Huge thanks to Ashley Sommardahl, VCU Brandcenter Director of Student Affairs and Industry Outreach, for helping MC host VCU Brandcenter Week. Always inspiring and mind-blowing to see the awesome portfolios coming out of Brandcenter.
Katie is a new art director and a recent graduate of VCU Brandcenter. Her portfolio is full of super cool type treatments, including two long-copy campaigns (yesss) with new copywriter and fellow Brandcenter grad Mitchell Moss (portfolio here). As long as someone still loves to write long-copy ads, and someone else still loves to lay them out, the world is safe. At least, for now.
Sean is a new copywriter and a recent graduate of VCU Brandcenter. Know what’s fun? Going through a portfolio that’s so ridiculous, and so hilarious, you can just tell the creative who made it had a blast. So true for Sean’s site. Don’t miss his game “Horse Riding A Horse” and be sure to turn up the volume. Sean wrote the song himself. What a track.
Josh is a new copywriter and a recent graduate of VCU Brandcenter. (Congrats!) One of the things MC admires about Brandcenter student portfolios is how deep they take each campaign. Joshua has five projects up on his site at the time of this post, and each of them goes and goes, idea after idea, all laddering up to the same simple strategies. Love that.
Ryan is a senior copywriter in NYC. Cool variety of projects for some killer clients on his site, including Pepsi (“Nickname Everything” with Luke Kuechly of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, above), Budweiser OOH, Bud Light, BIC, and Sony. Don’t miss his IG personal project, RP the Influencer, Ryan’s take on social influencer-ness. So painfully influential.
Brothers & Company is “on the hunt” for outdoorsy copywriters in three of their agency locations. If you’d rather be on a river or a hike than in the office—this one’s for you. From Brothers & Company:
“Brothers & Company is looking for senior and mid-level
copywriters that get outside – golfing, hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing, camping,
shooting and building a fire without looking like a city kid. We serve a solid
roster of national brands in the outdoor recreation, sports and athletic
categories, and authenticity is the lifeblood of our success. This is the stuff
you can’t fake, and consumers can smell it from a mile away. We can too.
So, if the only thing that surpasses your passion for words
is your love of the outdoors, this just may be your dream gig. Agency
experience is required, and your book of work will start the conversation, but
the stuff that gets you fired up is what will keep our attention.
About us? We’re a mid-size agency with offices in Wichita, Tulsa and Oklahoma City – America’s heartland. And while location isn’t always relevant to an agency’s identity, ours defines the people and clients we attract. We believe in Friday night lights and American energy. The Second Amendment. That chivalry isn’t dead. And blue-collar workers keep this country sunny side up. It shows in how we approach our work, and how we serve the clients who entrust us with their business. It’s not for everybody, but when it fits, you’re home, among likeminded people who work hard and play harder.
If you’re ready to further your craft and your career on national television, print and web work that flows from your heart outside of work, drop us a line. The interview just may be in a duck blind or on the golf course.”
Shain is a copywriter in Salt Lake City on the hunt for his next thing after a three-year stint at Faktory, Inc. Lots of car projects on his site for Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Ken Garff Automotive Group, plus work for Dominion Energy and Primary Children’s Hospital. Can’t wait to see where he lands!
David is a copywriter at Red Tettemer O’Connell + Partners in Philadelphia. His portfolio is chock full of hilarity, from “Go Iceland” for Reyka Vodka (above), to Dietz Nuts for Dietz & Watson, to his vids for The Original Donut Shop coffee. Love it all.
Vanessa is a copywriter at Petco in San Diego. (In-house, yeah!) Her site features all kinds of projects for Petco, her in-house gigs at Sephora and Benefit, plus others. Don’t miss her “Fakecation” video for Benefit. Hello, half of Instagram. Dig it.
Evan is a copywriter at Camp+King in San Francisco. (Great shop!) All kinds of killer projects on his site for brands like Amazon (above, with Yeti), Starbucks, Mountain Dew, Del Taco, and Energizer. Also, don’t miss the Commercial/Hip-Hop Haiku on his Life page. “maybe they should use / Rubbermaid™ to help themselves / stay fresher, longer.” Yes.
