Creative Director & Professor
Amanda who?
Hey there!
I'm Amanda (as you probably gathered). My journey started at Michigan State where I studied Advertising, and from there, I co-founded an advertising agency in Lansing, MI. It was an exciting ride – I got to work with some amazing brands like Early Childhood Investment Corporation, LorAnn Oils, Romeo's Pizza, and even my alma mater, Michigan State University. One of our proudest moments was sweeping the 2019 AAF “Addy” Awards, taking home gold for multiple projects including our MSU Executive MBA “Boss” campaign, which aimed to empower women to pursue higher education and redefine what it means to be a leader.
After my time in Lansing, I headed to Doner in Detroit where I worked on brands like Consumers Energy, Owens Corning, The UPS Store, and Penn National Gaming. We even won an award or two for our, "Powered by Charles" campaign.
Next up: FCB Chicago. I was promoted from Senior Copywriter to Associate Creative Director, where I was in charge of a handful of Health and Wellness brands such as DenTek, Dramamine, Goody's, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, and Summer's Eve. It's been a journey of learning, connecting with people, and making a difference wherever I can.
Nowadays, I'm back at Michigan State, sharing my knowledge and passion with the next generation. Combining my love for teaching with my background in advertising and activism, I'm always looking for new ways to inspire and create change.
Skills
Brand Strategy Copywriting Campaign Management Branding
Social Media Creative Content Storyteller Creative Initiatives
Work Experience
January 2024-Current
Adjunct Professor, Michigan State University
Educator for 35+ students for two Advertising courses in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences including Intro to Creative Media and 360 Degree Copywriting.
February 2023-Current
Associate Creative Director, FCB Chicago
Help mentor and develop a team of Junior creatives while leading the creative efforts on my day-to-day brands such as BC Powder, DenTek, Dramamine, Janssen Pharmacueticals, Summer's Eve, and Monistat.
March 2022-February 2023
Senior Copywriter, FCB Chicago
Responsible for developing, overseeing, and managing all copy and creative
messaging for a portfolio of Health & Wellness brands including Dramamine,
Janssen Pharmaceuticals, and Summer’s Eve.
March 2021-March 2022
Copywriter, Doner
Write and edit copy across a diverse portfolio of brands including Consumers Energy, Owens Corning, Penn National Gaming, The UPS Store, and more. Collaborate with Art Directors, Creative Directors, Strategists, Account Managers, and Project Managers to meet deadlines and create impactful, strategic TV, radio, social media, e-mail, and out-of-home executions.
2018-2021
Creative Lead & Co-owner, CiesaBlend
Ciesa was a 40-year-old design agency transformed into an advertising agency in 2018 with
the addition of website, social media, marketing, and production capabilities. I wear multiple
hats in our agency working as Strategy, Digital and Social Lead, and managing accounts
such as Early Childhood Investment Corporation, East Lansing Art Festival, LorAnn Oils,
Michigan State University, Potter Park Zoo, and Romeo’s Pizza Franchise.