Cover letter
Let’s keep this simple: I’m not the obvious match. I’m the odd one out—and that’s precisely why I’m writing you.
To make things short—here’s the quick tour.
I've directed the tragic comedies Spring Summer and Øvelse 4 (password: letmewatchthis). I’ve spent years collaborating with Martin Werner on high-end global productions—writing and designing treatments, doing second-unit direction, and helping shape campaigns for brands like Magnum, Volvo, FIAT, and Sunrise. I also co-wrote and designed the winning treatment for the Merge Mansion campaign with Pedro Pascal, and used generative AI inside a film for Pas Normal Studios before it was cool—I even co-founded a clothing brand in my early 20s.
Parallel to my film collaborations, I come from a digital design background—creating ecommerce and brand design for clients like Noma Projects and MKDT Studio.
Confused?
Me too.
But the intersection of filmmaking, design craft, and conceptual thinking is the lens I work through today. It means I approach ideas like narratives, treat visuals like systems, and see brands as worlds you build—not assets you decorate. That hybrid foundation is exactly why the Senior Art Director role resonates so strongly with me.
The landscape is shifting fast. It’s not about more content—it’s about sharper, more culturally intelligent ideas, crafted with intention. That’s the shift I want to grow inside, and my somewhat chaotic career path has accidentally made me adaptable for it.
What draws me to AKQA is your belief that beauty is strategic. The Senior Art Director role blends concept, craft, culture, and technology—and that intersection is exactly where I do my best work.
I may not be the conventional choice, but my mix of storytelling, design sensibility, and conceptual thinking could bring a useful angle to your team. I bring curiosity, taste, and a sense for where ideas can go—and I collaborate well in every direction.
If this sounds intriguing rather than alarming, I’d love to talk. I’m sure I can bring a lot to the table.
Sincerely,
Philip Anker
Capabilities
FILM DIRECTION
I'm a director who tells beautifully crafted stories with a comedic edge. I think humour is the best way to face the messiness of life, so I make films that let us laugh at it. i believe it tells a lot how i see life.
CREATIVE DIRECTION
My broad cultural interests give me a unique way of seeing things, which has become a real asset in creative direction.
STORY / CONCEPTS
My work spans fiction and commercial writing, and I’ve contributed concepts, ideation, and director’s treatments to numerous commercial projects.
VISUAL IDENTITY / BRAND STRATEGY
I build visual identities by starting with insight—clarifying the core idea and turning it into a strong, consistent aesthetic language.
DIGITAL DESIGN
I’ve built design systems for websites ranging from portfolios to full ecommerce platforms, working across Shopify, Framer, and Webflow.
CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT
My work includes creative development as well as creating plugins and tailored backend setups designed to give clients a smoother, more effortless workflow.
ARTICIAL INTELLIGENCE
My work includes using generative AI to bring ideas to life in decks and presentations, as well as incorporating generated visuals into an actual film project.
Recommendation
Martin Werner
Philip Anker has been my personal creative assistant for over two years, from March 2022 to June 2024, and during that time he has proven to be an indispensable asset to my professional work. His responsibilities included managing the creative and structural workflow in collaboration with my producers, ensuring a smooth and efficient process and allowing me to focus on delivering high-quality projects.
Philip has an exceptional ability to conduct thorough research and contribute to idea development, often bringing new perspectives and innovative solutions to the table. But his role has not been confined to the office—he has maintained excellent client communication, traveled internationally, and provided excellent production assistance on a large number of foreign shoots with premium clients. His flexibility and dedication to ensuring the success of every production have been remarkable.
In addition to his organizational skills, Philip has a strong talent for developing visually compelling and creatively inspiring ideas and presentations. His ability to maintain a complete overview of the production, combined with his friendly and positive personality, enables him to lead and motivate teams effectively. He has a natural ability to create trust and encourage collaboration, ensuring that all team members work toward the same high standards and shared goals. His leadership fosters a sense of unity and drive throughout the process, consistently resulting in excellent outcomes.
Philip’s efforts have significantly elevated the quality of my work as both a director and producer and have had a substantial impact on the success of my projects. His proactive work ethic, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for delivering quality have left a lasting positive impression.
Our two-year collaboration was originally planned as a fixed-term agreement, but I would have extended his employment without hesitation if it had aligned with Philip’s career goals and ambitions.
I give Philip my highest recommendation and am confident that his skills, dedication, and personality will be a tremendous asset to any organization or team he becomes part of. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like further information about his qualifications and contributions.
Martin Werner
Director / Founder, Bacon Film
Resumé