Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Hobbies
Timeline
Generic

Grant Smith

Excelsior,MN

Summary

A highly accomplished creative director and copywriter, with 20+ years experience driving growth and delivering award-winning campaigns for major brands. Known for writing and developing famous content, fostering collaborative relationships, and inspiring teams to achieve outstanding results. Proficient in concepting, writing, and executing effective integrated campaigns across many industries and channels. Finds writing about himself in the third person disagreeable.

Overview

32
32
years of professional experience

Work History

Creative Director + Copywriter

Freelance
01.2009 - Current
  • Generating high-impact integrated campaigns for various brands
  • Elevated company reputation through consistent delivery of high-quality creative content.
  • Monitored industry trends to keep creative materials fresh and engaging.
  • Built strong relationships with clients, leading to long-term partnerships and repeat business opportunities.
  • Developed high-impact creative trailers and promotional content for company campaigns from concept to completion.
  • Designed innovative creative strategies to raise brand awareness and engagement for organization.
  • Collaborated with senior management to develop and implement marketing initiatives.
  • Created award-winning designs that effectively communicated complex concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Implemented strategies for promoting campaigns on social media.
  • Oversaw implementation of editing, color correction and other post-production processes.
  • Presented creative concepts to clients and implemented continual feedback to achieve client satisfaction.
  • Researched emerging technologies and developed effective strategies for integrating into existing campaigns.
  • Wrote advertising copy for online content, adhering to employers' overarching brand identity and personality.
  • Contributed to a positive brand image by developing compelling storytelling elements for promotional videos and commercials.
  • Optimized social media presence by creating share-worthy content that encouraged organic reach and audience engagement.
  • Researched industry trends and customer preferences to inform copywriting efforts.
  • Produced original, creative content for promotional advertisements and marketing materials.

Chief Creative Officer + Copywriter

Yamamoto
01.2019 - 09.2022
  • Overseeing a team of 20+ creatives and driving growth for major brands
  • Determined core problem areas to successfully address creative briefs or ambiguous situations.
  • Oversaw the production of high-profile events, ensuring seamless execution from concept to completion.
  • Optimized team productivity by streamlining creative processes and workflow management.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality creative materials within budget and on time.
  • Mentored junior staff members, fostering professional growth and cultivating future leaders within the organization.
  • Delivered compelling presentations that secured new business opportunities while maintaining long-term client relationships.
  • Recruited top talent to build a diverse team of skilled creatives capable of executing complex projects with excellence.
  • Directed award-winning multimedia campaigns from concept to execution, garnering industry accolades and media attention.
  • Promoted a culture of continuous improvement, driving organizational growth and overall creative excellence.

Executive Creative Director + Copywriter

McCann NY
01.2015 - 12.2016
  • Generating big creative ideas and acting as a brand champion
  • Launched successful advertising campaigns that attracted new clients and expanded market reach.
  • Presented creative concepts to stakeholders, securing buy-in for project implementation and resource allocation.
  • Mentored junior team members to improve their skills and enhance overall departmental performance.
  • Optimized workflow processes to ensure timely project completion and maximize efficiency within the creative team.
  • Increased brand visibility by developing innovative marketing campaigns and creative strategies.
  • Managed budgets for creative projects, ensuring cost-effective solutions while maintaining quality standards.
  • Championed diversity and inclusion initiatives within the workplace, fostering a supportive environment for creativity to thrive.
  • Evaluated and contributed to creative team ideas and translated into actionable project plans.
  • Created creative briefs and timeline to manage creative process from concept to completion.
  • Worked with creative teams to develop concept designs for campaigns that resonated with target audiences.
  • Oversaw implementation of editing, color correction and other post-production processes.
  • Presented creative concepts to clients and implemented continual feedback to achieve client satisfaction.

