You know what you’re doing
… but nobody else does? Let’s Talk
ABOUT
Jack and Sparrow is the brainchild of Marleen Walz. Marleen has worked with clients big and small around the world. She was hired to work with Heineken in her junior year of college and hasn’t looked back. Her specialty is marketing and communication, in both print and web. At Jack and Sparrow she executes her art direction into graphics, motion and digital development relying on a team of freelance professionals. Marleen was born in the Netherlands, raised in New York, fell in love in Sint-Maarten, married in Texas, lived in Hong Kong for over 11 years, skied in Japan, backpacked around France and camped in her beloved Canada where she currently lives in Lisle, Ontario. Her love of travel and breadth of experiences informs and directs her work.
Curious..?
Education
Marleen Walz is a Dutch all-round designer and received the highest distinction as a graduate of the RMIT Master in Communication and Design programme. She currently works as art director and founder of Jack and Sparrow. Her specialisations include art direction, marketing, communication design and development of engaging touch points throughout brand experiences. She also has a passion in the business side of creativity, linking companies with talented individuals and expanding internal and external promotional strategies to be as effective as possible for both the client as well as the audience.
Early Years
Marleen got her start working at the boutique agency of her uncle at the age of 14, and later as a designer and art director in the Netherlands. Moving to Hong Kong with her Canadian husband in 2005, she started her company “Twig” and for 11 successful years helped a variety of SME as well as large Fortune 500 brands with their marketing and branding strategies. Over 20 years she has worked with brands such as Rose Theatre Brampton, Repeat Cashmere, Heineken and Pioneer Canada.
Start-ups
After partnering with ETEAQ in 2015, her attention to detail and collaborative approach to design has led her to design various mobile applications as well as co-create ETEAQ Mobile Accessories, Tree Tracker mobile application platform and Jack and Sparrow Naturals (organic powders). Marleen’s work is thoughtful, engaging and highly creative—just like her.
Philanthropy
Spotting a growing trend among clients and other professionals to use combined talents, products, and services to create a better world, Jack and Sparrow are on that same critical path. We are using the power of design to create connections for positive social, environmental, and business impact.
Lecturer and Speaker
Marleen has worked as a lecturer at the City University of Hong Kong, teaching various design related programs such as Digital Design Development, Creative Thinking as well as various art classes. She was also invited to speak at different companies to help team thinking creatively and come up with fresh and innovative ideas.
Past Events
Art & Antique Hollywood Roadshow
Developing and executing digital treasure hunts for Social Media Week using QR-codes, focusing on engaging the New Generation wanting to study art and design.
Sustainable Design Competitions
Developing and executing innovative sustainable design competitions. Aiming to create connections for emerging talent, future studies, internships and general curiosity of Hong Kong students.
European art
in Hong Kong
Introducing, selling and connecting European art and artists in Asia. Developing strong social connections for future art projects and ventures.
Do you have an idea?
We’re always on the lookout to help support the local arts, fundraisers and create opportunities for people to engage with the wonders of the creative world. Contact us for an informal chat about your project. We’d love to hear from you.