Award-winning Global Creative Director with over 20 years of experience in the beauty, fashion, and luxury sectors. Achieved a significant 286% sales increase and 85% year-over-year growth in earned media value at Kitsch. Expertise in leading multi-touchpoint campaigns from concept to execution, infusing strong aesthetic vision and innovative storytelling to engage audiences effectively. Proven ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders to produce impactful branding and advertising campaigns that drive meaningful business growth on a global scale.
Hi, I’m
SAM SHAW
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Los Angeles,United States
Summary
Overview
24
years of professional experience
Work History
KitschLos Angeles, USA
Creative Director
01.2023 - Current
Job overview
- Reported directly to the CEO, spearheading Kitsch's comprehensive rebranding efforts, including visual identity and brand storytelling
- Achieved an impressive 85% year-over-year growth in earned media value (EMV) in 2023
- Drove 84% year-over-year sales growth in 2024
- Devised a cohesive creative vision, expanding retail distribution into major retailers such as Target, Amazon, and Ulta
- Engineered innovative creative concepts for licensing collaborations with esteemed brands like Barbie and Disney
- Led a team of over 10 designers and creatives, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment
- Oversaw integrated marketing campaigns across multiple channels, ensuring alignment with brand objectives
- Managed the production of high-quality content, maintaining consistency with brand guidelines
Hourglass Cosmetics, Unilever | HourglassLos Angeles, USA
Global Creative Director
03.2020 - 01.2023
Job overview
- Conceptualized and executed the creative vision and brand aesthetic, achieving a remarkable 286% sales increase in Korea
- Tripled brand size since the Unilever acquisition in 2017, significantly enhancing market presence
- Attained 30% year-over-year growth, driven by the successful launch of the Vanish Airbrush Concealer
- Recognized by Sephora as 'Best in Class' for Creative three consecutive years, underscoring excellence in the field
- Assembled Hourglass's in-house Creative and Content Studio, establishing a collaborative production environment
- Mentored a creative team of over 10 individuals, managing timelines and optimizing content production processes
Unilever | HourglassLos Angeles, USA
Content Director
12.2015 - 02.2019
Job overview
- Served as the global creative lead overseeing campaign creative, social media content, and brand events
- Accelerated Instagram following from 150K to over 1M in less than 9 months, significantly enhancing brand visibility
The Estee Lauder Companies | Bumble + bumbleLos Angeles, USA
Lead Content Creator (contract)
09.2014 - 11.2015
Job overview
- Developed impactful social and digital content, resulting in an impressive 200% growth in engagement over a 6-month period
The Estee Lauder Companies | Bumble + bumbleNew York, USA
Director, Global PR/Comms & Fashion Relations
09.2013 - 09.2015
Job overview
- Devised a comprehensive brand sponsorship strategy for over 60 Fashion Week shows annually
- Oversaw high-profile celebrity collaborations and developed strategic PR initiatives for successful product launches
- Directed production for more than 60 Fashion Week Shows annually in NYC and internationally.
- Headed all celebrity, influencer and artist collaborations (including top fashion designers, stylists, models, and "it girls”).
- Liaised with celebrity managers and PR reps to initiate new opportunities for collaboration.
- Cultivated relationships with Bb. Editorial Stylists and mentored up and coming salon Stylists/Colorists.
- Developed PR strategies for product launches and campaigns including launch parties, editor previews, consumer events, and photoshoots.
- Cast and styled models/talent for all photo and videoshoots.
- Acted as key liaison to the professional hairstylist community including high fashion editorial, TV, Film and Theater.
- Provided support and product to more than 75 shows such as SNL, HBO GIRLS
- Launched Bumble and bumble’s Instagram, executing creative and art direction for the brand’s social channels.
Alexis BittarNew York, USA
Director of Public Relations & Editorial Styling
03.2008 - 12.2013
Job overview
- Developed and executed strategic PR campaigns that enhanced brand visibility and shaped public perception. Notable campaigns and OOH postings featured Joan Collins and Absolutely Fabulous! cast.