Tara Muscarella, Sr. Creative Recruiter at Hill Holiday Boston, is on the hunt for a senior copywriter who’s got the kicks to really kick it. From Hill Holiday:
“Hill Holliday is looking for a new pair of creative shoes. One of our beloved copywriters is off to fulfill their comedy dream in NYC. While we’re sad to see them go, we’re excited about the next, brilliant Hill Hollidayer to make us forget all about ‘em. If you concept ideas that stick to the wall, solve problems faster than you can say ‘internal review’, can write in all the voices in your head, present with kickass confidence and have a sense of humor that’s only outdone by your work ethic, then let’s talk.
We don’t want you to fill anyone else’s shoes. We want you to bring your own pair. What you choose to don on your feet can really tell something about a person. What’s your go-to pair?”
Nothing MC likes more than posting up new copywriter portfolios. Over the weekend MC featured Alex Escalera-Sanchez’s site (awesome), below are a few more Creative Circus recent copywriter grads (also awesome). Thanks much to Kevin Bleeker for forwarding. Congrats to all!
Alex graduated as a new copywriter from Creative Circus yesterday. (Big congrats!) So much fun stuff in his portfolio. Family Feud Late Night (Survey Said What?!), World Surf League, Gold Medal Flour, Master Lock (above), and a bunch more. Can’t wait to see where he lands.
Sam is a freelance copywriter/ACD in Brooklyn, specializing in concept development, VR experiences, digital creative and content. Since his last post on MC (back on 09.12.14), he’s added all kind of killer projects to his site, including work for Adidas (above), Jägermeister, and Mt. Dew (Puppy Monkey Baby Builder, so good). Time for an update!
Sheila Simpson, SVP Human Resources at Bright Red in Tallahassee, FL, is on the hunt for a mid-senior copywriter, senior art director, and a senior designer to join their growing team. From Bright Red:
“Located in Tallahassee, Florida, BRIGHT RED is a dynamic collaboration of strategy, content, digital and public relations synergized to connect brands and audiences. We currently have exciting opportunities for highly talented, eager Copywriters, Senior Art Directors, and Senior Designers that have the desire and ability to be part of a dynamic creative team.
Copywriter
We are looking for a mid-senior level copywriter to do the best work of your career working on a diverse portfolio of clients. Pencils and lions are not a mandatory, but the desire to win them is.
Responsibilities:
Reports directly to the Chief Creative Officer.
Collaborates with art directors and strategists to translate ideas into engaging ideas
Lead group reviews of creative work, adding perspective and taking direction as needed
Skills:
Online portfolio a must
A degree or training in a related field
Strong conceptual and writing skills across both traditional and emerging platforms
Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and departments
Superior communication, organization and time management desirable
Senior Art Director
Concepts and executes breakthrough work. Consistently delivers top notch art direction and design across all platforms as well as bringing a vision to events and activations. Helps grow junior art directors to do the same.
Responsibilities:
Collaborates across disciplines and ultimately with creatives to concept high impact, integrated ideas.
Ensures that ideas/designs are produced timely, on budget and with the degree of quality promised to the client.
Maintains interaction with digital/social/print/broadcast production and client services on scope of projects.
Directs and guides art directors and writers in the creation of advertising.
Produces all types of clear media.
Delivers internal presentations to senior creative personnel and/or clients.
Remains current on industry trends and technology.
Qualifications:
Five or more years of related work experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
Ability to press check and a solid understanding of photography, illustration, typography, editing, transfer and shooting of commercials preferred.
Communication Ability: Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or regulations. Ability to write reports and correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers and the general public.
Computer Skills: MS Office, word processing, spreadsheets, Internet software, E-mail, Database software, Macintosh software, Quark, Photoshop, and Illustrator
Leadership Responsibilities: Does supervise the work of others.
Senior Designer
Creates eye watering designs across both printed and digital media. Able to create a brand identity from the ground up. Will be responsible for strategically aligning creative concept with strategy, technical specifications, planning and performance analysis. Can demonstrate leadership qualities and mentor by example.
Teaming with departmental peers, writers, information architects and creative directors and developers works to ensure that cross-creative collaboration process evolves into well-developed concepts that meet client objectives.
