the man behind the ideas

Ayo Ishola is a highly accomplished creative professional with a distinguished career across Nigeria’s top advertising agencies. Known for his deep passion for photography, art direction, and storytelling, Ayo has earned multiple advertising awards and has been featured in several prestigious creative archives. He is the first Nigerian photographer to be featured in 200 Best Commercial Photographers Worldwide and the only African shortlisted for exhibition by the Korean Advertising Photographers Association in 2020. His work also appears in the 110th edition of the Rolls-Royce Strive for Perfection coffee table book and includes portraits of notable figures such as Aliko Dangote, Herbert Wigwe, and Cherie Blair.

With over a decade of hands-on experience, Ayo has delivered impactful campaigns for both local and international brands including MTN, Globacom, Diageo, Guinness, Johnnie Walker, Indomie, Dulux, ExxonMobil, Arla, and Interswitch. A Cannes Young Lions finalist, he has earned accolades from Miami Ad School, served as a judge at the New York Festival of Creativity, and risen to Creative Director in some of Nigeria’s most respected agencies. He is widely recognized for his ability to merge sharp problem-solving with a deep commitment to mentoring the next generation of creatives.

As The Creative Director of the Masses, Ayo champions creativity as a tool for bold, transformative growth. He shares his insights across many respected platforms, including speaking at the African Creators Summit and Lagos Startup Week, helping brands, creatives, and individuals break through creative blocks and chart a clear, distinctive path forward.