Darryl Vasilinda – Creative Director

“Things are only impossible until they’re not.”

Jean-Luc Picard

client history

thought leadership

On strategy

Personas are a valuable tool but often go unused by clients. I believe they can be interesting, memorable and, most of all, useful.

On engagement

One little guy dramatically increased the time small business owners spent with two big brands. Then he flew home with an Addy Award.

On trends

This personalized, data-driven holiday campaign was judged the 3rd Best Use of Email in the entire world at the 2018 Echo Awards.

On boundaries

Moonvertising…should we do it? Hard to say, but I almost convinced one client they had enough satellites and lasers to pull it off. Almost.

On perception

These upgrade notification emails were tailored to the viewer’s mobile OS and answered the question, what if your phone could talk?

On buzz

The tech press raved about this launch campaign, plus the crowd stood up and cheered when it premiered on the big screen at SXSWi.

philosophy

A great creative director must also be a great teacher.

I’ve had a lot of creative directors in my career, and I’ve tried to learn something from each of them. The most important lessons center around how to treat people that work for you. One particular quote frequently comes to mind: “Well, it’s not how I would do it, but that doesn’t make it wrong.” I think about that every time I review work, and I’m never more proud than when the team’s ideas are selected over my own.

Here are a few beliefs I try to pass on…

Good ideas are all around us. We must remain open to all sources at all times.

If the art doesn’t get someone’s attention, even the best copy may go unread.

It’s critical that the art and copy work together, especially when copy is the art.

Sometimes the idea gets lost in the execution, so always be vigilant with design.

Being creative is easy, but the magic happens where creativity and strategy meet.

From awareness to purchase to loyalty, make sure the UX is simple and seamless.

the work

references

“

Darryl is the creative we all want to be, the guy who is just crazy enough that his ideas work. He is fearless, he is bold, but he is also brand right. His heart and soul are into everything he touches, but he also really hears you when you have feedback. He is an incredible mentor and teacher, creative director and fantastic art director. If Darryl wants to work for you, pay him whatever he wants and watch what he can do.
Nicholas ClimerExecutive Creative Director, RAPP

“

Darryl is a great creative leader – he knows how to inspire others and he knows how to get the work done himself. He is a patient mentor and excellent at coaching and motivating younger talent. Darryl is self-less and willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the work is flawless and the client's goals are met. He is loved by his teams, his clients and everyone who knows him... a huge talent and an even bigger heart!
Skip DampierVP Marketing, Carenet Healthcare Services

“

I had the privilege of working with Darryl on a variety of major accounts. Together we managed and developed brand campaigns, social media platforms, broadcast content and ran various new business pitches. Throughout it all Darryl was always a welcome, calm yet commanding presence in any meeting, often seen by coworkers and clients as the respected leader who had the solution. If you have a chance to work with him, grab him!
Kevin ForemanSenior Manager of Creative Services, Sirius XM Radio

“

Darryl has hands-on expertise across marketing practices, from strategic thinking to art direction to user experience to copy writing. He can juggle multiple deadlines and client concerns, delivering with quality and accuracy. Endlessly curious and driven, Darryl is constantly upgrading his skills to make the most of the latest trends. He's a considerable asset to any creative team in need of an inspiring leader who's always ready to pitch in.
Andrew WomackGroup Creative Director, Harte Hanks

“

I had the opportunity to work with Darryl on several retail clients. He was one of the leads in Creative and I was in Client Service. Darryl has a knack for interpreting the client business problem and translating it into meaningful, on brand and on strategy creative. He takes constructive criticism well and strives to better the work even when the work is brilliant. Darryl would be an asset to any team and I highly recommend him.
Gloria RalstonExecutive Director, VMLY&R