"Hi! I'm really bad at writing about myself, so I got someone else to do it..."
Taraka ‘TK’ Tennakoon is a visual artist and writer with an unmistakable, concept-led aesthetic. The name doesn't exactly roll off the tongue with ease, so Taraka is simply known as ‘TK’ by his friends and associates (ask him how he got the name... as with all good stories, there is a beautiful stranger involved).
TK has a broad, somewhat unconventional suite of interests that inform the tonality and discipline of his work. From Star Trek’s vision of a utopian future, to the unbridled joy of the Eurovision Song Contest and the bold silhouettes of Mugler, TK brings it all together in his work - exploring beauty, laughter, culture and minimalism. Regardless of the viewer looking at his work on a phone, in an editorial spread or in a luxury department store, craft and storytelling meet with style and purpose.
Having received his Bachelor of Arts in Perth, Australia, TK has worked at the Impact BBDO Group in Dubai for 11 years before making the move to AKQA. There, he currently serves as Creative Director, specialising in luxury and sport, leading a coveted set of clients including Jumeirah, adidas and Under Armour.
Experience
Currently
AKQA, Dubai / Creative Director / 2024 - Present
Previously
AKQA, Dubai / Associate Creative Director / 2021 - 2024
Impact BBDO, Dubai / Associate Creative Director / 2018 - 2021
Impact BBDO, Dubai / Senior Creative, Art/Copy Hybrid / 2012 - 2018
Impact BBDO, Dubai / Junior Creative, Art/Copy Hybrid / 2009 - 2012
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Clients
Current: Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons / ROLEX, adidas, Under Armour, One&Only Resorts, OMNIYAT, LOEWE Past: IKEA, Emirates, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, MINI,Bloomingdale's, John Lewis, Robinsons, Hyundai Europe, Dubai Tourism, Huawei, Toyota, Visa​
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Awards
Cannes Lions
Bronze x 1
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Dubai Lynx
Bronze x 3
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Effie Awards
Silver x 1
Bronze x 1
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MENA Digital Awards
'Agency Of The Year' x 2
Gold x 2
Silver x 5
Bronze x 3
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MENA Cristal Festival
Gold x 1
Bronze x 1
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PHNX Awards
Bronze x 2
Recognition
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AKQA
Recipient of the 'Gamechanger Of The Year 2021', Dubai
Recipient of the 'Rigour Award 2023', Dubai
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AdForum
PHNX Awards 2022, Judge
Contact