Creative
SYNERGIST
/sĭn′ər-jĭst/
“An agent that increases the effectiveness of another agent when combined with it. One who holds the doctrine of synergism.”
Synergism
“An action between individual parts or forces that produces a total result that is greater than the sum of the individual results.”
Overview of a
Creative
SYNERGIST
I have found over the years that I work best as a “creative synergist”, a person that is the catalyst for finding the optimum way to combine the bits and pieces of just about anything to create something more amazing.
For me one of the most effective ways to lead through complexity is to start with the end goal and work backward. When you know exactly where you’re headed, it becomes easier to map out the steps needed to get there. But real progress happens when you bring your team into that process.
By engaging your team early, sharing the vision and reverse-engineering the path together, you create alignment and momentum. Everyone understands not just the destination, but how their role fits into the bigger picture. This approach builds trust, encourages ownership, and unlocks the kind of synergy that drives results.
In short, combining outcome-driven thinking with collaborative leadership turns strategy into shared success. Finding the best way to combine the pieces is what I thrive on.
Professionally
Known for being the calm voice in the storm, a multi-tool creative asset, and the person you trust to get a job done right. Always ready to scale up or down a notch to fit into any role that gets a project completed.
- 20+ Years as a Creative Lead
Experience in agencies, in-house marketing teams, start-ups, as a business owner, and helping to build a franchise from scratch. - Extensive Portfolio
Developed over 20+ years, including strategic planning, creative direction, team building, and mentoring. - Diverse Creative Media Experience
Started in Print, moved to all things Digital, Radio, some TV, OOH, Events and Experiential. - Teacher to Dreamers
I love teaching and mentoring as much as creating. I really just love people. - Synergist
Leader, mediator and motivator, I excel at being the person that keeps the ball rolling in the most positive fashion. I care about people and believe we achieve the most when we work together.
Creative Direction
I’ve been a creative lead at several companies. I love working with a diverstiy of minds. I’ve co-owned a successful firm for nearly a decade, excelled as a VP of Creative Services, lead teams as a Creative Director seven times. Twice I was hired as a Marketing Manager, but the job description, and my role, was somewhere between a Art Director and an Creative Director.
Clients as a CD:
Art Director
Creative Directors guide Art Directors and Art Directors lead projects and smaller teams.
I’ve been leading Art Direction for over 20 years. I’ve lead campaigns, individual projects and brainstormed with a robust diversity of regional and international creative teams.
Clients supported as an AD:
Designer / Artist
All the best Creative Directors I’ve known started as designers or writers. I started as a Graphic Designer and quickly advanced to Art Director in 18 months. I believe you have to know the basics and you have to keep learning and advancing your craft.
Clients as a Designer:
Personally
As a Creative, I’ve always seen every project, whether it’s design or marketing, as its own little story. It’s got a beginning, a middle, an end… characters, a setting, maybe even a twist or two. There’s always a reason behind it, and that’s what makes it meaningful.
I tell my kids all the time: “Stories are the one thing you can collect, give away, and never lose. They stay with you—and maybe even go with you when you’re gone.”
That’s why I try to find what inspires people in each story. If you can connect with someone emotionally, they’ll remember it. And if you’re lucky, they’ll share it too.
As a Person, I’m all “dad”, a man trying to always be better than the day before, and a Captain America fanatic. It’s that core belief that “you do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do” that guides me.
I enjoy kayaking with my son, helping my daughter concept cosplay costumes, and eating turkey drumsticks at the renaissance festival. I love Comic Cons, Art Shows, and pop culture. I also love drawing, guitars, science, politics and poetry, and as such have books on theoretical physics, art and a sketchbook at my bedside. I love thinking, and challenges. Most of all I love my kids.
Feel Free to Reach Out
& Say Hello!
If your interested in me tackling a creative project big or small, send me a quick email. Have an amazing day!