Origin Story

Originally from the rural town of Grand Junction, Colorado, my advertising journey began at age 11. A competition for the local Pepsi bottling plant marked my first triumph, sparking a lifelong passion for art, copy, and carbonated beverages.

Two college degrees later, I moved to New York City, where I've worked for various clients — all of them way more prestigious than that bottling plant.

Over my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with an amazing array of mentors, partners, directors, photographers, actors, rappers, dogs, cats, babies, an alligator, a tiger, a giraffe, a vulture, a skunk, an animatronic dolphin, and Ellen Degeneres. Ellen may have been the most difficult to work with if I’m being honest.

Resume PDF

2014 – 2021

Freelance Creative Director | Taylor Donovan Inc.

Through my S-Corp, Taylor Donovan, I provide creative direction, art direction, graphic design, and copywriting for integrated campaigns and branded experiences. I take on any stage in project development—from initial concept to client pitch to final execution. My expertise spans various media, including commercial film, branded content, audio records, print, out-of-home, wayfinding, and event fabrication.

Agencies & Clients:

2014 – 2021

Creative Director | Publicis North America

Supervised creative teams and ideation on brand campaigns for JM Smucker pet brands (Milk-Bone, Meow Mix, etc) as part of the team that would later move to Publicis agency BBH. Creative development on Super Bowl commercial for Fiverr. Working previously as Associate Creative Director, I played a pivotal role in new business development, including pitch win resulting in “Change Pays” platform for S&P Global and developed various broadcast, social, and retail campaigns for P&G, Nestlé, and Abbott Nutrition. As a versatile creative, I was often lent to network partner Saatchi & Saatchi to work on Walmart.

2011 – 2014

Associate Creative Director | mcgarrybowen

Conceptualized and developed integrated campaigns for JPMorgan Chase and Marriott Hotels & Resorts, spanning TV, print, digital, and out-of-home media. Leveraged brand partnerships, including Chase’s collaboration with Madison Square Garden and Marriott’s partnership with the NFL. Provided mentorship and helped shape talent development within mcgarrybowen’s intern program.

2010 – 2011

Senior Art Director | Digitas

Design and art direction for digital, direct, and integrated campaigns for American Express, including Delta Skymiles and Amex Blue cards.

Previous Agency Experience

Amalgamated, NYC (RIP) | Art Director

Door Number 3, Austin | Art Director

GSD&M, Austin | Intern (namedrop: I was Luke Sullivan’s intern)

TDA Advertising & Design, Boulder | Intern

Education

University of Texas, Austin | Master’s of Advertising

University of Colorado, Boulder | Bachelor’s of Journalism

Services

CREATIVE DIRECTION
Lead teams, critique work, and guide brand storytelling.

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
Turn briefs into insight-driven campaign ideas

ART DIRECTION
Research and shape compelling brand visuals

SCRIPTWRITING
Craft scripts and storyboards for commercials and digital content

GRAPHIC DESIGN
Develop print, digital, and environmental graphics

COPYWRITING
Writing headlines, taglines, body copy, post copy, and presentations

VIDEO
Oversee pre-production, shoots, and editing for content and commercials

PRESENTATION DESIGN
Live by the deck, die by the deck

EXPERIENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
Advise on spacial design, user journey, and fabrication of branded spaces

CREATIVE STRATEGY
Develop cultural insights to inspire impactful, relevant creative

Hard Skills

Adobe Creative Suite

Figma

Keynote

Powerpoint

Google Workspace

Excel (did someone say asset tracker?)

Generative AI (Midjourney, etc)

Awards

2023 – Ex Awards, Silver - Abbott Elementary

2021 – Effie Awards, Bronze - Meow Mix

2021 – One Show Bronze, Direct Response - Fiverr

2016 – Effie Awards, Gold– Similac

2015 – PR Week Campaign of the Year – Similac

2015 – Clio Silver, Film – Similac

2015 – Clio Bronze, Film – Similac

2010 – Obie Awards – Ben & Jerry’s