Oh yes. The Maffia has done it again. Art director Johan van Oeckel and copywriter Bart van Goethem both received bronze statuettes at this year’s prestigious Lions Advertising Festival. Did I mention they were the only Belgian press winners in Cannes this year? No? Well, now you know.

Just recently, Maffia member Peter Verdonckt succumbed to his injuries as a result of a tragic traffic incident. Peter leaves behind a pregnant wife and two young children. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolances go out to them and anyone who knew Peter. No words can aptly soften his premature departure from this mortal coil. So we can only say: rest in peace, Peter.

Recently, Maffia illustrator Dieter van Ougstraete began his own t-shirt range for children and young adults. Called Kingchin. He’ll be touring with his new merchandise come july. For more info, surf on over to www.kingchin.be. Oh, also check out K&TKW’s aaitski.com and Ilse Pierard’s labradorshirts.be.

Oh yes. Maffia guru Ilse Pierard has been rewarded once more for her freelance work for Saatchi & Saatchi. The agency won 7 bronze awards at the CCB gala for their ‘trashy’ Fost campaign. The Maffia's Johan van Oeckel also won an award for his crafty art direction on Boondoggle's campaign for Groep T. The Maffia is on fire, ladies and gents, and we are all combusting by association.

Bonjour, howdy and hallo to Sara Joffre. Fluent in French, English and Dutch, she’s a rare asset to the advertising empire. She also happens to be an experienced account manager. Drop her a line.

Have a pencil handy? No? Don’t worry. Fatinha Ramos does. And she’s not afraid to use it. Fatinha is a skilled illustrator, art director, and did i mention graphic designer? Not convinced? Check out www.fatinha.com.

New to the Maffia club is Peter Verdonckt. He’s not just an experienced graphic designer, but has an impressive collection of prepress tools under his creative belt. Don’t believe me? Check out his website.

Hello Karl van der Elst. The Maffia is fast becoming a hive of illustrative talent. Karl can design, illustrate and visualise pretty much anything you can swing a stick at. Make sure you have a gander at his website.

Yes sir. The Maffia has another skilled art director in its creative ranks. Joris Molenaar is his name. And art direction is not his only game. Joris is also a keen graphic designer. Feel free to drop him a line.

Meet Patrizia Terrenzo. Blessed with a steady hand and an affinity for 3D, she’ll draw her way out of any creative challenge. From story boards to high end 3D, and pretty much everything in between. Check out www.matita.be.