Born in France, raised in New Zealand. In his spare time he’s been rejected from drama school six times. Travelled to 16 countries, lived in four. Received a standing ovation. Forgotten a language. Been granted a wish. Acted in a Scarlett Johansson movie. Hit a 1000 day streak on Duolingo. And, never ever liked black licorice.
bristo.leon@gmail.com
“If you want a creative that will just get the job done and not push any boundaries then Léon isn't for you. He has the great ability to find true insights and turn them into eyeball grabbing ideas that are beautifully crafted.”
— Haylie Craig (they/them), Colenso BBDO Creative Director
Experience
Colenso BBDO, Auckland
Jr. Art Director
Royal College of Arts, London
Editorial Design
DDB 14, Barcelona
Jr. Art Director
Media Design School, Auckland
Creative Advertising
Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington
BA Theatre & Cultural Anthropology
and
Cannes Young Lions Creative Academy
D&AD New Blood Academy
LIA Creative LIAisons Academy
The Audacious School of Astonishing Pursuits
Judging
Show Me Shorts Film Festival
Programme Judge
Axis Awards
Shadow Judge
Press
D&AD
A junior creative on forging his career
after New Blood Academy
Cannes Lions
Léon Bristow: ”The dopamine hits are
worth the grind”
Recognition
Fourth Best Art Director in the World
Cannes Lions Talent Rankings 2023
Ambassador 2024
Cannes Can: Diversity Collective
Best Art Director in New Zealand
One Club Creative Rankings 2023
New Blood Ones to Watch
D&AD New Blood 2021
High Potential
Art Directors Club *Europe 2021
Underrespresented Scholarship
The Audacious School of Astonishing Pursuits
Cannes Lions
Grand Prix (x1), Gold (x2), Silver (x4), Bronze (x2)
D&AD
Yellow (x2), Wood (x2)
One Show
Gold (x1), Bronze (x2)
Best Awards
Bronze (x1)
Axis Awards
Gold (x7), Silver (x5), Bronze (x4)
Mad Stars
Grand Prix (x2), Gold (x4), Silver (x3), Bronze (x1), Crystal (x1)
Effies
Gold (x3), Silver (x1)
Clios
Gold (x2)
Spikes
Grand Prix (x2), Gold (x3), Bronze (x1)
Caples
Gold (x1), Silver (x2), Bronze (x2)