Sr. Creative Director + Copywriter

BBDO NY
01.2011 - 05.2015
  • Leading internal and external creative meetings and producing successful work
  • Elevated company reputation through consistent delivery of high-quality creative content.
  • Built strong relationships with clients, leading to long-term partnerships and repeat business opportunities.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and seamless execution.
  • Enhanced brand recognition by developing innovative marketing campaigns and visually compelling designs.
  • Championed a culture of creativity, encouraging team members to take risks and push boundaries in their work.
  • Drove innovation by staying current on industry trends and incorporating new ideas into design work.
  • Created award-winning designs that effectively communicated complex concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Boosted campaign performance by developing engaging and persuasive copy for print, digital, and social media platforms.
  • Played instrumental role in creative planning and review sessions, working with resourceful team to elevate quality of content and designs.

Associate Creative Director + Copywriter

BBDO NY
01.2004 - 01.2009
  • Developing and launching campaigns for various brands
  • Improved client satisfaction with creative solutions tailored to meet unique business objectives.
  • Contributed to a culture of innovation within the department by staying current on industry trends and sharing knowledge with colleagues.
  • Enhanced pitch presentations with compelling visuals and persuasive narratives, securing new business opportunities.
  • Optimized marketing materials through cohesive visual storytelling and targeted messaging.
  • Directed photoshoots and video productions for compelling visual content that resonated with target audiences.
  • Increased company visibility by creating eye-catching promotional materials for industry events and tradeshows.
  • Drove the development of award-winning campaigns by championing innovative ideas and collaborating effectively with colleagues.
  • Delivered visually engaging campaigns by leading brainstorming sessions and conceptualizing ideas.
  • Evaluated emerging technologies and tools to remain competitive, resulting in the implementation of new creative techniques and industry best practices.
  • Elevated brand identity by developing innovative creative concepts and executing design strategies.
  • Designed innovative creative strategies to raise brand awareness and engagement for organization.
  • Developed high-impact creative trailers and promotional content for company campaigns from concept to completion.
  • Collaborated with senior management to develop and implement marketing initiatives.

Copywriter

Cliff Freeman & Partners
07.2000 - 07.2004
  • Writing effective and award-winning content for various brands
  • Boosted campaign performance by developing engaging and persuasive copy for print, digital, and social media platforms.
  • Customized brand message to reach and capture target audience interest and drive engagement.
  • Increased brand awareness through the creation of compelling content for website landing pages, blog posts, and email newsletters.
  • Wrote advertising copy for online content, adhering to employers' overarching brand identity and personality.
  • Crafted effective call-to-action statements within copy, driving desired consumer behavior and increasing conversion rates.
  • Contributed to a positive brand image by developing compelling storytelling elements for promotional videos and commercials.
  • Enhanced product visibility by writing clear and concise product descriptions for e-commerce websites.
  • Optimized social media presence by creating share-worthy content that encouraged organic reach and audience engagement.
  • Managed competing deadlines with efficiency.
  • Created content for websites and online publications.
  • Produced original, creative content for promotional advertisements and marketing materials.
  • Presented clients with unique copy options based on overall marketing objectives.
  • Promoted and marketed works through social media platforms.

Instructor

Miami Ad School Pro
01.2002 - 01.2004
  • Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistent classroom management techniques.
  • Tracked student progress, frequently checking in with struggling students and identifying root causes of problems.
  • Boosted student performance by providing individualized support and targeted feedback.
  • Initiated new learning methods, eliminating instructional gaps and improving comprehension.
  • Increased student motivation by developing engaging lesson plans that catered to various learning styles.
  • Improved student performance by defining clear goals and communicating performance metrics.
  • Increased student participation via engaging lectures and assignments.

Teaching Assistant

School Of The Art Institute Of Chicago
01.1998 - 06.1998
  • Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain positive learning environment.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively, creating a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic success.
  • Supported classroom maintenance and upkeep, organizing books and materials.
  • Supported classroom activities, tutoring, and reviewing work.
  • Facilitated activities in small groups to reinforce concepts taught by class teacher.
  • Evaluated student performance through regular assessments, tracking progress and adjusting instructional strategies as needed.