Education/Work Experience
Web site and/or Micro site design experience.
User interface design experience.
Understanding of Information Architecture.
Experience developing visual standards and guidelines.
Expert in design software on the Macintosh platform:, ie. Photoshop, Illustrator, DreamWeaver and Flash.
Knowledge of CSS and advanced HTML a must.
Knowledge of current rich media technologies and their relevant applications.
A degree or training in a related field (digital design, graphic design, advertising, etc.).
Online Portfolio a must.
Strong conceptual design and typographic skills and the ability to maintain high standards within the group.
In-depth industry knowledge. Clearly understands, and is able to articulate, the limitations and possibilities of the space.
Traditional branding and graphic design experience desirable.
Strong presentation skills as well as professionalism and experience in client service.
Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and departments. Has successfully demonstrated ability to mentor, manage and direct.
Superior communication, organization and time management skills desirable.
For all positions, please email resume and link to online portfolio to Sheila Simpson, SVP HR at: ssimpson@brightgredagency.com
Peter is a new copywriter in NYC and a graduate of Miami Ad School as of last Friday, March 8th. (Big congrats!) His book has spec work for clients like Hellman’s Mayo, EA Sports, Tinder (because why not), WWF, and Strawless Ocean (above). Can’t wait to see where Peter lands!
Sam is a new copywriter at RPM (an agency that specializes in marketing for Broadway, so cool) in NYC and a recent graduate of The University of Texas at Austin. All kinds of fun stuff on his site, from campaigns for Reynolds Wrap (above) and Pill Pack, to a book “Where Good Apples Go Bad” for Angry Orchard Cider, to his killer IG feed. Dig it.
Pete is a copywriter at Newell Brands in NYC, before that Macy’s. His book is mostly a mix of spec projects (always fun to see), including work for Whole Foods, Citi Bike, Squarespace, Snyder’s, GNC, and Cartoon Network (above). He’s also got separate pages dedicated to digital writing and personal projects—the latter focused on Walt Disney World, of which Pete is a huge fan. (As is MC.) “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun.” – Mary Poppins.
Andrew is a copywriter at Publicis Seattle. All kinds of cool projects for T-Mobile on his site. Also, don’t miss “One Night” for the iPhone 7 launch. “To highlight the iPhone’s new low-light camera, we commissioned 22 everyday iPhone users across 6 continents to capture one single night on Earth from dusk to dawn.” Beautiful.
Sarah is a copywriter/CD at McGarrah Jessee in Austin. Since her last post on MC (back on 10.29.14), she’s been busy. Whole bunch of new work up on her site, including videos for SkinnyPop (love the kick-Roomba vid), print for Yeti coolers (killer lines), and “Alexa, Apologize” (above), which is oh so timely at this particular moment. Love it.
Steve is an art director/writer/designer/CD in St. Louis. All kinds of cool projects on his site—including NASCAR (above). Love his “the me” page, too, including his description of what we do for a living and Menards Home Improvement stores: “For fun I carve out spaces in people’s heads for widgets and services in an over-crowded, post-need, first-world-problem marketplace. Just kidding. For real fun I shop at Menards. The answer to a question nobody asked. What if Cracker Barrel and Home Depot had a love child?” Nailed it.
Grant is a freelance copywriter/CD in NYC. His portfolio was one of the first posted on MC way back on 12.16.09, almost 10 years ago (how has it been that long?). It was amazing then—and even more amazing now. His site is one long page of killer projects including New York Lotto, FedEx, BBC World, Toyota, AT&T, Red Stripe (classic), Monster, Mountain Dew, Footlocker, Fox Sports, Guinness, and Vonage (above). Stoked to have Grant back up on MC.
Seth is a freelance copywriter/ACD in Santa Monica. He spent the first 11+ years of his career at one shop, RPA, and since then has freelanced for a long list of agencies that would make any writer jealous, including Crispin, Goodby, 72andSunny, WONGDOODY, PHENOMENON, Saatchi, and 180LA. (Nice.) Be sure to check out his photo filter for The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (so simple) and his video for Google Play Music (above). Good times.
