WTH is an Ashford?
What is a tree? What is a bird? Nobody knows. Ok, maybe some kind of scientist could tell you. But we can all agree, it’s difficult to define oneself. Of this much I’m certain. I grew up in the rural Midwest — an impractical, art-loving kid from a long line of uber-practical farmers and mechanics. I watched wrestling — probably too much. And I live to solve problems, untangle knots, and make beautiful, interesting things.
For well over a decade I’ve been helping brands, large and small, navigate their own identity crises through thoughtful, empathetic, strategy-backed concepts and a maddening pursuit of perfection. I’ve led creative teams over mountains and through minefields, emerging with only minor cuts and bruises. I’ve mentored young creatives and developed long, fruitful client relationships. I aim to build brands that stand the test of time and ads that hit people in the chest — work that makes people laugh, cry, think, and run out into the streets in excitement.
If that sounds like the kind of work you aim to make, drop me a line.
Experience
2021 – 2024
Paradowski Creative
Creative Director / Creative Lead
Led a team of creatives on advertising campaigns for global corporations and startups alike. Selected to the leadership team to help facilitate a culture of creativity agency wide.
2014 – 2021
TOKY Branding + Design
Senior Designer
Managed dozens of branding projects large and small, from conception to production, identity, packaging, publication, editorial, signage, apparel, environmental, etc.
2010 – 2014
The Pitch
Creative Director
Oversaw editorial design for over 150 issues of a weekly publication with a circulation of over 50,000. Delivered award-winning cover designs under tight deadlines with an embarassingly low budget week after week.
2009 – 2010
Firecracker Press
Assistant Printer
Worked on design and production for a variety of letterpress materials: posters, greeting cards, business cards, coasters, flyers, etc.
2008 – 2009
Seebeck Photography
Photo Editor / Assistant
Facilitated photoshoots and did lots and lots of retouching.
Recognition
The American Advertising Awards
2020 | Gold, Flora Packaging
2019 | Silver, Fizz & Folly Branding
2018 | Judges Choice, FPB Branding
2018 | Gold, FPB Press Kit
2018 | Silver, FPB Illustrations
2018 | Silver, FPB Merchandise Campaign
2017 | Gold, Shift Branding
2017 | Silver, Shift Campaign
2017 | Silver, FPB Mural
2016 | Gold, Hugo’s Branding
2015 | Judges Choice, CHA 100 Campaign
2015 | Gold, CHA 100 Branding
2015 | Gold, CHA 100 Illustration
2014 | Gold, SWT Typography
AIGA
2020 | Featured Work, Cherokee St. Branding
2020 | Featured Work, Flora Packaging
2019 | Featured Work, Fizz & Folly Branding
2019 | Featured Work, FPB Hot Sauce
2018 | Judges Choice, FPB Branding
2018 | Featured Work, FPB Press Kit
2017 | Judges Choice, FPB Mural
2015 | Featured Work, CHA 100 Branding
Brand New
2021 | Featured Work, Native Foods
2020 | Featured Work, STLPR
Communication Arts
2018 | Featured Work | FPB Branding
2017 | Featured Work, FPB Mural
2017 | Featured Work, Shift Typography
2014 | Feature Work, SWT Typography
Cover Junkie
2014 | Featured Work, The Pitch
Dieline
2020 | Featured Work, Flora Packaging
2019 | Featured Work, FPB Hot Sauce
Graphis
2021 | Silver, Origin Packaging
2019 | Silver, Fizz & Folly Branding
2018 | Gold, FPB Branding
2017 | Silver, Shadrock & Williams Branding
2016 | Silver, CHA Healthcare Branding
2016 | Silver, Hugo’s Branding
2014 | Platinum, SWT Design Branding
NAMA
2024 | Gold, NBM Troyer Campaign
2024 | Silver, NBM Handbook
2024 | Silver, Terrian Press Kit
Newmanology
2014 | Featured Work, The Pitch
Print Magazine
2018 | Featured Work, FPB
The Society of Illustrators
2009 | FICA Award Winner
The Society of Marketing Professionals
2014 | Best in Show, SWT Branding
The Type Directors Club
2018 | Featured Work, FPB Branding
Education
2024
School of Astonishing Pursuits
Creative Director Megamachine
2009
Missouri State University
BFA in Graphic Design and Illustration
Expertise
Advertising
Animation
Brand Identity
Brand Strategy
Copywriting
Creative Direction
Illustration
Publication Design
* An Ashford, in the etymological sense, is a cluster of Ash trees.
