs & their owners at their homes & workplaces. 

Nicola Doring, EP @Octopus Inc. said, "We were instantly intrigued and energised by Mardo’s work when we saw it. Especially when we learnt that he did all the FX himself. His creativity and attention to detail in the clever mixed-media worlds he builds is something we look forward to seeing more of, across brands and agencies alike." 

Mardo, director @Octopus Inc. said, “Absolutely stoked to join Octopus Inc & their imposter syndrome-inducing roster of world-renowned creatives. As a director & animator of mixed-media with a humble list of past clients, I was a bit reluctant to introduce my work to the good folks at Octopus Inc. However, it took one meeting before we all realised how aligned our collective vision was for the exciting opportunities we can explore together (that, & how much we liked dogs!) I'm looking forward to collaborating with brands & agencies on bringing their ideas to life in a medium that is proving to be more popular than ever.”