When it comes to ideas, better is bigger.
Hi. I’m AJ. I’m a Creative Director and writer working in Minneapolis, MN.
In today’s modern world, the big idea is more important than ever, because ideas need to be bigger than ever before. Bigger than just TV or a website or a line, logo and call to action. Ideas need to fit into the lives of consumers, no matter when and where that may be. So for the last 15 years I’ve worked to create and expand powerful ideas to be bigger, work harder, and become more than just ads, but experiences that people love and live.
Experience
PERISCOPE // VP, Director of Digital Creative // 2019 - 2020
Integrated creative lead to connect agency work across channels including brand and digital video, web, mobile, social, emerging tech, IoT, AR/VR and product. Clients include Essentia, Cargill, Toro, Arctic Cat, JCPenney, Target, PEMCO, Schwans, Google
PERISCOPE // Creative Director // 2017 - 2019
Developed disruptive and immersive brand engagements and integration across channels, including video, web, print, CRM, social and event. See above client list.
MIRUM // Creative Director // 2013 - 2017
Developed and led brand creative and digital content creation, including video, web, mobile, app, 1:1 and emerging tech for Listerine, Mazda, American Family Insurance, Rolex, Royal Caribbean, Intercontinental Hotels, UnitedHealth Group, and Johnson & Johnson
OLSON // Senior Copywriter // 2010-2013
Concepted, wrote, shot, recorded, produced and post-produced for brand, digital, 1:1 and event work for clients like Amtrak, University of Minnesota, Pei Wei, Target, Best Buy and Belize Tourism.
Plus various other agencies where I learned the craft of writing, the art of selling, and the challenges of happy hours and holiday parties.
Contributions
SXSW // Panel Speaker // 2015
Created and developed panel discussion on the topic of 24/7 internet connectivity and the social/physical/mental affects of constant connection
Minneapolis College of Art and Design // Adjunct Faculty // 2011-2014
Constructed and conducted senior-level writing course for ad/marketing track with focus on creative integration and brand systems across channels
Need my resume?
Recognition
While shiny trophies are fun, I’m most proud when work makes its way into culture. So in addition to being awarded on a local, regional and national level, my work has also been features in:
Webby Awards
Advertising Age
The Atlantic
Good Morning America
AdWeek
The Wall Street Journal
AdFreak.com
CollegeHumor.com
bestadsontv.com
iTunes Top Downloads
Fun Facts
I've been held up an gunpoint 4 separate times, with zero incontinent results. #boom
Somewhere in the world is a baboon that owes me 55.06ZAR and an ostrich steak
I almost became a meteorologist, which means I still chase storms, just irresponsibly so
I've shot at Angela Lansbury and hit Ray Liotta in his goodfellas all in the same trip
Snuck into a Colombian women’s prison to get a shot, and left after building picnic tables for the inmates