- Secured high-level media coverage by crafting compelling pitches and fostering relationships with top-tier press.
- Oversaw client accounts, ensuring seamless execution of campaigns, and delivering best-in-class service.
- Created and refined press materials, including media alerts, press releases, and brand narratives.
- Lead client communications, serving as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to Alexis Bittar.
- Managed and mentored junior team members, guiding workflow, and fostering growth.
- Identified and cultivated opportunities for brand collaborations, celebrity partnerships, and influencer engagement.
- Coordinated and oversaw media presence at events, red carpets, and industry activations.
Shecky's MediaNew York, USA
Senior Public Relations Director
04.2007 - 03.2008
Job overview
LoungeNew York, USA
Director of Public Relations, Brand Management & Events
04.2006 - 03.2007
Job overview
Think PRNew York, USA
Senior PR Account Executive
02.2005 - 03.2006
Job overview
Tractenberg & CoNew York, USA
PR Account Executive
02.2004 - 02.2005
Job overview
ChanelNew York, USA
Makeup Artist
06.2001 - 05.2003
Job overview
Education
Skidmore College
Bachelor of Science from Theater Arts
05.2003
University Overview
- Awarded Certificate of Excellence within Major
- GPA: 3.86
Universidad de Valencia
Study Abroad from Spanish Language & Culture
06.2002
University Overview
Full Immersion Program
Oxford University
Full Immersion Semester Program from Theater Arts
08.1998
University Overview
Full Immersion Semester Program
Skills
- Creative Vision & Strategy
- Photo & Video Art Direction
- Brand Stewardship
- Campaign Development & Execution
- Content Creation & Management
- Trend Forecasting & Analysis
- Re-Branding & Visual Identity
- Product Development
- Licensing & Design Collaborations
- Packaging Design
- Casting & Photoshoot Production
- Product & Wardrobe Styling
- Set Design
- Post-Production
- Event Production
- Team Leadership & Mentorship
- Team Management
- Creative Direction
- Brand strategy
- Visual identity
- Content creation
- Team leadership
- Trend forecasting
- Multimedia production
- Art direction
- Creative team leadership
- Design
- Content strategy
- Strategic communications
- Visual storytelling
- Brand messaging
- Strategic thinking
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Design leadership
- Vendor negotiation
- Creative vision development
- Storyboard creation
- Photography direction
- Print production
- Concept development
- Creative positioning
- Team development
- Concept pitching
- Creative team collaboration
- Video editing
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking Abilities
- Brand identity creation
- Visual product development
- Department development
- Client relations
Social media strategy
Advertising campaigns
Campaign development
Attention to detail
References
References
References available upon request.Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
HybridRemoteOn-SiteTimeline
Creative Director
Kitsch
01.2023 - Current
Global Creative Director
Hourglass Cosmetics, Unilever | Hourglass
03.2020 - 01.2023
Content Director
Unilever | Hourglass
12.2015 - 02.2019
Lead Content Creator (contract)
The Estee Lauder Companies | Bumble + bumble
09.2014 - 11.2015
Director, Global PR/Comms & Fashion Relations
The Estee Lauder Companies | Bumble + bumble
09.2013 - 09.2015
Director of Public Relations & Editorial Styling
Alexis Bittar
03.2008 - 12.2013
Senior Public Relations Director
Shecky's Media
04.2007 - 03.2008
Director of Public Relations, Brand Management & Events
Lounge
04.2006 - 03.2007
Senior PR Account Executive
Think PR
02.2005 - 03.2006
PR Account Executive
Tractenberg & Co
02.2004 - 02.2005
Makeup Artist
Chanel
06.2001 - 05.2003
Skidmore College
Bachelor of Science from Theater Arts
Universidad de Valencia
Study Abroad from Spanish Language & Culture
Oxford University
Full Immersion Semester Program from Theater Arts
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