Artist

Self-employed
01.1992 - 01.1998
  • Designed custom artwork for clients, meeting their creative vision and ensuring satisfaction with the final product.
  • Utilized social media platforms proactively to promote personal brand awareness while engaging with potential clients or collaborators regularly.
  • Made use of materials, such as ink, watercolors, charcoal, oil, computer software, paints, and pencils to complete unique piece for customers.
  • Implemented artistic vision to give art purpose and meaning.
  • Displayed portfolio to show off best work to potential clients and promote skills and value.
  • Sold original art pieces through online platforms, gallery exhibitions, and direct customer interactions, generating consistent revenue streams while maintaining an active artist presence within the community.
  • Enhanced artistic projects by incorporating innovative techniques and materials for impactful visual presentations.
  • Created custom drawings and paintings using fine oils, acrylics, and charcoal on high quality canvas.
  • Managed studio operations efficiently, organizing workspace layout while maintaining necessary supplies inventory levels.
  • Collaborated with fellow artists on various exhibitions, resulting in increased exposure and networking opportunities.
  • Developed comprehensive portfolios that showcased a diverse range of artistic abilities, attracting new clients and commission opportunities.
  • Curated successful art exhibitions, carefully selecting pieces that showcased diverse perspectives and styles.
  • Facilitated workshops for aspiring artists, fostering a supportive learning environment and strengthening technical skills.
  • Created concept designs and sketches to develop images and scenes.
  • Developed unique art pieces that garnered positive attention from critics and collectors, leading to increased sales and commissions.
  • Established strong relationships with gallery owners and curators to facilitate successful exhibition opportunities consistently.
  • Secured funding through grants, sponsorships, and donations to support artistic endeavors and community programming initiatives.
  • Used oil and acrylic paints, watercolors and digital media to create art pieces.
  • Created commissioned artwork for organizations and private clients.
  • Coordinated with art galleries to arrange display and sale of artwork.

Education

Skills

  • Advertising Campaign Development
  • Brand & Identity Development
  • Campaign Development Execution
  • Comedy Writing
  • Communications Strategies
  • Complex Problem Solver
  • Concept Authorship Development
  • Copywriting
  • Creative Direction Strategy
  • Creative Team Leadership Development
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Digital Practice Strategy
  • Innovative thinking
  • Marketing Strategy & Communications
  • Media Industry Expertise
  • Presentation Skills
  • Storytelling Storyboarding
  • Social Media Strategy
  • Video & Audio Post-production Editing
  • Content Strategy

Accomplishments

  • Writing on 11 Super Bowl projects for 7 different brands
  • Leading my team to through the pandemic to the Agency A-list
  • Leading creative for AT&T across 40+ creative teams in NYC, ATL, CHI, and SF along with eight agency partners
  • Responsible for $80M in agency revenue, generating $10xMM in organic and new growth
  • Repositioning the AT&T brand with the famous "It's Not Complicated," campaign, featuring Beck Bennett from SNL
  • Originating the loved Toyota Sponsafier UGC digital platform
  • Modernizing creative process by increasing collaboration, transparency, and diversity
  • Generating $10M+ earned media and double-digit sales increases for The New York Lottery
  • Writing and leading the winning pitch for iconic national brands and local heroes
  • Refreshing and relaunching VISAs' brand at the Olympic Winter Games
  • Originating and developing and the launch advertising for the FedEx Cup
  • Awarded: CannesX25, One ShowX25, D&ADX13, effiesX4
  • Morgan Freeman Told me he liked my writing
  • Becoming the least influential Gen-x Advertising Influencer on LinkedIn

Hobbies

Vinyl Records

Retro Video Games

Board Games

Satirical Writing

Storytelling

Worrying

Art

Cooking

Wine

Timeline

Chief Creative Officer + Copywriter

Yamamoto
01.2019 - 09.2022

Executive Creative Director + Copywriter

McCann NY
01.2015 - 12.2016

Sr. Creative Director + Copywriter

BBDO NY
01.2011 - 05.2015

Creative Director + Copywriter

Freelance
01.2009 - Current

Associate Creative Director + Copywriter

BBDO NY
01.2004 - 01.2009

Instructor

Miami Ad School Pro
01.2002 - 01.2004

Copywriter

Cliff Freeman & Partners
07.2000 - 07.2004

Teaching Assistant

School Of The Art Institute Of Chicago
01.1998 - 06.1998

Artist

Self-employed
01.1992 - 01.1998

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Grant Smith