FAQ’s TMI’S & WTF’s
Hi, I’m Tiff 👋 A concept-and-design-loving Creative Director/Art Director with a dash of Writer mixed in. I can lead teams or dive in and be a team - solo or partnered. Regardless, I always push for work that’s relatable to the non-ad people amongst us while keeping it smart (or smart-ish), entertaining, real nice looking and somehow on strategy.
I bring 18+ years of experience to the table from gigs at agencies of all sizes. Along with the work ethic of someone who spent their formative ad years working in NYC occasionally sleeping under desks and always barely able to afford rent. Don’t worry, I don’t sleep under many desks these days.
Places that have recognized my work include the Cannes Shortlist (so so so close), Addy Awards, One Show, Communication Arts, Jay Chiat Awards, Adweek/Creativity, Muse by Clios and my parents Facebook pages.
In addition to my work babies I have 4 real ones. Two are rescue mutts and the others are real live human kids. The human ones remind me how important it is to find the humor in everything and look away from the screen. The dog ones remind me to feed them. (The animals. I usually remember to feed the kids.)
Sound like I could help? Let's have an awkward video call ✨
More questions? allow me to interview myself.
Q: You wear a lot of sweatshirts on video calls but it’s 104 outside. What’s your deal? A: It’s never summer in AC. It may be 104 outside in Austin but it’s always sweatshirt weather on me.
Q: Are you from Texas? A: No friend. Think north-ier and mitten-shaped. I was born and raised in Michigan which means I love showing people my hand-map (✋!!!) and complaining about the Austin weather. There’s just so. much. back. sweat.
Q: OK. But I heard you say “y'all” earlier. Why use that if you aren’t from the south? A: I resisted using it for my first 5 years in Austin. But in year 6 I got a bit “Y’all-curious” and began testing it out. I’ve gotta say, it flows off the ol’ tongue nicely and is delightfully inclusive.
Q: What’s your sign? A: Very very Cancer. Just ask my therapist. Same.
Q: Do you have experience “working scrappy”, as they say ? A: I can’t remember working within a budget that didn’t immediately cause the entire team to laugh nervously and then group-binge antacids. In fact, about 90% of the projects on this site are “scrappy” solves. The others were made when I was a Junior and didn’t know about budgets.
Wait a minute… Are there creatives out there who haven’t needed to be consistently scrappy??? Actually, don’t answer that.
Q: Where the hell is the resume on this website? A: I’m honored you’re asking for it after indulging me in this fake interview. ➡️ Shoot me a note and I’ll sent it your way.
Q: Any Advertising deep thoughts you want to share? A: Wow, now there’s a question.
I believe that people love loving brands that don’t take themselves too seriously. Especially nowadays when BS meters are elevated and stress is at all-time highs. I always push work to be relatable and entertaining to the average non-ad person (in the target, of course). There will always be briefs and brands that require a serious tone, but for the most part I think leaving a viewer smiling, giggling or joyfully eye-rolling along with you is a win.
And because those details are where that devil lives, I think it’s important to take time to sweat the small stuff (after sweating the big stuff). Thoughtful art direction and consistency in voice is important everywhere: From that preroll video to a 728x90 to a last minute newsletter blast.
Oh, one more: This may be unpopular in some circles but a good brief does more to inspire and kickstart creative brains then free food or beer runs. (90% of the time)
But then again, what do I know really? I’m but a speck in the vast universe of Ad Creatives. Who is interviewing herself. 🪐
Q: Are you one of those humans who kiss dogs on the mouth? A: Depends. Is it a good boi or girl? Indeed, great doggo.Then 100%. It just makes sense. Pucker up pup.
Q: Do you think you should have a professional-looking headshot? A: Great question–can I call you Q? Please do. Great question, Q. The answer is nah. To get that gem of a pic I jumped onto the cart at least 7 times, always almost losing my balance as it rolled forward. I’ll give it at least another 6 months.