A Day in the Life at Mintz + Hoke: Creative Edition
The designers. The writers. The photographers and videographers. The ones who bring our Immersively Different thoughts and ideas to life—the creatives. In today's Day in the Life installment, we invite you to get to know the people behind the art: our Creative team.
Let’s begin with one of our Associate Creative Directors, Trevor Dobrowsky, who’s going on 15 years with Mintz + Hoke!
When people from outside the advertising industry ask what you do, how do you describe your role?
‘I’m a creative at an advertising agency’ typically paints a pretty good picture. Kudos to Don Draper.
What does the first hour of your day typically consist of? Are you reading the news, meditating, journaling, etc.?
Usually surfing the internet. Is that phrase back yet? I have a few tabs that are my go-to's, including news, weather, design and advertising blogs. I always try to stay fresh on current events.
Out of all the Mintz + Hoke core values—Inspire/Be Inspired, Embrace the Gray, Always Bring a Gift, Honor Respect, and Own It—which one resonates with you the most and why?
I’m always trying to bring a gift. Presenting a wide range of creative concepts is a good way to show your thinking. Deliver on the ask but try an unexpected approach. Something that makes one think a little differently.
How do you embrace our Immersively Different philosophy in your day-to-day efforts?
I’ve never had the same workday twice. Every single day is full of new challenges and opportunities. You truly never know what to expect. That’s what makes being a creative so exciting!
If you could give one piece of career advice, what would it be?
Think big.
Where do you find inspiration?
Since I spend so much time in front of the screen, I try to find inspiration the furthest from it. I enjoy going to restaurants, lunchtime walks, visiting museums, reading magazines, people-watching, and shopping. Inspiration can be found where you least expect it.
---------------
Up next is Carla Gonzalez, our other Associate Creative Director who’s been with us for eight years.
When people from outside the advertising industry ask what you do, how do you describe your role?
Usually, I explain that at a high level, I work with a team to ideate different strategies and campaign ideas for our clients’ marketing and advertising. Then I continue by saying I specifically handle whatever writing needs to be done based on those ideas, such as taglines, scripts for radio spots, or website content.
What does the first hour of your day typically consist of? Are you reading the news, meditating, journaling, etc.?
The first hour of the day involves cats, coffee, and conversation, but not always in that order. My husband has already been at work for two hours before I begin, so we catch up on what’s going on with him before I touch base with my teammates. Sometimes that’s other creatives or the account services folks, and often I derail the conversation with something random and fun I’ve seen recently. But after that, it’s down to business.
Out of all the Mintz + Hoke core values—Inspire/Be Inspired, Embrace the Gray, Always Bring a Gift, Honor Respect, and Own It—which one resonates with you the most and why?
Own It is my favorite for many reasons. But primarily because I believe in being accountable to yourself and others who rely on you. That said, while I am good at owning my work, deliverables, and mistakes, I am terrible at owning my successes. But I am surrounded by people who won’t let me forget when I do something great.
How do you embrace our Immersively Different philosophy in your day-to-day efforts?
I am the kind of person who prefers to know a lot more than I probably need to in order to write. I am always learning what terms mean or going deeper to understand how some research was arrived at because it makes me feel more confident in explaining a service or product and—more importantly—finding an unexpected or interesting way to do it. For me, there's no worse feeling than putting something on paper, even a headline, that feels superficial.
If you could give one piece of career advice, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to leave a job to pursue a career, even if it means turning your back on several degrees you’ve earned. I know it’s a privilege to be in a position to do something like that. However, I tried several things over several years, thanks to the people who were in my life at the time. I didn’t find my career in advertising as a then Junior Copywriter, with no industry or educational experience, until I was almost 30. But it was important for me to find something that excited me, even on the bad days, and I am really glad I didn’t settle for anything else.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in so many different places. Old advertising, new advertising, podcasts, books, NPR shows, puzzle games, public art spaces and events, architecture, my own consumer habits, comedians’ takes on everyday life, movies, indie/emo rock—really anything that gets me to perceive something differently. Then I take that thinking experience and apply it to my work.
---------------
Now hear from our Director of Creative Services, Rena Astle. She’s been with the agency for over 13 years and has never looked back.
When people from outside the advertising industry ask what you do, how do you describe your role?
I am a project manager for a full-service advertising agency that develops advertising campaigns, videos, websites, and a host of other things for our clients. I sit at the hub of the agency and help keep the day-to-day operations going.
What does the first hour of your day typically consist of? Are you reading the news, meditating, journaling, etc.?
First off, there is no typical day. That's what I like most about my job. Usually, my day starts by going through any unread emails to make sure all work is assigned and prioritized while also making sure the creative team is set up for success.
Out of all the Mintz + Hoke core values—Inspire/Be Inspired, Embrace the Gray, Always Bring a Gift, Honor Respect, and Own It—which one resonates with you the most and why?
Embrace the Gray. Things can change very quickly in this business, so I need to be nimble and able to pivot quickly.
How do you embrace our Immersively Different philosophy in your day-to-day efforts?
I ask a lot of questions upfront to make sure we have all the necessary information before digging into any project.
If you could give one piece of career advice, what would it be?
Find a career you enjoy that focuses on your strengths. Don’t try and be great at everything.
Where do you find inspiration?
Connecting with people.
---------------
Next, Mintz + Hoker of eight years and Senior Copywriter, Kolbe Fitzgerald gives us a glimpse into his day.
