Where I’ve been:
I learned from so many amazing people at the VCU Brandcenter, and cut my teeth as a junior copywriter at Ammirati Puris Lintas in NYC, writing ads and television spots for beer and fast food brands. But as it happens all too often, that agency became holding company roadkill, and I moved to Chicago and Leo Burnett. There I grew to become a Creative Director on several key Kellogg and Proctor and Gamble brands and worked across Burnett’s amazing clients and new business pitches.
After 12 years, the Chicago winters got the best of me, and I headed east to Washington, DC to build DC Creative at Edelman. Along with a multi-talented team, we built a thriving creative practice that included strategic planning and video production. I was also part of a collaborative team of creatives and journalists joining forces to put out best in class content. We won business, strengthened organic growth, and picked up some shiny creative awards along the way.
While in DC, I joined the faculty at Georgetown University and developed the curriculum and taught a course called “In Search of the Big Idea” to integrated marketing graduate students. I was honored to be named Most Entertaining Professor. Combining my advertising, brand and PR agency experience, I moved to sunny San Diego to lead in- house creative and production at Viasat, a satellite and space technology company. As a member of the marketing leadership team, I successfully grew businesses, built a full stack creative studio, and learned what matters most to stakeholders at a game changing tech company.
Where I’m going
But enough about the past. Let’s talk about what we can do together now. With Clay Black Creative, I work directly with clients to get to Big Ideas quicker, without pain and complication. Whether you need an integrated campaign, a platform, new business pitch or just a single ad, my goals are to listen keenly, create strategically, craft passionately and iterate constantly.
But wait, there’s more! I also love supporting clients through new brand identity creation, rebrands, slight brand refreshes and new brand communications platforms. My focus is making your brand interesting and irresistible to your customers and audiences.
I’ve got ideas and I’m ready when you are.
Clay