Awards Are Cool. But the Real Win? A Mentor Who Helped Shape My Creative Voice

In the final months of college, when most people were winding down, I was gearing up.

Fueled by something bigger than a grade or a GPA, I challenged myself to do something bold: enter two state and national advertising design competitions. I wasn’t just testing my skills—I was testing my future.

I walked away with two wins. 🏆🔥

And while I’m proud of the accolades, what they represent means even more. They weren’t just trophies—they were turning points. Those wins proved that I had the creativity, discipline, and grit to not only compete, but to stand out in the real world.

But the real victory wasn’t just the award—it was what I learned along the way, and who helped me get there.

Meet Dave: The Professor Who Changed Everything

Dave, my drawing professor, wasn’t your average art instructor. He had an extensive background in advertising design and had worked for some of the most iconic agencies in the Twin Cities. And he did it all before computers were around to do the heavy lifting.

He taught me how to communicate ideas fast and effectively—by hand.

Under Dave’s mentorship, I learned how to sketch concepts with confidence, map out typography manually, and visualize campaign ideas before a single pixel was placed. He passed on tricks of the trade—tactical, visual shortcuts and strategic thinking—that came from decades of experience in the field.

More than anything, Dave taught me to think like a designer—not just to make things look good, but to make them mean something.

That Spark Still Fuels My Creative Work

That award win wasn’t just a capstone achievement—it was ignition. It lit a fire that still drives me today. Every time I mentor a designer, lead a rebrand, or concept a campaign, I carry Dave’s lessons with me.

They remind me that behind every great creative is a foundation of craft. Behind every smart idea is a sketch, a scribble, a moment of clarity that connects vision with action.

And they remind me that a great mentor doesn’t just teach you how to design—they show you how to think, how to believe in your instincts, and how to bring something to life that truly resonates.

From Pencils to Pixels: Leadership That Connects the Dots

Now, as a creative director and art director, I bring that same blend of heart, hustle, and hands-on experience to the work I do. I lead with intention, mentor with purpose, and bring strategic visual storytelling to life across every channel.

That win years ago may sit on a shelf—but the lessons from it live on in every client, every campaign, and every creative team I’ve helped grow.

If you’re looking for someone who can blend bold creative leadership with a deep respect for craft and clarity, I’d love to connect. Whether you're building a brand, launching a campaign, or need a fractional creative leader to guide the way.

Let’s create something that matters.