Shea is a senior copywriter at Cactus in Denver. Since his last post on MC (back on 02.05.16, almost exactly three years ago), he’s been busy—and making the most of the cool opportunities he’s getting at Cactus. Lots of new Colorado Lottery TV work and the commercial debut of KC’s Patrick Mahomes (who should have been in yesterday’s Super Bowl, ahem) for CommunityAmerica Credit Union. Definitely time for an update.
Sammy Hamilton, Operations Specialist for GoPro Studio, is on the hunt for a senior copywriter (contract) to join their team at HQ in San Mateo, CA. Must work on-site (no remote workers). From GoPro:
ROLE
We’re looking for a passionate, well-rounded, kickass copywriter to join the GoPro Creative team. The copywriter will help bring the beloved GoPro brand, and its products, to life across a variety of mediums. We’re looking for someone to roll up their sleeves and dig in on a little of everything—from advertising campaigns, product naming and channel assets to website, marketing email and sell sheet copy.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Write copy for a wide variety of communications, including the web, emails, retailer assets, packaging, video scripts, advertising and more.
Develop copy for new product launches, both hardware and software including naming, messaging, features and benefits, etc.
Collaborate with designers, art directors and other writers on creative solutions for all mediums.
SKILLS
You take initiative, stay organized and own all work from kickoff to handoff.
You can write in the GoPro voice, and you’re down to get a little irreverent.
You’re eager to think and write conceptually and partner with creative teams on big ideas.
You can work with engineers and product people to turn techy concepts into easy reading.
You can partner with cross-functional stakeholders, take feedback and refine messaging to meet their objectives.
You can handle multiple projects with confidence and keep the positive vibes flowing in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
You embrace the art of brevity.
REQUIREMENTS
6 to 8+ years of copywriting experience at a relevant brand or agency.
Portfolio or samples are required.
Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, advertising, marketing or communications preferred.
Self-motivated and positive with strong attention to detail. A good sense of humor is a massive plus.
Must work on-site at our San Mateo, CA office. (Tasty snacks and beverages on tap, among other perks.)
Nothing MC loves more than posting killer graduating student portfolios. (Got to stay up on what the kids are getting into these days, you know.) MC had the honor of hosting both VCU Brandcenter and the University of Texas at Austin graduating classes in 2018, and both were fantastic.
Alan is an art director/ACD who just moved to Phoenix. He’s on the hunt for his next gig and to help spread the word he’s doing what so many have thought about doing—put his old ad awards up for sale on Craig’s List. (Ha!)
From Alan: “FOR SALE: Various advertising awards. Mint condition. Just sitting on my closet shelf. Priced to sell. $1428 for everything. Individual prices below. Will consider trade for ACD/Art Director role.”
Greg is a freelance copywriter/CD in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Before going out on his own, he was a copywriter/CD at agencies like Organic, Hanon McKendry, Doner, and JWT. Today, he and partner Carolyn Reese (editor/proofreader) share a business and have projects on their site for brands like Merrell, Priority Health, Grand Valley State University, Haworth, Hudson Ice Cream, Ford, and Nike. Pretty cool.
Audria is a copywriter/editor in Santa Barbara, CA. MC gets asked all the time, what do I do if I don’t have any big ad campaigns yet? Or, forget big ad campaigns, what if I’m not an agency/brand writer—what if I write product copy, website copy, email campaigns, etc.? Audria’s site is one example of how to do it. At the time of this post, she’s got three projects up—for Sonos (product copy), Women’s Heritage (zine), and Topa Topa Brewery (product copy). That’s not a lot of content, but you definitely get the vibe for what she’s all about. Dig it.
NOTE: MC would love to see more portfolio sites like Audria’s—that do a good job of showing off work that’s product, retail, in-house, or website-focused. Such a demand for it right now. Send ’em in if you’ve got ’em!
Jonathan is a senior copywriter/content strategist in Los Angeles on the hunt for his next awesome gig. He’s got a cool-looking Squarespace portfolio that includes projects for Ford, Kawasaki (above), shopDisney, NBA, and a rebranding of Sky Zone trampoline parks, which Jonathan led as strategist. Can’t wait to see where he lands!