When people from outside the advertising industry ask what you do, how do you describe your role?
If they’re not already familiar with the idea of copywriting, I usually say something along the lines of, “I help dream up ideas to advertise and market brands. Then when it’s time to bring those ideas to life, I do the writing.” There’s a lot more nuance to the job obviously, but that gets the conversation going.
What does the first hour of your day typically consist of? Are you reading the news, meditating, journaling, etc.?
I spend the first hour of my day with my family—my wife and 2-year-old son. It starts the day on the right foot, inspires me to do my best, and grounds me in what matters most.
Out of all the Mintz + Hoke core values—Inspire/Be Inspired, Embrace the Gray, Always Bring a Gift, Honor Respect, and Own It—which one resonates with you the most and why?
If I must pick just one, I’d choose Embrace the Gray. It’s a value that’s brought unexpected joy into my life and is also where I’ll often find some of the best ideas.
How do you embrace our Immersively Different philosophy in your day-to-day efforts?
I’m a naturally curious person. I love asking questions, doing research, and learning new things. All of which fit perfectly into learning a client’s business, understanding a new product, or finding that honest connection to our client’s customers.
If you could give one piece of career advice, what would it be?
Stay curious. There is so much to learn, experience, to draw inspiration from, but only if you want it. Don’t get complacent with what you know—learn new things as often as possible. It helps keep the mind open to new ideas, and new ideas are the currency of the creative world.
Where do you find inspiration?
Literally everywhere. You never know when your muse might come for a visit. I’ve been inspired while grocery shopping or even just playing outside with my kid. I don’t think finding inspiration is so much about looking for it as it is about being open and accepting it when it presents itself.
---------------
Now hear from the guy who does it all—Charles Spencer. For almost 20 years, he’s been our Production Artist, Production Coordinator, proofreader/editor, and more.
When people from outside the advertising industry ask what you do, how do you describe your role?
Take rough tissues or digital files and rebuild for release; Image retouching; Proofread and edit all copy; Coordinate anything remotely print-related.
What does the first hour of your day typically consist of? Are you reading the news, meditating, journaling, etc.?
Coffee and reading the news.
Out of all the Mintz + Hoke core values—Inspire/Be Inspired, Embrace the Gray, Always Bring a Gift, Honor Respect, and Own It—which one resonates with you the most and why?
I like “Own it”, meaning take full responsibility for anything and everything you do. Stand up for what experience has proved to be the best solution for the issue at hand.
How do you embrace our Immersively Different philosophy in your day-to-day efforts?
I just try to create pieces or copy that aim at, and hit, the client’s exact request, desire, thought process, etc. No ambiguity in our message.
If you could give one piece of career advice, what would it be?
Listen to your mother.
Where do you find inspiration?
Pre-war American music.
---------------
Read below to learn about our Motion Designer of three years, Motti Zaretsky.
When people from outside the advertising industry ask what you do, how do you describe your role?
I try to keep it simple and say I make branded videos and animated stuff for the agency’s clients.
What does the first hour of your day typically consist of? Are you reading the news, meditating, journaling, etc.?
I usually sip my morning coffee as I look through some trending design sites or jump straight into hot projects.
Out of all the Mintz + Hoke core values—Inspire/Be Inspired, Embrace the Gray, Always Bring a Gift, Honor Respect, and Own It—which one resonates with you the most and why?
I’d say Honor Respect resonates the most with me. Respect is like the oil in an engine that keeps all the parts and pieces working with each other and running smoothly. It’s one of the values you can feel in the air when it's present.
How do you embrace our Immersively Different philosophy in your day-to-day efforts?
I try to pretend to be our client’s customers. Trying to see what they see and feel what they might feel. Sometimes really cool ideas don’t work if it doesn’t land with the customer, and ultimately, that’s the goal.
If you could give one piece of career advice, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to voice crazy outside-the-box ideas. There’s a good chance one can spark something really great!
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration mostly on design-centric sites like dribble, but I also like watching commercials to see how other brands craft their stories and position their narratives.
---------------
Last but not least, is our Art Director of two years, Dani Battaglia.
When people from outside the advertising industry ask what you do, how do you describe your role?
I work at a full-service advertising agency where I work alongside a team to help develop creative concepts and materials for clients. If you see a billboard, magazine, website, logo, packaging, animated banners and much more, that’s something an art director would work on.
What does the first hour of your day typically consist of? Are you reading the news, meditating, journaling, etc.?
My first hour consists of me reading, making breakfast, drinking coffee, and writing everything I want to accomplish for the day.
Out of all the Mintz + Hoke core values—Inspire/Be Inspired, Embrace the Gray, Always Bring a Gift, Honor Respect, and Own It—which one resonates with you the most and why?
It’s a close call, but I would say Embrace the Gray. Every day is different, and you never know where a challenge might lead you.
How do you embrace our Immersively Different philosophy in your day-to-day efforts?
I’m always listening and learning from our clients and everyone at Mintz + Hoke. I value taking in all the information, letting it sit, and then working with our team to create some great work.
If you could give one piece of career advice, what would it be?
Stay curious and continue to challenge yourself every day.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find a lot of my inspiration from other graphic designers, architects, interior designers, authors, or any type of artist. Seeing design and art outside of work is always inspiring and makes me think differently about everything.
---------------
We hope you enjoyed the inside scoop on our masters of creativity. Next time, you'll hear from our Client Service team. Stay tuned!
