Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Recognition
Extra-Curricular Activities
Mediums
Timeline
Generic
JOHN SZALAY

JOHN SZALAY

CREATIVE DIRECTOR/ART DIRECTOR
Richmond,NV

Summary

20+ years' experience translating marketing objectives into strategic omni-platform creative solutions that resonate with consumers and drive results.


Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

VP Creative Director

Truth Initiative
Washington DC
06.2023 - 06.2024
  • Led the internal creative team on social, on-campus experiences and promotional items + partnered with Mojo Supermarket on national advertising campaigns
  • "This is Quitting" text cessation program beat tik tok's engagement benchmark by 400%, winning a 2024 Bronze Reggie
  • Multichannel "Toxic Therapist" campaign drove a 71% website engagement rate
  • Sustained, thematic influencer campaigns
  • Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent teams.
  • Collaborated with senior management developing strategic initiatives, elevating brand awareness, and setting long term goals.

Creative Director

Mythic
Charlotte, NC
03.2022 - 02.2023
  • Spectrum Cable, Wilmington & Beaches Tourism, Hercules + Ironman Tires
  • Ironman + Hercules: 15% Instagram follower growth 3x social interactions 80% engagement over competitors
  • Enhanced brand recognition by developing innovative marketing campaigns and visually compelling designs.
  • Managed campaigns with specific focuses in order to meet customer needs and creative visions.
  • Mentored junior designers, fostering professional growth and enhancing overall team capabilities.
  • Evaluated and contributed to creative team ideas and translated into actionable project plans.

Creative Director / Art Director

The Martin Agency
Richmond , VA
01.2010 - 08.2021
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and seamless execution.
  • Collaborated with stakeholders to define project vision and ensure alignment with business goals.
  • Managed campaigns with specific focuses in order to meet customer needs and creative visions.
  • Evaluated and contributed to creative team ideas and translated into actionable project plans.
  • Accounts worked on: GEICO, Hanes, Walmart, Discover Card, tic tac, Midas, Cool Whip, Penske, Experian, SLING TV, Ritz, KAYAK, Tylenol, Xfinity, Free Credit Score, TIAA, Sabra, Twisted Tea, Pizza Hut, Donate Life
  • New Business Wins: tic tac brand work, TV, and social/digital; Hanes social, digital, and women wear; GEICO social, Midas TV & social; Walmart digital
  • Led the team that produced Hanes' most successful product launch campaign to date
  • "Hans comfort Guru" campaign featured in Fast Company
  • "Every Bod" campaign featured in the New York Times
  • Doubled account revenue by winning the social and digital business
  • Walmart - "Conveyor Belt" TV increased sales for the first time in 2 years
  • Recognized at Cannes, The One Show, and US Edition Campaign Magazine

Art Director - Freelance

RG/A, Merkley+Partners, McGarry Bowen
New York, NY
01.2009 - 01.2010
  • AVAYA, Chase Credit + Small Business, new business pitches for Arby's, Pizza Hut
  • Worked with creative teams to develop concept designs for campaigns that resonated with target audiences.

Associate Creative Director / Art Director

LOWE WORLDWIDE
New York , NY
01.2010 - 08.2021
  • Established strong client relationships through clear communication, understanding of goals, and delivering on expectations.
  • Creative direction on accounts Degree/Rexona and XM Satellite Radio,
  • Art Director on accounts - Heineken, GMC, Verizon Wireless, UPS, Saab, MassMutual, Perdue Chicken, IRIDIUM, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Gorton's, Johnson & Johnson
  • Elevated brand identity by developing innovative creative concepts and executing design strategies.
  • Directed photoshoots and video productions for compelling visual content that resonated with target audiences.
  • New Business Wins: Degree/Unilever TV, digital, print, outdoor, POP
  • Launched a Degree rebrand with a Super Bowl spot
  • Grew the Degree mens account to include womens, teens and global business

Skills

Recognition

  • Cannes
  • The One Show
  • D&AD
  • The Effies
  • AICP
  • Campaign Magazine, US Annual Review
  • Communication Arts
  • The Reggie Awards
  • New York Festivals
  • FWA Site of the Day
  • New York Times
  • Fast Company
  • USA Today
  • The Super Bowl

Extra-Curricular Activities

Professor, Miami Ad School, guiding seniors as they create work for student competitions. Student wins include D&AD pencils & shortlists, One Show pencils & shortlists, ADDYS and Webbys. Mentor, Ad Club at VCU + Brand Center Camp Adventure Speaker, Budapest Brand Festival VCU Children's Hospital + Richmond Public Schools: strategy and creative for healthy lifestyle awareness campaigns

Mediums

  • TV commercials
  • Cinema spots
  • Online video
  • Animation
  • Computer graphics
  • Heavy special effects
  • Influencer content
  • User generated content
  • Scrappy low budget shoots
  • Up to million dollar productions
  • Graphic design
  • Print ads
  • Billboards
  • Wild postings
  • In-store materials
  • Point of sale
  • Brochures
  • Down to restaurant table tents
  • Landing pages
  • Contest pages
  • Animated banners
  • Static banners
  • Social media creation and post copy

Timeline

VP Creative Director

Truth Initiative
06.2023 - 06.2024

Creative Director

Mythic
03.2022 - 02.2023

Associate Creative Director / Art Director

LOWE WORLDWIDE
01.2010 - 08.2021

Creative Director / Art Director

The Martin Agency
01.2010 - 08.2021

Art Director - Freelance

RG/A, Merkley+Partners, McGarry Bowen
01.2009 - 01.2010

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