A brand that’s
forgettable, is a brand
that’s replaceable

Logos don’t build loyalty. Ads don’t create connection.
True brands are built on emotion, meaning, and stories that matter.

I am the Founder of Nicework

Meet Nicework

Together, we build brands people can’t ignore. And we’ve been doing it since 2007.

As your
brand architect

Great brands don’t happen by accident.
We uncover the truth that makes yours matter, then create a strategy that turns meaning into momentum.

As your
storyteller & creator

People forget products. They remember stories. We shape ideas into narratives that spark emotion, create loyalty, and make brands impossible to ignore.

As your
brand ally

Your brand isn’t just a moment, it’s a journey. We’re with you through every stage, scaling, evolving, and pushing boundaries to ensure your brand doesn’t just grow, it thrives.

Events and Companies I’ve spoken at

Real brands. Real impact

Designed over 500+ brands worldwide

University lectures

Educating future leaders.


Guiding today’s brands.

Ross has spent years shaping the next generation of brand builders, running a branding course at the University of Johannesburg and North-West University (Potchefstroom) and guest lecturing at Vega School of Brand Design.

He’s also spoken at Stellenbosch Business School on branding and emergent technology and taken the stage at global events like the EO Global Leadership Conference, helping leaders build brands that stand the test of time.

Speaking around the world

Speaking on stages across the world.

From the U.S. to the UAE, Europe to South Africa, Ross has taken the stage at global conferences, universities, and industry events, including the EO Global Leadership Conference, Stellenbosch Business School, and leading industry events.

Whether speaking to entrepreneurs, executives, or students, his talks aren’t just inspiring, they leave audiences with a clear roadmap to make their brand impossible to ignore.

My podcast on branding

One More Question

Stop outsourcing your creativity to an algorithm

Finding your superpower

Growth through an outsider’s perspective

A brand’s job is to give people joy and be useful

Why is mediocrity such an enemy to your success?

85,000+ downloads worldwide.

Don’t just build a brand.

Build it the Niceway.

Nicework isn’t just another branding agency, we’re the ones you call when you want more than a forgettable logo and a generic brand deck. When you’re ready to create something that turns heads, sparks conversations, and makes people choose you over everyone else; not just once, but over and over again.

Turning ambitious ideas into undeniable brand power since 2007.

Get Featured
with Ross Drakes

Learn how to turn passive audiences into unstoppable fans

Get Featured
with Ross Drakes

Learn how to turn passive audiences into unstoppable fans

Make a booking.
Get Ross to speak

Learn how to turn passive audiences into unstoppable fans

Got any
questions?

Let me know if you would like to chat about speaking, facilitating, building a brand or just to have a cup of coffee.